Hi I’m Harriet (Leading Teenage Pet Gundog Specialist) from Pawtastic Gundog Adventures.
I thought I would share with you, the reason why I started Pawtastic.
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 specialising in gundog adventures. After spending time with the lovely Claire and John Denyer from Family dog services in Maidstone, Kent. It was amazing watching their dogs do what they were bred for. That’s when I decided to follow my passion for gundogs. More on this later……
Then dog trainer to ‘Teenage Pet gundog Tamer‘, 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 as the most common reason for dogs under 2 years of age to be given up for rehoming.
My mission is to help and support pet gundog 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.
That’s why I developed my ‘tame your teen’ formula, which has now transformed lives of many frustrated pet gundog owners.
You would be surprised to know that I was once a paralegal, it was my first proper job offer finishing my law degree. I got to dress smart which is very different to the dog hair and mud I seem to wear everyday but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Why gundogs? I hear you say. Since I was 10 years old, I always had a German shepherds in my life. I love their loyal nature and the way they tilt their heads like they are taking every word you say in. Just does something to my heart but when my parents decided to get Barney, the Labrador, I trained and played with him. He is a lovely natured dog. He does the ‘lab bum wiggle’ whenever he saw me. I absolutely fell in love with Labradors. When I moved out of my parents home. I think he was the only one that actually missed me and I missed him that’s why I got my very own dog, ‘Barney mini – me’ Finn he’s a Labrador cross with a German Shepherd. We go on our own adventures everyday. That’s where my love for gundogs started.
I am fully insured with Pet business insurance, certified Canine First Aider and DBS checked (known as CRB). All these documents, I will show on the ‘meet and greet’.
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 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.
- worked at Anne Nelson vets in South Croydon
- I used to foster stray, elderly cats from the vets
- You may find me on the terraces of Selhurst Park
- 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 ‘7 tips to teach your teenage dog to have laser-focus on you, so you can have stress-free beach walks’.
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 beach.