I’m Lisa, and for the past 36 years, I’ve been a dog guardian—or more precisely, a guardian of springer spaniels. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a spaniel, but my passion and enthusiasm for these breeds are what led me to this fantastic rescue.
I’ve always been surrounded by dogs and horses. My parents bred and rescued Great Danes and St Bernards, and at the age of 9, my canine companion was a standard dachshund named Sniggles. In later years, while training in horse management, I met my husband. We shared our home with our first ever springer spaniel puppy, Honey, who was fortunate to be with us for 18 years. Since then, I’ve never looked back. Sixteen years ago, we adopted our first rescue, Blade, a Doberman-Rottweiler cross and our only non-spaniel. Just two weeks later, we adopted Rocky, a 6-year-old springer spaniel. I always said Rocky had ‘springerised’ Blade!
That was when I first started volunteering in rescue work with North-West English Springer Spaniel Rescue, initially as a dog walker and then as a trainee rehoming officer. I also began my own dog-walking business, specialising in one-to-one walks for nervous and anxious dogs. Eight years ago, we sadly lost Rocky but were able to welcome Maddie, a very anxious 5-month-old springer spaniel, into our family. A year later, we adopted Poppy, my little black-and-white ninja, who was just 8 months old.
That little black-and-white springer changed my life forever. She was completely different from all our previous springers, and I realised the only way to help both her and myself was to gain more knowledge. This led me to enrol in a Level 4 Advanced Canine Behaviour Diploma, which I passed with distinction. During that time, I also qualified as a dog trainer with the ADTB. After qualifying, I began receiving enquiries about behavioural issues, which inspired me to start Wagology Dog Behaviour & Training. Two years ago, Emily Nutter joined me, and we both share the philosophy that the welfare of the dogs comes first and foremost.
More recently, I have qualified as an accredited canine and small animal microchip implanter and am currently awaiting the outcome of my Ofqual iPET Network Level 3 Award in Canine First Aid. I am also studying for a Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour. Additionally, I hold memberships with IAABC, ICAN, ISAP, and am a Gold member of The Pet Professional Network. As part of my membership, I must maintain continued professional development and adhere to kind, ethical, positive reinforcement methods, which are monitored by these organisations. Over the past 8 years I have volunteered with various rescues in the capacity of home checking, fostering, behavioural training and Trustee. I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved, not just in my studies and business, but most importantly with Poppy. I understand the challenges and the little bumps in the road that can sometimes occur. Every dog is as individual as we are, and they deserve that extra guidance, some more than others.