About Elmtree Dogs

How Did Elmtree Dogs Start?

Back in 2016, our head trainer Emma took her young German Shepherd, Fudge, to training classes. Fudge unfortunately had developed fear reactivity towards other dogs. During Fudge's training, Emma realised just how much she enjoyed teaching dogs new skills, and watching them flourish. There's nothing quite like that first time that you and your dog are able to walk past other dogs with no barking!

So, Emma decided to continue studying in this field to eventually be able to help other owners and dogs alike.

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Unfortunately, Emma lost Fudge at the beginning of 2025 after a battle with her health, but she will always be the drive behind Elmtree Dogs and the passion for helping more dogs and owners.

It wasn't long before Lupo came to live with Emma in 2025. This brought a new challenge since his background was vague, and at nearly 2 years old, he already had experiences feeding his behaviour. Follow his progress journey on our socials!

(And yes - if you hadn't already guessed, German Shepherds are Emma's heart breed!)

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The Important Bit - Qualifications!

In 2021, Emma graduated with a BSc (Hons) degree in Animal Behaviour & Training. She thoroughly enjoyed this course, despite half of it having to be completed through Covid times! 

After taking a year out and focusing on setting up Elmtree Dogs in 2022 (look out for Fudge in our logo!), Emma headed back into education, and graduated with an MSc degree in Animal Behaviour & Training in 2024.

Both of these courses focused on a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills - the essentials needed for a successful dog trainer and behaviourist. 

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Emma and Fudge developed a keen interest in scentwork and the many benefits it can bring for both dog and handler. Fudge also tried her paw at Human Remains Detection training - she absolutely smashed this, and Emma only wished she'd found this niche sooner!

In 2024, Emma qualified as a UK Sniffer Dogs Scent Detection Instructor, to offer the fun of sniffing to other pet dogs.

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Additionally, Emma has also completed the Dog Training Foundations course with the Karen Pryor Academy, and a Puppy Training Diploma, and importantly Canine First Aid. It's important to continue developing our education, so Emma attends extra seminars and workshops where possible - the most recent being a Predation Substitute Training seminar by Simone Mueller.

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Emma has a keen interest in livestock species, and has previously been involved in training chickens, sheep, goats and more! Although Elmtree Dogs focuses on our canine friends, you may see pictures and videos from this time of Emma's life.​​​​

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