About Alison

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I’m Alison, the founder of All Wagged Out, a reward-based dog training and behaviour business based in West Dunbartonshire.

I work with dogs who struggle to cope with everyday life — dogs who are reactive, over-aroused, anxious, or simply finding the world a bit too much — and with owners who want thoughtful, ethical support rather than quick fixes.

My work is grounded in modern behaviour science, practical experience, and a strong belief that training should be kind, clear and fair.

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How I got here

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I’ve worked professionally with dogs since 2012, starting out in dog walking, daycare and home-based care. Spending years working with dogs in real-world settings taught me how much behaviour is shaped by stress, environment and unmet needs, not stubbornness or “bad behaviour”.

That experience led me into training, scentwork and behaviour support, and eventually into formal behaviour study.

I hold an Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour (Canine) and I’m an IMDT Qualified Trainer. My professional development includes in-depth study of learning theory, behaviour assessment, reactivity, puppy development and applied ethology.

Alongside behaviour work, I’m also a Qualified Mantrailing Global Instructor and Trail Hunt Instructor, delivering scent-based activities that support confidence, regulation and emotional wellbeing — particularly for sensitive or reactive dogs.

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Quinn, Ebby and real life

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I share my life with two working cocker spaniels, Quinn and Ebby, who are very much part of both my personal life and my professional thinking.

Living with dogs who have big feelings, busy brains and their own individual challenges has shaped how I work. It keeps me realistic, empathetic and firmly rooted in what actually works in real homes, not just on paper.

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Training should be effective — and enjoyable

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I’m also well known for my themed scentwork, mantrailing and trail hunt events. I believe learning sticks best when dogs are engaged and humans are relaxed, so creativity, humour and playfulness are a deliberate part of my work.

Those themed events have grown into instructor packs and session concepts now used by mantrailing, trail hunt and scentwork instructors across the UK. They’re designed to be welfare-led, idiot-proof to run, and genuinely fun — without losing the training value.

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What matters to me

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I don’t believe in training through fear, pain or intimidation.
I don’t believe dogs need to be “controlled” to learn.

I believe behaviour makes sense when you understand it, and that lasting change comes from reducing stress, building skills and strengthening communication.

Training, for me, isn’t just about teaching cues — it’s enrichment, confidence-building and relationship-building.

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Who I work with

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I work with clients across West Dunbartonshire, including Dumbarton, Balloch, Clydebank, Erskine and Helensburgh, and surrounding areas.

People usually come to me because they want:

• calm, ethical behaviour support

• help understanding why behaviour is happening

• training that fits real life

• support without judgement

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If you’re wondering whether I’m the right fit

If you’re looking for quick fixes, pressure-based methods or obedience at all costs, I won’t be the right person for you.

If you’re looking for thoughtful, science-led behaviour support — with creativity, realism and kindness — I’d love to work with you.

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