AN Eggleston-based dog trainer is thrilled to have won another major award.
Tam Wilson, aka the “collie coach”, runs dog classes at the Methodist Church Hall, in Barnard Castle, helping owners to improve their relationships with their dogs.
She also does one-to-one training, train ’n’ trek packages, dog walking and day trips with her “Lakes ’n’ dales days. Ms Wilson also released her first dog training book, Collie Chaos to Calm – A Guide To Helping Your Chaotic Collie Become a Calmer Canine, in 2020.
Now her business, Born 2 Run Canine Adventures and Training, has been named best dog training business in Lux Life Magazine’s Pet Services Awards, as well as being nominated for an Animal Star Award – an awards ceremony that recognises animal and human stars.
She has previously won dog walker of the year in 2020 and 2021 via the North East Prestige Awards, as well as being a a finalist in this year’s Teesdale Business Awards.
Ms Wilson, who founded her business in Teesdale 12 years ago but left the area in 2014 only to return last year, said: “I have noticed an ever-increasing number of owners who are finding training their dog overwhelming, and they need help to navigate the adolescent stages. Relationship building is at the core of what I do, helping owners and dogs to be in sync with each other.
“Once that solid foundation is in, all other training becomes easier. I use my three Fs system – fun, focus and freedom. Fun should be at the centre of all training. You should be able to get focus from your dog when you need it, and freedom is the dogs need to make the right choices Ms Wilson, 39, who lives with her partner Shaun, daughter Thea and their dogs, Brae, Taryn and Moxie, added: “I have learned a lot from all my dogs, I used to do agility with them, and this put me on the path to learn more about canine behaviour and training.
“I use this knowledge daily on my walks and in my training so I can help more people have a better relationship with their dogs.”
When she is not busy walking dogs, Ms Wilson is active with her six-year-old daughter. She explained: “Thea is a lot like me, loves dogs and walking them, too. We both love the great outdoors, wild swimming and mountain biking and have been planning camping trips for over summer.”
