How Our Journey Began.

Carrinne - My mum started working at 15 years old in boarding kennels, where she used to help out with the dog grooming and got trained up, then me and my brother turned up and meant that she had to stop for a bit. She soon started up for herself dog grooming in a shed in the garden, whilst working 2 other jobs in a care home and also at Pets at Home. Eventually she managed to give up her other jobs and dog groom full time. Eventually she got a van and started dog grooming mobile, but the bottom rusted and it became to expensive to fix and thus we were given an amazing opportunity to open up a salon at the boarding kennels (new forest) we dog groom at. She’s now been grooming for 30 years(!). She owns 7 nutty cockers; Marbles (12), India (12), Aruba (8), Boss (6), Wispa (3), Ebony (3) and Vinnie (1)! Some of our dogs are in the header at the top of the page. Marbles is not a fan of other dogs, so my mum had been going to a positive dog trainer with her for a number of years! Where we picked up a few tips along the way. She also owns horses, and is interested in holistic and natural things as well!

Carmen, 31 - I have studied a Level 3 extended diploma in Animal Management and done many Continual Professional Development (CPD) courses since in Canine nutrition, Canine psychology, Anxiety and behaviour, dog first aid, grooming, emmi-pet teeth cleaning course, a massage workshop and currently doing Tellington TTouch, holistic therapy and Reiki courses.... with the intention of doing zoo pharmacology and more! I love learning all about dogs!!

I have had work experience at rescue kennels, boarding kennels, vets & even at Marwell zoo!

I have worked at dog breeders and learnt how care for puppies and pregnant dogs, and even whelping!!

I worked at boarding kennels with a day-care kind of system (they socialise with other dogs while they stay!) and had done for 8 years!!

I have dog groomed on and off for the last 12 years, thanks to my awesome mum for teaching me and getting me involved since I was little, she’s been in the industry for more than 30 years!! I have been working full time for 4 years now.

I owned a 13 year old beagle, Bailey, he taught me so much over the years! He’s my pride and joy! He was also epileptic so I have experience with that! As well as being a scavenger, dustbin diver and thief. He got me into holistic therapy, natural alternatives and raw feeding. I did a beginners workshop on doggy massages too so his aging bones can benefit.

I’m a Pet Professional Network member which means I only practice and recommend companies that I know hold the same positive and ethical principles that I do!

I’m also a brand ambassador for Edition Dog Magazine, so I give them the heads up for any positive reinforcement trainers/walkers/sitters/boarders, therapy practitioners (hydro, massage, physio, acupuncture) healthy pet stores/nutritionists/treat makers, photographers, doggy product makers and dog friendly hotels/lodges/restaurants/cafes/pubs in the area - so if you can recommend any that would be FAB!!

I now own a much more behaviourally complicated Beagle, called Willow. She’s 4!

I just generally love dogs and anything to do with dogs - and love helping people with their dogs.