About Me
Background & Qualifications
Joanne Vasey BSc FdSc
I have two degrees, a Canine Behaviour & Training Foundation degree from Bishop Burton College (accredited by the University of Hull) plus a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Care from Aberdeen University. These degrees allow me to use the letters BSc and FdSc after my name. I continue to develop my knowledge and skills by attending courses and seminars on dog behaviour and training on a regular basis. I am a registered training instructor with the APDT (member 1681) and I am also currently undergoing the accreditation process to become a certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist, the highest level within the profession, akin to a clinical psychiatrist in humans.
I started working with dogs at the age of 14 with the SSPCA and have pretty much never stopped! I began a dogwalking, dog daycare and petsitting business in the early 2000s before running Edinburgh Dog Training up until 2015 which was the biggest dog training & behaviour school in the Lothians at the time. I ran 12 classes per week as well as a full range of training and behaviour 121s. I moved back to Edinburgh a couple of years ago and began Edinburgh Canine Coaching which changed to JV Dog Behaviour in April 2024.
More About Me
I've spent over 20 years working with animals including in various rescue centres, wildlife rehab centres, zoos and farms both in the UK and Australia.
My current crew are 8yr old cocker x springer spaniel Spud plus 9yr old working cocker Dobby. Both have some behaviour issues due to a bad start in life and chronic health conditions but are happy dogs who trust their close humans.
I've been animal obsessed from a young age and absolutely love working with dogs. My first dog was a show type cocker spaniel and since then I have had 6 more spaniels as well as 3 hairy lurchers.
I've fostered dozens of dogs for various breed rescues, mostly spaniels and lurchers.
MY DOGS
For me, my dogs are part of the family. They are treated with respect and sensitivity but they have rules and boundaries too.
All the dogs I have had have come from rescue backgrounds or have had previous homes. Some have had behavioural issues, some have been a nightmare to train and some have been superstars from day one!
I believe that both nature and nurture are equally important when it comes to character. Genetics and breed traits play an important part but so does the environment in which a dog is brought up, in particular the few months of life.
When working with clients I am very approachable, easy going, non-judgmental and I pride myself on good customer service.