Why choose Animal Zone Pet Services?

Choosing a dog walker can be hard especially when there are so many companies and individuals to choose from.
Do you find practical experience or theoretical knowledge most important or do you think a combination of both is necessary? How many years experience is required for a dog walker to be considered 'qualified'?
Many people offering dog walking services have an interest and like of dogs as opposed to a sound knowledge and skill based service. As the industry is unregulated it is advisable for owners to be sure that the service will meet their requirements as terms of 'professional' or 'qualified' can be misleading.
With this in mind, I aim to provide a background to Animal Zone Pet Services and why I believe that it provides a superior service in the animal care field.

As a child animals played a significant role in my life. I grew up with gerbils, rabbits, cats, dogs and horses.
On leaving school I studied for an HNC in Animal Care at Oatridge College and on completion and attaining a grade A pass, I went on to university for  4 years to study for a  BSc Hons in Animal Biology and  in 2018 I graduated with a 2:1.

My degree studies were extensive, I gained a sound theoretical foundation and practical experience across the animal care industry. One such memorable experience was assisting the vet  in the safe delivery of a calf by caesarean section.

My learning developed with 'hands on' work and in the past 10 years I have been employed in dog day cares, veterinary centres, cattery and kennel set ups gaining experience of all different species, breeds and temperaments. I currently also volunteer for Any Dog'il Do Rescue as well as supporting Scottish Dobermann Rescue with fundraising.

My involvement with 'reactive' dogs led me to set up my dog walking and training business. I had witnessed dogs being excluded from training classes or that were too risky to be given to a dog walker. These dogs were labelled a problem when in reality their behaviour was misunderstood or unable to be catered for in that set up.

Dog owners have reported feeling alienated and disheartened in trying to manage their reactive and nervous dogs.

At Animal Zone Pet Services we believe that every walk should be an enriching experience for the dog. Our dog walks can take us down a path, on to a verge, through a bush and back on to a path and may even incorporate a muddy puddle!

Dog walking professionally is about being alert, assessing the environment, reading the dog's body language, avoiding triggers and knowing what is best for your dog.

Although our focus is on solo dog walking, for dogs that I have already worked with and assessed, I offer small group walks (maximum 4). Dogs are transported in a van that has been equipped with custom built crates (as opposed to crates designed for homes). It is vital that dogs in my care are transported with suitable restraints for their safety.

To promote excellent animal care I believe that continual professional development is essential. To this end I attend numerous in person workshops and seminars, online courses and webinars. I am currently studying with COAPE to become a pet ethologist which, after graduation, will allow me to work as a behaviourist with all pet animals but my focus is on canine behaviour. Currently I am also working in the field of scentwork and my own dog, Enzo is loving the challenge in this area of dog sport.

All clients are offered a free training & behaviour consult within each 6 month period, as well as the option of a free teeth clean, nail clip or diet consultation.