Meet Our Team

Pet Necessities Professional Dog Training is run by Sarah Hickmott BSc (Hons). Being a professional dog trainer, in our mind, means you have completed educational studies and passed rigorous assessment procedures.

Sarah is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), meaning that not only has she been assessed for her standard, but she promises to conform to the association’s ethics of only using kind, reward-based training methods. This is essential when looking for someone to help you train your best friend; anyone can state that they are a qualified dog trainer, but look for APDT membership as a seal of approval. She is also a full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), meaning she is a fully qualified canine behaviour specialist.

Sarah Hickmott BSc (Hons), APDT00930

Head Trainer and Clinical Animal Behaviourist

Sarah is a full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Councellors (APBC), and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT00930).   She is a registered Animal Training Instructor and Clinical Animal Behaviourist with The Animal Behaviour and Training Council.  Sarah has achieved a certificate in Advanced Training and Behaviour with The Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE).

Sarah has worked with dogs all her life and has been working in the dog training industry for over 19 years.   She has completed a degree in Psychology with Birkbeck University in Central London, where she was awarded an Upper Class Second with Honours.  Her final year project was based on reversal learning in dogs, and the effects of breed, age and gender on performance.

Sarah shares her life with George, an 11 year old rescue cross-breed.  She has owned, fostered and cared for many dogs in the past so is experienced in living with an array of different breeds.  Sarah also kept pet rats for many years, which she clicker trained to perform exercises such as to retrieve and touch targets … what fun!

Sarah holds a certificate in Canine First Aid, with Animal Aiders, and is DBS checked for your peace of mind.