About Matty

Why I do this

Living with a dog who struggles isn’t just hard; it’s exhausting, emotional, and isolating. I know, because I’ve been there too, and I created this service because I understand first-hand just how deeply it can affect your everyday life, your relationships, and your emotional well-being.

My approach

My mission is to support both you and your dog with professional, ethical, and welfare-first approach. I use evidence-based, reward-based methods rooted in the latest animal behaviour science. Your dog’s emotional needs matter, and so do yours.

My background

Before becoming a clinical animal behaviourist, I spent many years supporting children, young people, and families in various settings, from children’s centres to adventure playgrounds. This background gave me a deep understanding of emotional resilience, communication, and the importance of building trust, skills that are just as vital when supporting dogs and their guardians.

I went on to earn a First Class BSc (Hons) in Applied Animal Behavioural Science and Welfare, and during my studies, I founded a dog walking and pet care business. I one-to-one walked reactive and sensitive dogs, gaining hands-on experience with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. (Please note, I no longer offer dog walking or pet sitting.)

My accreditation

  I am a registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) with the ABTC and a full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), ensuring the highest standard of professional and ethical practice.

My dog

But the heart of Beyond Reactivity is my own dog, Aisha. She is a rescue from a Romanian shelter and came to me overwhelmed by the noise, pace, and demands of urban life in London. Like so many dogs, she was labelled “reactive”, but what she needed was understanding. When I began to look beyond the behaviour and address the underlying causes of her stress, everything changed. Aisha became more confident, more relaxed, and more connected to me. Our bond grew stronger, and it’s this transformation that drives everything I do. If you're struggling with your dog’s behaviour and feel unsure where to turn, you're not alone. I offer a calm, compassionate approach tailored to you and your dog’s unique needs. Change i s possible and I’m here to help you get there.

A logo which say APBC , Association of pet behaviour counsellors in black writing on white background, there is also a blue silhouette of hourse head, a grey silhouette of parrot, a white silhouette of a dogs head, blue silhouette of a cats head and a grey silhouette of a turtle.. This image has a link to Matty Al-irimi 's listing on the APBC website
ABTC written in red writing on white background across the top of the logo below that Registered clinical Animal behaviourist written in white on red background this image has a link to Matty Al-irimi's listing on the ABTC website
logo with pink background and the words covered by pet business insurance written in white.
The face of a borzoi behind a grey over lay with L.E.G.S.® Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation® Professional Course and this certificate is awarded to Matty Al-irimi
Red and white certificate with words Safety and Risk Assessments for Trainers and Behaviourists Webinar - Matty Al-irimi written in black.
White certificate with the wrods certificate of completion, Matty Al-irimi, The brain and behaviour though life stages, puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, senior written in black
Black and white certificate with certificate of completion and school of canine science written in white and Matty Al-irimi and Puppy lab written in yellow
A white certificate with shaded purple, pink red and yellow curves at the top and bottom and dog aggression for professional with Amber Batson and Matty Al-irimi written in purple and module 1-6 January to December 2022 written in red
white certificate with pictures of a horse, dog, two cats, a lion, a rabbit and another dog at the bottom and the Thank you for attnedng the APBC virtual conference 2022 Matilda Al-irimi - The emotional side of behaviour and training
white certificate with a graphic of a dog and blue and orange curves in the background and Certificate of Attendance awarded to Matty Al-irimi - unpacking the emotional experience workshop written on it
white certificate with green out border. Canine arthritis management - certificate of completion awarded to Matty Al-irmi upon completion of CAMadvocate level 1 written on it teal
grey certificate with blue detail. CPD Certificate of attendance and learning tool this is to certify that Matty Al-irimi has completed the accredited CPD activity Dogs and Children course delivered by canine principles
white certificate - dog law what every responsible owner needs to know, This Certificate records the enrolment of Matilda Al-Irimi at a course on the law as it pertains to dogs in England written on it.