MY HISTORY

Renee Rhoades

My first dog, Sparky, came into my life when I was 4 years old. Even at that age I knew how special these creatures were and that they would always be part of my life in some capacity. Sparky was such a wonderful friend and boy, did we have fun together! I credit him for introducing me to the beauty that is sharing your life with a dog.

Needing more dogs in my life I started volunteering at my local ASPCA around the age of 14 and once I finished high school I made the decision to pursue a career as a Certified Veterinary Technician (Nurse). It was during this time that I started to have a more direct interest in dog behaviour and training.

In my role as a canine behaviour specialist, my ultimate goal is for you and your dog to have the best relationship possible. Every great relationship starts with a solid foundation built on an understanding of what one another needs, compromise and an ability to communicate effectively so that you are able to maintain a positive connection. This is what I practice and this is what I teach. I educate humans on how to empower their dogs.

Alongside my 20+ years of hands-on experience in working together with dogs, I am also:

  • The only referral behaviourist and trainer used by Pet Doctors Isle of Wight

  • A former moderator for the Do No Harm Training Group

  • Endorsed and receive referrals from other professionals in the field of behaviour, training and veterinary

  • Level 7: Masters degree in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law at the University of Winchester (2022)
  • Level 6: Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour at The International School for Canine Psychology and Behaviour – Completed with Distinction
  • Level 5: Studied Animal Management and Behaviour at Sparsholt College
  • Level 3: Studied Biomedical Science and Pharmacology at Highbury College
  • Certified Veterinary Technician (currently non-practising)
  • Certified Fear Free ® Professional
  • Aggression in Dogs Master Course Certified (by Michael Shikashio)
  • Dr Ian Dunbar’s SIRIUS ® Dog Training and Behavior Academy
  • Canine Behavior from Ethology Institute
  • Canine Anxiety from Canine Principals
  • Puppy Lab from School of Canine Science…

 

Along with these notable courses I have attended numerous conferences and completed minor certificates in various sectors of dog behaviour and training.

Dog training is currently an unregulated industry so it is crucial to choose an educated, accredited and Fear Free® professional like myself. Based on years of study, research and working with dogs I know that reward-based training is the most effective way to train and modify behaviour – for all animals. Positive reinforcement (also known as R+) is also extensively backed by scholars, educators and scientists in the field of behaviour.

  • Level 7: Masters degree in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law at the University of Winchester (2022)
  • Level 6: Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour at The International School for Canine Psychology and Behaviour – Completed with Distinction 
  • Level 5: Studied Animal Management and Behaviour at Sparsholt College
  • Level 3: Studied Biomedical Science and Pharmacology at Highbury College
  • Certified Veterinary Technician (currently non-practising)
  • Certified Fear Free ® Professional
  • Aggression in Dogs Master Course Certified (by Michael Shikashio)
  • Dr Ian Dunbar’s SIRIUS ® Dog Training and Behavior Academy
  • Canine Behavior from Ethology Institute
  • Canine Anxiety from Canine Principals
  • Puppy Lab from School of Canine Science…

Along with these notable courses I have attended numerous conferences and completed minor certificates in various sectors of dog behaviour and training.

Dog training is currently an unregulated industry so it is crucial to choose an educated, accredited and Fear Free professional like myself. Based on years of study, research and working with dogs I know that reward-based training is the most effective way to train and modify behaviour – for all animals, including humans! Positive reinforcement (also known as R+) has been extensively backed by scholars, educators and scientists in the fields of behaviours and learning. You and your dog are in safe, capable hands with me.

R+Dogs began in 2018 and supplies behaviour and training options to you online and through downloadable resources. While I am physically based on the Isle of Wight, UK I primarily work with virtual clients all around the globe.

Dog behaviour has many facets and I have chosen to dedicate my professional study and guidance in these areas:

- Aggression
- Reactivity (barking, lunging, defensive behaviour)
- Generalised fear/phobias
- Puppy Development

My Amazing Boys

  • Lycan is a working-line German shepherd who joined our family when he was nearly 9 months old. Being a high-drive, working dog it is incredibly important to me to show that Lycan (and dogs like him) do not need a "heavy hand" in training. Lycan has been trained using reward-based practices exclusively. He has been a challenge for me both professionally and personally, but he has also helped me grow tremendously in skill and understanding. Favourite Things: me, stolen socks and ear massages
  • Nero is a border collie x whippet (aka lurcher or border whippet) who came into my life after months of searching for a rescue dog. From the moment I saw him at only a few weeks old I knew he was "the one". He has been amazing from the start. Nero has such a gentle and sweet character its hard not to fall in love when you meet him! He is such a special guy and I feel incredibly lucky every moment of every day that I get to care for him. Favourite Things: other dogs, his fireplace and liver sausage
  • Lycan is a working-line German shepherd who joined our family when he was nearly 9 months old. Being a high-drive, working dog it is incredibly important to me to show that Lycan (and dogs like him) do not need a "heavy hand" in training. Lycan has been trained using reward-based practices exclusively. He has been a challenge for me both professionally and personally, but he has also helped me grow tremendously in skill and understanding. Favourite Things: me, stolen socks and ear massages
  • Nero is a border collie x whippet (aka lurcher or border whippet) who came into my life after months of searching for a rescue dog. From the moment I saw him at only a few weeks old I knew he was "the one". He has been amazing from the start. Nero has such a gentle and sweet character its hard not to fall in love when you meet him! He is such a special guy and I feel incredibly lucky every moment of every day that I get to care for him. Favourite Things: other dogs, his fireplace and liver sausage