Hi I’m Harriet, The ‘Spaniel Tamer’
I thought I would share with you, the reason why I started ‘Spaniel Tamer’.
Now you may be thinking it’s because I love animals.
Well, yes I do very much but there’s more…..
In 2013, I fell pregnant while I was training to be a veterinary nurse. When I had my daughter, Scarlett I realised I didn’t want to go back.
I didn’t want to work 45-50 hours then study at college one day a week and bring up a baby.
As you may know, when you have children your priorities change. It wasn’t all about me anymore.
I wanted to be a hands on mum so when Scarlett was 6 months old. I bravely started the business in August 2014.
I have always wanted to be a business owner, be independent and make my own money while doing something that I loved.
Everything I do is for my daughter. I hope one day, she will be proud of me.
The business has changed so much since I started.
I have gone from Solo walker to trainer/groomer.
After learning about dog behaviour and how to train dogs & humans from Carol Clark ‘The Doggy Doctor’ from Down dog training Academy. I really did learn from the best. l realised I loved training younger dogs that’s when I found my superpower; helping frustrated pet gundog owners with their teenage dogs.
I know all to well how hard it is managing a teenage dog. My dog, Finn was a complete nightmare when he was going through the teenage stage. He would jump at everyone he met, he pulled on the lead like a train, ignoring me and top it off his recall was non- existent. I felt like a failure.
According to Dog’s trust, research has estimated that 130,000 dogs came into UK rehoming charities each year. Also it was identified that behaviour problems are the most common reason for dogs under 2 years of age to be given up for rehoming. With the right guidance, that shouldn’t be an option.
My mission is to help and support frustrated Spaniel owners through the tricky teenage stage so owners don’t have to resort to the heartbreaking decision to rehome their dog.
There is light at the end of the tunnel, as nowadays I am always getting compliments of how well behaved Finn is. He is known as the Chief Pawrette and has been my demo dog in my classes for many years, but now he is getting old. He would rather sleep on my bed.
That’s why I developed my ‘tame your teen’ formula, which has now transformed lives of many frustrated pet gundog owners.
I loved working with Spaniels so in 2023, I decided to get a crazy Spaniel of my own, and welcomed Rose, a working Springer Spaniel as my Pup Apprentice. She is a typical Spaniel, loving, affectionate and likes to spread mud everywhere she goes. If you have a Spaniel, you will know what I mean………
You may see her proudly perform as my demo dog at my classes.
Finn has had to adjust to not being the only dog, he has to share his toys, food and me with Rose. Having a second dog brings joy but also double the trouble.
When I got Rose, I knew she would need grooming. I hated the thought of leaving her at the groomers. I was worried about how she would be handled so I groomed her myself and fell in love with grooming just like I did when I first started my business, when I completed Diploma in dog grooming.
I always knew traditional grooming wasn’t for me. I groom a bit differently to most groomers. My approach is calm while building trust and confidence in a safe environment.
This is all started when Rose jumped off my grooming table and I thought might as well groom her on the floor where she was clearly more comfortable.
I was really glad she did this as it gave me a better way of grooming dogs. Rose wasn’t the only one who wasn’t keen on the grooming table. I started grooming client’s dogs on the floor as it turns out jumping off the table is a Spaniel thing. This has become the ‘Spaniel Tamer’ way.
I don’t use restraints. I practice behaviour led and consent based grooming rather than forcing a dog through a groom. I work at their own pace, reading their body language, respecting their limits and creating a positive associations every step of the way.
I am always improving my skills and knowledge. Currently, I am studying to become a cat groomer.
I become a Award winning business in 2019 and in 2022 and again in 2023 when I attended Impact: the Pet business Success Summit in Sunderland.
I am fully insured with Pet business insurance, certified Canine First Aider and DBS checked (known as CRB).
I won Global Excellence award in 2022, Best Teen dog training service and Dog Training Company of the Year Prestige Award Winner in 2023.
Some interesting facts about me;
- I have completed LLB Law degree.
- My home town is Croydon.
- I used to foster stray, elderly cats from the vets
- I am a massive Manchester United fan.
- Sometimes I am referred to as the ‘crazy ferret lady’
- I am rather sarcastic and have a wicked sense of humour.
Want to know more about me and how I can help you.
Why not sign up for my ’10 tips to make 2024 the best year ever with your gundog’.
All you need to do is input your details below, you will receive one tip each day in your inbox so you can get results straight away and have a well mannered member of the family that you are proud to take to the park.