Hi! I’m Jemma
I am a Dog Trainer based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with over 17 years experience working full time with animals.
How it all started …
My interest in dog training and behaviour began with fostering rescue dogs as a volunteer. I, like many others, turned to high profile trainers in search of knowledge and soon realised that just because it’s on TV does not make it the best!
I went on to work for seven years in rescue, where I met dogs of all shapes and sizes with a wide variety of training needs and/or behaviour problems; particularly nervous, fearful, reactive, boisterous and sometimes aggressive dogs. I was fortunate enough to work alongside and learn from some great colleagues and mentors including some extremely caring and experienced rescue and rehoming teams, some great vets, and several highly experienced trainers & behaviourists. I have a real passion for working with puppies and watching them grow into confident and happy adult dogs, and for seeing a dog who may have been struggling, turned around and loving life in their new home. I understand only too well how hard it can be when you share your life with a dog who may be struggling to cope with everyday things that other dog owners may take for granted in their own dogs.
In 2015, I made the move to the veterinary sector, where I worked at a local vets as an auxiliary nurse and ACA. Alongside my daily duties, I used my passion for training to run sessions to help anxious dogs feel happier at the vets, got Ruffmutz off the ground, and ran puppy classes (Puppy Smart) for the practice.
Ruffmutz Begins
I started Ruffmutz in 2018, and have worked with dogs of all shapes and sizes over the years, and have been fortunate to have some amazing clients. Every dog teaches you something new, and every client shows you a new perspective.
I love Scentwork, Tracking, and Trailing, and think it can be of huge benefit as an activity, for so many dogs. You can find out more about what Ruffmutz offers for scentwork here. Along with my dog Jenga, I am very proud to be part of the North K9 Lost Dog tracking team, and I am a Co-Founder of Scent and Track UK.
Whilst there is no substitute for hands on experience, I believe it is important to keep learning. In 2014, I successfully completed an FdSc in Canine Behaviour and Training at Bishop Burton college (a Level 5 Qualification). As more and more information and research becomes available, I am always looking to learn new things! I regularly attend seminars and workshops to improve and update my knowledge (up-to-date list of courses attended can be seen here!).
Ruffmutz Ethos
Dog training and behaviour is a complex subject with hugely varying ideologies, techniques and methods. You might have already come across terms such as Force Free, Reward Based, Positive only, Balanced and Dominance based; terminology that can make it a challenge to know who or where to turn.
At Ruffmutz, my ethos is I believe as much as possible- training should be fun, and I use reward based methods as much as possible and work on a case by case basis, tailoring an individual package of training, or behaviour modification program designed specifically for you and your dog. The methods I use are based on practical hands-on experience, continuing education and current scientific theory, and aim to support a positive working relationship between you and your dog.
Rescue Support
I am proud to support Kelpie Welfare UK, where my own dog was adopted from, and to be able to offer post-adoption behavior support for Kelpie Welfare dogs.
Scent and Track UK
I am a co-founder of Scent and Track UK, and I have over 12 years of experience with Scentwork for pet dogs and aim to inspire more people to give it a try. We offer Tracking (TrackStars) and Scent Detection programmes (Scent Ops), as well as Manhunt, Puppy Scent Games, and our awesome S&T Camp weekend: see www.scentandtrack.co.uk for more info!
Professional Membership
I am a member of the Pet Professional Guild (Pet Training & Behavior Professional), and a member of the UK Dog Charter through PPG membership.
I am also a Supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).