Me and My Dogs

I’m Anna Willitt and I live on the Somerset Levels with my three dogs Finn, Fly and Florrie.

I started my training journey in agility with my Springer Spaniel Poppy (the dog on my logo) when as a young dog she was absolutely hyperactive, difficult to live with and I had no real bond with her. I was worried we’d be kicked out of regular training classes as she really was crazy and loud, so decided we’d try agility. I was so lucky to find amazing trainers, and I quickly learnt how to use Pop’s enthusiasm for life in a positive way rather than suppressing her, while also becoming hooked on agility. And once I understood her and worked with her she turned from a nightmare pet, to great fun to be around.

I’ve been working with dogs since 2010, firstly managing a local rescue centre which taught me so much about working with the individual dog in front of me, and then moving into training in 2016. One dog quickly turned in to three, with firstly Fly and then Finn joining me. They’ve had their challenges, but have taught me so much, and thanks to them I doubt I’ll ever live with anything other than active, cheeky working breeds. I sadly lost Poppy in 2020, but Collie pup Florrie has very much fitted into my life with her own unique craziness.

I still love agility as much as when I started with Poppy, however both her and Finn had to retire early and I was lucky enough to discover hoopers. Poppy and Finn both took to it amazingly well. Poppy won the UK Hoopers veterans league at 12 years old with an amazing number of points, and got overall 7th in the CHUK National Finals in 2020. I distance handle with Finn, a skill we’re improving on all the time, and our results are steadily getting more consistent. Florrie is now competing in agility, hoopers and scentwork, and is showing a lot of potential in all three.

What Do I Do?

Training and behaviour - I'm a member of APDT and currently completing a level 5 behaviour qualification through Compass Education to back up my practical experience with further theoretical knowledge. I work on a one to one basis with dogs and owners having training challenges, whether it's a one off lesson just to work on some basic obedience or start a new dog off on the right foot, or a block of lessons following a plan designed for the individual dog and owner.

Hoopers - I've been teaching hoopers since 2017 and love that it can be easily adapted to the ability and ambitions of each dog and owner team. I train a real variety of breeds and handlers, from introducing equipment right up to competitive distance handling. I run group classes suitable for all levels. I’m an advanced accredited Canine Hoopers UK trainer and judge.

Scentwork - I'm a Scentwork UK level 1-4 trainer, and began teaching it as I saw the benefits for my dogs and wanted to use that to help others. I love how versatile it is as it can be part of a behaviour programme for an anxious or over aroused dog, or used as a rainy day activity. I also teach to trial level in classes so that handlers can compete if they wish to.

Canine Massage - I'm also a canine massage therapist and member of the Canine Massage Guild so you can be sure that I’ll not ask your dogs to do anything that will be physically harmful to them, and will be on the lookout to ensure that pain isn’t a factor in any behaviour problems. For more information on canine massage check out my website - Somerset Canine Massage -