Hi, I’m Gemma

Your trusted dog trainer and pet sitter in Colchester, Essex!

If you're looking for someone who truly understands dogs, you're in the right place. With over 18 years of hands-on experience, I'm a fully qualified and insured professional dedicated to helping your dog feel safe, loved, and understood.

I don’t just train dogs, I build stronger bonds between pets and their people using gentle, reward-based methods that bring out the best in every pup, no matter their breed, size, or personality.

When your dog is with me, they’re treated like family. Whether you're heading out of town or working on behaviour goals, you can relax knowing they’re in experienced, compassionate hands.

Ready to give your dog the care, support, and training they deserve?

Let’s chat! Book a free call below:

Book free consultation here

My Services

Basic commands (sit, stay, recall), toilet training, leash manners, socialisation, confidence building, crate training, and advice on biting, chewing, and routine.
Perfect for setting your puppy up for a happy, well-behaved life!
Foundational commands (sit, stay, recall, heel), lead walking, impulse control, focus around distractions, polite greetings, and consistent behaviour at home and in public. Ideal for dogs of all ages and breeds.
Tailored support for dogs who bark, lunge, or struggle with triggers like other dogs, people, or noises. Focused on confidence building, calm behaviour, lead handling, threshold work, and gradual desensitisation using positive, force-free methods.
Personalised sessions tailored to your dog's specific needs and behaviour goals. Covers anything from basic obedience and recall to reactivity, anxiety, or problem behaviours, all in a focused, supportive environment.
Care for all animals! Dogs, cats, small pets, and exotics. Includes feeding, fresh water, cleaning, playtime, companionship, and any specific routines or medication needs. Reliable, loving care while you're away.

Got a question? Enquire below

What my customers say

Gemma has been brilliant not only the training of Leo our dog but also explaining each step and why it is necessary. Also worked on new commands so that Leo understood each one. Leo is less reactive and has certainly calmed down. I highly recommend Gemma she has been the best trainer we’ve had (and we have tried a few).

Dominick Sandford
We highly recommend Gemma, she has been incredible with Rodney since he was 6 months old so has some training still to do and she helped maintain this, went above and beyond and even lost a few shoes to him along the way (sorry on behalf of Rodney)! Anyone looking for someone to look after their dogs, puppies (or even cats) Gemma is the best! We're looking forward to booking in more dates, means a lot to be able to enjoy a holiday with peace of mind. Thanks again!

KDW Creatives
Absolutely amazing! No other words to describe Gemma. Treats my fur-baby like he is her own, going above and beyond for us and my boy. Exceptional and would recommend Gemma. Feel at ease knowing our home and boy is loved and taken such good care of. Already booked again and can't wait for her next visit.

Tracey Smit
If you are looking for a dog trainer look no further. I would like to say Gemma was perfect, she listened to our needs and explained how to deal with these simply. Not only showing us how to do it but following up with a paper copy for reference. Lots of tips given and useful advice. Highly recommend.

Jean Cottis
My rescued Beagle loved his time with Gemma who worked hard to put our problems right. She showed a good knowledge of dogs and had an ability to train in a pleasant way. Toozer has been much better for the training and I thank her for her patience with me as well as my boy. Thanks again Judi

Judith Beckett
I contacted Gemma to help me with my hyper reactive small dog. The situation was causing us both so much stress when going on walks. We started slowly to train my dog to focus more on me than the environment and to modify my reactions toward my dogs behaviour. He improved over time and was visibly calmer on walks, allowing us both to enjoy outdoor time together. I especially loved the fact that Gemma came to my home, making it so much more convenient with one on one training. Thank you so much Gemma!

Denise Askew
Gemma was looking after our pets twice already in this year during our holiday. I can highly recommend Gemma, she is a very professional and knowledgeable dog trainer, always a very helpful and caring person. Pleasure to work with her. Thank you, Gemma!

Iwona Ciechomska
Gemma has been a fantastic dog sitter for our 2 pugs. She is reliable, flexible with our schedule and very attentive towards the pugs and their needs. They both adore her and are always happy to see her! One of our pugs is quite a reactive dog too, and Gemma has worked with her on this to improve her confidence and impulse to react towards other dogs which is very helpful. I truly appreciate Gemmas support, she has made juggling life with 2 dogs and a toddler much manageable and ensured the pugs dont miss out and always have company :-)

Rhiannon Mcguinness
Gemma has been a very professional and proficient trainer, training us as well as the boys! Would highly recommend her services.

Sarah Harding
Gemma is brilliant, she is so helpful and friendly and patient! She completely changed my aunties dog, he was always barking at other dogs and wouldn’t listen to her at all and since he’s completed his training he is a different dog, highly recommend, thank you Gemma!🫶🏽

Kashima Doherty
Gemma has been looking after Dexter (2 year old working cocker) from time to time over the last year and we thoroughly recommend her. Dexter loves his training days with Gemma and we will definitely continue using her and her services.

Ian Bennett
Gemma has a lot of experience and was so very helpful to me with my dog and he is a character and Gemma was a godsend thank you!! I recommend Gemma, and will continue for her services as needed!

Jake
Gemma looked after my two very needy sausage dogs for a week while we were on holiday, and even on our wedding day and she brought them to make an appearance in some of the photos, I’m so lucky to have gemma the dogs love her and are spoilt with lots of cuddles from her, for the first time in ever I felt at ease about leaving my babies

Emma mattack

Certifications

Your furry friends are in good hands, see my qualifications and certifications here.

Hi, I’m Gemma

My Services

Got a question? Enquire below

My rescued Beagle loved his time with Gemma who worked hard to put our problems right. She showed a good knowledge of dogs and had an ability to train in a pleasant way. Toozer has been much better for the training and I thank her for her patience with me as well as my boy. Thanks again Judi

Gemma was looking after our pets twice already in this year during our holiday. I can highly recommend Gemma, she is a very professional and knowledgeable dog trainer, always a very helpful and caring person. Pleasure to work with her. Thank you, Gemma!

Gemma has been a very professional and proficient trainer, training us as well as the boys! Would highly recommend her services.

Gemma is brilliant, she is so helpful and friendly and patient! She completely changed my aunties dog, he was always barking at other dogs and wouldn’t listen to her at all and since he’s completed his training he is a different dog, highly recommend, thank you Gemma!🫶🏽

Gemma has been looking after Dexter (2 year old working cocker) from time to time over the last year and we thoroughly recommend her. Dexter loves his training days with Gemma and we will definitely continue using her and her services.

Gemma has a lot of experience and was so very helpful to me with my dog and he is a character and Gemma was a godsend thank you!! I recommend Gemma, and will continue for her services as needed!