I feel very lucky to be able to do what I love and work with such great dogs and owners.

THE PERSONAL STUFF

I am Diane Lowe and I created Happy Feet Dogs, based in Vilamoura, Quarteira in the Central Algarve, in 2016. Happy Feet Dogs aims to bring together dogs and their owners in a positive and fun environment. We offer socialisation walks, training and behaviour consultation on a very personal level that takes into account that every dog is an individual. 

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In fact, Happy Feet Dogs has been some time in the making. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, and living in the Algarve since 1999, I have always had a love of the outdoors and a special affinity with dogs. I had long dreamed of running my own dog-related business, and it was one of my current dogs Buddy (a terrier mix) that set me firmly on my Happy Feet Dogs journey. 

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I fell in love with Buddy when I was introduced to him at a charity lunch in aid of the local dog shelter, where I volunteered. It was, quite simply, meant to be. But Buddy had been badly abused and I had my work cut out to begin with. He was reactive towards other dogs and men. I was determined to help him. I initially drew on limited experience and a whole lot of instinct and this was when I discovered the true benefits of positive reinforcement and the amazing effects that my work with Buddy had on his physical, mental and emotional health. 

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Before long Buddy was my star pupil and it was then that I decided he could possibly do with a companion. Cue Ozzie, a five month old, super friendly wire-haired Podengo. It was another case of love at first sight, although I’m not sure it was the case for Ozzie as he simply loves everybody!

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Buddy and Ozzie now help me a great deal in my work; from demonstrating tricks and obedience, to encouraging puppies and troubled dogs to socialise. They have taught me so much and continue to do so. It is teamwork at its best.

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THE OFFICIAL STUFF

The dog training industry, as vast as it may be, remains mostly unregulated. Surprising, isn’t it? 

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Having experienced the best and the worst of dog trainers myself, I decided that if I was to offer the best possible service to my clients moving forward, I needed to self-regulate. For me that meant enrolling on well-respected, up to date, science based courses that covered the important elements surrounding dog training and canine behaviour. I had already bought into Positive Reinforcement (reward based training) so it was easy for me to narrow down my search for the right course material. To this day I continue to educate myself through webinars and online courses.

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I am a fully certified trainer and behaviour professional, through  numerous courses and workshops run by the following reputable experts:

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COURSES

Dr Ian Dunbar (SIRIUS): Puppy and adult dog training

Karen Pryor: Clicker training

Kyra Sundance: Do more with your dog

Sally Gutteridge: Canine Principles

Sarah Whitehead: Learn to talk dog 

Grisha Stewart: Ahimsa dog training

Fernando Silva: Educação Canina

Fatima Casals: Alldogs Centro Treino Canino 

Su Ailsby: Fenzi Academy 

Cilla Daniellson: Hundens Hus

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WORKSHOPS:

Flyball: Joachim Muller: 

Dock Diving: Maxine Martens

Dog Frisbee: David Roman 

Agility: Fatima Casals

Dog Puller Sport: Gyongi Panczel