Meet the Dynamic Dog Faculty Team!
Student Coordinator, Course Mentor & Co-tutor - Ceri Foscoe
I’ve worked as a canine behaviourist for many years. Like many in this field, I often sensed there was more going on beneath the surface in some instances — something beyond the behavioural lens alone. Graduating as a certified Dynamic Dog Practitioner in 2021 finally gave me a framework to understand and explore that missing piece.
We are immensely proud of our graduates, thats why we are happy to promote them and the fabulous work they are doing!
What resonated so deeply for me was how the Dynamic Dog approach bridges behaviour and physical wellbeing in a clear, evidence-based way. It helped me bring together my behavioural knowledge with a deeper understanding of anatomy, movement, and posture. I found myself looking at dogs in a completely new light — and crucially, it gave me the tools to communicate more effectively with veterinary professionals and advocate more confidently for the dogs in my care.
When I was invited to join the team in 2022, I didn’t hesitate. As a mentor, student coordinator and co-tutor, I’m passionate about supporting others through this learning journey. Watching students grow in confidence, spot the subtleties they once overlooked, and transform their approach to work is incredibly fulfilling.
Being part of the Dynamic Dog team has not only expanded my skill set but also deepened my compassion for the dogs and people I support. It’s a privilege to be part of each student’s journey as they begin to see dogs — and their work — through a new lens.
Course Mentor - Joanne Hinds
Course Mentor - Gemma O'Leary
I have worked in the animal industry all my life, from the moment I was old enough to volunteer at my local vets after school, all the way up to present day. The journey in my animal career has changed and shifted along the way. From vet receptionist to puppy party organiser, to self-employed dog trainer and behaviourist. I Did two years of study in animal care at Hartpury College and then went on to do three more years at Hartpury University completing a degree in animal behaviour. Since then I have also done a Diploma in Holistic Canine Behaviour. During my transition to training and behaviour I became extremely interested and driven by the reactive cases.
It was fitting then that my first dog was a rescue German Shepherd that was ‘wild’. He was nine months old when I homed him. Clearly had no training, or socialisation. It is thought that given the state of him he had escaped a farm. He hated men and dogs. So naturally I wanted him. He led me on the best educational journey of experiencing what it is like to live day-to-day with a reactive dog. It led me on an investigative journey to try and find new methods to help him both from a training and behaviour mod perspective.
Because of the journey he took me on I decided to specialise in reactive behaviour. My studies then took me further into this area.
When working with my reactive dog clients I had many cases where we would hit brick walls or reach stagnant points in the behaviour modification and training. I would ask all my clients to take their dogs for a health check at the vets, to rule out medical causes and potential pain. All would come back with a healthy sign off by the vet. YET, there were so many where I would watch their behaviour and look at them, thinking something isn’t right. Couldn’t put my finger on it, in the back of my mind for many I thought pain may be an issue, but the vets had said there was nothing wrong, so I had nothing to argue or push forward. Also, why would you question the vet?
Then I found Dynamic Dog!
Back in January 2023 I was lucky enough to do the Dynamic Dog Course and become a practitioner. What has happened since then is game changing on so many levels.
I incorporate Dynamic Dog as part of my behaviour consultations. As a behaviourist who has also undertaken holistic behaviour models, this fits in really nicely ensuring no stone is left unturned, and we look at the dog as a whole.
I would confidently say the MAJORITY of the reactive cases that come to me are in PAIN. Redirected aggression cases, noise sensitive dogs, dog reactive dogs, human reactive dogs, hypervigilant dogs, separation anxiety, the list goes on.
What I can provide my clients with now is a very constructive, detailed and supportive, evidence backed report to take to their vet, to help aid them in getting a diagnosis for their dog. The dog can then get the right support which head, feeling frustrated because training and behaviour mod is hitting a Plato or simply not working. Dynamic Dog has completely changed how I look at behaviour. Not only have I been able to help my clients in a way like never before, but I was also able to get my own (current) dog Nessa diagnosed early on with Arthritis, and elbow dysplasia, something that would have been completely missed if it wasn’t for Dynamic Dog. She was showing no typical signs of pain.
Many of us say this, but it seems to be the only way to describe it – that is that Dynamic Dog is the missing piece of the puzzle, a complete game changer.
Course Tech Mentor - Ali Kirk
I have worked professionally as a Dog Trainer and Behaviour Practitioner since 2018, and became a certified Dynamic Dog Practitioner in 2021.
Dynamic Dog Assessments now form a central part of my behavioural and training work, as it frequently becomes evident that pain and physical discomfort are key contributing factors in the majority of cases I encounter.
In addition to my hands-on work with dogs, I also mentor on the technical aspects of the Dynamic Dog Practitioner course, and it’s a real privilege to help support fellow canine professionals in developing the skills needed to better advocate for the dogs in their care.
To learn more on the Dynamic Dog Founder, Principal and Lead Tutor click HERE
Gemma Hodson
Email - gemma@dynmaicdog.co.uk Tel 07479 452244
