Back in 2016, I started my journey with dogs by launching a dog care business that focused on small group walks and puppy training. It was a big leap from my previous corporate career, but I was fortunate to have a fantastic mentor, Bobs Broadbent, who helped me build the skills and confidence I needed. Working closely with Bobs, I started my dog walking business in Richmond, Surrey, where I quickly learned the challenges of managing small groups of dogs with very different personalities.
Although I only walked groups of four dogs at a time, for someone just starting out, that was more than enough to keep me on my toes! Each dog had its own quirks, and working with them daily allowed me to understand the nuances of different breeds and temperaments. Part of my service included training during walks, which meant helping dogs with recall, focus, and attention. Spending so much time with the same dogs gave me the chance to form strong bonds with them, which made the training both rewarding and effective. It’s no exaggeration to say this period was a baptism of fire - learning how to be the most interesting thing in a dog’s world while navigating distractions like the wildlife in Richmond Park was a crash course in dog training and behaviour.
I absolutely loved this job. Spending your days in the beautiful surroundings of Richmond Park with a group of wagging tails is not a bad job to have! Of course, not every day was smooth sailing - ask any dog walker, and they’ll have stories of when things didn’t go quite to plan! But with Bobs’s guidance and a lot of determination, my business grew from strength to strength.
Finding My Passion for Puppies
A part of the job that I really fell in love with was puppy training. Many of my clients needed help with their new puppies while they were at work, so I would pop in twice a day for training sessions and, once the puppy was a bit older, a short walk. Once the pups graduated from this service, they could join my group walks, which gave me invaluable experience with puppies and the challenges their guardians face.
At the same time, I had my own puppy, Betsy. There’s nothing like raising your own pup to teach you just how tricky those early months can be. From the endless biting phase and winter toilet training to teaching a puppy to be comfortable alone and building a rock-solid recall, I experienced it all firsthand. Between Betsy and my clients’ dogs, I’ve encountered every kind of puppy personality: over-excitable, shy, hyper-attached, picky eaters, and even those who refuse to go out in the rain!
Adapting and Growing
In 2018, a serious neck injury meant I could no longer walk adult dogs, and I had to rethink my business. That’s when Puppy Day School was born. I opened my home to puppies, offering a 10-week intensive training course for two pups at a time. They would spend their days learning the basics, practising lead walking and recall during outdoor adventures, and honing their skills in a supportive environment. I documented their progress with videos so owners could continue the training at home, but the foundation work was done by me. During this time I also studied to achieve a Diploma in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare. This experience and education gave me the confidence to take the next step in my career.
I enrolled in the Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT), Canine Instructor Course to become an accredited trainer. For me, it was essential to align myself with an organisation that advocates for ethical, kind training methods. The dog training industry is unregulated, and I wanted to ensure I was using the best practices to help people build positive, lasting bonds with their dogs. Dogs should be our best friends, not live in fear of punishment when things go wrong.
Betsy’s Dog School
After graduating, I launched Betsy’s Dog School in 2021, and since then (including relocating to Newcastle Upon Tyne), I’ve been helping amazing clients and their wonderful pups. I truly believe I have the best job in the world. It’s not without its challenges, but knowing that I’m making a difference in the lives of dogs and their guardians is incredibly rewarding. Helping someone navigate the ups and downs of puppyhood and seeing the bond between them and their dog grow is the best feeling.
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far I’ve come - from walking small groups in Richmond Park to running a thriving business dedicated to helping dogs and their people live their best lives together. And it all started with a little puppy named Betsy and a big leap of faith into the world of dog training.
You can learn more about how I can help you with Puppy Training here
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