About Me
Petrina Firth DipCABT
I’m Petrina Firth, a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) trained directly under world-renowned expert Malena DeMartini, author of “Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs.”
With over 15 years’ experience in dog behaviour, I’ve dedicated my career to helping dogs overcome their fear of being home alone.
As a Certified Companion Applied Animal Behaviourist (ICAN) and full member of the COAPE Association of Applied Pet Behaviourists International (CABTi), I bring a deep scientific understanding to my work. My academic background includes studying under influential experts like Ray Coppinger and Professor Peter Neville, ensuring my methods are always grounded in the latest behavioural science.
I’m proud to be a Member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (no. 01238), the UK’s gold standard for professional dog trainers. My expertise has been recognised by national media, with features in The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Mail on Sunday and Newsweek.
Currently….
Through my specialised online training programmes, I help dogs and their families overcome canine separation anxiety, proving that effective behaviour modification is possible even in a virtual setting.
As a Content Specialist and Puppy Training Coach for the Zigzag Puppy Training App, I also share my knowledge with puppy owners worldwide, helping prevent separation anxiety before it begins.
Education and Continuous
Professional Development
As a lifelong learner passionate about understanding dog behaviour, I believe in constantly expanding my knowledge to provide the best possible support for my clients.
My educational journey combines rigorous academic study with practical, hands-on experience. From studying under industry pioneers like Ethologist Ray Coppinger, Applied Behaviour Analayst Dr Susan Friedman or Canine Separation Anxiety extrordinaire Malena De Martini, to attending international conferences and workshops with speakers such as the late Jaak Panksepp, I ensure I stay at the forefront of canine behavioural science.
This commitment to continuous professional development means my clients benefit from the most current, evidence-based approaches to dog training and behaviour modification.
Below are some highlights from my ongoing educational journey:
Credentials
- Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) – Malena De Martini
- Certified Companion Animal Behaviourist (COAPE, ICAN)
- Member of COAPE Association of Applied Pet Behaviourists International (CABTi)
- Fully Assessed Member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (No. 01238)
- COAPE MHERA Qualification
- COAPE, Diploma In The Principles of Companion Animal Behaviour
- and Training; DipCABT (Pass – Distinction)
- Living and Learning with Animals (ABA) – Dr Susan Friedman
- Scentwork UK Instructor Course
- Real Dog Yoga Instructor
- Agility Club UK Assessed Instructor (Gold Pass)
- Canine Hoopers UK (CHUK) Accredited Instructor
- Canine Hoopers World Instructor Training
CPD, Events and Conferences
- Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI) training with Lesley McDevitt
- Fear Free Cooperative Care Trainer certification (in progress)
- Holistic Dog Nutrition with The Possible Canine
- Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer Course with Julie Naismith
- Excel Agility Judging Seminar with Neil Ellis
- Canine Proprioception For Professionals weekend with Caroline Cowan
- Ace Freework Weekend Workshop with Sarah Fisher
- Real Skills for Connectivity – Tracking, Scentwork and Life Skills
- Dog Parkour Instructors Course – International Dog Parkour Association
- Psychopharmacology Seminar with Professor Daniel Mills
- Life Skills Train the Trainers at University of Lincoln
- First Aid at Work Training – Nuco Training
- APDT UK – Advanced Dog Training Instructors Course
- Kathy Sdao – The Weekend, Manchester
- Dog Business Success Seminar with Kim Lyddon
- Loose Leaders Workshop – Institute of Modern Dog Trainers
- Animal training workshop with Linda Bergeren – Chessington Zoo
- Sirius Dog Training Academy with Dr Ian Dunbar
- Training for Trainers Rally with Kim Hunt
- Foundations of coordination and balance for agility dogs with Hannah Banks
- B.A.T Seminar with Grisha Stewart
- Puppy Instructor with Sarah Whitehead
- The Mexico City Dump – Ray Coppinger
- Paddy Driscoll: Dogs Behaving Badly
- Winkie Spiers: Stress in dogs
- Kerry Jenkinson: Tellington Touch Bodywork Workshop
- Ken Ramirez – Animal Training Marwell Zoo
- First Aid For Dog Owners – The Dog and Handler Club
- Dr Britta Osthaus: What Science can tell us about the Intelligence of Dogs
- Sue Sternberg: Arousal and Aggression in Agility
- Kirsty Peake and Jacqui Jones: Living with Wolves and Wolfdogs
Book a Call
Talk to me about your dog today and get the help you need and peace of mind.