Hi, I'm Emily

The human behind Adventures with Tilley.

My passion for animals has been lifelong, but my journey into canine behaviour and training truly began through living with my own dogs. They challenged me to look beyond behaviour itself and understand the emotions, experiences, and communication behind it.

I've never been interested in finding the "perfect" dog. My heart has always been with the dogs that others might overlook — those with physical disabilities, behavioural challenges, or additional needs that can make life a little more complicated. Living alongside these dogs has taught me patience, compassion, and the importance of meeting each individual where they are.

Through them, I discovered that behaviour is never "just behaviour". It is information. It is communication. Often, it is a dog's way of telling us how they feel about the world around them.

That understanding sparked a deep interest in canine behaviour and a commitment to helping dogs and their guardians navigate the world with greater confidence, understanding, and connection.

Today, Adventures with Tilley brings together my love of dogs, ongoing education, and practical experience to provide supportive, welfare-focused services for dogs and their owners across East Kent.

I am committed to ongoing professional development to ensure the support I provide is ethical, evidence-based, and tailored to the individual needs of each dog and owner. My qualifications and professional development include the BCCS Professional Canine Behaviour Diploma, the BCCS Reactivity Course, BCCS Certified Dog Walker & Pet Sitter, the Canine Principles Canine Communication Diploma, and I am currently completing the BCCS Canine Behaviour Practitioner Qualification. I have also completed the Honest Hounds Science of Partnership Programme and am an Honest Hounds Neutral Walk and Social Walk Leader, alongside ongoing professional development through Canine Principles and other evidence-based canine education providers.

Alongside my studies, I have gained practical experience through dog walking, dog training, volunteering, and leading community-based Neutral Walks. I regularly support dogs and their owners through Neutral Walks, Social Skills Classes, Social Walks, behaviour support, and 1:1 training, with a particular interest in supporting reactive, nervous, sensitive, and misunderstood dogs, as well as those who may need additional understanding, support, and advocacy.

For more than four years, I have volunteered at a local animal rescue that provides sanctuary and support for animals with behavioural and medical challenges, including dogs who may struggle to be rehomed through traditional routes. During this time, I have cared for a wide range of domestic, farm, and exotic species, further developing my understanding of animal behaviour, welfare, and the importance of meeting each individual where they are.

Alongside my work with animals, I have over 13 years of professional experience supporting people in health and social care, including individuals and families navigating crisis situations. Working in emotionally demanding environments has helped me develop strong communication skills, empathy, patience, and the ability to remain calm and supportive during challenging circumstances.

I understand that living with a dog who is struggling can sometimes feel overwhelming, frustrating, or isolating. My experience supporting people through difficult situations allows me to support not only the dog, but also the human at the other end of the lead.

I am Human First Aid Trained, Canine First Aid Trained, Fully Insured, and Enhanced DBS Checked.

I believe behaviour is communication. Every dog is an individual with their own experiences, emotions, and needs. Rather than focusing solely on changing behaviour, I aim to help owners understand what their dog may be communicating and provide practical, welfare-focused support that helps both ends of the lead.

Whether you're looking for behaviour-led walks, social opportunities, training guidance, behaviour support, dog walking, or simply a community that understands life with dogs, you'll find a welcoming, supportive, and judgement-free environment here.

Led by science. Powered by partnership.# Hi, I'm Emily

The human behind Adventures with Tilley.

My passion for animals has been lifelong, but my journey into canine behaviour and training truly began through living with my own dogs. They challenged me to look beyond behaviour itself and understand the emotions, experiences, and communication behind it.

I've never been interested in finding the "perfect" dog. My heart has always been with the dogs that others might overlook — those with physical disabilities, behavioural challenges, or additional needs that can make life a little more complicated. Living alongside these dogs has taught me patience, compassion, and the importance of meeting each individual where they are.

Through them, I discovered that behaviour is never "just behaviour". It is information. It is communication. Often, it is a dog's way of telling us how they feel about the world around them.

That understanding sparked a deep interest in canine behaviour and a commitment to helping dogs and their guardians navigate the world with greater confidence, understanding, and connection.

Today, Adventures with Tilley brings together my love of dogs, ongoing education, and practical experience to provide supportive, welfare-focused services for dogs and their owners across East Kent.

I am committed to ongoing professional development to ensure the support I provide is ethical, evidence-based, and tailored to the individual needs of each dog and owner. My qualifications and professional development include the BCCS Professional Canine Behaviour Diploma, the BCCS Reactivity Course, BCCS Certified Dog Walker & Pet Sitter, the Canine Principles Canine Communication Diploma, and I am currently completing the BCCS Canine Behaviour Practitioner Qualification. I have also completed the Honest Hounds Science of Partnership Programme and am an Honest Hounds Neutral Walk and Social Walk Leader, alongside ongoing professional development through Canine Principles and other evidence-based canine education providers.

Alongside my studies, I have gained practical experience through dog walking, dog training, volunteering, and leading community-based Neutral Walks. I regularly support dogs and their owners through Neutral Walks, Social Skills Classes, Social Walks, behaviour support, and 1:1 training, with a particular interest in supporting reactive, nervous, sensitive, and misunderstood dogs, as well as those who may need additional understanding, support, and advocacy.

For more than four years, I have volunteered at a local animal rescue that provides sanctuary and support for animals with behavioural and medical challenges, including dogs who may struggle to be rehomed through traditional routes. During this time, I have cared for a wide range of domestic, farm, and exotic species, further developing my understanding of animal behaviour, welfare, and the importance of meeting each individual where they are.

Alongside my work with animals, I have over 13 years of professional experience supporting people in health and social care, including individuals and families navigating crisis situations. Working in emotionally demanding environments has helped me develop strong communication skills, empathy, patience, and the ability to remain calm and supportive during challenging circumstances.

I understand that living with a dog who is struggling can sometimes feel overwhelming, frustrating, or isolating. My experience supporting people through difficult situations allows me to support not only the dog, but also the human at the other end of the lead.

I am Human First Aid Trained, Canine First Aid Trained, Fully Insured, and Enhanced DBS Checked.

I believe behaviour is communication. Every dog is an individual with their own experiences, emotions, and needs. Rather than focusing solely on changing behaviour, I aim to help owners understand what their dog may be communicating and provide practical, welfare-focused support that helps both ends of the lead.

Whether you're looking for behaviour-led walks, social opportunities, training guidance, behaviour support, dog walking, or simply a community that understands life with dogs, you'll find a welcoming, supportive, and judgement-free environment here.

Led by science. Powered by partnership.

Meet Tilley

The Spark Behind the Name

Tilley is the dog behind Adventures with Tilley and the reason this journey began.

From a young age, she showed me that behaviour is never just behaviour. She arrived with big feelings, a sensitive nature, and a wonderfully strong personality. Clever, expressive, and beautifully opinionated, Tilley has always known exactly how she feels about the world around her.

She didn't need to be "fixed"; she needed to be understood.

Living alongside Tilley taught me to look beyond the behaviour I could see and consider the emotions, experiences, and communication behind it. She taught me how to recognise the early signs of stress, build trust through consistency, and appreciate the importance of listening before asking.

She has also fuelled my love of adventure. Together we enjoy exploring forests, beaches, and countryside trails across the UK, finding places where she can move, explore, and simply enjoy being a dog.

Most importantly, Tilley sparked my passion for canine behaviour and continues to inspire everything I do today.

She is, and always will be, the heart behind Adventures with Tilley.

Why Adventures with Tilley Exists

Living with Tilley and Slinky taught me that support matters just as much for guardians as it does for dogs.

Through my own journey, I learned how isolating it can feel when your dog experiences the world differently. Many owners feel judged, embarrassed, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn for support. Others simply want opportunities for their dog to socialise safely, practise calm co-existence, or enjoy spending time around other dogs in a supportive environment.

Adventures with Tilley was created to provide a welcoming space for both ends of the lead.

A place where dogs can learn, explore, build confidence, and enjoy positive experiences at their own pace.

A place where guardians can feel supported, understood, and part of a community that values compassion, understanding, and partnership.

Whether your dog has big feelings, needs help building confidence, enjoys structured social opportunities, or simply benefits from thoughtful, individual support, you'll find a welcoming, judgement-free environment here.

Because every dog deserves understanding, and no owner should feel they have to navigate the journey alone.