About me

I first came across TTouch in 1997 through reading Linda Tellington Jones’ book, and was drawn to the gentle respect with which it worked with animals, which was in stark contrast with many training methods both then and now. I found it worked wonders with my anxious dog, helping her to cope with new situations. So when I decided several years later to take an animal behaviour training course, it was the TTouch Companion Animal Practitioner training that most appealed.

I qualified as a TTouch Practitioner Level 1 in 2006, after 3 years of training with top TTouch instructors, including founder Linda Tellington-Jones, her sister Robyn Hood, Debbie Potts, Edie Jane Eaton and top UK trainer Sarah Fisher. I received my Practitioner Level 2 certification in June 2009 and am a full member of the TTouch Guild. I assist with TTouch practitioner trainings to maintain and update my skills.

I am a member of the UK Association of Pet Dog Trainers (MAPDT 01046) having passed my assessment in 2009. I am currently studying for an Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management (Level 5). I also attend seminars whenever possible to keep up to date with new training methods and techniques, as well as dog behaviour and health. I have attended seminars led by Turid Rugaas, Grisha Stewart, Patricia McConnell, Angela Stockdale, Jean Dodds, Mary Ray, Richard Curtis, Dee Ganley, and Sheila Bailey among others.

I have lived with dogs all my life, first with a pack of family Shelties, then having Maremma Sheepdogs for many years and most recently, a Smooth Collie and a Lurcher. I have been involved in running breed, pet obedience, agility and ring craft training clubs since 1990. I have been a trainer at the Tailwagger Club in Leeds/Harrogate and at Well Connected Canine in York but now work primarily through workshops and on a one-to-one basis with a wide range of dogs, particularly those with confidence and reactivity issues. I find TTouch to be a very effective way of working with animals and highly compatible with dog-friendly training approaches such as clicker.

I have 20-years experience as a lecturer and professor in Higher Education, latterly specialising in online learning. I am a qualified coach having completed the Institute of Leadership and Management Level 5 Coaching for Leadership qualification and have coached university managers, academics and students. I am currently undertaking the ILM Level 7 Coaching qualification to develop my skills further. I am now using this experience to provide coaching and online support for people who want to build confidence and better bonds with their dogs.

Dr Janet Finlay
TTouch Companion Animal Practitioner 2, MAPDT 01046