Hi, I’m Georgia Selby—founder of Trails For Tails Dog Training. I live in a small village on the outskirts of Northwich with my partner and our three beloved dogs.
My journey with dogs began in childhood, growing up on a farm surrounded by animals—especially working breeds. It was here that my love for dogs took root, eventually becoming my dream job.
The real turning point came when I adopted Bobby, my first rescue. Bobby came with his fair share of challenges, but helping him overcome those struggles ignited a deep passion in me. Although Bobby is sadly no longer with us, he was the reason Trails For Tails was born—and I’ll always be grateful for everything he taught me.
Over a decade later, that spark has grown into something so much bigger.
I’m a fully qualified and assessed instructor with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)—member number 01474—having completed both foundation and advanced certifications (Parts 1, 2 & 3). I’m proud to follow APDT’s strict code of conduct, training in a kind, fair, and effective way.
While I grew up with Collies, I always felt drawn to the hunting breeds, which sparked my love for terriers and spaniels. That passion led me into the world of gundogs, where I immediately felt at home—be it on shoots, working tests, or trials
My first working dog, Barry, a spirited Cocker Spaniel, taught me more than any textbook ever could. Alongside Barry, and through the guidance of some brilliant mentors, I’ve built hands-on experience across all aspects of the field—from beating and picking up, to rough shooting, stewarding, and supporting others in trials.
I’m committed to continuous learning and regularly attend courses, seminars, and workshops to keep up to date with modern, science-based training methods—because the gundog world is always evolving, and so am I.
My Training Philosophy
At the heart of everything I do is the belief that “everything provides feedback.”
I train with empathy, patience, and clarity—always aiming to give my clients the tools they need to understand and communicate with their dog.
Whether you’re:
I’m here to help you build a strong, balanced, and trusting relationship with your dog.
I often say: “Trust your dog!”—because building mutual confidence is where real success begins.
I’m also a big believer in learning from those who’ve walked the path before us. While I choose modern, ethical methods, I still value the wisdom of traditional trainers and handlers—everyone has something to offer. I’m simply on a different route to the same goal.
With my two working Cockers, Sid and Jimmy, I continue to challenge myself and grow in the trialling test world—always aiming higher, always learning.
For me, whether I’m out in the field, training a client, volunteering at a test, or just surrounded by like-minded people and dogs—
I feel at home. I’m in harmony with my environment.
“Those that hunt together, stay together.” – My personal motto.
Here are my dogs:
In memory
Barry aka (Bonkers Barry) I have had Barry from a puppy he is the only one not from rescue out of my four. Barry is my working and demo dog . Barry loves too star in my demo video for clients as well as recently demoing at crufts on the APDT stand, we are also part of a beating teams on local shoots which we attend all through the game season. Barry will be working toward his Gundog club grades and working test as well as staring in more videos. Barry has been my biggest challenge out of all my dogs being a working breed from FTCH background he is hard hunter and requires a lot of patience and understanding he is cracking hard working little chap who is fast and if you don’t train him he will train you standard working cocker life!!!! Sadly know longer here due to illness we miss you so much little man.
Sid (aka “Warlord”)
Meet Sid, affectionately known as Warlord—and for good reason! Bold, busy, and bursting with drive, Sid throws himself into everything he does with full enthusiasm. Whether he’s carrying anything he can find or giving his all in training, this little powerhouse is always switched on.
Sid is currently in training for working tests and field trials, and we’re incredibly excited about the journey ahead. He’s got all the makings of something special, and I can’t wait to share his progress as we step into the competitive world together.
He’s also a cracking shooting dog—reliable, focused, and an absolute pleasure to have in the field.
More than just a working dog, Sid is my right-hand man. He’s a joy to train, thrives on having a job to do, and is also an exceptional demo dog. I’d honestly be lost without him.
Jimmy
Say hello to Jimmy—flashy, full of character, and the very definition of a Merry Cocker! With a bounce that could take him to the moon and a sense of humour to match, he’s the one who keeps us all smiling. But behind the fun is a truly gentle soul with a huge heart.
Jimmy is currently following in Sid’s pawprints, training for working tests and field trials. We’re so excited to see where this journey takes him—he’s already showing so much potential, and the adventure is only just beginning.
Whether he’s turning heads with his style or melting hearts with his nature, Jimmy is a joy to have on the team. He brings a lovely energy to every training day, and we’re proud to be shaping his future together.
Nobby
Yes—you guessed it! Meet Nobby, my force of nature Patterdale Terrier, affectionately (and frequently!) known as “No…”. He’s bold, feisty, clever, and full of personality—everything you’d expect from a proper terrier, and then some.
Terriers have always had a special place in my heart, and Nobby is no exception. He’s loving, fiercely independent, and keeps the entire pack in check—basically our mini walking enforcement officer. Despite being the youngest of the group, he often seems like the wisest head—always alert, always aware.
Nobby loves hiking with my partner and training alongside the spaniels. And don’t be fooled by his size—he can more than hold his own. He’s a little dude with a big attitude, and I wouldn’t have him any other way.
Trainer Rhiannon
My passion for dogs and dog training started from an early age and over the years I have gained a vast amount of experience through training courses as well as having lots of hands-on experience with dogs.
During my career I have worked in boarding kennels and for a specialist dog handling company, training, handling and recruiting rescue dogs. I have trained dogs to find drugs and tobacco, explosives, cash, live bodies and for conservation.
Dogs always amaze me with their talents, and I still find it astonishing that dogs were able to detect even the smallest trace of odour no matter how concealed the scent was. Hence my desire to apply my skills to training gundogs.
Working with dogs has highlighted the importance of good communication with humans and dogs. There is always so much to learn when training dogs and I am continuously learning so I can offer the best approach for my clients.
Over the years I have owned a variety of dogs but currently have 4 working cockers. I participate in gundog training, agility as well as teaching tricks and scent work. I love working my dogs on local shoots throughout the season.
Last year I gained numerous awards in agility & gundog working tests and in the last spaniel test of the season we won top Novice dog, Best Hunting dog and Top dog overall after a runoff with the winning open spaniel dog. We are competing in open working tests and hope to one day have a go at field trials.
I love working gundog breeds and my aim is to help turn peoples struggles into their dog’s strength. I focus on games-based learning that shapes good choices and desirable behaviours. I understand that not all dogs are the same so specifically tailoring training to your dog’s needs is so important. Training should be fun for you and one big game for your dog.