Hi, I’m Lorna and I run Dooney’s Dog Training together with my trusty companion, a black Labrador called Bear.

After 26 years working in banking and supporting people with their finances, I decided it was time to focus on my real passion, helping people have the best experience and relationship they can with their animals.

My passion for dogs began when I was younger, when my family dog (a rough haired collie) became my shadow and would follow me everywhere. She would wait for me each day by the garden gate and wouldn’t move from there until told – my first experience of boundary training.

My passion for dogs continued to grow, and after my daughter was diagnosed with a disability, as well as me having my own disability, I decided to look in to getting a support dog. However, as I began this journey it became clear that charities were inundated with requests for support dogs. So, after a lot of research, I found a good breeder and went down the path of training my own … And along came Bear!

While training Bear, I also volunteered at local dog charity helping with their autism, epilepsy and disability assistance dogs. I started off by helping care for the dogs but soon was recruited to assist with training due to my own experience with Bear. I would take dogs out on loose lead walks, assist with the  training  of concepts such as boundaries and settle, and  prepare for health & welfare checks. I now volunteer at local dog agility and obedience club, helping people with their dog's general behaviour.

I have obtained qualifications in canine first aid, pet psychology, canine communications, and pet nutrition, as well as my Level 3 NVQ in Education & Training. I regularly attend canine training webinars to help keep my knowledge and learning up to date.

I often see people struggling with their dogs and them quickly becoming unmanageable. By helping people make some small adjustments to the way they communicate with their dogs, I can help them to achieve a more harmonious relationship. My ambition is to help people make their experience with their dog an enjoyable one.