Meet Collette

My love of animals began at an early age, and I originally hoped to become a vet. Life took me in a different direction and, after graduating in Business and Human Resource Management, I spent 20 years working as an HR Consultant.

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That career developed my understanding of people, relationships, communication and the many factors that influence behaviour. It also taught me how important it is to listen carefully, recognise patterns and support people through change.

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My path into canine behaviour began through my own experiences as a dog owner. Living with separation anxiety, reactivity and destructive behaviour gave me first-hand insight into how emotionally draining and restrictive life can become when you do not know how best to help your dog. Working with a professional behaviourist transformed both my dogs’ behaviour and my own understanding, inspiring me to retrain and establish Hounds ’n’ Harmony in 2016.

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Since then, I have continued to develop my expertise through professional study and practical experience, including a Graduate Programme in Canine Language and Behaviour. I introduced my exclusive home-boarding service in 2017, followed by kinesiology in 2024 to provide additional support for owners whose own emotional wellbeing may be affecting life with their dog.

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Over time, my experience of both human and canine behaviour came together to form the Four Key Pillars of Hounds ’n’ Harmony: Relationships, Resources, Safety & Security and Exploration. Examining each pillar individually, and then understanding how the elements interact, builds a complete picture that enables me to establish the underlying cause of the behaviour and determine what needs to change.