I’m Laura!
So lovely to meet you!
I’m an Associate Clinical Animal Behaviourist and the founder of Heart Dog Behaviour. I help dog guardians understand what may be driving their dog’s behaviour and find kind, practical ways to make life feel more manageable for everyone.
When your dog is struggling, it can be difficult to know what to do. You may feel worried, overwhelmed or even responsible, particularly when you’re faced with so much conflicting advice. Heart Dog Behaviour is a safe, welcoming space for everyone. You’ll be listened to with kindness, treated with respect and supported without judgement. I’ll take the time to understand you, your dog and what will realistically work within your life.
I have a Master’s degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Edinburgh’s Veterinary School, as well as practical experience gained through my roles at the RSPCA and Dogs Trust. I’m also a Trauma-Informed Professional and Kids Around Dogs Approved Professional. I understand that every dog and every family is different, so the support I offer will always be tailored to you, your dog and your everyday life.
Find out how I can support you and your dog.
The little dog that started it all…
Heart Dog Behaviour is named after Millie, my first dog and the little Jack Russell cross you can see in my logo. I rescued her while working at the RSPCA more than 20 years ago. She was a little dog with a lot of opinions and she went on to teach me so much about dogs, behaviour and the importance of looking beyond what we see on the surface. Millie began that journey, but every dog I have lived or worked with since has taught me something more.
Millie found other dogs difficult, so I took her to a training class hoping to find help. When the trainer attempted to “alpha roll” her, they forced her onto her back because they believed she needed to be dominated. I knew immediately that this wasn’t the way to support a dog who was already struggling. She didn’t need to be overpowered; she needed to feel safe and understood. It goes without saying that we left straight away and never returned!
Thankfully, our scientific understanding of animal behaviour has come on in leaps and bounds since those awful training-class days. My work today is grounded in current evidence and focuses on the emotions, experiences and needs behind a dog’s behaviour. Rather than relying on force or outdated ideas about dominance, I use approaches that help dogs feel safe, build trust and support genuine, lasting change.
During my undergraduate degree, one of my animal behaviour lecturers told me that I would make a great behaviourist. Those words always stayed with me and eventually led me to build a career dedicated to giving dogs like Millie and the people who love them, the compassionate, evidence-based support they deserve.
Millie is the reason Heart Dog Behaviour has both its name and its purpose: to look beyond behaviour, listen to what dogs are communicating and help guardians support them with kindness and understanding.
I share my home with Eila, my rescue Chihuahua, who has her own history of trauma. She’s also one of the reasons I have a particular interest in supporting small dogs, whose behaviour and needs can sometimes be misunderstood or overlooked.
What matters to me:
Compassion
Both you and your dog deserve to feel heard and understood. I’ll listen without judgement and create a safe, supportive space where we can explore what is happening with kindness and sensitivity.
Empowerment
My role isn’t simply to give you a list of instructions. I want to help you understand your dog, feel confident in the choices you make and develop skills that will continue to support you long after our time together.
Integrity
I will always be honest about what is achievable and put your dog’s welfare at the heart of every recommendation. My work is ethical, evidence-based and tailored to your individual circumstances. Behaviour change takes time and progress will look different for every dog.
Knowledge you can trust, explained in a way that makes sense
My background brings together academic study, over a decade of practical behaviour experience and 14 years working in education.
Qualifications and professional background
First-Class BSc (Hons) in Animal Management
Master’s degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Edinburgh’s Veterinary School
Postgraduate teaching qualification (PGCE)
Associate Clinical Animal Behaviourist
Kids Around Dogs Approved Professional
Trauma-Informed Professional
My experience in education taught me how to make complex information easier to understand, adapt the way I communicate and help people build confidence without feeling overwhelmed. These skills remain central to the way I support guardians, children and families today.
Professional experience
Previous roles with the RSPCA and Dogs Trust
Behaviour consultant for Companion Animal Wellness
Behaviour consultant for Waggel Pet Insurance
Contributor to Pet Remedy’s Ask the Professional service
Voluntary behaviour support for the Greyhound Trust
I genuinely enjoy continuing to learn and undertake regular professional development. This helps ensure that the support I provide remains current, evidence-based and grounded in the latest understanding of canine behaviour and welfare.
Additional professional reassurance
DBS checked
Insured with Pet Plan Sanctuary
Canine first aid trained
As featured in Dogs Today Magazine
I was delighted to be featured in Dogs Today magazine, talking about my work with Kids Around Dogs and helping children and dogs feel safer and more comfortable together.
We could be a good fit if…
You want to understand what may be behind your dog’s behaviour, rather than simply trying to stop it.
You’re looking for kind, evidence-based support that puts your dog’s emotional wellbeing first.
You want to work with someone who will listen to your concerns, respect your circumstances and support you without judgement.
You’re open to making realistic changes at a pace that feels manageable for you, your dog and your family.
You don’t need to have all the answers or know exactly what kind of help you need. We can work that out together.
Let’s find the right support for you
If you’re looking for kind, evidence-based support that considers your dog as an individual, while also taking your needs and circumstances into account, I can help.
Explore my services to find out how I can support you and your dog.
