Living with German Shepherds for many years, Heather experienced many different training styles but was really happy to find the use of positive reinforcement training while working at Guide Dogs for the Blind in the UK. It is from them that she adopted her dog Iris, who travelled to Australia with her in 2012. Iris became reactive following a couple of attacks and this escalated Heather’s passion in animal behaviour and science. 

Heather spent 10 years at RSPCA, the last four setting up and running their dog training school and she and her current canine companion Paddy could often be seen out and about promoting force free training around Adelaide. Like all animal behaviour geeks, Heather is always engrossed in educating herself in the latest science and techniques, she is now pursuing her dream of completing her formal qualification as a Professional Canine Trainer with the Pet Professional Guild and undertaking the Diploma of Animal Behavior Science and Technology through the Companion Animal Sciences Institute, specialising in both dogs and cats.

Heather also works part time for the Veterinary Behaviour service Pawly Understood as a behavioural trainer and admin support and in the summer season as a Beach Education Officer for Charles Sturt Council. She has been volunteering with CBS since 2015.