Dog trainer and horse masseuse, Bachelor of Science.

I was born in Espoo, Finland, in 1974. In Finland I've lived in Hamina and Tampere but most of my life in Helsinki. I've always been “crazy” about animals since I was very little. I learned to take care of homeless animals and injured wild animals from my father. As pets I've had geese, ducks, hens, cats, budgies, rats, doves, an iguana…and of course many dogs!

I have educated myself in the animal protection officers’ course by the Finnish animal protection society (SEY) and trained to be a horse masseuse in Tampere Sport Massage Institute (TU). At the age of 27 I attended senior high school. Before that I couldn't make myself to stay put. But then I really became inspired and after graduation headed to England, Cambridge, to study animal behaviour and ecology from where I have a life science degree and did my dissertation on dog communication.

I've added to my knowledge on dogs by attending several international seminars e.g. Canine Science Forum in Hungary, Turid Rugaas’ seminar in Norway and Animal Learn in Germany. In the last two mentioned I was a guest speaker sharing the results of my studies. After the degree I decided to move to Fuengirola.

A scientific degree is a welcomed addition to my diversified experience. In the family we have had several dogs, eg. Bullterriers and GSD. Myself I've now had three Belgian Malinois and several different kinds of rescue dogs, for example from the dog shelter in Tallinn. In Wales I volunteered in a farm animal sanctuary with dogs and massaging horses (sometimes even cows..) Living in the city I miss geese and hens and the company of bigger animals. I miss the Finnish forests a lot. If I have time after my dogs, cats and work I do yoga, reading, and travelling. I've travelled around South-East Asia and South– and Central-America, which by the way are fantastic sites to observe the natural behaviour of dogs!

 Read more about consultation on dog behaviour.