Welcome!

My name is Alison Cookson and I have over twenty five years’ professional experience working with animals. This includes looking after top international show jumping horses and caring for rescued animals such as dogs, cats, small animals and birds. I have also been fortunate enough to have had my own horses, dogs and cats.

Affiliated to the BIPDT (British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers) having obtained a Certificate in Basic Instructional Techniques. I only use positive and kind training methods. I also have a NVQ level 3 in Equine Management and BHS levels 1 and 2 in Horse Care. I hold a current Pet First Aid Certificate, a clear DBS (CRB) check and I am fully insured.

I am a full member of NarpsUK (The National Association for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers).

NarpsUK is the largest and most respected brand of its kind in the UK. They are committed to promoting excellence and raising industry standards for pet sitters and dog walkers.

I have always adopted rescue dogs, whether they were puppies or older dogs. I am very experienced in helping them to settle in their new surroundings and assisting their transition to their new family/home by understanding their individual needs and furthering their training.

I am very keen to continue to develop my understanding and knowledge of dogs and other animals.

I am currently studying towards a Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Canine Behavioural Studies and I am a student member of ISAP (International Society of Animal Professionals).

I also have an interest in holistic practices and I will soon be able to offer Reiki healing sessions. I have found Reiki especially beneficial for nervous animals or those under stress. I am also studying Canine, Feline and Equine Energy Healing and Soul Speak to improve my animal communication.

I am professional, reliable, punctual and honest and will treat your horses and pets with respect and kindness.

Please contact me to discuss how I can help you.

My Dogs

All my lovely dogs have been very different and of course very special. ‘Muffin’ a Border Collie with boundless energy and sharp mind came to me from a local riding school, after they could no longer care for him. A highly intelligent and fun loving boy he taught me that dogs need to be stimulated mentally as well as physically.

‘Jamie’ a Cretan Scent Hound puppy, I found him in the gutter in Athens whilst I lived in Greece. Jamie was my little shadow and travelled all over Europe with me for 4 years until he got his Pet Passport and we both relocated back to England.

‘Tyson’ a large, very loving and kind, middle aged Labrador cross who taught me that an old dog can most definitely learn new tricks, he was lead aggressive at first but was fine off lead. Tyson could be dominant with some male dogs but was always gentle and kind to badly treated rescued dogs. Tyson would help me to rehabilitate nervous rescue dogs by showing them that there was no need to fear all humans.

My current dog ‘Charlie’ is a Rottweiler who was rescued from terrible circumstances. Charlie has had to learn to live in a home at the age of 18 months so everything has been new for him, from learning boundaries in the home and when playing, meeting new people and dogs to seeing traffic for the first time. Charlie is a young puppy in an adult dog’s body, he loves learning and continues to progress well with his training and adapting to new experiences (even with his typical Rottweiler stubborn streak).