I’ve worked with dogs for many years now and I’ve took thousands of walks. Some dogs walked beautifully but the majority pulled like steam trains. Being younger I didn’t mind and actually powered through it with a smile on my face.

However, let me share with you when it all changed. It was 11th June 2019 a normal work day and I was doing my rounds of walking and pet sitting. Finishing off with an adorable chocolate Labrador puppy, I then headed for my friends.

On the way there I was slowing at a set of traffic lights when a driver hit into the back of my van,  flinging me across the crossing. Luckily no one was walking by at the time. I however, was jolted forward and after hitting my head on the steering wheel I saw my cabin was now filled with smoke.

Getting out the van I slowly walked to the back to see the rear end ruined, bumper smashed in and doors crushed that they wouldn't close. I was so thankful in that moment that I had no dogs in there. With a spinning head and a sore back I sat down and awaited the police and ambulance to arrive.

Dog trainers van ruined

My van sadly was a complete write off and I was absolutely gutted! To boot my back was in so much pain that I had to under go physio. As a dog walker this was quite a blow as unfortunately I had to let some clients go due to their dogs excessive pulling.

After the accident I decided to launch puppy and dog training classes at the Hillstreet Youth Centre in Rugby, to help owners learn how to train their dogs. Also so I didn’t have to take on any more walks which would allow my back time to heal.

Sadly though in March 2020 the pandemic hit and what an ordeal that has been for us all. Due to Covid my classes had to permanently close. 

To stay in business and pay my bills I had to come up with an alternative. So I started dog walking more, but mid way through the summer my back started playing up and I had to return for extra physio.

It turns out that because the dogs pulled I was aggravating my old injury. Enough was enough, crying most nights cause of the pain I decided something had to change. During July I took a risk and rebranded my business to Alpha Trails Experience, nothing like other dog walkers in Rugby. 

I believe that going on trail walks together and engaging with your dog helps build confidence, focus, and stronger bonds. I only took one dog at a time and as well as playing games they also under went training to encourage good behaviours, such as walking without pulling. With these new trails not only would the dog have a great time I eased the pressure on my back.

However, sadly that wasn’t enough…

I wanted to go one step further and help the owners, so I launched my two lead walking programmes. This way owners could also learn how to get their dogs to walk nicely for them too so they can enjoy stress free walks.

Dog trainer gets dream dog thanks to car accident

However, the accident wasn't all bad because with the injury compensation I was able to get my dream dog, a Shiba Inu puppy, who is called Miku. Shiba Inus are a challenging and a stubborn breed, even for a dog trainer. I do love a challenge though!

Next I’m be back to giving you some advice on ‘Lead positioning’ would you even of thought that was a thing? Until next time, thanks for reading.