Meet Sonja & Henderson
Hello, I'm Sonja and I live on the outskirts of Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. I started A&S Small Pet Services in 2013, initially providing the solo dog walking and pet visits that I still offer today. Through extensive training and qualifications I now also provide training and behaviour consultations for dogs and their owners who are looking for a kind and ethical approach to fulfilling their dogs' individual needs.
My interest in dog training and behaviour was initially sparked by my own dog, Henderson, a beautiful springer spaniel who at 5 months of age started exhibiting obscure behavioural traits brought about through his own fear and anxiety. These manifested in obsessive compulsive behaviours, an example of which is shadow chasing. Thankfully this behaviour has almost fully disappeared, however he does still have obsessive style traits.

APDT Advanced & ISCP Canine Diploma
After meeting an amazing APDT instructor in 2014, I started my own personal journey towards wanting to be the best advocate for my own dog and to help others with theirs. The words of wisdom the instructor used, which changed my life and my viewpoint, were "Sonja if you always remember he can't help why he performs these behaviours, you will always do the very best for him".
Those words left quite an impression on me and I went on to complete and pass the APDT Foundation Dog Training course in 2016, followed by the Advanced Course in 2018. I also passed my ISCP Level 5 Canine Behaviour Diploma with a distinction in 2023. I am now able to work as both a Trainer and Canine Behaviour Practitioner to help you and your dog with positive guidance, support, training and behavioural problems.

Professional Development
I continue to gain knowledge and new skills and awareness by regularly attending workshops and webinars, together with reading dog training and behaviour books and articles.
I am also now seeking to adopt a more holistic approach to working with your pets, and value guardians who provide enrichment, kindness and choices for their pets, whatever the species. I am proud to only use science-backed methods that are based on positive reinforcement only.
