Our Team
Train with us and have a happy and well-behaved dog
Sarah Hickmott BSc (Hons)
Head Trainer And Clinical Animal Behaviourist
Pet Necessities Professional Dog Training is run by Sarah Hickmott BSc (Hons). Being a professional dog trainer, in our mind, means you have completed educational studies and passed rigorous assessment procedures.
Sarah is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), meaning that not only has she been assessed for her standard, but she promises to conform to the association’s ethics of only using kind, reward-based training methods. This is essential when looking for someone to help you train your best friend; anyone can state that they are a qualified dog trainer, but look for APDT membership as a seal of approval. She is also a full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), meaning she is a fully qualified canine behaviour specialist.
She is a registered Animal Training Instructor and Clinical Animal Behaviourist with The Animal Behaviour and Training Council. Sarah has achieved a certificate in Advanced Training and Behaviour with The Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE) and is a recognised trainer for Scentwork UK levels 1 & 2.
Sarah has worked with dogs all her life and has been working in the dog training industry for over 20 years. She has completed a degree in Psychology with Birkbeck University in Central London, where she was awarded an Upper Class Second with Honours. Her final year project was based on reversal learning in dogs, and the effects of breed, age and gender on performance.
Sarah shares her life with Pickle, a Whippet. She has owned, fostered and cared for many dogs in the past so is experienced in living with an array of different breeds.
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Sarah also kept pet rats for many years, which she clicker trained to perform exercises such as to retrieve and touch targets … what fun!
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Sarah holds a certificate in Canine First Aid, with Animal Aiders, and is DBS checked for your peace of mind.
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Sarah has qualified as a Nature’s Menu Raw Food Advisor.
Julia Hardy
Julia is a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT01313) and the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT). In 2019 Julia completed her qualifications to become a registered behaviourist with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDTB). She has been working with Sarah since 2014.
Julia has attended many courses in dog training and behaviour by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and obtained certificates in:
- APDT Foundation Dog Training Instructors Course (2014)
- APDT Advanced Dog Training Instructors Course (2015)
- APDT Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Dog Training Instructing (2015 & 2016)
- Open College Network Level 3 “Principles of Dog Training and Behaviour” accreditation (2017)
- Open College Network Level 5 “Understanding and Working with Canine Behaviour (2019)
She shares her life with the lovely Luca, a Lurcher.
Julia has a certificate in Canine First Aid, with Animal Aiders.
Nicola Tanner
Nicola is a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT01098), making her a certified dog trainer. She has been working with Sarah since 2007.
- Nicola is a registered trainer with The Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC).
- She has obtained a distinction in an Introductory Psychology course with The Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE).
- She received a distinction in her Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management with Compass Education and Training.
- She is a recognised trainer for Scentwork UK levels 1 & 2.
- Nicola shares her life with Jaffa and Kia, two Sheltie’s. Her passion is agility, which she competes in.
- She has previously competed in Heelwork to Music to a high standard.
- Nicola’s previous Sheltie was called Robbie, who she sadly lost at 14.5 years of age.
- She was able to demonstrate her abilities at Crufts with Robbie for four years in a row.
- In August 2008, Nicola went to India on an Animal Rescue Programme, where she was involved in rearing abandoned puppies.
- Nicola has a certificate in Canine First Aid, with Animal Aiders, and is DBS checked for your peace of mind.
Morag Livingston
Morag is a full member of the Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT0446) , making her a certified dog trainer. She has been training her dogs with Sarah since since 2008.
- Morag is a registered trainer with The Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC).
- She is studying a Level 5 Diploma in Canine Behaviour with Canine Principles.
- Morag owns two Golden Retrievers and has owned the breed for fifteen years.
- She competes in agility.
