My Story

Hi! My name is Zoe Faithfull and this is Sound Hound Dog Training and Behaviour! 

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My journey with dogs started around age 7 years with my black labrador Olly. I grew up with him and he really was the happiest boy and the most gentle soul. He loved everyone he met. He did however have terrible noise phobias which worsened as he got older. He was my inspiration for wanting to work with dogs as I just wanted to help him as best I could. 

 

In 2013 I began studying my degree in Applied Animal Management with Oxford Brookes University. As part of this I began volunteering in a local rescue centre. At the same time I also worked with horses at a local riding stables and in a local boarding kennels. I went on to get a part-time job at the rescue centre which then progressed to full time - including running my own kennel block and working with lots of different rescue dogs on site with lots of different behavioural needs. 

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In January 2016, I sadly lost Olly at the grand old age of 14 years old. Whilst working at the rescue centre I adopted my Working Cocker Spaniel Ozzie who has always been a nervous boy but has come on leaps and bounds and taught me a lot along the way. 

Over the years Ozzie and I have done lots of training in different areas to build his confidence, have fun together and learn new skills. This has included agility training, tricks, general skills and now we do Scent Work to keep his nose and brain active and fulfilled!

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In June 2017 I moved onto my local veterinary practice where I have worked as a receptionist for five years until July 2023. My speciality was using my knowledge and experience to help the dogs who came in to feel as comfortable as possible through the help of social visits to gain confidence with the help of lots of tasty treats and speaking to the owners about how to help the dog feel the best that they can. For example some dogs do not like the slippery floor so I  would put rubber mats out when I knew they were coming or would get these on arrival. Helping anxious dogs build confidence has become my main interest.

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In March 2020 I started a distance learning degree with Compass Education in Applied Canine Behaviour with the goal of becoming a Clinical Animal Behaviourist in the future. As a part of this I have spent many hours shadowing 1-2-1 sessions with Behaviourists & helping at dog training classes and helping with puppies, adolescent dogs and rescue dogs, as well as continuing CPD (listed a below). I'm a student member of the APBC with the goal of provisional membership and then full membership. I also have plans to gain membership with the ABTC and APDT. I'm also a member of the IAABC. 

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