Mathilde Lepoutre, dog trainer in Pujaut, “you have to give the dog a framework but not subject it!”

Mathilde Lepoutre works with her regulator dogs Ruru (white), Dick (brown) and Yuna (black) Yann Cuileyrier

Mathilde Lepoutre dispose chez elle d’un parcours canin pour dresser les chiens. DR

Cet été, Midi Libre est allé à la rencontre de Gardois qui exercent des métiers pas comme les autres. Depuis 2012, Mathilde Lepoutre est éducatrice canine et gérante de M’éducation canine à Pujaut.

Smiling and dynamic, Mathilde Lepoutre, dog trainer, has been running her own business M’éducation canine in Pujaut since 2012. Born in Vietnam, near Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), she grew up in the Gard. After a BTS in business in Montpellier, Mathilde Lepoutre has had a string of experiences: medical representative, owner of a stable, communications manager…

"I have always loved animals. At 40, I decided to make this passion my job" says the Pujaulaine. She then passed several certificates such as the CCAD (Certificate of Capacity for Domestic Animals) in 2013.
Since then, the fifty-year-old has given education classes to puppies and adults. She adapts her working methods according to the character and breed of the dog. "You have to give them a framework, but not subject them" she warns. With the help of her regulating dogs Ruru, Dick and Yuna, Mathilde Lepoutre alleviates certain animal behavior disorders: "Ruru, my spitz, is very sociable and helps fearful dogs regain self-confidence."

Animal mediation as a new therapy

The Gardoise also offers animal mediation sessions. Accompanied by a health professional and her four-legged companions, she visits daycare centers, retirement homes and hospitals in Vaucluse. “The animal does not judge! It restores confidence to humans and helps them find a little well-being”“emphasizes the dog breeder.”When my dogs are with elderly people, they think of their own pets. It's a good way for them to preserve their memory."

When she's with children, Mathilde Lepoutre organizes walks or ball games: "This builds a team spirit and solidarity."

“To be a good dog trainer, you need three to five years of experience”

Since 2018, Mathilde Lepoutre trains future dog trainers for the Acaced competition (certificate of knowledge for domestic species pets). For three weeks, she gives theoretical and practical lessons to candidates. They learn the different postures to hold, the multiple breeds of dogs, etc. At the end of the training, they take an exam. “To be a good dog trainer, you need three to five years of experience. You have to work with all dogs and accumulate a broad canine culture,” advises Pujaulaine.

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