Meet Heleen Wilkes and her adorable dog, Max. Heleen is our new trainer, and she will officially start on the 9th of May. Whether you are looking for group classes, private training, or courses such as enrichment sessions or VETiquette, she will be happy to help. Would you like to know more about Heleen? Then keep reading.
Nice to e-meet you all. I’m Heleen and I have been working in animal care and behaviour for over 10 years. I have a history in dog rescue and rehabilitation, and have a slight reputation for adopting old and “broken” dogs. In the picture, you can see me with one of my golden oldies, Max. I hold a BSc in Animal Biology and Level 3 Diploma in Zoological Animal Management. I started out my career in Scotland at my local safari park working with a number of different species, before doing some globe-hopping and finally settling in the UAE.
Over the years, I have grown in the behaviour science industry, and I am recognized internationally within the zoological community for exotic animal training, with my last occupation being a Head Penguin trainer. Due to the nature of my work, I’m always ensuring to stay up to date with the latest data, and because of the strict nature of zoo work, have only ever used force-free methods. I do not believe the use of dominance, pain or fear are ever necessary to achieve our goals
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I have my own menagerie of animals at home, all deemed “unadoptable” due to various health or behavioural issues at the time of rescue. But now all are happy band of misfits, living peacefully together.