About Briar
Briar Dunn FdSc UGCertVMed AET CTDI APDT ABTC-ATI
I hold an Undergraduate Certificate in Veterinary Medicine (UGCertVMed) and a Foundation Degree in Applied Canine Behaviour and Training with Distinction. I am also currently completing a bachelors degree top-up in BSc Canine Behaviour Management. I live with my assistance dog Bramble, Dalmatian Ember, Sheltie puppy Swift, and other creatures.
I am insured and qualified as a dog trainer. I am a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (MAPDT 01504), a professional dog trainer member of the Pet Professional Guild, , and a Certified Trick Dog Instructor and Animal Actor Certified Evaluator for Do More With Your Dog. We are also a Kennel Club Listed Status Club offering the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme. By day, I work for a major assistance dog charity training the next generation of guide dog trainers, and also train assistance dogs for Darwin Dogs.
I compete and train with my dogs in multiple disciplines, including competitive obedience, rally, heelwork to music/freestyle, agility, discdog, canine parkour and trick training. Highlights have included:
Selected for Crufts Inter-regional Rally Competition Midlands Team in 2020 (team 2nd place), 2022 (individual 1st, team 2nd) and 2023 (individual 4th, team 3rd) with Bramble
Winning the Crufts Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Special Pre-Beginner Stakes. Crufts 2022.
Young Kennel Club Rally team, Crufts 2020.
Selection for the UK Team for the Inaugural International Rally Competition (team 1st place.)
In line with the latest scientific research, we only use reward-based training methods, with dog welfare at the heart of what we do, and do not support the use of aversive tools or methods (such as prong collars and intimidation) or positive punishment in dog training. Our training focuses on the dog-owner bond, building motivation and engagement, which are key for effective and enjoyable training for both dogs and owners.
My specialist areas include assistance dog training, working with disabled clients, clicker training and sports training for obedience, rally and Heelwork to Music. As an ambulatory wheelchair user, I am experienced in adapting training for wheelchair users, and regularly work with clients who have physical, sensory or mental health disabilities, or who are neurodivergent.
