How and where it all started
WAGGING TAILS Dog Training was founded in 2003 in South London by me, Vera Marney. We've been helping owners in the South Norwood/Croydon and East Dulwich areas ever since with classes and 121 training (www.wtdt.co.uk) and we still do to this day. In 2014, I moved to a little village in the middle of nowhere which is Blo' Norton near Diss in Norfolk. In this little village I set up classes in the Village Hall straight away, and a few years later we also started classes at the Village Hall in Wretham.
Together with my wonderful teams in London and here in Norfolk, we provide classes from Foundation level for puppies and older dogs all the way through to Advanced Classes, and even specialised Trick Training Classes, as well as 121 training to help with obedience and behaviour issues.
About VERA MARNEY
My Qualifications and Experience
I have not far off 40 years of training experience having joined my first dog training club at 14 years old which was the Kynologische Gesellschaft Winterthur in Switzerland. After having finished my law degree at the University of Zuerich, I emigrated to the UK where I completed two postgraduate diplomas in law. However, after a few years, I decided to change my career path completely after having run my London dog training business part-time for a few years whilst working in the city full-time. So I embarked on a degree in Canine Behaviour and Training at Bishop Burton College (accredited by Hull University) where I graduated in 2011 with a BSc (hons).
When I moved to Norfolk in 2014, I turned my dog training vocation into my full-time occupation and I'm still loving it as much now as I always have. It isn't just a job for me that pays the bills, I am one of the lucky few that really love their work.
I continue to develop my skills and knowledge by learning via webinars, conferences, courses and workshops to make sure I stay up-to-date with latest research and information on dog training and behaviour.
Looking at the practical side of things (because we need both to be the best we can be) over the last 4 decades, I have quite extensive and varied experience with my own dogs and literally thousands of client dogs.
With my own dogs I have completed all the Kennel Club Good Citizen Awards, competed in obedience and agility, achieved titles in trick training and many moons ago worked on the basics of protection sports (Begleithund and Schutzhund).
The breeds that I have owned myself so far are 4 Saluki Lurchers, a Pyreanean Mountain Dog, 2 American Cocker Spaniels and an English Cocker Spaniel. I have also personally looked after and trained an Appenzeller Mountain Dog x Bergamasco Sheepdog x Pharaoh Hound (this is the dog that got me into dog training), a German Shepherd, a Golden Retriever and a Dachshund cross. So I am definitely no stranger to both working breeds as well as the more independent breeds. I love training all dogs, but definitely love a challenge too!
I am a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and with that an Animal Training Instructor (Animal Training and Behaviour Council) as well as a full member of the Pet Professional Guild.
I am also an approved trainer for Dog A.I.D. helping owners train their own assistance dogs via the Dog A.I.D. Charity.
I have a special interest in the link between pain and behaviour, so I completed the CAMADVOCATE Level 1 course about pain, and specifically arthritis.
And the latest string to my bow is having qualified as a Certified Trick Dog Instructor.
The Executive
Introducting...
About WAGGING TAILS Dog Training
