I founded Step by Step Dog Services in the January of 2017 when walking and training dogs became my full-time occupation. Since then, I have worked with many dogs local to the Fareham area.
However, I actually began working with dogs in my early teens, and now have over 8 years experience working with gun dog breeds, sheep dogs, domestic pets, and rescues, in rural and suburban settings.
I have always had a natural instinct and ability with animals, but my passion for dogs knows no bound, and is now backed by my qualifications, as I attained a Level 4 Extended Diploma in Canine Behaviour in the of summer 2020.
The greatest satisfaction for me is knowing I help owners to understand and work with their own dogs, and I get to watch them grow together.
When I am not working with dogs, you will often find me indulging my other passion, horses.
UFO (Valmis Youth) is a Border Collie descended from a line of pedigree working dogs, one of a litter of puppies who were each given fun science-fiction names by their breeder.
People regularly compliment me on UFO's behaviour - even our postman claims UFO is the “Best behaved dog in Fareham!”
However, this is solely down to love and a lot of training. In 2016 when she first arrived, she was fear-reactive towards humans, other dogs, and pretty much anything she hadn’t encountered before! Added to this, she also chased and lunged at moving vehicles. So those early days were a really challenging time.
With patience however she showed improvement, and clear potential, which I have built on over time. These days, UFO is a far more confident and self-assured dog. She is an intelligent, gentle, purposeful dog, with a lot of energy, who wants to be up and doing things.
I would describe my relationship with UFO as a partnership, and it is still growing. UFO is not only my constant companion, she is also my work partner. She helps me with the training and socialisation of my client’s dogs. Together we have dabbled in the sheep dog world, and generally helping on a sheep farm in Cheshire. We have also competed in South Coast agility trials, with some success.
From time to time you will see other trusted members of my team with me or carrying out activities on my behalf.
Crucially, these people are fully covered by the same levels of insurance as I am.
I hold all relevant insurances for my business activities including Public Liability insurance. I am also up to date on GDPR, and have a data protection policy which is available upon request.
I hold a Dog First Aid Certificate so I am able to act quickly and safely in the unlikely case of an emergency.