October Whiteman Dog Behaviour & Training
I believe that great training goes far beyond teaching commands. It’s about understanding the dog in front of you, recognising what they need, and giving owners the knowledge and confidence to guide them. Every dog is different, which is why my approach is thoughtful, practical and tailored to each individual dog and family. Whether you’re raising a new puppy or working through more challenging behaviours, my goal is to help you create a calmer home, clearer communication and a relationship built on trust and understanding.
Where it started
I grew up surrounded by animals and at the age of 16 welcomed my first dog, Dude, a brilliant Border Collie cross, who sparked my lifelong passion for dogs.
After sharing my life with many wonderful dogs — including my beloved Dalmatians, Oakley and Roxy, Teddy a Shih Tzu and currently Teebo — I decided to study canine behaviour professionally, training with the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training.
Today, I help owners raise calm, confident, happy dogs.
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”
Advanced Higher Certificate in Dog Behaviour & Training (Professional Practive)
Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training
Higher Certificate in Canine Behaviour & Aggression Studies for Professionals
Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training
Higher Certificate in Advacned Professional Dog Training Instruction (Professional Practice) - Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training
Detailed Dog Training
Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training
Bite Work for Behavourists
Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training
Level 3 Canine First Aid
QUALIFICATIONS
Where it started
I grew up surrounded by animals and welcomed my first dog, Dude, a brilliant Border Collie cross, who sparked my lifelong passion for dogs.
After sharing my life with many wonderful dogs — including my beloved Dalmatians, Oakley and Roxy, Teddy a Shih Tzu and currently Teebo — I decided to study canine behaviour professionally. I trained with the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training and am now a clinical canine behaviourist.
Today, I help owners raise calm, confident, happy dogs.
I believe that great training goes far beyond teaching commands. It’s about understanding the dog in front of you, recognising what they need, and giving owners the knowledge and confidence to guide them. Every dog is different, which is why my approach is thoughtful, practical and tailored to each individual dog and family. Whether you’re raising a new puppy or working through more challenging behaviours, my goal is to help you create a calmer home, clearer communication and a relationship built on trust and understanding.
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”
October Whiteman Dog Trainer & Behaviour
QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced Higher Certificate in Dog Behaviour & Training
Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training
Higher Certificate in Canine Behaviour & Aggression Studies for Professionals
- CIDBT
Higher Certificate in Advacned Professional Dog Training Instruction (Professional Practice) - CIDBT
Detailed Dog Training
- CIDBT
Bite Work for Behavourists
- CIDBT
Level 3 Canine First Aid
5 Things I wish I knew before getting a puppy
1. Socialising
Socialisation is calm, positive exposure, not overwhelming your puppy. Introduce new people, dogs, places and sounds slowly and safely.
2. Sleep
Sleep is vital for puppy brain development, emotional regulation, learning, growth, and preventing overtired behaviours like biting, barking, and hyperactivity.
3. Calmness
Calm behaviour must be taught, helping puppies learn to settle, reduce anxiety, improve focus, build confidence and prevent overexcitement.
4. Zoomies
As cute as zoomies are, they usually indicate emotional overload, excess energy, excitement or tiredness, showing your puppy needs rest or calmer activity.
5. Nutrition
Understanding proper nutrition is key to a happy, healthy dog, which is why raw or fresh lightly cooked, human-grade meats and veg are always best.
Why did you become a dog trainer?
Because I’ve seen first-hand how confusing and overwhelming dog ownership can feel. I wanted to help owners understand their dogs instead of battling them.
What’s your training philosophy?
Training should strengthen the relationship, not test it. I focus on calm communication, realistic expectations, and thoughtful, evidence-led methods that support long-term success.
Do you judge owners who are struggling?
Never. If you’re asking for help, you’re already doing the right thing.
What makes you different from other trainers?
I look at the whole picture – lifestyle, nutrition, routine, health, emotions and the human end of the lead, not just “obedience”.
Do you continue your education?
Absolutely. I regularly attend courses, seminars and keep up to date with the latest techniques and information. Knoweldge is power.
Will you be honest with me?
Yes – kindly honest. I’ll tell you what your dog needs, even if it’s not the quick fix people hope for.
FAQs
Why did you become a dog trainer?
Because I’ve seen first-hand how confusing and overwhelming dog ownership can feel. I wanted to help owners understand their dogs instead of battling them.
What’s your training philosophy?
Training should strengthen the relationship, not test it. I focus on calm communication, realistic expectations, and thoughtful, evidence-led methods that support long-term success.
Do you judge owners who are struggling?
Never. If you’re asking for help, you’re already doing the right thing.
What makes you different from other trainers?
I look at the whole picture – lifestyle, nutrition, routine, health, emotions and the human end of the lead, not just “obedience”.
Do you continue your education?
Absolutely. I regularly attend courses, seminars and keep up to date with the latest techniques and information. Knoweldge is power.
Will you be honest with me?
Yes – kindly honest. I’ll tell you what your dog needs, even if it’s not the quick fix people hope for.
Why did you become a dog trainer?
Because I’ve seen first-hand how confusing and overwhelming dog ownership can feel. I wanted to help owners understand their dogs instead of battling them.
What’s your training philosophy?
Training should strengthen the relationship, not test it. I focus on calm communication, realistic expectations, and thoughtful, evidence-led methods that support long-term success.
Do you judge owners who are struggling?
Never. If you’re asking for help, you’re already doing the right thing.
What makes you different from other trainers?
I look at the whole picture – lifestyle, nutrition, routine, health, emotions and the human end of the lead, not just “obedience”.
Do you continue your education?
Absolutely. I regularly attend courses, seminars and keep up to date with the latest techniques and information. Knoweldge is power.
Will you be honest with me?
Yes – kindly honest. I’ll tell you what your dog needs, even if it’s not the quick fix people hope for.