Hi, I’m Averil – founder of Charley’s Angels Dog Training
I’m based in Penrhyn Bay, where I live with my husband and our Tibetan Terrier, Charley, who’s four years old, full of fur, opinions and sass… and very much the boss of us!
Between us, we’ve got four grown-up sons and three grandchildren, so the house has seen its fair share of noise and chaos!
My Story
Most of my working life was in public service - first as a registered nurse, then as a police officer for nearly 20 years. They were busy, unpredictable, emotionally intense years. We held off getting a dog because shift work meant it just wouldn’t have been fair.
In 2018, my husband retired and we finally welcomed Bentley, a beautiful blue roan cocker spaniel. I followed a year later, expecting a quiet, chilled retirement.
(How naïve was I?!)
Bentley was gorgeous, but also your typical cocker pup - busy, intense, and frustrating (in the nicest way). Looking back, I missed early signs of what was coming. That’s a big part of why I care so much about helping puppy owners get off to a better start - because I know how easily things can spiral.
Then Covid hit.
Travel stopped.
And we found ourselves managing a full-on young dog with no outlet and very little knowledge.
We sadly lost Bentley in tragic circumstances in 2020, it floored me and I was determined something good would come out of our grief. I threw myself into learning - not just training, but behaviour, communication, emotion… all of it. That rabbit hole became a lifeline.
And eventually, it led to Charley’s Angels Dog Training.
(I’ll let you work out how that name came about)
Why I Do This
Charley, my current sidekick, has hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis, so I really understand what it’s like living with a dog who needs extra care. The limits. The worry. The way it reshapes your life.
I also know what it’s like to feel like it’s your fault.
To feel judged.
To feel like you’re ‘failing’ at something that looks so easy for everyone else.
The “Why is my dog like this when everyone else’s just goes with the flow?” kind of days.
And sometimes - if we’re really honest - it is our fault.
But like dogs, we only ever do the best we can with the knowledge we’ve got.
And when we know better, we do better.
How I Work
I offer no guilt, no nonsense - just honest, kind, practical training for real-life dogs and the people who love them.
I mostly work with:
• Puppies
• Adolescents
• Anyone feeling overwhelmed by their dog’s behaviour
Whether it’s to help you with your dog who won’t come back when called, or who’s pulling on the lead, or maybe they just don’t listen to you - I can help. I can can support you with the everyday stuff that can feel anything but simple.
What I Don’t Do (and Why)
I don’t take on things like dogs who have bitten you or anyone else, dogs who get really frantic when they are left alone, or dogs who are repeatedly snapping and growling when they’ve got something they shouldn’t have - not because I can’t or won’t, but because those dogs deserve a specialist who will dig into the cause, not just treat the symptom. These things are often a symptom of something a lot more complex, which is why I will always recommend you consult a behaviourist with things like this. They are best placed to really get to the bottom of it and help you and your dog. You can always book a call to have a chat if you’re not sure, it’s free and I’ll always be happy to advise you.
I’ll always happily point you in the right direction - and the only promise I’ll make is to never do anything that risks harming your relationship with your best mate.
I don’t use equipment that could hurt your dog, and I don’t do things like scare your dog into changing their behaviour. I use food and toys to motivate your dog, and to help show them the way you’d like them to behave.
The Official Stuff (Because It Matters)
I’m a PACT-qualified and ABTC-accredited trainer - which means I’ve been independently assessed, and I follow evidence-based, welfare-first methods.
This industry is unregulated, but I believe that accountability and ethics matter.
Ready to Get Started?
If your dog is struggling - or driving you round the bend - I’ve probably been there.
And if you’re ready for some support, I’d love to help.
Averil