Emma Salvoni

Prior to attending Wrexham University I was working in a boarding kennels, caring for people’s dogs. I also started learning to train and handle many different types of dogs. I then took a break from work to be a Mum.

I had always grown up with animals and didn’t think working with animals would ever be a possibility. Wrexham was local to me and provided the Animal Studies course, so I thought, why not?!

Our course was taught on the Northop campus. It was a quiet campus so we got to know each other as a cohort really well. Northop had a very personal feel to it!  

I enjoyed challenging myself and learning new skills. I enjoyed meeting like-minded people who had an interest in animal welfare, behaviour and training.

The tutors were an excellent support, a lot of our group had been out of education for a while so they provided a very holistic teaching experience.

Wrexham University provided an excellent foundation for continuing in my personal education. I completed the PGCE after my BSc (Hons) and have since completed my MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour.

Yes, 100%! It has a very personal feel. The staff are very knowledgeable in their subjects and I was able to learn from them and develop further passion in my line of work. I wasn’t sure that HE was for me before I started the course but I felt at home very quickly.  

I am a self employed Canine Behaviour and Training consultant. I see around 100 dogs a week for group classes and one-to-one sessions for a range of behavioural issues and train with Cheshire Canine Services/REAL Dog Training near Chester. 

I have worked as a Police Dog Instructor specialising in Puppy Development, I currently instruct for the UK International Search and Rescue Team, I also consult for a number of organisations and support specialist dog training around the world. I teach and lecture in a range of subjects including Canine learning and training and dog behaviour. I work with the OK9 Team to train and assess Well-being and Trauma Support dogs for the Fire and Rescue service. I train dogs at home I currently have 3 Belgian Malinois puppies in training for various disciplines, when I can I compete in Working Trials.

Being self-employed allows me a lot of flexibility. Some of my highlights include participating in televised demonstrations at Crufts, working with the UKISAR team and training Police, Border Force and other Governmental organisations in Mongolia as a consultant for the Zoological Society of London.

Completing my degree built my confidence after a break in education. I was able to gain qualifications which have facilitated my current career and further opportunities.

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