Cheryl Holden
I have always had a passion for all animals, and after graduating college with an Animal Science qualification, I began a 17 year career looking after a large collection of animals and teaching young people how to care for them.
Having owned 'reactive' boxers, I started to attend Puppy School classes with my new puppy to ensure I knew how to support him. I started to read everything I could about dog training, attend every training course put on by a local behaviourist and soon realised that this was an absolute passion; I began training as a Puppy School tutor in 2012. In March 2013, after extensive training and studying, I qualified as a full tutor and began teaching puppy classes in Yeovil, Somerset.
At that time I owned a 60kg mastiff called Nellie and an 8kg poodle cross named Wilbur, so my business became 'Big Dog Little Dog'.
I pride myself on my extensive CPD ensuring I am using up to date training methods, which are always reward based. I am a member of the Animal Behaviour and Training Council as an Animal Training Instructor, and I underwent a rigorous written and practical test to become a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainer (membership number 01536).
I live in South Somerset with my family and 3 dogs; Wilbur, a jackapoo who was the start of my career as a trainer, Jumble, a kromfohrlander and Fidget, a rescue cockapoo who has a whole host of behavioural difficulties that has taught me a new way of looking at behaviour modification.
I run Puppy School courses across three venues in Somerset: Ilminster on a Monday evening, Hinton St George on a Tuesday evening and Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard on a Thursday evening.
All courses are kept small (up to 6 or 7 pups per course) to ensure quality coaching and support for all attendees. We welcome everyone and make training fun with no pressure to 'get it right'
I also offer classes for adolescent life-skills training, scentwork, and hoopers.
