about us
Sandra

My aim is to help people teach their puppies and dogs to be well behaved, have good manners and the confidence needed for everyday life.

Whether you have a playful adolescent, a curious puppy or a dog that really isn’t comfortable in the outside world, we can give you the guidance and support that both you and your dog need using only modern, force free, reward – based methods.

As an ex primary school teacher I actively encourage children of all ages to be involved in the training which is designed to be a fun activity for the whole family!

“What can I say other than thank you! Eddie is a highly intelligent energetic sprocker, who was always constantly on the go. With the help of Sandra we now understand how to work with him and have fun at the same time. We have had so many wins with Eddie from settling in the evenings to being confident enough to approach other dogs. If you’re considering booking on a class with Sandra and her team do it! It’s one of the best decisions we have made and brought us fun, clarity and the confidence to be able to take him out somewhere knowing he will let us relax and enjoy an outing.” Claire Holder

My story

Fifteen years ago my partner and I welcomed a Cavalier King Charles puppy into our home. We thought we were prepared but in reality we had done the bare minimum. There were so many things that we struggled with and I have to admit that there were a few occasions when we thought seriously about rehoming him.

We joined a puppy class and expected lots of tips and support. What we got was something quite different. Training methods employed by the trainer included shaking a jar of stones when a dog didn’t do what was asked. Poor Wellington hid under a chair and refused to come out. We never went back.

Struggling now with a puppy who was scared of everything and everyone I decided that I had to learn more about dogs and so the journey began. Fifteen years down the line and here I am a qualified reward – based trainer who loves working with puppies, adolescent dogs, adult and senior dogs too!

My own experience has made me passionate about making all of my classes and 1 to 1’s the very best they can be. They are not only fun and engaging but also support pet parents with a safe space, emotional support and the very best training.

Happipup were awarded ‘Best Puppy Training Service London and South East’ by Prestige Awards in 2022 and we received an ‘Award of Excellence’ from E2 Media in July 2023.

In August 2023 I was awarded ‘Dog Behaviour Specialist of the Year‘, London and South East by Prestige Awards. This award was to recognise the work I do to help stop problem behaviours developing with the classes and specialist workshops run for dogs of all ages.

 

SMALL BUSINESS SUNDAY WINNERS! On September 4th 2023 we received a huge boost from retail entrepreneur and TV Dragon Theo Paphitis. Happipup were one of six weekly ‘Small Business Sunday’ winners to gain a re post by Theo to his half a million followers! Only 1% of those businesses who enter Small Business Sunday are chosen by Theo to become part of his community!

“We received the most excellent puppy training at Happipup. We learnt so much and they went above and beyond to help us when we needed it most. Would recommend this service to anyone with a Pup.” Alice Jennings

   

Qualifications

I have completed a range of accredited courses on dog behaviour and training through the Open College Network, under the guidance of Sarah Whitehead, an internationally renowned lecturer and pet behaviour counsellor. My journey included gaining invaluable hands-on experience by assisting and later instructing puppy and beginner classes at the RSPCA center in Surrey.

In September 2016, I became a licensed trainer with Sarah Whitehead’s Clever Dog Company. By 2018, I had qualified as a Pro Dog Trainer, and in 2019/20, I earned licenses as a Canine Body Language Instructor and Reactive Rascals Instructor with the Dog Training College. Most recently, in 2022, I graduated as an Accredited Dog Trainer through the Dog Training College.

I am committed to continuous learning, regularly expanding my knowledge and skills to ensure I provide the most effective, up-to-date, and compassionate support to dogs and their families.