Emma Cook
Owner Of Paws4Sports
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8 years experience working with dogs in the rescue, welfare & training sector
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Head Mantrailing Instructor at Mantrailing Global
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Mantrailing Global Assessor
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City & Guilds UK College Scent Dogs Detection Dog Handler
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City & Guilds UK College Of Scent Dogs Scent Detection Instructor
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UK College Of Scent Dogs Ambassador
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World Scent Dog Association Blue Instructor
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World Scent Dog Association Level 1 Judge
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Member of the UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter Group
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Canine & Human First Aid Trained
A Bit About Me
I'm Emma, Owner and Head Instructor at Paws4Sports. My passion for teaching dog sports to pet dogs and their owners is driven by my desire to enhance dog and owners lives together. I believe that participating in sports with your dog not only creates a unique bond and understanding between a dog and their owner, but also has a vast list of benefits to a dogs well-being.
As a parent of 2 fur babies myself (my 2 recue boys Charlie & Blue seen in the photo above), I understand how overwhelming it can be to find the right trainer for you AND your dog/s in such a vast and unregulated industry. Take a read below to find out more about me and my journey into the world of dog sports.
Our Journey
2014
Worked in the dog rescue industry as a welfare and training assistant 2014-2017. This helped me gain invaluable knowledge and experience of different breeds and behaviours which formed the foundation blocks for where I am today. Working in dog rescue was where I was first introduced to the world of dog sports/activities. In the dog rescue environment, participating in activities is not only a great way for the dogs to have fun, give variety and help bond with their handlers and new potential adopters, but is also hugely beneficial for their mental health and well-being during their time staying in the kennels. This is where dog sports and their benefits first peaked my interest and I began looking into different activities to do with my own dogs.
2017
In 2017 I went on to set up my own business, originally launching as a dog walking and home boarding business which over the years with lots of hard work, training, qualifications and on-going learning, went on to develop into Paws4Sports where I now specialise in teaching dog sports to pet dogs and their owners. My true passion.
January 2023 - June 2024
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
After taking up Canicross as a hobby during a difficult time in my life and experiencing the extensive benefits of running with my dog first hand, in early 2018 I became a Certified Canicross Trainer with DogFit so that I could introduce other dog and owner teams safely to the sport and make it more accessible to dog and owner teams local to me to join in on this new and growing dog sport. I regularly Canicross run with my own dog Blue as a hobby and enjoy exploring the countryside together as a team. I'm really passionate about encouraging more dog and owner teams to try Canicross together, particularly those who like me prefer running with a four-legged companion for motivation and enjoyment, even if they don't see themselves as a natural runner.
In June 2019 I qualified as a Certified Mantrailing Global Instructor and brought the sport of Mantrailing to North Yorkshire, where at the time I was the first Mantrailing UK Instructor in the whole of Yorkshire! I regularly Mantrail with my own dogs and attend numerous trailing workshops and advanced courses to continue to expand my knowledge and keep up to date with skills and technique. I am also a member of the Mantrailing Global Instructor Guild which provides on-going support, training and troubleshooting advice with Head Instructor and operational Mantrailing dog handler, Lisa Gorenflo, as well as being part of a network of other experienced Mantrailing Global Instructors. Being a Guild member also provides the opportunity for me to regularly attend monthly online training webinars and discussions as part of my continued personal development.
In 2020 I qualified as a Mantrailing Global assessor, equipping me with the coaching and assessing skills to qualify Mantrailing teams through their Levels Association.
In 2020 I qualified as one of the first City & Guilds Scent Detection Handlers and Instructors with The UK College Of Scent Dogs which has enabled me to offer a new exciting dog sport to pet dogs and their owners. I'm also a proud UKCSD ambassador and as part of this, provides me with access to ongoing webinars, workshops and training opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills. Being an ambassador allows me to gain exclusive access to on-going troubleshooting advice and support from my mentors Dr Robert Hewings & Karen Hewings whom together have a wealth of experience in police search dog handling for both drugs and explosives, alongside a support network of other expert Scent Detection trainers. I'm also a qualified Blue Instructor and Level one Judge through World Scent Dog Association.
In 2020 Paws4Sports also became members of the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter. Becoming a member of The UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter provides assurance to the public and other professional bodies that they've been checked, supported and monitored by a reputable accrediting member organisation. I'm really proud to display the UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter symbol at Paws4Sports reflecting my ethical approach to dog training. The introduction of the charter is a big step forward to help ensure that dogs and their owners get the best possible support and training in such an unregulated industry.
In November 2021 I was invited to become Mantrailing Global's Head Instructor for the North East and Humberside Region where i'll be involved in developing and implementing Mantrailing Global's Instructor training.
In May 2022 I was selected to train alongside founder of Mantrailing Global, Lisa Gorenflo, on the first international Mantrailing Global Instructor course in Canada.
In August 2022 I made the decision to specialise solely in Mantrailing training.
In September 2022 I become Marketing Manager for Mantrailing Global.
In November 2022 Mantrailing Global launched as an international Mantrailing Training school and I flew out to the USA to teach the first Mantrailing Global Instructor course and workshops in Texas, Houston.
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