Accreditation / Professional Memberships

Victoria Stilwell Academy

Halina has been granted official status as a Victoria Stilwell Academy – Certified Dog Trainer (VSA-CDT). She has continued her education, training and professional development since graduating with distinction, and is currently studying for a Level 5 Diploma in Canine Psychology & Behaviour, with the International School for Canine Psychology & Behaviour (ISCP).

The Victoria Stilwell Academy (VSA) is the world’s premier institution for professional dog trainer education. VSA graduates have been rigorously assessed at the highest level for both skills and knowledge in the areas of dog training, behaviour modification, canine ethology and creative problem-solving. Additionally, great emphasis is placed within VSA’s industry-leading curriculum upon effective and empathetic human communication skills. This unique focus results in professional dog trainers who are prepared not just to train dogs successfully using powerful force-free, positive reinforcement-based tools and techniques, but also to help dog owner clients to learn how to truly transform canine behaviour and set their dogs up for success using the latest in modern behavioural science methods. Learn more about the Victoria Stillwell Academy here https://www.vsdogtrainingacademy.com

The Pet Professional Guild

The Pet Professional Guild (PPG) is a membership organisation representing pet industry professionals who are committed to results based, science based force-free training and pet care. Halina is an active member of PPG British Isles (membership no 35675726). Learn more about the PPG here https://www.petprofessionalguild.co.uk/Full-Directory

The Pet Professional Network

Halina is a Gold Member of the Pet Professional Network (PPN). The PPN is the first international business support organisation for force free pet professionals. Working in collaboration with world class training and behavioural institutes, they provide the very best advice in all aspects of marketing, mindset and personal development, helping connect members with like-minded professionals in a safe environment. Having undergone a personal assessment, ensuring their high standards and force free philosophy are met, Halina was invited to join their supportive community and will continue to receive ongoing group coaching. By being a member Halina is committed to giving clients the best and most effective long-term support and will also encourage other professionals to reach out and help support each other, in a safe coaching environment.

The International School for Canine Psychology & Behaviour

Halina is currently enrolled in the International School for Canine Psychology & Behaviour (ISCP) Diploma in Canine Psychology & Behaviour. The ISCP educates students of canine behaviour in the most up to date methods, and places a strong emphasis on positive dog training and rehabilitation.

The International Companion Animal Network

The International Companion Animal Network (ICAN) was founded by a group of prominent organisations and education providers who use and recommend purely force-free methods. They formed in order to meet the profound need for solidarity, mutual support, communication and cooperation between professionals working in the animal behaviour and training realm. Halina is an active member due to her accreditation with the VSA, Gold membership with the PPN and her studies with the ISCP.

Dog Welfare Alliance

The Dog Welfare Alliance (DWA) is a non-profit organisation that connects all those who have an interest in dog behaviour and welfare. The membership subscriptions and donations are passed on in full to rescue shelters, so that they can save dogs in urgent need. The DWA helps rescues to fund veterinary care, education programs and dog sanctuaries.

The Dog Welfare Alliance was founded in September 2013. It brings together members of the public, organisations, governing bodies, behaviourists and trainers, students of dog behaviour, veterinary surgeons, therapists and rescue shelters. Anyone with an interest in dogs and a commitment to compassionate, force-free methods of training is welcome to join.

The UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter

The UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter is formed as a collaboration between a number of leading professional associations all pulling together to make it crystal clear that methods inducing fear and pain cannot be supported nowadays. The Charter is a very simple system where the signatory organisations remain entirely autonomous but pull together to make a real difference to dog welfare and customer confidence.