I began my career in 2011, fresh out of school and college, with a clear purpose: to work with dogs. From the outset, I knew that my path would involve dogs, but I wasn’t certain which direction to take. After some deliberation, I narrowed it down to two options: becoming a police dog handler or joining the army. Ultimately, I chose the army because it allowed me to begin my journey as a dog handler immediately, without the wait required in the police force. My father’s influence also played a role in this decision.

On March 28, 2011, I embarked on my military dog handling career. After completing basic training and earning my Class 3 Dog Handling certification, I was assigned to 104 Military Working Dog (MWD) Squadron. It was with this squadron that I deployed to Afghanistan on Herrick 18 as a 21-year-old High Assurance Search Dog (HASD) handler. This tour holds a special place in my memory, as it was my first experience working with MWD Fredrick, alongside a section of comrades who became lifelong friends. Shortly after returning it was announced MWD Fredrick would be retired so I jumped at the opportunity to offer my home to him. What an incredible feeling it was to offer the dog that had helped guid be through my first deployment at home and to continue making lifelong memories. 

Before deploying out on the ground, we had to go through a licensing procedure. Fredrick, having been on his fifth Afghan deployment, was already highly skilled. Consequently, I was the first to go through licensing and assisting the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) search teams met their standards. After completing this process, I was forward deployed to a patrol base, rotating between different bases to support whichever team needed me, with a return to Camp Bastion every six weeks to ensure we maintained the required standards.

Upon returning from Afghanistan, I was selected for a post at the Defence Animal Centre (DAC), now known as the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR). It was here that I discovered my passion for training Protection Dogs. I spent the early years honing my skills and producing dogs for the Army, RAF, and Military Guard Service. Eventually, I transitioned to becoming a course instructor, teaching the Patrol Dog Handlers Course and Infantry patrol dog handler course. Teaching came naturally to me, especially when it involved something I was passionate about. However, my desire to learn more about dog training led me to specialise in training search dogs—a period of my career filled with fond memories and close friendships.

Afterward, I was selected to lead the protection training team as the Training IC and Section Commander. Following my time at DATR, I took up the role of Section Commander for Patrol Dogs at 105 Military Working Dog Squadron. In this position, I was responsible for ensuring that both dogs and handlers were fully prepared for deployment. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with the New Zealand Special Air Service Dog Section for four months, marking my first experience working alongside special forces. I also deployed on a Short-Term Training Team (STTT) mission in Saudi Arabia, collaborating with the Saudi Arabian Military Dog Section.

At the beginning of 2020, I was selected to join the Canine Support Cell, working alongside 22 Special Air Service. In this role, I served as a dog trainer and search handler for various operations, including Deploying on two operational tours, two Short-Term Training Teams in the middle east and multiple exercises around the world.

After my final operational tour in 2022, I returned to 104 Military Working Dog Squadron. During this time, I faced significant challenges, both personally and professionally. Just three weeks after returning from deployment, I lost Freddie, and it became clear how much dogs had helped me manage my mental health over the years. When I struggled to cope, for a while I tried to suppress my feelings, ignoring and carry on with life as if everything was normal, which resulted in an eventual breakdown. I reached out to a friend who connected me with the Unit Welfare Officer. This was a turning point, as I began to open up about my struggles and seek the help I needed. After going through the Medical chain I was diagnosed with severe depression, prescribed anti-depressants and was sent to the mental health doctors for care through the department of community mental health (DCMH). For a long time I hide and tried to keep my struggles away from everyone, but after more conversations with close friends I realised that this is why there is a stigma behind mental health so I decided to be as open as possible as I could be and ever since that I have now managed to help people who have approached me and sign posted them in to the right direction for the help they needed.

Following my time in this role, I became the Senior Trainer in charge of High Assurance Search Dogs and the Rehoming Team. I also taught the Advanced Decoy Course to new handlers, which were some of the most fulfilling weeks of my career. However, throughout 2023, I continued to struggle with my mental health. Despite medication and therapy helping to stabilise me, by November, I realised the medication was also suppressing all my emotions. This realisation led to another period of struggle, and I was eventually sent to a medical board with a recommendation for medical discharge.

Since then, I have taken significant steps to improve my mental health, including discontinuing medication and continuing therapy. I’ve rekindled my passion for dog training, which has been a crucial part of my recovery. Now, feeling better than ever, I’ve decided to channel my experience and knowledge into creating the best possible equipment for dogs and their owners.

Through my years as a military dog trainer, working alongside special forces and handling dogs across the globe, I’ve encountered equipment that performs exceptionally, some that falls short, and even moments where I wished for tools that didn’t yet exist. Now, I’m excited to share that hard-earned experience with the world. I’m designing and producing dog equipment inspired by what we used in special forces, but adapted for everyday use—so you can give your dog the best in both performance and comfort.