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MY STORY

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After obtaining my Bsc Hons Degree in animal management I knew I wanted to train dogs for a living. Initially I thought I would follow the assistance dog route, but with a large university debt hanging over me, I couldn't afford to move away to where the jobs were. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I obtained a job in a care home, where I discovered the true effect that dogs can have on people. 

 

When my Boxer dog came in for the day I witnessed people transform into a long forgotten version of themselves, even hearing one lady speak who had never spoken clearly in the whole time I had worked there! This was the beginning of my journey into animal assisted activities.

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It was a few years later when I saw Headway Suffolk were advertising a unique role training rescue dogs for clients with a neurological condition and knew I just had to apply. I started that role in 2011 and finished in 2022 - when I took over the club. 

In this role, I was very fortunate to work with numerous dogs, a wide variety of owners and volunteers. I consider myself lucky to have been able to work alongside prisoners, probationers, clients with poor mental health, learning disabilities and children that have struggled in mainstream education. 

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I was also very honoured to meet a number of celebrities; and was even deemed a local hero by the national lottery for the work I did.

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However with funding coming to an end, when I was asked by Lesley to take over the club, I couldn't refuse.

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I am excited to keep on expanding the club, and very much look forward to you becoming a part of it!!

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ABOUT THE CLUB

​​Acorn Dog Training is a Kennel Club Listed Club; offering the opportunity to train for the Kennel Club Good Citizen Awards, which is a national pet dog training scheme. Our training methods are based on motivation and reward. Our aim is to help you to train your dog to become a sociable and well-mannered pet, that is a pleasure to own.

 

​The club's training classes are hugely beneficial for both dogs and owners that are also great fun. We are a friendly club and welcome new members readily. We hold regular fundraising events for various dog charities along with many different workshops and courses for both dogs and owners alike.

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Watch our video to find out more

big surprise

THE BIG SURPRISE

Being deemed a local hero- a day I will never forget

Being told I was judging some scouts artwork, I merrily set off with my colleague to go

and see some doggy drawings - little did I know what was waiting for me when I walked through the door.

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