Dr Theresa McCormack-Gow
Background
At present I have two Labradors, and have owned and trained several Labradors and a German Shepherd (a rescue dog) as well as the family’s Shetland Sheepdogs and Miniature Schnauzers (together with a variety of birds and small furries!).
I have been training dogs for over 35 years in a variety of disciplines, including Obedience; Agility; Gun Dog Training; Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme; Obedience Rally; Companion Dog Training - and even for a short film, “Her Dog” (2013), which you can watch online!
Qualifications
I have an Honours (2:1) degree in Ecology & Ethology, a MSc (Merit pass) in Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare from the Royal (Dick) Vet School, University of Edinburgh; and a Doctorate (PhD) in Ecological Studies.
I have been helping owners train their pets in both classes and on a 1-2-1 basis for the last 10 years and initially qualified as a dog trainer with a local charity in 2011, before becoming a member of the Kennel Club Accreditation Scheme for Instructors in Dog Training and Canine Behaviour (KCAI). I am a KC Good Citizen Dog Scheme Approved Examiner (List A) for Bronze, Silver and Gold Award Levels.
Drawing upon my formal behavioural, welfare and ecological training I can identify and resolve behavioural problems which cause a lot of distress for both dogs and their owners. I have a particular interest in helping dogs with anxiety or fear-related issues and investigated this for my MSc Dissertation: Investigating Relaxation Protocols designed for Companion Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): Efficacy, Client Engagement and Perception.
I am interested in Dog Cognition and understanding how recent scientific developments can be applied to Pet Dog Training and to help you understand the real reasons behind your dogs behaviours.