Neil, a dedicated dog trainer, brings over 12 years of experience in training dogs with the National Search and Rescue Dog Association. Specializing in effective and enjoyable training methods, he focuses on positive reward-based training and clicker training to work with both dogs and their owners.
Neil’s expertise extends to mountaineering, often involving his dogs Cleo and Willow in his outdoor pursuits. Additionally, he serves as a National Search Dog Assessor, responsible for evaluating and qualifying search dogs using a range of training methods. His qualifications include diplomas in Canine Coaching with First Aid, Canine Behavior Professional, and Search Dog Handling, along with certifications as a Head Trainer/Owner.
Neil’s training philosophy centers around force-free, positive reward-based methods. He is equipped with scent, tracking, and trailing equipment, as well as agility gear, and he serves the entirety of the Flathead Valley and surrounding areas.
Neil’s proficiency in various disciplines of dog scent work, such as air scenting, tracking, trailing, and scent work akin to the training of explosive and drug dogs, is complemented by his experience in gun dog and obedience training. His professional development has been furthered by his qualifications as a Scent Detection and Dog Tracking Instructor.
With a background as a serving Soldier in the British Army and later as a Front Line Police Officer in the London Metropolitan Police Force for 15 years, Neil brings a wealth of experience to his training practice. His passion for the outdoors, coupled with his expertise in dog training, positions him as an ideal instructor in the beautiful Montana landscape.
