About Me

My name is Becca Courtney, I'm the founder of Round of a Paws Dog Services.

Having previously worked in a number of dog daycare environments, both here and in Australia for just over 5 years, I am totally obsessed with learning how the dog's brain works.

I am passionate about following up-to-date, modern and positive re-enforcement methods and looking at things with a holistic approach. I want to carry that knowledge through in everything that I do and teach to empower owners to know all they need to know to get the best out of their relationship with their dog.

Alongside running my dog walking business, I teach puppy classes and provide personalised 1:1 puppy training programs through Anna Balch Dog Training.

I continue to learn extensively from Anna, gaining valuable knowledge in areas such as behavior, body language, nutrition, pain detection in dogs, and more. She is an outstanding mentor and a true expert in her field.

I am committed to advancing my education and professional development by shadowing experienced trainers and behaviorists, gaining valuable insights through observation and hands-on experience. I also plan to volunteer in related fields, such as veterinary practices, pain specialist centres, and nutrition, to broaden my knowledge. Additionally, I regularly read books, attend webinars, and complete courses to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in these areas.

Keeping up to date with the latest science

I'm currently working towards becoming a member of the ABTC to become a registered trainer of the Animal Training Instructor.

The ABTC is the only charity dedicated to promoting the welfare of animals in training or undergoing behaviour therapy. Led by science, we stand by the principles of respect and choice in training and behaviour modification. The ABTC believes that it cannot be right to cause any animal pain in order to motivate them to carry out desired behaviours, when humane methods are not only available, but produce better long-term results.

The ABTC seeks to improve animal welfare through a focus on the following objectives:

Setting, overseeing and monitoring standards of professional competence in the practice of behaviour therapy and training of animals
Coordinating and harmonising the activities of organisations directly engaged in the promotion of such standards within different areas of this sector
Providing information and a point of contact for other agencies more widely connected with animal welfare
Increasing public awareness and understanding of natural needs and behaviours and ethical and humane approaches to animal training and behaviour therapy

Continuing to improve our understanding of, and promoting ethical research into human-animal interactions, animal behaviour and psychological welfare.

ABTC Practitioners must use science-led, compassionate and non-punitive methods and equipment. Training and behaviour programmes must not be based on Positive Punishment or the creation of anxiety or fear.

The ABTC Practitioner Directory lists the species which any given practitioner works with, having been rigorously assessed as competent in the relevant role in its entirety.