Christian Williams
Christian has lived with, loved and trained dogs for some 30 years. She worked for Social Services with young people at risk of care or custody and is a qualified and experienced teacher. Working as Head of Department in a large secondary school she led the schools Specialism Subject, mentored student teachers and delivered training and professional development for staff and wider audiences on learning and other education topics, developing expertise in the areas of curriculum structure, teaching problem solving and critical thinking. After leaving full-time teaching, she adopted her family of three Border Collies, Rusty, Bree and Safi who were later joined by Pod. As well as training and behaviour modification, Christian runs scent work training days for people with reactive, fearful or anxious dogs and is an experienced public speaker able to deliver talks and seminars for a variety of audiences.
Training Philosophy
Christian founded Together Dog Training and Behaviour Consultancy to bring best practice in training and behaviour to the lives of dogs and their people. She is dedicated to helping people and their dogs through positive reinforcement training and behaviour counselling based on the science of learning and the laws of behaviour.
Services
Together Dog Training offers a wide range of services, including:
- Together Solutions: For dogs with fear, anxiety, aggression, or on-lead reactivity.
- Together Adopted: Specialist behaviour and training support for adopted or rescued dogs.
- Together Adopted from Overseas: Specialist behaviour solutions for dogs adopted or rescued from overseas.
- Together Puppies: Positive puppy training for 21st Century pups and their people.
- Together Basics: Rewards-based obedience training for pet dogs.
- Together Care: Fear-free behaviour solutions for dogs uncomfortable with being touched at the vets or at home.
The website also provides information on how dogs learn and the training and behaviour change techniques used by Christian Williams.
Certifications
Christian is a professionally qualified teacher and is an Honours Graduate of The Academy for Dog Trainers where she gained her qualification as a Certified Trainer and Counsellor (CTC). She is also a Certified Fear Free Animal Trainer. Christian has completed a course in Human Behaviour Change for Animal Welfare and recently took part in a mentoring programme with Michael Shikashio focussed on aggressive behaviour in dogs. She is currently studying with Professor Susan Friedman on the Applied Behaviour Analysis Course, "Living and Learning with Animals".
Specializations
Christian Williams specializes in:
- Fearful, anxious, or shy dogs
- Dogs with aggression or on-lead reactivity
- Resource guarding
- Dogs adopted from overseas
- Newly adopted dogs
- Puppies
- Dogs uncomfortable with being touched at the vets or at home
Training Methods
Christian Williams uses positive reinforcement training and behaviour counselling based on the science of learning and the laws of behaviour. She is a certified Fear Free Animal Trainer and uses force-free techniques. She also uses Classical Conditioning techniques to help dogs overcome fear and anxiety.
Customer Reviews
"It's life changing for me & Meg"
— Meg and Shirley
"When I first got Evie, my lurcher, from a rescue centre she was around 1 year old, underweight, didn't seem to know how to play with a toy, and quite a live-wire when out on walks! I knew I needed a trainer and I first met Christian at a scent work course she was delivering. Not only did my dog really enjoy the course – putting that pointy nose to use – but we began to see Christian more regularly for 1-1 training aimed at getting some basics in place. What I expected was maybe some demonstrations – possibly some notes – what I got was so much more. Christian really took the time to get to know us both in addition to providing notes, tasks and videos. She didn't judge me when I realised I'd lapsed in my training. Instead she was calm, understanding and offered tailoring and suggestions to suit both Evie and me. Each time we saw her we'd learn more and more from her and she would get to know us even more. We moved on from the basics and concentrated on specific techniques to respond to behaviours that perhaps I'd only just noticed that week with Evie. Christian's ability to shape my learning flexibly each time was so crucial. Of course, Evie loves Christian's visits and what was so important to me was that my bond with Evie developed. As a rescue dog Evie had a life before me – and as a stray I can't imagine what that life was – but Christian really helped us to bond through learning together. I noticed Evie becoming much calmer at home and much more responsive. I wouldn't change Evie for the world and I'm delighted that Christian helped us so much."
— Evie and Alison
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
