About Oreo's Way Dog Training · Middlesbrough
Hi! I'm Dee
My name is Dion, but everyone calls me Dee. I'm the founder of Oreo's Way Dog Training, and my path here was anything but direct.
My degree is actually in Crime and Investigation, but fate and a very special dog had entirely different plans for me.
How Dogs Found Me
As a disabled and neurospicy person, I spent a lot of my life feeling like I didn't fit in. I faced a lot of judgment and stigma, and for a long time, I was made to feel like I wouldn't amount to much. I've always felt like I never had a purpose, and that I wasn't good enough, until I found dogs.
Being disabled and neurodivergent teaches you one huge life skill: absolute adaptability. You spend your whole life figuring out how to overcome obstacles and navigate a world that wasn't built for you.
When I started training my assistance dog, Oreo, everything changed. He gave me my freedom and independence back, but he also unlocked a deep passion in me.
"Dog training gave me my purpose."
And let's be honest, I've always preferred the company of dogs over humans anyway!
No One-Size-Fits-All
Dog training is no different than life: there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Adapted to You
My niche is taking methods and adapting them to fit the exact needs of each individual dog and their human.
Ethical & Reward-Based
Every plan uses an ethical and rewards based approach. No quick fixes, no harsh methods, just real support.
Advocating for Pain
My biggest passion is helping guardians truly understand their dog's behaviour and advocating for underlying pain, which gets missed far too often.
Reactivity Rehab
Watching a stressed, overwhelmed dog (and their anxious owner) transform into a confident, calm team is hands-down one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
A Real-World Perspective
I may be a wheelchair user, but that has never held me back. It's given me a unique perspective on real-world training, problem-solving, and understanding what it truly means to build a bond through patience and trust rather than force.
Where I'm Heading
My ultimate goal is to become a fully qualified Assistance Dog Trainer and Behaviourist, and I'm so proud of how far we've already come.
Off the Clock
You'll usually find me geeking out over a canine behaviour research paper, out training Oreo, or getting far too invested in serial killer documentaries (that crime degree has to pop out somewhere!).
Ready to Work Together?
So if you want a trainer who genuinely loves dogs, and wants the absolute best for both you and your dog, with no quick fixes, no harsh methods, and just real support, I'm your girl! Get in touch today!