About Andrea Colam

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.

Combining practical experience with ongoing study

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.

Specialist spaniel knowledge, shaped by real life

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.