Our Dog Training Team

Here at Bronte Canine Dog Training we feel passionate about the quality of service we deliver. All sessions are delivered by our head trainer who is a full member of the APDT. We have 4 assistants, all of which are Canine First Aid trained, you can read more about the team below. Although our groups are small, we feel it is important to have an assistant present to reitterate instructions and offer support where needed. Bronte Canine Dog Training is a business committed to supporting APDT students in their learning.

HEAD TRAINER AND BUSINESS FOUNDER - PAULA RUFFCUTSTONE (MAPDT01460)

My journey into dog training started 18 years ago when I rescued my beautiful Miko a husky/collie cross. Having trained in several clubs I decided to broaden my knowledge and study with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). This took me through 3 years of study. During this time I was lucky enough to have a three year work placement with Tailwagger training in Leeds which sealed the deal in terms of my career path! 9 years on and I am now a full member of the APDT gaining full marks during assessent, head trainer of Bronte Canine Dog Training and a stones throw away from completion of my ADipCBM in Canine Behaviour Management. In addition to this I hold a BAHons degree in Youth and Community Development. I love helping people to improve their relationship with their dogs and enjoy watching the dogs as they progress.

I share my life with my partner in crime Rufus, two ponies, a small flock of sheep, our chickens and of course our two dogs. Arya is my eldest, she's 4 now and has been with me since pup, sh'es a border collie and loves to work! She enjoys anything we do! At present she is a regular at Friday Night Dog Club and also learns positive herding in her spare time. Ragnar is my newest addition, now 2, he came to me at 9 months old, he's a registered working collie and we are learning to herd on stock together. It's a long road but so far we are loving it!

DR LILLY SCOTT - CLINICAL ANIMAL BEHAVIOURIST AND TRAINING ASSISTANT IN CLASS

Lilia is a professional animal behaviourist and zoologist with over 20 years’ experience working with a variety of animals from primates and seals to cats and dogs. She specialises in helping dogs with behaviour issues by using an evidence based, force-free approach and runs her own business. Lilia has a PhD Biology, Animal Behavioural Ecology (University of Leeds) and a PgDip (Distinction) Clinical Animal Behaviour (University of Edinburgh). Dr Lilly is a supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants, IAABC

Lilia has two Jack Russell's adopted from the RSPCA and a rescued cat. Dr Lilly has been with us for over two years now, as a qualified clinical animal behaviourist Dr Lilly works with all our behaviour cases. Dr Lilly supports mainly on a Tuesday evening and Saturday morning and steps in to co-teach now and again.

KATIE STANSFIELD-TYLER - TRAINING ASSISTANT

Hello, my name is Katie, I am 21 years old. I am a lover of all animals..... however with a fear of sharks, but that's besides the point! I live on a small holding and have three border terriers! Their names are Kit, Dot and Wren and they are everything to me. I have very recently finished a degree in Canine Behaviour and Training at Reaseheath University. As well as animals I also love exercise and arts and crafts!

I started at Bronte Canine Dog Training as part of my work experience but have just never left. I love meeting you all and helping out as much as I can.