Vanessa Edwins Sole owner of Scarleys TheDogSchool

I was born in the south of England. My father was a jockey and so I was introduced to the caring and training of horses at a very young age. Our first Labrador was just 18 months younger than I, a yellow male named “Teddy” My father trained the junior British show jumping team and we competed at international level. My mother started breeding Jack Russell Terriers as I was seven and my first training experiments were to teach the “Jacks" tricks.

A Jack Russell lived with us as the children were small and later we rescued a rather sickly chocolate Labrador puppy who needed a loving home “Buttons”. Although not healthy, he turned out to be the most natural obedient dog I have ever known. We started training at the local search and rescue group and started visiting experts and studying various training methods. I then took over the training of the group.After completing my equestrian training as an instructor and in stable management, I worked for my father before going to Germany, where I lived for nearly 30 years.

In 2000 we bought our first Labrador “breeding bitch” Storupdal’s Chocolate Biscuit, due to her fantastic character, health results and working ability enabled us to register the “affix” of Poet’s corner under the VDH/FCI in Germany. Over a period of 7 years we bred 13 litters, from 5 bitches producing several champions and junior champions. I continued further training in canine psychology, genetics, reproduction, canine nutrition and behavioural problems. I completed special courses for puppies their development and training, puppy testing and assessment, “problem dogs” and the resolving of. We have specialized in the socialisation and training of the family dog and the working Retriever. At this point I would very much like to thank, Karola Haufe BAP, Perdita Lubbe-Scheuermann (Hunde Akadamie), Dr Vet Med. Blendinger, Dr. Med. Vet. Kuebler, Jacqueline and Daniel Lack in France, Birgit Laser and Thomas Baumann under whom we have learned so much.

In 2003 I organised a trainings group under the German Labrador Club and 2004/5 started my own professional “Dog School” in Germany expanding our services to cover all breeds. Our team consists of my husband Peter who trains the hunting section and  who manages the German “TheDogSchool” since our move to Ireland we have help from a very competent and trusted friend.

Since moving to Ireland we have a registered trade name “Scarleys” which is also my new “affix” under the Irish and English Kennel Club as “of Poet’s corner “ was not available. Basically we offer the same training (see Training) in both countries with the exceptions that in Ireland we have the facilities to offer, residential training for dogs and /or with their owners.

We will be offering course and seminars in all areas of Canine Behaviour, and a number of Dog Training methods, Maternity Help, Canine Midwifery and Bach Remedies for Dogs. We also offer pet friendly Bed and Breakfast with all the facilities to make you and your pet(s) feel at home in our spacious En-suite rooms. We are involved in Labrador Rescue and dog welfare work in Ireland. We are very much looking forward to meeting you and your dog(s)