Since childhood, many animals have played a large part in the life of Spiritlink trainer Kathleen MacNaughton-Hughes, but her affinity with dogs has remained paramount.
It has been a lifelong dream to promote her love of dogs and help communication between dogs and owners.
For many years, Kate has worked predominantly in rescue and rehabilitation. This involved taking in and assessing rescue dogs, working with them to adapt their behaviour and enable them to become loving family pets.
She has specialised in over confident and aggressive dogs, although no-one has been turned away. Kate has also worked extensively with deaf, blind and epileptic dogs and dogs with other debilitating health issues.
Following many requests for help and advice, she decided to make this her vocation and Spiritlink was born. The name was inspired by the connection between dog and handler and the fulfilment that brings.
Kate maintains her close links with many local and national rescue organisations, volunteering her help whenever possible and can often put prospective homes in contact with rescues having suitable canine candidates.
Due to her involvement with specific health issues, Kate has researched various diets and complementary therapies and can assist clients with finding appropriate practitioners.
Her work with rescue dogs has encouraged her active membership of many charities and clubs including Justice for Dogs, Canine Health Concern and KC Dog and her support and promotion of many more.
Kate is a non-accredited member of the Kennel Club Instructor Scheme (working towards accreditation) and operates under their code of practice.
The "Spiritlink pack" currently consists of seven dogs who are training at various levels in agility, search and rescue work, tracking, working trials, assistance work and GCDS awards.
Kate regularly involves her pack in training sessions and they are an appreciated addition to her client's extended families.
Each Spiritlink Training programme is tailored specifically to you and your dog. Whether you choose hourly lessons, a behavioural consultation
or help with choosing your puppy or rescue dog, your Spiritlink trainer is there to support you.
Our services are praise and reward based with lessons scheduled to suit you.
Initial assessments are offered to clients who would like to begin training sessions. An informal 'get-to-know-you' lasting about 90 minutes, enables your trainer to offer advise and begin tailoring your training programme to the needs of you and your dog.
You may want to book an initial assessment if you are choosing or have just chosen a new best friend. Spiritlink can accompany you to your chosen breeder/rescue centre to aid in assessment and choice of dog/puppy or can put you in touch with recommended breeders and rescue centres who temperament test their dogs. This helps you to match the right dog to your particular circumstances. We can also advise on health issues connected with certain breeds and the health certificates breeders should obtain.
Hourly training sessions help you and your dog improve your communication, giving you the basics of obedience and eliminating everyday little problems.
Behavioural consultations are designed to help rehabilitate dogs with more testing issues or physical disablilities, such as blindness or deafness, which require specially adapted training techniques. Clients are able to follow an initial consultation with hourly training sessions for a more in depth training programme. You can choose to schedule your sessions on a weekly, fortnightly or even monthly basis, it is entirely to suit you.
TARIFF
Training classes (per hour)............................£15:00
Initial assessment.........................................£35:00
Behavioural consultation including follow-up by 'phone & email
half day (usually 1pm - 3:30pm).....................£65:00
full day (9:30am - 3:30pm).........................£150:00
As of 1st Jan 2008 all services incur a mileage charge of 35p per mile over a 25 mile radius, this is unfortunately due the steep rise in fuel costs.