Hi, I’m Emily Thorpe!
With over 25 years of experience working with animals, I’m a qualified dog trainer specialising in positive reinforcement and ethical, science-based methods. My approach is all about building trust, confidence and clear communication between you and your dog.
I have a real passion for helping reactive and nervous dogs. Watching them grow in confidence and learn to navigate the world more calmly is what I love most about my work.
One of the key tools I use is scent work. Giving dogs a job to do not only helps channel their energy in a positive way, but can also boost confidence and provide valuable mental stimulation. It’s an incredibly rewarding way to support dogs who may struggle with reactivity, anxiety or a lack of confidence.
ABOUT US
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Meet Reggie & Bonnie
My own dogs, Reggie and Bonnie, have played a huge part in my journey into scent work and helped me see first-hand just how powerful it can be.
Reggie, my Jack Russell Cross Cockapoo, can be reactive due to a lack of confidence and a difficult breeding background. Scent work gave him a positive outlet and helped him build confidence while giving him something fun and rewarding to focus on.
Bonnie, my Cocker Spaniel, is a natural resource guarder and needed an outlet for her instincts. Scent work has given her exactly that, while also helping me build our bond and strengthen the trust between us. She absolutely loves it!
Working with Reggie and Bonnie has shown me that scent work can benefit dogs in so many different ways, whether they need to build confidence, use their natural instincts or simply have something enjoyable to do together.
My UK Sniffer Dogs Training
In 2022, I became a UK Sniffer Dogs Instructor, going on to achieve my Bronze, Silver and Gold certifications in scent detection, as well as becoming a UK Sniffer Dogs Tracking Instructor.
UK Sniffer Dogs provides structured scent detection and tracking training, teaching handlers how to work with their dogs' incredible sense of smell in a fun, rewarding and engaging way.
My training allows me to bring these skills into my own sessions, helping dogs learn how to search, problem-solve and use their natural scenting abilities while having fun.
Since becoming an instructor, I’ve had the pleasure of helping hundreds of dogs discover the joy of scent work, while building a supportive and friendly community I proudly call the Wirral Woof Sniffer Dogs.
My Approach
I believe training should be enjoyable, ethical and built around understanding the individual dog. Rather than relying on punishment or outdated training methods, I focus on positive reinforcement, clear communication and helping dogs make good choices.
Every dog is different, so I adapt my training to suit their personality, experiences and individual needs.
Training isn't just about changing your dog's behaviour — it's about helping you understand your dog and giving you the tools and confidence to support them.
My Qualifications
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Level 5 Animal Science
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Level 6 Clinical Behaviour — currently studying
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Level 3 Animal Care & Welfare
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Level 3 Daycare & Boarding (IMDT)
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UK Sniffer Dogs Instructor — Bronze, Silver & Gold
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UK Sniffer Dogs Tracking Instructor
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Certified Dog Trainer (DTC)
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Reactive Dog Specialist (DTC)
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Dog Body Language Specialist (DTC)
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Scent Detection Specialist (DTC)
How I Can Help
I offer personalised 1-to-1 training tailored to your dog’s individual needs, including:
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Separation anxiety
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Barking issues
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Adolescent behaviours
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Loose lead walking
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Recall training
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Reactivity training
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Early development
I’m dedicated to helping you and your dog live a calmer, happier life together — through kind, effective training that really works.