Group dynamics has never been easier to understand. Functional characters explains so much!

I learned about functional characters a while ago, when I just had Zak, and Gus. When I found Heather and her workshops, I was immediately hooked and couldn't stop attending. The endless supply of cups of tea and biscuits were obviously a contributing factor ;) I've lost count of how many i've been to now, and every single workshop, I learn something new, and observe more 'wow' moments. When Heather asked if I wanted to be part of the BTB team I couldn't say no, the group participation and the real life observations of different dogs and dog behaviour at every workshop is invaluable, and it's simply addictive. I have 4 of my own kids. L-R Gus - Overseer, Zak - Guide, Immy - Hunter, and Ellie - Peacekeeper. And me..... i'm probably an overseer too!

I got involved with The Beyond The Breed Events Team when I adopted a nervous rescue dog. I'm pleased to say that my deeper understanding of dogs, dog behaviour their functional characters has transformed her into a much-loved far more confident member of my family! It’s so interesting to understand why some dogs are the worrywarts of the dog world and other dogs are aloof and confident – Heather’s book makes fascinating reading and it’s amazing to see the interaction of dogs at the Functional Character workshops!

I am the guardian of a Jack Russell (Milo), who is small with big attitude and a Lurcher (Willow) who is so lazy she doesn’t want to get out of bed. We love to spend our spare time walking in the beautiful North Yorkshire area and one of Milo and my favourites is the beach. For all our Functional Character fans, they are both followers. I have been a part of all the Beyond the Breed (BTB) workshops since Heather started to run them in November 2018, attending every single one, as I was so fascinated by Functional Characters. I started to attend the workshop to help my Jack Russell with his socialisation, which then lead me to learn more about his Functional Character and how I can support him in different situations and with his learning/training in life. To be totally honest, I am completely addicted to Functional Characters. My career is not working with dogs like some of the other members of the event team, but it is certainly a passion that I love more and more, we learn something new at every workshop and every time we meet up we come up with more questions.

Hi! I’m Jenny Hunter, and this is my Golden retriever, Sam. I am a dog trainer based in Northumberland and am currently studying to become a practitioner in Canine Botanical Self-Healing. I first came across Functional Characters a few months after I started my training business. I was conscious that a lot of methods I was taught work on the assumption that all dogs learn in similar ways. I discovered very quickly that this was just not the case, and knew that I had to deepen my understanding in order to meet different dogs’ needs. Discovering Functional Characters and becoming a member of the Beyond The Breed event team has revolutionised the way I view dogs and dog behaviour. I hope you enjoy attending the workshops as much as we enjoy running them!

It all started with Ethel, my second dog and, as it turns out, a Defender. An embarrassing and rather alarming incident with a dog next door turned out to be the beginning of my discovery of functional characters. It was life-changing for both Ethel and me, in the most wonderful way - suddenly it all made sense, and life became so much easier and more enjoyable by understanding what was in fact perfectly normal and natural dog behaviour… for a Defender! Embarrassing incidents happily became completely avoidable. Fast forward five years, and I still have Wilfy, my perfect first dog - a loyal, predictable, gentle soul and a true follower. And little Margot, an affectionate, bright and incredibly determined young hunter whippet, who is taking me to a whole new level of learning! (What was that about embarrassing incidents….?!) The more I learn of functional characters, the more fascinating it becomes. As an amateur enthusiast, I love seeing it all come to life amongst the dogs in the workshops. I also love seeing the penny drop with the humans when they see the dogs and dog behaviour in a whole new, complete and positive light. How fantastic that with their new-found knowledge and understanding, they too are going home to a happier life together.

Hi, I’m Louise and I have a small dog grooming business based in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Grooming is my main profession but I also assist Heather in running dog training classes at Centrebarks, which has encouraged me to progress further in the dog world by studying dog training and dog behaviour to become a qualified practitioner. I am owned by my three Newfoundlands - Chance, Freya and Raven. I got involved with functional characters after attending several of the workshops with my own dogs. It is a fascinating subject that will help you to understand your own and other dogs through their eyes.