CREATING EXCELLENCE IN DOG TRAINING, TELLINGTON TTOUCH AND DOG GROOMING

Welcome to Xtra Dog Academy,

At Xtra Dog, we believe that great dog training starts with great education, and that's exactly what we're here to provide.

Our philosophy is simple: dogs thrive when they're understood, respected, and trained with kindness. We're passionate about equipping aspiring and established professionals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a real difference in the lives of dogs and their guardians.

Whether you're looking to launch your career as a certified dog trainer through our Accredited Instructor Programme, which incorporates the iPET Network Level 3 Certificate in Dog Training, regulated by OFQUAL, master the art of canine grooming with our Accredited Level 3 Grooming Programmes, deepen your understanding of canine communication through our Talk Dog canine body language instructor programme, or explore the transformative power of Tellington TTouch, you'll find a supportive, ethical learning environment designed to help you succeed at Xtra Dog.

Our courses are built on science-backed, reward-based methods that prioritise the well-being of every dog. We don't just teach techniques - we nurture a community of compassionate professionals who are committed to raising the standard of dog training worldwide.

We stand firmly against punitive/aversive training. That means no check chains, choke collars, prong collars, electric shock devices, high-frequency sound tools or any aversive methods. Our mission is to build trust, confidence and joyful relationships between dogs and their people. Always learning, always growing.

I am delighted to introduce our team at Xtra Dog and look forward to welcoming you on one of our programmes.

Course, Director

Alex Wilson

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MEET OUR TEAM

ALEX WILSON, Course Director

At the heart of the Xtra Dog Academy is our Course Director, Alex Wilson. Alex's journey with dogs spans a lifetime, driven by a deep commitment to empowering dog owners through compassionate, ethical training methods.

As a certified Senior Tellington TTouch® Practitioner (P3) and proud member of the Guild of Tellington TTouch Practitioners, Alex brings a wealth of expertise to every course and interaction. His background includes serving as a Senior Instructor at the Dog Training College until 2021, helping develop their Canine Body Language and Reactive Rascals programmes. He also completed and passed the Advanced Certification in Dog Training Instructor with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK (APDT). He is also a certified games-based trainer.

Alex is an accomplished author. In 2007, he co-wrote Whales and Dolphins of Great Britain with Dylan Walker, combining his love for marine life with research. He has also published two books focused on dogs, sharing his knowledge with readers around the globe. Alex is a contributor to Dogs Today. When he's not teaching or creating content, you'll find him training his Dalmatian, Magick, or diving into dolphin and whale research projects.

Alex has had the privilege of learning from some of the most respected names in dog training, including Linda Tellington-Jones, Sarah Fisher, Dr Erica Cosijn, Tina Constance, Marie Miller, Kathy Cascade and Robyn Hood. Every year, he invests in continuing education by attending courses, workshops and seminars to bring fresh insights and cutting-edge techniques to our students and clients.

Watch video created about Alex by the Dog Training College in 2021

MATT WILDMAN, Education Director

Matt works behind the scenes at Xtra Dog, looking at systems, IT and compliance, and making sure that all of our courses cover the syllabuses. Matt is also a certified First Aid Instructor and Instructor Trainer. He is also a canine body language and canine calmness Instructor.

Outside of Xtra Dog, Matt is a qualified humanistic counsellor and a Master Scuba Instructor with PADI and teaches scuba diving at one of the largest diving centres in the UK.

Many of the skills Matt has learned from counselling and the PADI Instructor Training Programme are transferable to the dog world. Outside of work, Matt is also a passionate Dalmatian person.

MAGICK, Demo Dog in Trianing

Magick joined the Xtra Dog team in January 2024, just a few months after being born in November 2023. A liver-spotted LUA Dalmatian with a zest for life, she's friendly, curious and eager to learn. Magick serves as our official product tester, but her most important role is as a demo dog in training. She's developing the skills needed to demonstrate Tellington TTouch techniques, helping students and clients see first hand how these methods create calm, confident and connected dogs.

ACROSS THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

ARAPAHOE AND MISCHIEF

We said goodbye to Mischief in October 2023 at the age of fifteen and a half, and to Arapahoe in August 2024 at sixteen and a half. Both lived rich, full lives and were incredible teachers - not just to our team, but to countless students who learned from them. Their legacy lives on in the videos they starred in, continuing to educate and inspire future generations of dog lovers and trainers. Mischief and Arapahoe were deeply loved, and they've left lasting imprints on all our hearts at Xtra Dog.

Macey

Macey joined us with Jane in 2017 and, sadly, she crossed the Rainbow Bridge just shy of her 14th birthday in 2021. When Jane started to work at Xtra Dog, Macey integrated into the office dog. Although Jane has owned dogs all her life, I think she would agree that Macey was the dog who was Jane's greatest teacher.

GAIL SKINNER, Senior Instructor

Gail Skinner's passion for animals was ignited during her youth in South Africa, where she volunteered with a major animal welfare society, working hands-on with dogs, cats and horses. Guided and inspired by her mentor, Dr Robert Dean Bullard, Gail committed herself to a career devoted to animal care and training.

Since then, she has built an extraordinary breadth of expertise, qualifying as a Veterinary Nurse, SPCA Inspector, Dog Groomer, Bowen Therapist (human and animal), Dog Training Instructor, Assistance Dog Instructor, Canine Body Language Instructor, Canine Behaviourist and Professional Dog Trainer. Additionally, Gail is a certified Dog Puller Judge and Dog Parkour Instructor.

Based in southern Portugal, Gail offers in-person training locally and extends her reach globally through Zoom coaching, mentoring, and training sessions.

JANE ELDRIDGE, Student Support

Jane is the welcoming voice of Xtra Dog - chances are, she'll be the one you speak to when you call. A certified Talk Dog Instructor and someone who has attended many Tellington TTouch courses, Jane brings both expertise and warmth to everything she does. She is the first point of contact for students and always there to help support any student issues. She's been a key support at many of our in-person courses and has earned the unofficial title of chief cake buyer for our TTouch workshops. Beyond dogs, Jane is a devoted cat lover and former cat breeder.

LINDA READER, Head of Grooming

Linda's love for dogs began in childhood, growing up in Australia with an Australian Terrier and Scotch Collies. As an adult in her native Tasmania, she shared her life with a Border Collie and competed in sheepdog trials, a passion that deepened her understanding of canine intelligence and connection.

After moving to the UK, Linda became guardian to a Collie x Poodle and four Standard Poodles. In 2010, a difficult grooming experience with her Collie mix sparked a new calling. She trained as a City and Guilds Level 3 Pet Stylist and went on to compete in grooming competitions, including at Crufts with her Poodles. Linda built a thriving grooming business and spent three and a half years teaching at a leading UK grooming college.

Her commitment to compassionate, force-free grooming methods and her desire to truly understand dogs led her to Tellington TTouch in 2020, and she's now a certified Tellington TTouch® Practitioner. Linda is also a certified dog trainer and holds a Level 3 qualification in dog behaviour. She continues to stay at the forefront of the latest research and best practices in canine care.

NATE CANT, Videographer and Staff Instructor

Nate comes from a background in theatre and videography and has added dog training and Tellington TTouch to his portfolio whilst working at Xtra Dog. He also has a special interest in reptiles and exotic animals, as well as working with dogs. He is a Talk Dog Instructor as well and co-wrote the programme with Alex Wilson. Nate is a Tellington TTouch Practitioner (P1) and sits on the committee of the British Isles Guild of Tellington TTouch Practitioners. Nate produces our monthly An Evening with Xtra Dog show and has taught some of our online trainings.

DR. ERICA COSIJN, Instructor, and Noise sensitivity expert

Dr Erica holds a PhD in Information Science, with undergraduate degrees in Physics and Mathematics. She began her career as a university lecturer before transitioning to work alongside her husband, conducting noise impact assessments. Her unique blend of scientific expertise and passion for dogs eventually led her to become a certified Tellington TTouch Practitioner.

Dr Erica is the creator and Instructor of the internationally recognised Nasty Noises course, which she delivers worldwide. She's also the author of the book by the same name. She is also a Talk Dog Instructor In addition to teaching, Dr Erica offers consultations for guardians of noise-sensitive dogs, helping them navigate and manage their dogs' sound-related anxieties with compassion and science-backed strategies.

ALEX WILSON,

Course Director

As a certified Senior Tellington TTouch® Practitioner (P3) and proud member of the Guild of Tellington TTouch Practitioners, Alex brings a wealth of expertise to every course and interaction. His background includes serving as a Senior Instructor at the Dog Training College until 2021, helping develop their Canine Body Language and Reactive Rascals programmes. He also completing and passing the Advanced Certification in Dog Training Instructor programme with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK (APDT). He is also a certified games-based trainer.

Alex has had the privilege of learning from some of the most respected names in dog training, including Linda Tellington-Jones, Sarah Fisher, Dr Erica Cosijn, Tina Constance, Marie Miller, Kathy Cascade, and Robyn Hood. Every year, he invests in continuing education by attending courses, workshops, and seminars, to bring fresh insights and cutting-edge techniques to our students and clients.

Watch video created about Alex by the Dog Training College

MATT WILDMAN,

Education Director

Matt works behind the scenes at Xtra Dog, looking at systems, IT and compliance and making sure that all of our courses cover the syllabuses. Matt is also a certified First Aid instructor and Instructor trainer. He is also a canine body language and canine calmness instructor.

Outside of Xtra Dog Matt is a qualified humanistic counsellor and a Master Scuba Instructor with PADI and teaches Scuba Diving at one of the largest diving centres in the UK.

Many of the skills Matt has learned from counselling and the PADI Instructor Training Programme are transferable to the dog world. Outside of work, Matt is also a passionate dalmatian person.

MAGICK, Demo Dog in Trianing

Magick joined the Xtra Dog team in January 2024, just a few months after being born in November 2023. A liver-spotted LUA Dalmatian with a zest for life, she's friendly, curious, and eager to learn. Magick serves as our official product tester, but her most important role is as a demo dog in training. She's developing the skills needed to demonstrate Tellington TTouch techniques, helping students and clients see firsthand how these methods create calm, confident, and connected dogs.

ACROSS THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

ARAPAHOE AND MISCHIEF

We said goodbye to Mischief in October 2003 at the age of fifteen and a half, and to Arapahoe in August 2024 at sixteen and a half. Both lived rich, full lives and were incredible teachers -not just to our team, but to countless students who learned from them. Their legacy lives on in the videos they starred in, continuing to educate and inspire future generations of dog lovers and trainers. Mischief and Arapahoe were deeply loved, and they've left lasting imprints on all our hearts at Xtra Dog.

MACEY

Macey joined us with Jane in 2017 and, sadly she crossed the Rainbow Bridge just shy of her 14th birthday in 2021. When Jane started to work at Xtra Dog Macey intergrated into the office dog. Although Jane has owned dogs all her life, I think she would agree that Macey was the dog who was Jane's greatest teacher.

GAIL SKINNER, Senior Instructor

Gail Skinner's passion for animals was ignited during her youth in South Africa, where she volunteered with a major animal welfare society, working hands-on with dogs, cats, and horses. Guided and inspired by her mentor, Dr Robert Dean Bullard, Gail committed herself to a career devoted to animal care and training.

Since then, she has built an extraordinary breadth of expertise, qualifying as a Veterinary Nurse, SPCA Inspector, Dog Groomer, Bowen Therapist (human and animal), Dog Training Instructor, Assistance Dog Instructor, Canine Body Language Instructor, Canine Behaviourist, and Professional Dog Trainer. Additionally, Gail is a certified Dog Puller Judge and Dog Parkour Instructor.

Based in Southern Portugal, Gail offers in-person training locally and extends her reach globally through Zoom coaching, mentoring, and training sessions.

LEANNE MCWADE, Senior Instructor

With over a decade of experience working with dogs, Leanne brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and practical expertise to every dog and owner she works with. Her journey into training began when seeking support for her rescue reactive dog, Mitzey. This experience ignited a passion for understanding canine behaviour and helping dogs and their owners build harmonious relationships.

Leanne has more than five years of hands-on experience in rescue work, including serving on a pound-pulling team and co-owning a rescue in East Anglia. Her work has involved assessing dogs to determine the most suitable rescue placement, foster home, or forever home -a role that honed her ability to evaluate behaviour and match dogs with their ideal environment.

Throughout her career, Leanne has committed to continual learning in dog training and behaviour, embracing the philosophy that there is always more to discover about our canine companions. Her approach is grounded in her core values: Kindness, Empowering and Rewarding, which guide her work with pet owners, professionals, and dogs alike.

Over the past five years, Leanne has also dedicated herself to mentoring and supporting professionals within the dog industry. She helps enhance their skills, refine their offerings, and, in some cases, train them to become qualified dog trainers. Her guidance is informed by both experience and an enduring passion for fostering positive, confident relationships between dogs and the people who love them.

JANE ELDRIDGE,

Student Support

Jane is the welcoming voice of Xtra Dog - chances are, she'll be the one you speak to when you call. A certified Talk Dog Instructor and someone who has attended many Tellington TTouch courses, Jane brings both expertise and warmth to everything she does. She is the first point of contact for student and always there to help support any students' issues. She's been a key support at many of our in-person courses and has earned the unofficial title of Chief Cake Buyer for our TTouch workshops. Beyond dogs, Jane is a devoted cat lover and former cat breeder.

LINDA READER,

Head of Grooming

After moving to the UK, Linda became guardian to a Collie x Poodle and four Standard Poodles. In 2010, a difficult grooming experience with her Collie mix sparked a new calling. She trained as a City and Guilds Level 3 Pet Stylist and went on to compete in grooming competitions, including at Crufts with her Poodles. Linda built a thriving grooming business and spent three and a half years teaching at a leading UK grooming college.

Her commitment to compassionate, force-free grooming methods and her desire to truly understand dogs led her to Tellington TTouch in 2020, and she's now a certified Tellington TTouch® Practitioner. Linda is also a certified dog trainer and holds a Level 3 qualification in dog behaviour. She continues to stay at the forefront of the latest research and best practices in canine care.

NATE CANT, Videographer and Instructor

Nate comes from a background in theatre and videography and has added dog training and Tellington TTouch to his portfolio whilst working at Xtra Dog. He also has a special interest in reptiles and exotic animals, as well as working with dogs. He is also a Talk Dog instructor and co-wrote the programme with Alex Wilson. Nate is a Tellington TTouch Practitioner (P1) and sits on the committee of the British Isles Guild of Tellington TTouch Practitioners. Nate produces our monthly An Evening with Xtra Dog Show and has taught some of our online trainings.

DR. ERICA COSIJN, Instructor, and Noise sensitivity expert

Dr Erica is the creator and instructor of the internationally recognised Nasty Noises course, which she delivers worldwide. She's also the author of the book by the same name. She is also a Talk Dog Instructor In addition to teaching, Dr Erica offers consultations for guardians of noise-sensitive dogs, helping them navigate and manage their dogs' sound-related anxieties with compassion and science-backed strategies.