About me

Samantha Grove

If I had to describe my training style I would call it LIMA, that’s Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive, Modern and Science-based. I would also refer to myself as a Compassion-based trainer. I believe in the using the kindest techniques possible.  I have a combination of qualifications and experience, and I am constantly learning more via courses, and further reading. I have a very keen interest in animal behaviour, ever since I received my first dog at the age of 15. Consequently I went onto college to study animal care for the next 3 years. It was during my time at college that I discovered the true importance of understanding animal behaviour in order to protect animals in the wild and improve the quality of life for the animals in captivity. At the end of my time at college I moved to Oxfordshire to work at a private zoo, which trains both wild and domestic animals for television and media purposes. I found that behaviour knowledge was key to the success of the training involved and was lucky enough to have my trained animals included in programmes such as life of mammals presented by David Attenborough. I chose to refine my knowledge and specialise in dog behaviour and training, so took a job in 2003 at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in the Rehabilitation department where I was responsible for behaviour modification of dogs that were not yet ready for rehoming.

In addition to my current work with Two Legs Four Legs I have also worked with Canine Partners as an Aftercare Assistant, for over 6 years. My role was to provide support and ongoing training to disabled people and their assistance dogs in the East Anglia area. Unfortunately I could no longer continue this due to my growing business.

I have attended 3 canine aggression workshops with Angela Stockdale, completed John Rogersons’ Canine Behaviour 1 & 2 course and achieved Distinction with the International Animal Behaviour Training Centre on the practical Pet Dog Training Instructor course.

I have a passion for training my working Wirehaired Vizsla’s, Marci and Ginni as gundogs, as well as for Agility and scent work. We attend several shoots during the winter season, beating and picking up . I have competed with Marci and Ginni in several gundog working tests and field trial training days as well as agility competitions. Marci qualified for crufts 2010 and 2011 and Ginni qualified for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 in the breed classes and BASC working classes, winning best BASC HPR working bitch in 2016. Even though my passion is gundogs I also now share my home with a miniature dachshund after a stint fostering her she just never left. Socialising and training her has been interesting and very rewarding.

 

Ginni Crufts 2016 1st BASC Working HPR Bitch

 

 

My two brilliant dogs  drawn by Glyn Rand www.grandportraits.co.uk

RIP Holli  3/7/98 – 20/4/12 Much loved family member who taught me a great deal and set me straight on my career path. Thanks to her I have a high standard to aim for.

RIP Marci 12/08/08 – 14/09/20 Super special diva who introduced me to what is involved with owning a working gundog. I’m now a vizsla person through and through.