One trainer’s journey from African dreams to excellence
WORDS Alex Wilson
There’s something magical about watching Gail Skinner work with dogs. Perhaps it’s the gentle way she moves or the calm confidence she exudes, but, within minutes of visiting her Algarve training centre, it’s clear why she’s become one of the most respected figures in modern dog training.
The Portuguese sun casts long shadows across her training centre as her dogs lounge contentedly nearby – a living testament to her philosophy that every dog has its own perfect nature. “You know,” she says, settling into a comfortable chair, her eyes lighting up with excitement, “I’ve just experienced something rather wonderful. After all these years in dog training, I finally made it to Crufts.”
Growing up in Africa, Crufts was the stuff of dreams for young Gail. “I’d read about it in magazines, imagining what it would be like to walk those hallowed halls. But actually, being there …” she pauses, searching for the right words. “Nothing prepared me for the real thing. The atmosphere was electric! Television simply doesn’t do justice to the energy, the excitement, the sheer scale of it all.”
Her recent visit to the world’s greatest dog show brought back a flood of memories from her early days in the dog world. “Walking through those halls, watching the judging, seeing the absolute best of every breed – it was overwhelming in the most wonderful way. And the shopping! Who knew there were so many things my dogs absolutely needed?” she laughs, admitting to returning home with quite a few ‘essential’ purchases.
The journey to becoming who she is today wasn’t a straight path for Gail. It started at an agricultural boarding school, where she discovered her calling while volunteering at the local animal welfare organisation. Those early experiences shaped her understanding of both animals and people – a crucial combination in successful dog training.
“People often think dog training is all about loving dogs,” she explains, reaching down to scratch behind one of her dog’s ears. “But it’s rather like assuming a dentist must love teeth. What we really need is understanding, patience, and the ability to read both ends of the lead! Every dog is unique, every owner is different, and that’s what makes this work so fascinating.”
Her early career saw her showing bull terriers and competing in the show ring in breed shows and obedience – experiences that came rushing back at Crufts. “I found myself spending hours chatting with bull terrier owners, sharing stories and comparing notes. Then, I’d wander off and find myself deep in conversation with golden retriever enthusiasts, Yorkshire terrier owners, even miniature pinscher devotees. Each breed brings its own joys and challenges, and each has taught me something valuable about dog behaviour.”
The African chapter of Gail’s story is particularly fascinating. Before making Portugal her home, she founded LAWS (Lusaka Animal Welfare Society) and was an assistant trainer at the Lusaka and District Kennel Club, later becoming an inspector for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). These experiences provided invaluable insights into dog behaviour across vastly different contexts and cultures.
“Working in Africa taught me that dogs are dogs, wherever you find them,” she reflects. “Whether it’s a pampered show champion or a street dog, they all speak the same language – we just need to learn how to listen. This understanding has been crucial in developing our training programmes and helping owners connect with their dogs on a deeper level.”
At Crufts, Gail found herself particularly drawn to the borzoi ring. “Oh, those magnificent creatures!” she exclaims, her face lighting up. “I spent ages talking to their owners about what it’s like living with these elegant giants. There’s something so special about that breed – they’re like living art. But they’re also a perfect example of why understanding breed characteristics is so crucial in training. Each breed has its own history and its own purpose, and that influences everything about how they learn and interact.”
Her expertise and adaptability were put to the test when the producers of Celebrity Coach Trip Portugal approached her. The production team was looking for someone who could demonstrate how to handle a dog and teach tricks on camera. It was a challenge that would combine her training skills with the unique demands of television production.
“The experience was fantastic, though initially quite daunting,” Gail recalls with a smile. “My first task was arranging the dogs who would be handled by strangers. Through good planning and matching of skills, we managed to get 12 dogs of different sizes and personalities to participate.”
The production day was a whirlwind of activity, with 24 cameras, sound people and a group of eager celebrities. “The crew arrived with all their equipment, and it was amazing. I had to think about practical footwear as some had turned up in the highest high heels, and there were all the health and safety considerations to be addressed.
Gail launched her book, For Dog’s Sake, at Crufts, and it is available to pre-order. The book is about life through the eyes of a dog called Key. The second part covers all the exercises on how to achieve a balanced dog as Gail explores and applies many of her training techniques to her dogs.
