About Me

I’m Merry, a dog behaviourist and trainer based in Ilminster, Somerset. I have been working professionally with dogs since adopting my Staffy cross English Bull Terrier in 2016.

I grew up in East Devon with multiple pets, from guinea pigs, rabbits and hamsters to chickens and tortoises, as well as an unusual mix of dogs - a Dalmatian, Rhodesian Ridgeback crossbreed and a Harrier hound! I now share my home with three rehomed / rescued dogs: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a deaf terrier mixed breed, and a Dachshund. I have experience therefore with tackling behaviour concerns across a range of breed types - whilst personality and individual quirks matter, so does breed disposition in many cases!

I began my career with dogs by working at a dog boarding kennels, a dog day care and then a dog walking company. I ran my own dog walking business in South London between 2016 and 2020, during which time I also worked as a trainer and behaviourist at Believe in Magic Dog Training and Behaviour.

I began my career with dogs working at a dog boarding kennels and then dog day care, and subsequently as a dog walker, trainer and behaviourist in South London. In 2021, I launched Dogberry Dog Training & Behaviour in South Manchester, but then put it on pause to focus full-time on my career in rescue, working in post-adoption support with a leading animal rescue organisation. Having moved to Ilminster as of January 2025, I am keen to meet more local dogs (and owners!) in Somerset, East Devon and West Dorset.

In 2017, I completed a Diploma in Canine Behaviour and Psychology with The International School of Canine Psychology (ISCP). In 2019 I was assessed by and gained membership with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (membership number 01399). In 2020 I applied for a place at the University of Lincoln, to study for an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour, which was a phenomenal experience. I graduated in 2021 and achieved the status of Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist with CCAB Ltd in 2022. I am also a registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist and an Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), and a certificated member of FABC.

In January 2025 I moved to Ilminster, Somerset. It’s a beautiful place to live, and I am now offering my services for dog behaviour modification in the local area. I am fully insured with Pet Business Insurance, and am up-to-date with canine first aid training too. I regularly attend CPD events to progress my learning further.