JAN FENNELL B.A (Hons) ADL
A lifetime love of dogs lead Jan to question the traditional methods used for working with them. No matter how gently or kind the approach, controlling a dog's actions meant enforcing the human will onto the dog. This didn't sit well with Jan as force only succeeds in suppressing the animal. This Jan found not only ineffective but also wrong.

In 1989 Jan saw the great horseman Monty Roberts and her whole world was turned upside down. The idea of inviting an animal to want to work with the human through communication was music to her ears. Using the animal's own language seemed so obvious - all Jan had to do was learn it!!!

Extensive study of wolves, dingoes, wild dogs etc, helped Jan to realise what had been missing from her work in the past. Her study of canine behaviour made it possible to put the jigsaw together and, with the invaluable help of her own dogs (especially Sasha and Barmie), Jan developed the procedure now known as 'Amichien Bonding'. It also lead to her first international best selling book titled "The Dog Listener" which serves as a phrase book to help humans build a better relationship with their dogs on many levels. The simplicity of the book enables people to improve an already good relationship with their dog. It also allows people to change undesirable behaviour quietly in their own homes, without ever having to get upset or angry.

TONY KNIGHT B.A (Hons) ADL  (Jan's Son)
Tony first started listening to dogs full-time in 1999 to help Jan cope with the ever-growing demand for her work. "I would use my holiday time from work to come to the aid of owners and dogs in distress when Mum was swamped with calls from all over the country. It was only when I ran out of holiday that I was faced with a choice - work with Mum or stay where I was."

Tony took the plunge and became a partner in the company, and has brought his own qualities to the Amichien Bonding Process. "Mum approached her technique from the point of view of the dog. I realised that the process worked both ways, that humans were just as important in the equation and needed just as much help."

Tony treats Amichien Bonding as a language course, teaching people how to "speak dog". His time living in France and working as a tutor in 1992 helped develop the way that he and Jan structure "lessons" so that the process is easy for anyone to learn. His input helped to make "The Dog Listener" a user- friendly read for thousands of people. "I love my job and the fact that I am able to help make a difference to the lives of many troubled dogs really gives me the job satisfaction I crave."

Tony is now the Principal Tutor of Courses Worldwide.

KAREN DAY
Personal Assistant, Karen and Jan first met in 1991, when Jan's daughter Ellie, wanted to assist with the local 'Riding for the Disabled' group. Karen, was their qualified riding instructor, and later Karen helped Jan with caring for her first horse, Raffles, and improving Jan's ability in the saddle. Their work with the RDA lead to the organisation of events and trips and so their friendship grew.

In November 2005 Karen stepped in to help in the office during the Christmas rush and, to our delight, has stayed. Karen is now an integral member of the Team, who works hard for the benefit of all the Dog Listeners, and often brings Chaser, (Sadie's son) with her to Pond Farm.

GILL TUXWORTH HRDL
Gill became a Dog Listener in 2006 and she set about working closely with a rescue centre in Lincolnshire . She quickly accrued a huge amount of experience working with 200 dogs in just 6 months; giving her time and devotion to the shelter.  In early 2007 she became an essential part of the courses, giving full support to Jan and Tony, and looking after all those who attending. In 2008 Gill's qualities were recognised and she gained the title of 'Highly Recommended Dog Listener' and is increasing her part in the teaching of the courses. Gill can sometimes be found at home with her husband, Colin, and their five dogs.

ELLIE RAWLINGS BA (Hons), PGCE
Ellie, Jan's daughter, is married and mother of two very active girls. For the past ten years, Ellie has works as a full time teacher of English and Media studies in Cardiff . In her spare time works alongside her Mum and Brother preparing articles, press releases and acts as Editor for the Amichien Newsletter.

Ellie's love of dogs started at an early age when she helped her mum with their first English Springers in the early 70's. When she was 5 years of age she asked if she could have a dog of her own, Jan told her that if she helped with their existing dogs for two years then that would happen. The result was that for her 7th birthday a Blue Roan cocker spaniel came into Ellie's life.  Ellie named her Susie, and that was the start of a wonderful friendship. Their tender story appears in Jan's fourth book 'A Dogs Best Friend' and, although Susie went many years ago, her life was a terrific part of the family.   Ellie and her family are the retirement home for Kerry a Gt.Gt.Gt. granddaughter of Genghis Khan. 

For further information regarding our team of dog listeners, please contact us today.