A lifetime of experience, built on understanding the bond between people and their animals
Andrea Colam is the founder of Field & Home, bringing together a lifelong passion for animals, decades of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of how dogs learn and live alongside us.
Andrea’s journey into training began with horses, where she developed her skills as both a trainer and educator. By the age of 18, she had qualified as a British Horse Society Assistant Instructor (B.H.S.A.I.), building strong foundations in training, communication and the relationship between owner and animal. These early years shaped Andrea’s calm, structured and empathetic approach, which remains central to her work today.
From guide dog puppies to family dogs
Alongside her professional training background, Andrea has proudly supported Guide Dogs for many years as a puppy raiser. This role allowed her to be part of the early life of multiple guide dog puppies, helping them develop the confidence, calmness and resilience needed to progress into their formal training and, ultimately, support their future owners.
Being involved in this journey reinforced the importance of early foundations, consistency and positive experiences — lessons Andrea now brings to every family she works with.
Andrea believes great dog training is built on both experience and understanding. Alongside her practical work, she has continued her academic studies, achieving a Canine Psychology Diploma with Distinction.
Learning is ongoing. Andrea actively combines hands-on training with continued professional development, ensuring her methods remain informed, up to date and centred on the welfare and emotional wellbeing of the dog.
Andrea understands first-hand the special bond between owners and their dogs. She has lived with and trained dogs throughout her life and currently shares her home with two Working Cocker Spaniels.
Spaniels are an incredible breed, intelligent, loving, deeply affectionate and full of character. Their enthusiasm, sensitivity and joyful personalities are what make people fall in love with them, but they also mean spaniels benefit hugely from calm, thoughtful guidance.
Andrea’s training embraces everything that makes a spaniel a spaniel. The aim is never to suppress their fun, entertaining nature, but to channel it in a way that allows them to feel settled, confident and able to cope with everyday life. By building clear foundations and understanding their needs, Andrea helps spaniels remain the happy, affectionate companions they are, while developing the calmness and focus needed both at home and out in the world.
This depth of experience gives Andrea particular insight into the needs, sensitivities and energy levels of spaniels — while still welcoming and supporting dogs of all breeds with the same considered, one-to-one approach.
At Field & Home, training is built around:
Positive reinforcement
Clear communication
Calm, structured routines
One-to-one support
Andrea’s focus is on strengthening the relationship between you and your dog, making life together more enjoyable, more relaxed and more rewarding for both of you.
Training starts in the home, where dogs feel safest, and gradually extends into the outside world — helping dogs become confident and capable in the environments they encounter every day.
Andrea’s aim is not just to teach behaviours, but to help raise dogs who are:
Calm and settled at home
Confident outdoors
Able to cope with modern family life
A pleasure to live with and take anywhere
Every dog is different and every family is unique. Andrea’s role is to guide, support and empower you with the knowledge and confidence to understand your dog and enjoy life together.
Field and Home Dog Training is owned by Dog Trainer Andrea Colam and provides a range of Dog Services for you and your dogs needs in Wallingford, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Didcot and surrounding areas.
Phone: 07783 583212 (Mon-Fri 0900-1730)
Email: andrea@fieldandhome.co.uk