Walkies-Care

SIOBHAN GRIFFITHS – WALKIES FOUNDER

My name is Siobhan Griffiths and I live with my husband in Welwyn Garden City. I am a reliable, experienced dog walker who is passionate about animals. I have owed and cared for Dogs, Cats, Horses, Rabbits, Fish and a tortoise since I was a child. At the moment, I have a very bossy cat called ‘Jess’. Unfortunately my two cairn terriers ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ died at the ripe old age of fifteen. It was an extremely sad time for my husband and I and we decided we didn’t want to go through the loss of any more animals and with other commitments decided not to get any more dogs. I have to say we found this very hard and often I would find myself just having a look in the animal shelters! Then I had a great idea, why not look after other people's pets, and that's when Walkies was born!
Things have now changed and in October 2013, I rehoused a Springer Spaniel named Ralph! Ralph was a sniffer dog for the police, but was made redundant at the age of 4, the home he had gone to wasn’t suitable for Ralph, he needed a lot of stimulation and activity, which luckily I could provide! Ralph settled in brilliantly, however in March 2014 we noticed something wasn’t right. X-rays revealed Ralph had Hip Dysplasia, which was very sad as he was finally off lead sniffing in the undergrowth which anyone who owns a spaniel will know it’s their favourite pass time and this all had to stop! He is currently undergoing physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to help improve his condition. Nonetheless Ralph is still barking mad and a very happy dog, and he has made me very happy in return!
In my thirties I trained as a professional dog groomer, whilst training, I worked at Medburn Boarding Kennels & Cattery in Elstree to gain more experience. In 2011 I attended Writtle College in Chelmsford to complete a First Aid course and Dog Training Instructors course. In 2012/13 I also study and passed Canine Care, Training and Management certificate Level 2 and 3. I have also attended courses at the Institute of Morden Dog Trainers which has included Career as a Dog Trainer, Canine Body Language and the Perfect Puppy and I am currently studying towards my Kennel Club Accredited Instructors Scheme!
I have been on many seminars and weekend workshops with the Kennel Club which has included many different topics such as Understanding Behaviour, Nutrition, Emotional Development in Puppies and Preventing Separation Related Problems, Puppy life Skills, How to Run Successful Puppy Parties, Aggression, Conformation & Movement, Fun & Games for the Companion Dog, Novice Gundog Training and Heel Work to Music!
I am CRB checked and fully insured including key holding.