Me and my approach to dog walking

Since 2010, I’ve been providing professional and reliable dog walking services in Battersea, Clapham, Balham, Tooting, and parts of the surrounding areas of Southwest London. I originally trained in dog welfare, behaviour and socialisation with two animal charities back in 2009, and now have fifteen years of experience in animal care. That said, I'm never closed minded. I'm always open to learning more and improving my skills and working practices.

My approach to dog walking changed several years ago. Partly as a result of my human wellbeing training, I made the decision to reduce the size of my dog walking groups. I now walk dogs in small groups of 3 or 4 (very occasionally 5 if a regular client is in need). I've found this makes our times out in the parks and commons much more pleasant and relaxing for the dogs in my care, for me, and for others sharing the spaces.

​​

A few years ago, I founded a social enterprise offering free wellbeing services online as well as wellbeing coaching, particularly for those in recovery from adverse childhood experience. As well as a wellbeing coach and facilitator, I am also a volunteer Samaritan. It is through my voluntary work that I am fully DBS-checked.

I have found that dog walking and human wellbeing combine to create a good working-life mix. Each role has certainly influenced the other for me.

​​

Prior to working with animals and becoming involved in human wellbeing, I was a project manager in the electronics industry. In terms of my education since A level, I have a degree in electronics, a diploma in music history and theory, level 1 to 3 certificates in counselling studies, and various coaching qualifications. I have also studied some psychology and behaviourism modules at degree level with the OU.