About Denise

A warm welcome from Denise Graham, Canine Counsellor. I’m a qualified Clinical Animal Behaviourist, dog trainer, and lifelong dog enthusiast.

I specialise in understanding and changing the emotions that drive challenging behaviour. I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Lincoln, where I graduated with Distinction. I’ve also studied with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), ensuring that all the techniques I use are kind, evidence-based, and tailored to each individual dog.

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, reactivity, or simply want to build a stronger bond with your dog, I’m here to support you with compassion, clarity, and care. Helping dogs feel secure when left alone – or in any challenging situation – is my passion.

Highlights

Meet the dedicated expert who will guide you and your dog toward lasting harmony.

Experienced

Canine professional since 2007, from dog grooming and dog walking to teaching in dog training classes and lecturing at Hartpury University on BSc Canine Training and Performance.

Public Appearances

Practical demonstrations with Mabel at country shows. Appeared as an interviewee on Radio Gloucester (Separation Anxiety) and Radio Scotland (Real Dog Yoga).

Real Dog Yoga

Calm under pressure? Performing Real Dog Yoga in front of Young Farmers was a real highlight, Mabel gave me an extended paw stretch to calm my nerves!

Trick Dog Ninja

As a Certified Trick Dog Trainer, achieving both ‘Uber Dude’ and ‘Trick Dog Ninja’, I can certainly teach old dogs new tricks.

Dogs Monthly

Formerly, Dogs Monthly’s ‘Ask the Expert’ responding to readers’ dog training questions, and regular columnist.

Proud Owner

My two wonderful dogs, Murphy and Mabel, keep me grounded and remind me why I do this work: because dogs deserve to feel safe, understood, and happy in our human world.

Key Credentials

Have confidence in Denise’s experience and qualifications, dating from 2007 to the current day, from accredited industry providers.

Qualifications

  • MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour, University of Lincoln – Distinction (2021)
  • 6 Credits, Level 3, Principles of Dog Training & Behaviour, OCN (2017)
  • Certificate of Higher Education, Animal Behaviour, Anglia Ruskin University – Distinction (2012)
  • Level 2, Intermediate Certificate in Dog Grooming, City & Guilds (2007)

Continuing Professional Development

  • IMDT: completed the IMDT assessment & passed with Distinction (2019)
  • IMDT courses: Career as a Dog Trainer, Practical Instructors course, Impulse Control workshop, Perfect Puppy Foundations
  • Certified Real Dog Yoga Instructor
  • Certified Force Free Trick Trainer
  • CIBT (Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training) courses: Common Canine Behaviour Problems, Professional Instructor Skills & Management, Basic Dog Handling Skills
  • Workshops: Handling Reactive Dogs, Training Reactive Dogs, Aggression Awareness, First Aid and Injury Prevention