Describe your business to our readers
Spiriteddog is focused on a positive approach to all corners of dog training and behaviour modification. Our passion is outlets for natural behaviours, such as Scent detection, Tracking, Gundog work and Agility.
Do you have your own dog(s)?
My real journey into behaviour modification started when I rescued Kayto, my (now 11 yr old) Siberian husky. He had already been through a lot at under a year old and I had to undo fear of men, separation anxiety and a total lack of training. It was a journey, but my goodness the bond that grew between us is unlike anything I'd known at that point. We enjoyed looking into outlets to satisfy his nature such as Canicross, Bikejoring and he was pretty good at agility too ! In lockdown I started to dabble in basic gundog work with him and it's there that a new fire was lit within me. Fast forward to 2021 and we welcomed Bucky (flat-coat retriever) into the family with the view of going further into my gundog knowledge. At 3 &1/2 years old he has completed all gundog courses, gained his KC working dog and handler certificate and we are currently on our third shoot season. I really work hard to provide my dogs with a life they 100% enjoy and feel content in.
How do you start your day?
We're early risers in my house (except my husband!) so the dogs are let outside first thing and have their breakfast while I usually get my fix of coffee and something to eat. I always take them out for a short morning road walk so they can sniff, do their business and we all get some fresh air first thing, then it's straight to work with clients for 9ish.
How does a typical business day look for you?
I really love having a busy day, so I usually have 3 or 4 1-1 clients during the working week day with admin spread out in between seeing everyone. On Sundays the whole Spirited team gets together and we have ourselves about 4 classes each to be teaching, from puppies to dog sports, it's a juggle but we absolutely love it.
How do you finish your day?
I tend to finish my day before the light fades so I can take the boys out for a good off-lead adventure or a training session where they take turns being worked. Then its home for last emails and spending time with the husband. Occasionally we will have an evening event on such as recently my Sniffers club got to explore Manston RAF Museum and work through some creative scenarios in the new surroundings.
What do you most love about running your own business?
Its the people you meet for me. Dog people are all wonderful and we've made serious friendships through this business, including all my girls that work with me, they all started off as clients !!
And your least favourite thing?
The demand on your time and attention can take its toll at times and a NEVER ending to-do list !!
What would you like to say to dog owners reading this?
You're already awesome, and by coming to a page like this to check out local pet services you're making a move into better enriching your dogs and your life. So many of us want to do right by you and help you out. You'll also find that us trainers do not have a "perfect" dog either so never feel judged.......we can relate.
If you liked reading this then click here to read some more Days in the Life of our Doggy Directory Businesses >>