~ Contact the Dundee Dog Trainer ~

"My goal in life is to become as wonderful as my dog thinks I am." 

- Toby EileenGreen

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Jessica Probst  BSc

01307  830708  /  07505 971110

Email:    topdog@dundeedogtrainer.co.uk

a proud Member of

Scientist, Observer, Philosopher and Trainer

I have been involved with many many dogs over the years, and obviously they are a major part of my life. Not only do I love my dogs, but I love yours too, and want nothing more than you to understand each other!

Previously employed by the Scottish Office, HM Forces and involved in dog training for the BBC, you can be assured of my professionalism, integrity and dedication at all times.

Working in Dundee's University Chemistry and Biochemistry departments for almost 8 years I developed a lasting interest in Science and Genetics. I worked toward my BSc Degree in Biology with Animal Behaviour, whilst working full time. I have studied canids, pack theory' canine nutrition and healthcare. My behavioural interests spread to humans too I study human behaviour, sociology and psychology - I believe this helps me to teach you as everyone of us learns in a different way.

For many years I have taken in dogs that were no longer wanted in an effort to find them better homes. There were always training issues to be addressed, and I believe it is the hands-on experience of working with so many different types of dogs that has enabled me to understand so much about what it is that makes them tick. I am thankful to each and every one of them for what they have taught me. The first, 4 feral dogs from Egypt, were sent over as unborn pups to escape a certain death sentence. Sadly they were quarantined from birth and at eight months old, when I first met them, they were completely unhandled, and no dog trainer could help me. Months of work and research led me to the understanding that lack of early habituation and stimulation in their first weeks and months meant that they would never trust strangers and get over their anxieties, and they would be better off in a quiet rural home, they are still living with a well known dog walker, where they are loved and safe. They are the reason I went on to become a dog trainer and behaviourist.

I continue to go on canine courses as there is always more to learn, and it is great to network with all the other good dog trainers / behaviourists out there (the ones who also seek to continue their education) to swap ideas and case histories.

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Fantastic courses which have extended my knowledge:

- Canine healthcare course from Canine Health Concern (highly recommended, see the 'links' section for their website), animal communication and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)

- A weekend workshop by Nina Bondarenko, about reading body language, using calming and homing signals. She also demonstrated some modern methods of dealing with aggression without any physical pain or punishment for the dog.

- The APDT (Assocation of Pet Dog Trainers) weekend workshop with vet Robin Walker, discussing sex and hormones, reward chemistry, and the controlling extreme behaviours with drugs or foods which increase the production of serotonin.

The famous Sarah Fisher was also there and did a fantastic live T-Touch demonstration on a fear aggressive dog that I was fostering.

- Thinking Outside the Box, an advanced clicker workshop by the Wagmore Barkless team with Kay Laurence.