TAILS are wagging in glee as a Spaniel dog trainer from south Warwickshire celebrates five years in the business.
Hannah Antrobus, who has two Cocker Spaniels dogs Kobie, nine, Bailey, six, has helped hundreds of families across Warwickshire, and around the world, when it comes to taming their pups.
Cocker Spaniels are the third most popular breed in the UK according to the Kennel Club with 38,910 registrations last year, and famous owners include Prince William and Catherine Princess of Wales who own Orla and David Beckham who has Olive, Sage and Fig.
Because of their huge rise in popularity during the lockdowns, Hannah, from Leamington, started helping people online and has supported over 300 owners in her Spaniel Inner Circle membership from as far away as Singapore.
The 32-year-old said: “My own dog Kobie had behaviour problems, he would bark at other dogs and people and had separation anxiety so I wanted to learn how to help him.
“I was working in an admin role after finishing University and started studying canine behaviour. I’d help other Spaniel owners online and someone suggested doing it as a career so I set up a Facebook page.
“That was five years ago and I feel so fortunate to have been able to work with dogs and families all over the world since.
“It’s so humbling to connect with people in places like America and Australia when this business started with me on my phone at the kitchen table as I’d wanted to help my own dog.”
In five years, Hannah who runs Pawsitively Pawsome Pups Training and Behaviour has trained over 250 dogs in Warwickshire, used over 100 tug toys, lost dozens of tennis balls and has boiled more than 1,200 chicken breasts to give as treats.
During the pandemic she was on video calls for up to 30 hours a week and estimates she’s spent around 10,000 hours training Spaniels on Zoom.
Recently, she had her work recognised with two Prestige awards, for Best Online Training and Best in Specialist Dog Training in Central England and has 130 five star reviews on Facebook.
Hannah added: “Studies show that just four in ten small businesses are trading after five years so I’m really proud to have reached this milestone and for the business to be growing.
“Running a small business is hard. You work long hours, have to learn about accounts, marketing and social media but it’s rewarding too. I’ve become friends with clients and even been invited to their weddings.
“I think my business has been a success because I listen to what people need and want and am relatable and honest about what life is really like as a Spaniel owner.
“I share my dogs being dogs; running off with my socks and rolling in stagnant mud after they’ve been to the groomers.
“My message is that there’s no such thing as the perfect dog but your dog can be perfect for you.”
To find out more visit https://pawsitivelypawsomepups.com
