LUX Autumn 2018

76 Since December 2013, Southern Pet Services has grown to become a leading provider of dog training, advocating the use of Positive Reinforcement and Force Free methodology to achieve outstanding results. For their unquestionable expertise and limitless enthusiasm for the field, LUXlife awarded Southern Pet Services the ‘Best Dog Training & Behaviour Specialists’ on the south coast of England in our annual Pet Product & Services Awards. Following this, we took the opportunity to speak to Jeanette Muldoon, one of the directors at the company, to see exactly how the business has thrived. For the last five years, Southern Pet Services have become the trainers of choice for many tested dog owners. With the ability to train up to eighty dogs a week, through 12 classes, including four puppy classes, a fearful dog class, and three adult dog classes, the demand for skilled, experienced dog trainers is evidently booming. Jeannette Muldoon certainly fulfils that criteria, as a full member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers and Behaviourists (IMDTB), and the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) with a lifetime of experience working with dogs and puppies. Alongside fellow director, Gavin Muldoon, the duo have built an award-winning service from the ground up, with a host of success stories and very happy clientele. Jeanette attributes this success to their diligence in keeping up to date on the latest research, and participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses. As the sector moves forward, and adapts – like many businesses involved in education and training – a proactive attitude among the leadership team is essential. In 2005, Jeanette graduated from Southampton Solent University with a Bachelor of Arts in Accountancy and Business Finance, working as a Pricing Analyst at Fortis Insurance before founding Southern Pet Services. She certainly appears well-prepared for any challenges that LPP18030 the company may face in the future, and understands the importance of growing continuously at a steady pace. Currently, Southern Pet Services has three “fantastic” members of staff working in their day-care department, with a further four in their classes – but Jeanette has hopes to have a team of four trainers by the end of 2019, and to add new training and behaviour services in due course. Jeanette’s work is one of communication and compromise, as she emphasises the importance of wanting, ultimately, what is best for her customers and their dogs, “A lot of our job is to listen to our customers about what is going on from their point of view, and how this impact’s their life. We then encourage them to make changes that will make a huge difference”. “We are extremely passionate about what we do, and absolutely love helping people to understand their dogs and improve their relationship.” When it comes to developments in the sector, Jeanette was quick to comment on the growing demand for puppies, and the problems it creates at all echelons of the consumer chain; “breeders aren’t able to keep up with these demands, and we are seeing a lot of puppy farm puppies. The approach to these puppies is very different and we concentrate on confidence building, as well as mental stimulation”. However, Jeanette is happy that the dog training sector looks to be one of continuous growth, as more and more people become involved and look to fulfil their dreams of working in the business. As you can imagine, dog training is an often-fulfilling career, and it is one that Jeanette is grateful to be a part of, “we are so very lucky to work daily with such amazing animals, and getting to meet all the people that we do”. Her passion is evident, and stands as testament to the care and attention Southern Pet Services delivers in their services, certainly a driving force behind their success. Southern Pet Services will soon be trading as Southern Dog School, and will be running a puppy school from a new venue in the near future. Company: Southern Pet Services Ltd Telephone: 0781 586 7358 Web Address: www.southernpetservices.co.uk Ahead of the Game in Professional Dog Training