Hello

This business is a love letter to my cattle dog Sheriff. 

I have worked with animals for 15 years. 
As a horse-riding instructor, horses taught me that there is no joy in training when one being is not enjoying the process. They taught me how to be a gentle leader, to communicate more effectively and to teach with patience and compassion. 
As a wildlife presenter and small business owner, (Love Me Like a Reptile) working with reptiles, amphibians, birds and marsupials has taught me how to be an expert in habituation, reading extremely fine changes in an animal's behaviour, and preparing animals to work (and feel relaxed) in environments that are very unnatural to them. More than anything, they have taught me how to meet animals on their level...reptiles do not do anything they don't want to do! 

Spliced in-between these two major chapters in my career has been work in pet stores, equine therapy centres and doggy day care businesses. Having been a horse rider since the age of eight (I'm in my 30's now) and having worked alongside all different kinds of livestock, domestic species and wildlife, I came to a point where I was wondering what could be next for me.  

Like a little ray of sunshine, I met Sheriff, my Australian Stumpy Tailed Cattle dog, who helped me embark on a three year long journey of becoming a qualified dog trainer, having weekly lessons with one, and at a certain stage, two mentors as well as attending clinics on canine behaviour with some of the most respected trainers globally and preparing to compete in obedience and scent work trials. 

More than anything Sheriff showed me how truly joyful training can be when the other being is enthusiastic to learn and grow with you, and how broadly I could expand Sheriff's world and experiences because of the training we did together. I didn't immediately realise how empowering training would be for me, and how good our walks, adventures and life together would be for my mental and physical health also. 

Sadly, I lost my canine soulmate to cardiomyopathy suddenly. It breaks my heart that my dog could not continue with me on the journey we started, but it is my goal to honour his life and the world he opened up for me when I was at a crossroads. 

To gift other dogs the quality-of-life Sheriff had, and for dogs and their owners to experience the depth of relationship we experienced, I have felt would surely be the most wonderful way to keep his memory alive. For more dogs to live life as wonderfully as Sheriff did would make me feel I kept good on a promise I made to my friend when I first flew him down from Caboolture many moons ago now. 

For that reason, I can assure you, my heart is in what I do, and I am invested in seeing you and your dog reach your full potential.  

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