Gemma Pound – Director of Jamie Pound Dog Training
Gemma is the Director of Jamie Pound Dog Training and the driving force behind the smooth and professional experience our clients enjoy. She leads the business with passion, efficiency, and a genuine love for helping people and their dogs thrive together.
With a background in both dog training and veterinary nursing, Gemma brings a well-rounded understanding of animal behaviour, health, and welfare to every part of the business. She oversees all operations, including customer service, class scheduling, administration, and social media, ensuring that every owner and dog is supported from their first enquiry right through to graduation and beyond.
Since stepping into the role in 2014, Gemma has helped grow the training school into one of the most trusted providers in Hertfordshire, with over 200 pet dogs attending classes, workshops, and one-to-one sessions across our Chorleywood and Berkhamsted schools each week.
Gemma is particularly passionate about creating a positive, inclusive training experience that supports real-life dog ownership. As a mum of three and a proud dog owner herself, she understands how busy family life can be and is dedicated to making training practical, accessible, and fun for everyone involved.
Whether she's welcoming new clients, planning exciting new workshops, or ensuring the team delivers to the highest standards, Gemma is committed to helping people build stronger bonds with their dogs through kind, effective, reward-based training.
Jamie joined JPDT in 2014, bringing with him a genuine passion for helping dogs and their owners build better communication and improve behaviour. He plays a key role in delivering engaging dog training classes, one-to-one consultations, workshops, and fun competitions designed for pet dogs and their families. Thanks to the team's dedication, JPDT has expanded its reach and now runs classes in Berkhamsted and Chorleywood.
Jamie is also a driving force behind the scent detection offering at JPDT. After experiencing the benefits of scent work with his own dogs, Jamie became passionate about making this enriching activity accessible to all dogs.
In recognition of his dedication to dogs and their people, Jamie was honoured to be a finalist in the 2021 Animal Star Awards – Behaviourist/Trainer of the Year.
Beyond his work with dogs, Jamie has inspired many through his motivational speaking for the Katie Piper Foundation. A proud moment was being invited to share his story at the House of Lords, reflecting on a journey that hasn’t always been easy.
Before joining the dog training world, Jamie worked as an electrician. A serious accident left him with 45% burns and forced him to completely rebuild his life. It was his puppy, Frankie, who gave him purpose and a new direction—personally and professionally. His journey since then is a true testament to resilience and the power of the human-animal bond.
Alanna enjoys working with all dogs but she has a very soft spot for collies, cockapoos and sensitive dogs. Her own dog Inca is a Border Collie/German Shepherd cross and they have a great time at weekends making up freestyle and heelwork to music routines!
Areas of expertise:
- Common puppy problems, puppy biting/chewing, toilet training, sleep routine, crate training etc
- General Behaviour training: recall, loose lead walking, no jumping up etc
- Complex behavioural issues: Dog to Dog reactivity/agression, Resource guarding etc
Alanna does not cover some complex behaviour issues: dog to human reactivity/ aggression or resource guarding if there are children who live with the dog in question.
Meet Ella
Jamie Pound Dog Training Instructor
With a background in art and design and a keen interest in photography, Ella brings creativity and a fresh perspective to the world of dog training. As a qualified UK Sniffer Dogs Instructor, she combines her love of learning with a real passion for helping others enjoy the journey of training their dogs.
Over the past year, Ella has been shadowing Jamie himself, observing and assisting in classes. This hands-on experience has given her a solid foundation and a deeper understanding of both practical dog training and how to support owners with empathy, clarity, and enthusiasm.
Ella’s own journey began with Luna, her spirited Springer Spaniel, and a shared love of scent work, agility, and trick training. This bond sparked a deep determination to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible, all with the aim of helping others find the same joy in dog training.
Bubbly, friendly, and full of energy, Ella loves thinking outside the box. Whether she’s attending fun dog shows, playing football, or getting stuck into the great outdoors (she’s not afraid of a bit of mud!), she thrives on being active and engaged.
Ella is genuinely passionate about helping others develop strong, happy relationships with their dogs, and is excited to share the skills and confidence that have shaped her own journey.
