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About
Hi, I'm Alice!
From as early as I can remember, I’ve loved dogs. As a child, I was endlessly fascinated by them, and as soon as I could talk, I started asking for one of my own. My dream came true when I was 7 years old, and I welcomed my first dog, JJ, into my life. I still remember how proud I felt teaching him tricks and training him all by myself—it was the beginning of a lifelong passion for understanding and working with dogs.
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Growing up, I was always surrounded by family members' dogs. I walked them, played with them, and tried to teach them things, too! Looking back, it’s no surprise that my heart was set on a future with dogs, but like many people, I had to make practical decisions as I grew older. For financial reasons, I initially pursued a career in marketing, but I always knew I’d find my way back to dogs. What I didn’t expect was that the opportunity would come much sooner than I imagined.
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Before starting Bond Furever, I worked as the Marketing Manager for We Love Pets, a pet care franchise. While I enjoyed my role and the industry, I began noticing the impact of the pandemic on dogs and their owners. An increasing number of dogs were struggling with anxiety, nervousness, and socialisation issues. I felt a pull to get out of the office and work directly with dogs and their owners to make a difference. With the encouragement of my incredible family, friends, and my fiancé Phillip, I made the leap.
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I left my job, took on a part-time dog walking role at Tom and Toto to get more hands-on experience, and dove headfirst into studying for my Dog Training Certification. It wasn’t easy, but I loved every moment of the journey, and I’ve never looked back.
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At Bond Furever, I combine my passion for dogs with my love of helping people. My training philosophy is all about fostering communication, trust, and understanding between dogs and their owners. I use positive reinforcement techniques—rewarding the behaviours you want to see more of rather than punishing unwanted behaviours. This approach builds confidence, strengthens your bond, and makes learning enjoyable for both you and your dog.
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Every dog-owner relationship is as unique as a fingerprint (or nose print!), and that’s why I tailor each session to suit individual needs. Whether you’re raising a new puppy, working on reactivity, or building better manners, I’m here to help you bring out the best. I couldn’t be more grateful to do what I love every single day.
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Choosing the Right Dog Trainer: Why I Practice Positive Reinforcement​
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When it comes to training your dog, it’s essential to understand the different types of training methods available. The three main types of dog trainers are: Positive Reinforcement, Balanced, and Aversive. I always recommend doing thorough research into each method to determine which aligns best with your values and your dog's needs.
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As a Positive Reinforcement trainer, I’d like to share why I believe this is the most effective and humane approach. There’s a wealth of research supporting the effectiveness of positive reinforcement, as well as evidence showing the importance of a strong relationship between dogs and their owners for improved behaviour. Here are some key points:
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1. Positive Reinforcement Training is Effective
Studies on Behaviour and Training: Research consistently shows that positive reinforcement (rewarding desirable behaviors) leads to better outcomes in dog training than punishment-based methods. For example, a study published in The Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science (2007) found that positive reinforcement methods were more effective in promoting desirable behaviors and reducing fear or aggression compared to punishment-based approaches.
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Science of Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement works by rewarding behaviours you want to encourage. When a dog is reinforced with something they value, like treats, praise, or toys, it strengthens the neural pathways associated with that behaviour, making it more likely to occur again. This principle, known as operant conditioning, has been extensively studied by B.F. Skinner and is widely recognised as an effective way to shape behaviour.
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2. Relationship and Communication Enhance Behaviour
Bonding and Trust: Research shows that a strong, positive bond between dogs and their owners is key to encouraging better behaviour. A study published in Animal Behaviour (2017) found that dogs with stronger bonds to their owners were more likely to follow commands and respond well to training. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for fostering that bond, helping create an environment where dogs feel safe, trusted, and motivated to cooperate.
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Attachment Theory in Dogs: Just like humans, dogs form strong attachment bonds with their caregivers. A study in Developmental Psychobiology (2016) demonstrated that the stronger the bond, the more responsive a dog is to training. Dogs with secure attachments are more likely to listen, be less anxious, and display better overall behavior.
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Reduction in Stress: Positive reinforcement helps reduce stress in dogs by removing the fear or anxiety that can come from punishment. Lower stress levels improve a dog’s ability to focus, which leads to better learning and more successful behaviour modification.
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3. Impact of Training on Behaviour
Reduced Problem Behaviours: Positive reinforcement has been shown to reduce undesirable behaviours, such as excessive barking, chewing, or jumping. A study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science (2016) revealed that positive reinforcement was particularly effective in reducing reactivity and unwanted behaviours in dogs.
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Long-Term Effectiveness: Unlike punishment-based techniques, which may only suppress undesirable behaviours temporarily, positive reinforcement encourages lasting behavioural change. It teaches dogs to understand and repeat the behaviours that are expected of them, rather than simply avoiding punishment.
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4. The Importance of the Owner-Dog Relationship
Owner Influence on Behaviour: The quality of the relationship between a dog and its owner plays a huge role in the dog’s behaviour. A positive, nurturing relationship promotes cooperation, reduces fear, and helps dogs feel confident in training. Research has shown that a strong bond between owner and dog leads to more positive outcomes and better overall behaviour.
5. Scientific Consensus
Leading animal behaviourists and veterinarians in the UK, including those from organisations like the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT UK), The Kennel Club, the British Veterinary Association (BVA), and the Pet Professional Guild (UK), support positive reinforcement as the most effective and humane training method. These organisations advocate for training techniques based on reward and positive reinforcement, emphasising the importance of fostering a healthy, trusting relationship between dogs and their owners. They all recognise that punishment-based methods can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression in dogs, whereas positive reinforcement helps to reduce stress and encourages cooperative behaviour. Positive reinforcement not only results in better behaviour but also strengthens the bond between dog and owner, leading to a happier and more well-adjusted dog.
Conclusion
The evidence supporting positive reinforcement training is compelling. It not only results in more effective and humane behaviour modification but also helps build trust and communication between you and your dog. A strong relationship, built on respect and understanding, is the foundation for better behaviour and a happier, more well-adjusted dog.
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Why "Bond Furever"?
This belief in building a trusting, positive relationship is why I created Bond Furever. I wanted to help dog owners foster lasting, meaningful connections with their pets, using positive reinforcement as the foundation for training. The name “Bond Furever” reflects my passion for nurturing that special connection between you and your dog — one that lasts a lifetime. Every dog and every relationship is unique, and through patience, communication, and reward-based training, my goal is to help you and your dog build a bond that will stand the test of time.
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can bring out the best in your dog.