Cheyenne Selden

Hi, I’m Cheyenne, and I currently work for Vivian part-time as a senior trainer. I first started with Plenty Paws as a dog walker in 2017 as a summer job before going to university for Zoology. Vivian and I instantly got on in the interview, and I fell into the team and the pack of dogs. Viv and the team began showing me how to work with the dogs on our walks, and I began falling in love with dog training. Between my university years, I returned to work with the team and in 2020, I began working full-time after my degree.

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In 2020/2021, Viv and I worked hard to set up Plenty Paws’ first puppy classes, a huge success I am proud of. I also helped with one-to-one training sessions for dogs. After struggling to be accepted to rescue a dog, in 2021, I brought home a spritely English Springer Spaniel puppy whom I named Daphne. I love working with puppies and was excited to have my little project! We worked hard on our obedience, and Daphne was my demonstration dog in many classes at just five months old. At seven months old, I started researching breed-specific training and began to teach Daphne Gundog training. At two years old, she completed her Grade 1 and 2 Gundog Club assessments, showing proficiency in hunting, retrieving and obedience. We are currently training for our Grade 3. We aim to work towards a natural working environment and perhaps complete some spaniel working tests when she is older.

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In 2022 I moved to Dogs Trust to gain more experience with troubled rescue dogs; in my short six months at Shoreham Rehoming Centre, I learnt so much, which sparked my interest in dog behaviour; unfortunately, the commute was unbearable whilst having a dog at home. Whilst I now work part-time at Plenty Paws, my full-time job is with a small local rescue centre which rescues dogs from abroad. I love working with all the different dogs, their beautiful personalities, and diverse and complex issues. Since working with rescue dogs for over a year, I want to further my knowledge in behaviour and qualify as a behavioural technician.

I advocate for a science-based Force-Free approach to training, allowing the dogs to work at their own pace and not be rushed while having a fun learning experience. I love teaching people and showing them how to work with their dogs where both parties are happy and stress-free to get a good result. Positive reinforcement allows the dog to make better choices while leaving room for mistakes; in training, the dog will not be “punished” for inappropriate behaviours or doing something wrong but instead taught alternatives or rewarded for good choices.