Hey, nice to meet you.


I'm Iona, and I'm the founder of Choice First Dog Training.

I’m an accredited and certified dog trainer with over 10 years of hands-on experience.

I’ve grown up alongside dogs and always been struck by their deep motivation to seek connection with us, even in challenging circumstances.

Like many people who work with animals, I genuinely owe a lot of my own wellbeing to the dogs in my life.

How I Got Here

In 2019, I graduated with a First Class degree in Child Psychology and went on to work with children in a therapy-based school in London. One of the highlights of this was facilitating weekly dog-assisted therapy sessions with a gentle but exuberant French Bulldog. 

What I experienced during these sessions stayed with me. Children who typically struggled to access their emotions became calmer, more open - suddenly able to identify and express feelings they couldn't access before.

Seeing the power of safe, supportive human–canine relationships in action was a defining moment, and it led me to pursue a career centred around dogs, education, welfare, and strengthening human-dog relationships.


Where I'm At

In 2020, I completed my Level 3 qualification in Dog Behaviour and Training, combining formal study with extensive self-directed learning and hands-on practice. I'm now a Certified Dog Trainer through the Victoria Stilwell Academy (VSA-CDT), a certified Canine Reactivity Coach, and a proud member of The Dog Trainer School.


Victoria Stilwell Academy Certified Dog Trainer logo with silhouette of a person and two dogs on a purple backgroundBadge for 'The Dog Trainer School Approved Reactivity Coach Level One' on a white, purple and grey background


My Approach to Dog Training

When it comes to dog training, the most important aspect is the relationship you have with your dog. A dog who feels safe and secure around you, and the world around them, is much more likely to succeed.

I use positive, reward-based, humane and evidence-based methods. I believe training should be effective while always protecting the safety and wellbeing of both dogs and people.

While I love helping dogs, my real passion also lies in supporting the people who care for them. I aim to empower dog owners with a deeper understanding of their dogs’ behaviour, so they can build stronger, more trusting relationships. My goal is to always create a supportive space where people feel guided and encouraged - never judged or shamed.

I break things down into clear, practical steps to give you and your dog the skills to build a happier and more harmonious life together.

 

Certifications and Accreditations:

Victoria Stilwell Positively Certified Dog Trainer (VSA, Jan 2025)

Reactivity Coach Certification (TDTS, Aug 2025)

The Dog Trainer School (Jan 2025)

Behaviour Vets: Healing Stranger Aggression in Dogs (CPD, Oct 2024)

Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare in Care, Boarding and Kennel Settings (OCN Level 3, Nov 2021)

Diploma in Dog Behaviour & Training (CPD & iAP Level 3, Feb 2020)