About

Hi, I’m Sadie, and I run Lighthouse Canine Behaviour.

A woman in a maroon jacket and patterned leggings standing on a grassy hill with two dogs, one black and white and the other brown, during a sunny day with a clear blue sky and panoramic view of rolling countryside in the background.

I live in Portishead with my four dogs and have over 15 years of experience working with dogs across various settings, including over 8 years in the rescue and rehoming sector.

In 2011, I graduated from the University of Bristol with a BSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and started a dog walking business, before expanding my services to offer both 1-2-1 and group training, and behavioural support. In 2017, I took a job working with rescue dogs where I spent 8 years before leaving to set up Lighthouse Canine Behaviour in 2025.

I have recently graduated from the University of Edinburgh, where I studied a MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour. I am an Associate Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, and a Pre-certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the CCAB.

Although educated to a high level, I am committed to continuously improving my knowledge and refining my training skills. I reguarly train my own dogs, attend workshops, webinars and seminars, as well as engage in self-directed learning to stay updated in my field.

My academic area of interest is improving adoption outcomes for dogs in the rescue and rehoming sector, and I am working towards publishing my thesis on this topic. This is also my real area of passion in my practical work with dogs too.

I live in Portishead with my four dogs, Scamp, Bilbo, Jasper and Spyro, who you are likely to hear more about next year in my blogs and social media.

I support clients mainly in North Somerset, but also cover the surrounding areas.

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Qualifications and training

Education

  • MSc Clinical Animal Behaviour - University of Edinburgh -2025

    • Merit

    • Award for highly commended thesis

  • BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare -University of Bristol - 2011

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Membership of professional bodies

  • Associate Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the APBC

  • Pre-certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist with CCAB

Membership certificate from the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) awarded to Sadie Rowland, valid from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, signed by Anne McBride, with logos of APBC and ABTC.

Other Training courses

  • Think Dog- Sarah Whitehead

  • Training from core to complex - Ken Ramirez

  • Practical Puppy Training instructor course - Chirag Patel

  • Shelter Training and Enrichment - Karen Pryor

  • Level 4 Small Animal First Aid - Hartbury University

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Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The field of Clinical Animal Behaviour is a rapidly evolving area, and I am committed to keeping up to date with developments so I continue to provide the best evidence-based behavioural support and continue to improve my skills.

As a member of the ABPC and CCAB I am required to undertake atleast 30 hours of CPD per year. If you would like to request a list of my current years CPD then contact me at info@lighthousecaninebehaviour.com

Insurance and First Aid Training

I hold full professional indemnity and public liability insurance to cover all aspects of my behaviour work.

In addition, I am certified in both canine and human first aid, having completed a Level 4 small animal (dog and cat) first aid course with Hartbury University and an emergency first aid at work course with St John Ambulance.

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A person standing on a rocky beach during sunset, looking at a dog in the water.
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Lighthouse Canine Behaviour is based in Portishead, and we support clients in person in North Somerset and Bristol.

Travel Costs apply to locations more than 15 miles outside BS20 and to sessions within the Bristol Clean Air Zone; these will be communicated to you before booking.

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“I look forward to working with you and your dog and helping you both achieve your goals together”

Start your journey