ABOUT
Hello there!
I'm Noreen, and welcome to my world of dogs.
I have a small, independent business, based in the beautiful countryside of Co. Wexford, Ireland.
Through my business, 'The Sleek Clipper', I provide Dog Grooming,
Dog Training, Dog Behaviour and Animal Reiki services to companion dogs and their caregivers.
MY BACKGROUND
I grew up with working dogs - mainly Border and Scotch Collie, Irish Red Setter, English and German Pointer and Cocker Spaniel. In later years, I acquired my own companion greyhounds (one rescued racer, one rehomed courser).
Having made mistakes in the early days with my own dogs, I wanted to find out how I could do things better. So I started researching and learning and I got hooked! This propelled me onto a new career path and I now work with dogs professionally.
MY AREAS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST
Statistically, most dogs given up for rehoming are teenagers, because of behavioural issues. I am particularly interested in supporting these dogs and ther humans, to navigate this stage of development and come out the other end, together. I also have an interest in aggression, and in future, would like to work with the more serious aggression cases to hopefully improve outcomes for these dogs.
I provide specific training for dogs who find certain aspects of grooming stressful, or who will not
allow themselves to be groomed at all. Positive reinforcement and choice based methods used only. No behavioural restraints.
MY APPROACH
My approach to working with dogs is based on a few underlying principles; all interractions are
Fear Free®, Force Free, Pain Free, Positive Reinforcement and Choice Based. I also work in line with the latest scientific evidence and support the 'Five Freedoms' of animal welfare.
The scientific positions of today have long ago overthrown older, outdated beliefs and methods (Dominance Theory, Alpha Dog, Pack Leader etc.). Unfortunately, many have refused to move on. But for others, the journey will continue. Which is why continual learning, questioning, and updating by all who work with dogs is crucial and I am committed to this.
I do not support the use of aversive tools or methods in our interractions with dogs. If you have in the past, or are currently using any of these, not to worry. As long as your mind is open to change, you are also, most welcome.
In working with dogs and their caregivers, I prefer to foster relationships of mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation. It's a partnership, a conversation. And as the foundation of all relationships is communication; the foundation of good relationships, is good communication.
INFLUENCES
I think it's important to learn from as many people as possible, to get different perspectives and to incorporate ideas that fit with your ethics. And I have learned from many, too many to mention here. However, narrowing it down, I would say, for understanding dogs, how they communicate, and how to coexist with them in a respectful manner - Turid Rugaas (world authority on Calming and Distance-Increasing Signals in dogs) and Sindhoor Pangal (who studies the lives of free-ranging dogs, 'streeties', in India). And for the nerdy science piece - Dr. Karolina Westlund, Associate Professor of Ethology, who's work crosses various species.
MY AIM
My aim is to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of our companion dogs, by taking an holistic approach with those who come directly into my care. To promote, Fear Free®, Force Free, Pain Free, Positive Reinforcement and Choice Based interactions with our dogs. Thereby, empowering both the dogs and their humans, improving relationships, and ultimately the quality of life, for both our canine companions and their caregivers.
Finally, despite my formal trainings, my greatest learnings have come from my own dogs, my human clients, and the animals they care for. I hope that together, we can learn from each other, and have a little fun along the way!
Please have a browse of the site for more information on the services I offer and my approach to working with you and your dog. Thank you for visiting.
Noreen.
I'm Noreen, and welcome to my world of dogs.
I have a small, independent business, based in the beautiful countryside of Co. Wexford, Ireland.
Through my business, 'The Sleek Clipper', I provide Dog Grooming,
Dog Training, Dog Behaviour and Animal Reiki services to companion dogs and their caregivers.
MY BACKGROUND
I grew up with working dogs - mainly Border and Scotch Collie, Irish Red Setter, English and German Pointer and Cocker Spaniel. In later years, I acquired my own companion greyhounds (one rescued racer, one rehomed courser).
Having made mistakes in the early days with my own dogs, I wanted to find out how I could do things better. So I started researching and learning and I got hooked! This propelled me onto a new career path and I now work with dogs professionally.
MY AREAS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST
Statistically, most dogs given up for rehoming are teenagers, because of behavioural issues. I am particularly interested in supporting these dogs and ther humans, to navigate this stage of development and come out the other end, together. I also have an interest in aggression, and in future, would like to work with the more serious aggression cases to hopefully improve outcomes for these dogs.
I provide specific training for dogs who find certain aspects of grooming stressful, or who will not
allow themselves to be groomed at all. Positive reinforcement and choice based methods used only. No behavioural restraints.
MY APPROACH
My approach to working with dogs is based on a few underlying principles; all interractions are
Fear Free®, Force Free, Pain Free, Positive Reinforcement and Choice Based. I also work in line with the latest scientific evidence and support the 'Five Freedoms' of animal welfare.
The scientific positions of today have long ago overthrown older, outdated beliefs and methods (Dominance Theory, Alpha Dog, Pack Leader etc.). Unfortunately, many have refused to move on. But for others, the journey will continue. Which is why continual learning, questioning, and updating by all who work with dogs is crucial and I am committed to this.
I do not support the use of aversive tools or methods in our interractions with dogs. If you have in the past, or are currently using any of these, not to worry. As long as your mind is open to change, you are also, most welcome.
In working with dogs and their caregivers, I prefer to foster relationships of mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation. It's a partnership, a conversation. And as the foundation of all relationships is communication; the foundation of good relationships, is good communication.
INFLUENCES
I think it's important to learn from as many people as possible, to get different perspectives and to incorporate ideas that fit with your ethics. And I have learned from many, too many to mention here. However, narrowing it down, I would say, for understanding dogs, how they communicate, and how to coexist with them in a respectful manner - Turid Rugaas (world authority on Calming and Distance-Increasing Signals in dogs) and Sindhoor Pangal (who studies the lives of free-ranging dogs, 'streeties', in India). And for the nerdy science piece - Dr. Karolina Westlund, Associate Professor of Ethology, who's work crosses various species.
MY AIM
My aim is to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of our companion dogs, by taking an holistic approach with those who come directly into my care. To promote, Fear Free®, Force Free, Pain Free, Positive Reinforcement and Choice Based interactions with our dogs. Thereby, empowering both the dogs and their humans, improving relationships, and ultimately the quality of life, for both our canine companions and their caregivers.
Finally, despite my formal trainings, my greatest learnings have come from my own dogs, my human clients, and the animals they care for. I hope that together, we can learn from each other, and have a little fun along the way!
Please have a browse of the site for more information on the services I offer and my approach to working with you and your dog. Thank you for visiting.
Noreen.
Credit: Unknown
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Credit: Henry Beston, 1928
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