About
Peak Performance Dog Training
All training at Peak Performance is force-free, modern and science backed.
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Positive Enriching Active and Kind
(I normally can’t stand acronyms! And can only apologise if you hate them too (sorry) but… this one is short and nicely captures the Peak Performance ethos ;)
My plan was to create a welcoming space for both dogs and their owners, somewhere they could both play and relax. The space needed to be versatile enough to create a calm, quiet space when needed for anxious, elderly or nervous dogs that could then be quickly turned around for dogs who want to play, jump and burn off some steam in a safe environment.
I also kept you - owners, handlers, dog mums, dads, guardians at the forefront of my mind…There’s a seating area to relax, take a breath and make a cuppa. The space is also available for hire by like-minded force-free trainers and canine professionals at affordable rates.
You can have the whole space to yourself including the use of agility and conditioning equipment, always safe in the knowledge that I will be on hand if needed. There are also taught sessions if you and your dog would like to have a go at agility, canine conditioning, puppy sensory sessions or just improve on some basic everyday training skills.
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Future Plans
Keeping canine welfare at the heart of the business is my prime motivation. I hope to have a wide offering of training and canine health related practices, alongside a referral system to other companies and professionals that dog owners can truly trust.
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Training Design, Delivery and Development
Hi, I’m Alex, the owner and creator of Peak Performance Dog Training. Here is a little snapshot of me…
My work with animals started in 2017 when I was incredibly fortunate to get a job as a Therapeutic Arts Practitioner at a care farm in Derbyshire. Alongside delivering environmental art and rural craft sessions for people with Dementia, I helped to facilitate Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) sessions with horses and alpacas for individuals who had a Learning Disability.
I have been working professionally with dogs for the last six years; first as a Dog Groomer and now as a Dog Trainer specialising in canine fitness and wellbeing. I also have three years experience in agility and fitness with my own dog.
In March 2025 I completed my training in Clinical Canine Merishia massage and will be offering this to my canine customers very soon. I have been studying, completing courses and reading around canine training and behaviour for over five years. I am also studying to become an Animal Behaviour Technician (level 5) which will further help my understanding of dogs which present behavioural issues that are detrimental to themselves and their owners.
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Alongside work it has been really important for me to make time to volunteer to support some incredible animal charities, in turn I have gained invaluable specialist experience.
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Thornberry Animal Sanctuary - Dog Walker (3 hours / week for 9 months 2019-2020)
Support Dogs - Driver and Daycare Assistant (6 hours / week for 10 months 2023)
Dog’s Trust Dog School (1 evening / week for 4 months 2023)
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Specialisms and Certification
- Advanced Canine Behaviour Diploma (4 modules) - British College of Canine Studies L4
- Canicross Instructor - Sporty Paws
- Clinical Canine Massage Practitioner (Merishia technique - Sport and Swedish massage) - Rose Therapy L4
- Dog Trainer - Dog Training College
- Practical Instructor Courses 2 & 4 day - IMDT
- Canine First Aid Trained iPET
- Dog Grooming and Salon Management iPET L3
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Current Training and Study
- Level 5 Compass Education
Advanced Diploma Canine Behaviour Management. Accreditation for Animal Behaviour Technician (Canine) Animal, Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC)
- Level 4 Merishia Massage Canine Student Practitioner
due to qualify December 2024
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Recent CPD Courses
Agility Sequencing
Canine Conditioning Coach
Canine Enrichment
CSCC 1 Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach
Dogs4Motion Academy
Dog Law
Dog Senses
Hoopers Novice and Beginner
Introduction to Canine Massage
Rally
Real Dog Yoga
Tellington Touch
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Special Interests and CPD
Agility Fitness
Animal Assisted Therapy
Behaviour Capturing
Canine Behaviour
Canine Conditioning
Canine Health
Canine Biomechanics and Physiology
Canine Psychology
Herding Breeds
Movement Puzzles and Games
Remedial and Sport Massage
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Professional Memberships
IAAT International Association of Animal Therapists
International Society of Animal Professionals (ISAP)
Merishia Massage Therapy - Student Member
Zoological Society London ZSL - Student Fellow
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Fitness and Health Training and Experience (People)
Certified Canicross Instructor - Sporty Paws
Competed at Local level in Triathlon and Duathlon
Competed at National Level in Athletics
Leading Athletics CPD course - England Athletics
Qualified Swimming Instructor
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Previous Education and Work
- MA Art Therapy (Health and Care Professions Council - HCPC and The British Association of Art Therapists - BAAT registered Art Psychotherapist)
- Six years experience working in Adult Learning Disability including PMLD, Two years working in Dementia services.
- BA Hons Design
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