Private training & behaviour programmes for both dogs & puppies, using positive and modern methods Hi, I’m Jo. I’m here to help you understand your dog.
I’m a passionate dog trainer and behaviourist who wants to help you find the fun and joy in being a dog parent. I’ll guide you through laying solid foundations so that you and your dog can handle whatever life throws at you with confidence. I also help dog trainers nail the foundations of puppy training, taking your knowledge beyond basic training onto behaviour so that you can help more puppies a
nd owners with certainty. Areas Covered
South Ruislip, Ruislip, Hillingdon, Uxbridge, Ickenham, Hayes, Northolt, Ealing, Eastcote, Pinner, Harrow, Denham, Gerrards Cross, Chalfont St Peters, Northwood, Watford, Iver, Stoke Poges and more…
I may travel to any location within a 20-mile radius from South Ruislip to meet client needs. However, this may incur an additional fee to cover travel and extra travel time zoom sessions are available too.
20/11/2025
A step in the right direction for dogs but there’s still a long way to go.
When a dog is living with discomfort or pain, just like us, it affects their mood and can influence their behaviour. Sadly, so many breeds today are struggling with daily life, and their quality of life is often far poorer than people realise as they are so stoic.
We need to shift the focus towards breeding for behaviour and health, not just for how a dog looks. Our dogs deserve to breathe comfortably, move comfortably, and live comfortably. 🐾
Designer dogs with flat faces, wrinkly skin and bulging eyes will disappear in the next 10 years under plans to eradicate extreme traits in dogs.
⚠️ Helping Your Dog Cope with the Remembrance Day Maroons ⚠️
On Remembrance Sunday, the London Borough of Hillingdon will again launch maroons (loud cannon-like fireworks) from sites such as RAF Northolt and Deane Park at 11:00am and 11:02am to mark the start and end of the two-minute silence.
These can be sudden and very loud especially if you live nearby so here are some simple ways to help your dog feel safe and comfortable:
Prepare the Environment
- Keep windows and doors closed to reduce noise.
- Draw curtains or blinds to muffle sound and block flashes of light.
- Create a cosy den in an inner room or area away from outside walls
- Turn on background sound, brown noise, classical music, TV, or a fan can help mask sudden bangs.
Support Your Dog Emotionally
- Stay calm and act normal. Your dog will take cues from you.
- Let them choose where to be. Don’t force them into a den or to stay with you; choice builds confidence.
- Provide comfort if they seek it. It’s absolutely okay to reassure your dog if they’re worried.
Provide Distractions
- Offer a long-lasting chew, stuffed Kong, or lick mat before 11am to help them stay settled.
- A sniffing game or scattering treats around a room can redirect focus and help them relax.
Timing Tips
- Plan walks early make sure they’ve been out well before 11am.
- Keep them indoors around 10:45–11:15am just in case the maroons are heard early or echo afterwards.
08/11/2025
I had a great day at the Years retail launch at Just for Pets in Tamworth today
I was part of the expert panel alongside the amazing Alyssa Ralph and Laura Ward to chat all things behaviour and nutrition. We had some brilliant conversations, met some lovely dogs and their caregivers, and it was such a pleasure meeting everyone involved. 🐾
08/11/2025
A fascinating chat posted by the Rawpetmedics on LED Red Light Therapy worth a watch for Dogs and humans!
Helping Dogs Feel Comfortable Around Other Dogs – On TV
I got fed up with trying to find suitable videos for dogs to help them feel comfortable seeing other dogs on TV, so I decided to make my own! The first two are already uploaded, and more videos are being created to continue the series.
Each video in this CALM SEEING DOGS series has the same introductory section to remind users how to set up safely, support the dog, and use the videos properly, but the images and video content after that differ. Starting with the dogs lying and relaxing and progressing to the next in the series when the dog is ready. Every stage begins with static images to help dogs settle before moving to gentle motion, and a countdown gives them time to prepare.
I’ve also tried to think carefully about how the dogs are presented: they don’t stare directly, often turn away, and the moving dogs in the initial videos show calm body language. It’s not just a dog on TV staring at them, obviously I can’t control the size of the dog on TV as that depends on how big the TV is! I have also kept them short to aid learning and to try and prevent overwhelm.
Key techniques behind the series:
1️⃣ Habituation
• Dogs learn to ignore a stimulus because it’s harmless and repeated.
• Example: Regular exposure to dogs on TV without negative consequences, so reactions reduce over time.
2️⃣ Desensitisation
• Gradual exposure at a low intensity to prevent fear or stress.
• Example: Starting with still images of dogs before moving to videos with gentle movement.
3️⃣ Counter-conditioning
• Changing emotional responses by pairing the stimulus with something positive.
• Example: Treats, praise, or play when the dog sees dogs on TV to build calm, positive associations.
I’d love your thoughts and feedback as the rest of the videos are being created!
Each video in this series has the same starting information to remind users how to set up, support the dog and use the videos but the images and videos are d...
04/11/2025
A YouTube short from my recent visit to Years HQ we talked about lead walking, letting dogs sniff, and finding the right balance. I’m not against dogs sniffing it’s important for processing their environment and mental well-being. But in recent years, there’s been a lot of promotion around “free sniffing,” and sometimes the guidance misses important safety points.
I’ve seen situations where caregivers aren’t sure how to manage leads safely, which can put both dogs and their guardians at risk. Puppies or less confident dogs constantly heading into situations they’re not ready for are particularly important to watch. If unnoticed, this behaviour can contribute to future stress-related issues like barking, lunging, snapping, or even biting.
The full episode will be on Years HQ’s upcoming podcast, and it makes much more sense in context!
Walking your dog should be bonding, not battling. Here’s Jo’s pro tip for better walks
20/10/2025
On route to Years.com head office today to visit their site and be interviewed for their podcast! 🎙️
I’ve recently joined them on a freelance basis as one of their behaviour advisors, helping to ensure their clients (and their dogs!) get as much support as possible. Really looking forward to today’s chat! 🐾
Years is a fresh dog food subscription and delivery box to help your dog live a longer, healthier & happier life. Backed by nutritionists & vets made in the UK.
The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) is proud to announce that its Assessing Organisations Certification Scheme has been formally recognised by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
Following a detailed review, UKAS confirmed that the ABTC Scheme meets the requirements of the international standard ISO/IEC 17067. In simple terms, this means the Scheme meets the high standards required for recognised certification programmes, the same framework that underpins quality assurance across many professional sectors.
This recognition, published in the UKAS Stage One Report on 6 October 2025, confirms the ABTC Scheme as suitable for use within formal certification processes. It also enables the ABTC to apply for Certification Body status under ISO/IEC 17065.
For the first time, the animal behaviour and training community has a UKAS-recognised certification scheme. This milestone strengthens ABTC’s long-term goal of embedding professional standards, supporting practitioners, and helping the public find ethical, evidence-based help for their animals.
We extend sincere thanks to the volunteers and representatives from our Member Organisations whose expertise and dedication made this possible.
“The ABTC Assessing Organisations Certification Scheme was reviewed for compliance against the requirements of ISO/IEC 17067. UKAS confirmed that the ABTC Scheme is formally recognised as suitable for use in the Conformity Assessment arena.” - UKAS Stage One Report, 6 October 2025
[Alt text: Red graphic titled “Important Announcement.” Text reads: “ABTC secures landmark UKAS recognition — a first for the animal behaviour and training sector. Driving excellence in animal behaviour and training.” Includes ABTC logo and two megaphone icons.]
03/10/2025
For those really organised people like me (yes I’m boringly organised 🤣) it’s time to think about an autumn or winter break this year and even your holiday for next year. Often we leave things until the last minute only to find that the places we really like are fully booked - both for your holiday and for your dog’s holiday too! We now have our 2026 diary and are taking bookings for next year so if you’re thinking about taking a well earned break, and want to go on holiday without worrying about your dog, drop me an email and I will send you some information to see if you think your dog will love it here. We’re based in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire but to be honest we have people that travel for miles to leave their dog with us, and the fact that we are only 30 minutes from Heathrow Airport, makes dropping your dog off before you fly and collecting at the end of the holiday easy peasy! Go on… be boringly organised and book your holiday (and one for your dog!) so that you have something to look forward to. 🐾🐾🐾🐾
Working with some incredible trainers, behaviourists, zoo keepers and of course the most amazing teacher and coach Jo Mason from Educating Animals
The work we were doing was about improving welfare. It’s about trying to reduce stress or the need to put animals under anaesthetic, with all the risks that come with that, and creating handling and safety routines that protect both animals and keepers.
By using consent-based training and handling it reduces the need for netting, darting, or forcing animals into cooperation all of which increase stress and fear. Procedures become calm, cooperative experiences that support welfare, safety, and trust.
In the videos below you will see we are doing station training with the goats, asking them to go to a place which is useful for when keepers enter or exit the environment or for routine care treatments and we also worked on targeting with the Cuban Crocodiles, Giant Tortoises and the Marabou Storks which helps if there is a need to move them from one part of their habitat to the other.
There’s so much we can learn from this for our own companion animals. Dogs can sometimes appear very tolerant in certain situations but it’s worth asking, is that genuine cooperation, or simply compliance? Consent based handling changes this dynamic. When dogs are given choice and the chance to opt out, they often choose to continue, as their experiences have been positive. This not only builds trust but also helps them cope better when procedures must be carried out for their health, safety, or welfare, making them far more resilient in the long term.
Some excellent information to support this include:
- Sue Williams’ “Taking the Grr Out of Grooming”
- The Bucket Game from Chirag Patel
- Deb Jones’ Cooperative Care Facebook Group
There is also theDog Friendly Clinic Scheme (Dogs Trust + BVBA): Find vets and veterinary nurses trained in reducing stress for dogs during veterinary visits bringing consent-based, cooperative handling into everyday veterinary care.
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Send a message to Jo Hinds - Dog Trainer & Pet Behaviour Advisor:
Joanne is fully qualified Professional Dog Trainer APDT UK, Certified COAPE Animal Behaviourist DipCABT (QCF Level 4) and published author who uses modern, positive, science based training methods and she does not use or condone any aversive techniques, which include the use of choke chains, any other devices or handling methods that cause discomfort or distress in cats and dogs. She takes pride in making her training sessions fun and educational putting you as an owner and your pets needs first. She is here to help you develop the relationship you have with your canine and feline companions and help you understand why they do what they do.
Joanne sees private behaviour cases involving dogs and cats on vet referral, as well as providing advice sessions for newly rescued dogs and also specialises in street dogs. She also offers private one to one training, private puppy/kitten advice sessions and courses to get owners off to the right start to prevent behaviour problems in the future.
Joanne Hinds is a modern dog trainer and pet behaviour advisor based in South Ruislip, Middlesex. She started her career working at Bellmead Kennels and Cattery Training College where she obtained a Diploma and NVQ Level 2 in small animal care, continuing her training with COAPE (Centre of Applied Pet Ethology) for an Advanced Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and Training. Joanne is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, MAPDT 01095 and attends many seminars, courses and workshops to keep her skills and knowledge up to date. Joanne has over 18 years experience in the Canine and Feline World. Joanne Hinds is also a published author see her latest children’s books here.
Joanne covers South Ruislip and the surrounding local areas including Ruislip, Hillingdon, Uxbridge, Ickenham, Hayes, Northolt, Ealing, Eastcote, Pinner, Harrow, Denham, Gerrards Cross, Chalfont St Peters, Northwood, Watford, Iver, Stoke Poges and more… She may travel to any location further than the aforementioned 20 mile radius from South Ruislip, to meet client needs, however this may incur an additional fee.
Telephone/Virtual (Video Call) Sessions are available no matter where you are based in the world!
