I learned about functional characters a while ago, when I just had Zak, and Gus. When I found Heather and her workshops, I was immediately hooked and couldn't stop attending. The endless supply of cups of tea and biscuits were obviously a contributing factor ;)

I've lost count of how many i've been to now, and every single workshop, I learn something new, and observe more 'wow' moments. When Heather asked if I wanted to be part of the BTB team I couldn't say no, the group participation and the real life observations of different dogs and dog behaviour at every workshop is invaluable, and it's simply addictive. I have 4 of my own kids. L-R Gus - Overseer, Zak - Guide, Immy - Hunter, and Ellie - Peacekeeper. And me..... I'm probably an overseer too!

I learned about functional characters a while ago, when I just had Zak, and Gus. When I found Heather and her workshops, I was immediately hooked and couldn't stop attending. The endless supply of cups of tea and biscuits were obviously a contributing factor ;)

Over the last 22 years, I’ve studied with many outstanding professionals and attended hundreds of seminars and workshops - I never stop learning, and I never want to.

What truly transformed my work was discovering Canine Functional Characters. This inside-out approach changed everything: my behaviour consults, my workshops, my classes, and the way I help dog guardians understand the dog in front of them - holistically.

My book, Beyond the Breed - the new way to know and understand your dog, which I wrote in 2020, continues to help dog guardians around the world see their dogs with fresh clarity and compassion.

My professional credentials include:

• Accredited Member of the Canine & Feline Behaviour Association
• Certified Training Partner with the Karen Pryor Academy
• Certified Specialist in Canine Nutrition & the link between diet and behaviour
• Recognised Assistance Dog Trainer with Dog AID
• Reiki Master

I learned about functional characters a while ago, when I just had Zak, and Gus. When I found Heather and her workshops, I was immediately hooked and couldn't stop attending. The endless supply of cups of tea and biscuits were obviously a contributing factor ;)

It’s so interesting to understand why some dogs are the worrywarts of the dog world and other dogs are aloof and confident – Heather’s book makes fascinating reading and it’s amazing to see the interaction of dogs at the Functional Character workshops!

I learned about functional characters a while ago, when I just had Zak, and Gus. When I found Heather and her workshops, I was immediately hooked and couldn't stop attending. The endless supply of cups of tea and biscuits were obviously a contributing factor ;)

For all our Functional Character fans, they are both followers. I have been a part of all the Beyond the Breed (BTB) workshops since Heather started to run them in November 2018, attending every single one, as I was so fascinated by Functional Characters. I started to attend the workshop to help my Jack Russell with his socialisation, which then lead me to learn more about his Functional Character and how I can support him in different situations and with his learning/training in life. To be totally honest, I am completely addicted to Functional Characters. My career is not working with dogs like some of the other members of the event team, but it is certainly a passion that I love more and more, we learn something new at every workshop and every time we meet up we come up with more questions.

I learned about functional characters a while ago, when I just had Zak, and Gus. When I found Heather and her workshops, I was immediately hooked and couldn't stop attending. The endless supply of cups of tea and biscuits were obviously a contributing factor ;)

It was life-changing for both Ethel and me, in the most wonderful way - suddenly it all made sense, and life became so much easier and more enjoyable by understanding what was in fact perfectly normal and natural dog behaviour… for a Defender! Embarrassing incidents happily became completely avoidable. Fast forward five years, and I still have Wilfy, my perfect first dog - a loyal, predictable, gentle soul and a true follower. And little Margot, an affectionate, bright and incredibly determined young hunter whippet, who is taking me to a whole new level of learning! (What was that about embarrassing incidents….?!) The more I learn of functional characters, the more fascinating it becomes. As an amateur enthusiast, I love seeing it all come to life amongst the dogs in the workshops. I also love seeing the penny drop with the humans when they see the dogs and dog behaviour in a whole new, complete and positive light. How fantastic that with their new-found knowledge and understanding, they too are going home to a happier life together.

I learned about functional characters a while ago, when I just had Zak, and Gus. When I found Heather and her workshops, I was immediately hooked and couldn't stop attending. The endless supply of cups of tea and biscuits were obviously a contributing factor ;)

Both these functional characters have trauma, but that’s a whole other story!

A friend told me about canine functional characters and pointed me towards Heather’s book.  I read it and was hooked!  Even though I have been around the dog training industry in various ways for many years, I had never heard of functional characters before but, after reading Heather’s book, dog behaviour took on a completely different meaning for me.

I contacted Heather and arranged to meet her and her team, and was invited to help them with marketing and making connections within as many dog-related areas as possible.