A Lanarkshire dog trainer has defied the odds to win Scottish Dog Trainer of the Year two years in a row.
Deborah O’Neill, of Wishaw, began her popular service, Miss Pawz 10 years ago when she was just 22 and has been hugely successful ever since.
The award, which is administered by the Prestige Business Awards, is generally not awarded consecutively to the same person.
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But Deborah managed to turn the tide and win the prestigious award again.
Deborah said Lanarkshire Live “It’s so good to win this award for the second year in a row.
“When I was shortlisted they mentioned that it was unlikely that I would win as I had already won last year.
“The award is based on customer reviews and case studies, then given to an independent jury for decision.
(Image: Wishaw Press)
“I was so excited when Prestige called me to let me know, I wasn’t expecting it because they had already told me not to expect a win.
“There’s an awards ceremony in Edinburgh later this year so I’m delighted to receive my award then.”
Deborah takes pride in being a powerless trainer and is proud to be recognized for her style of training.
This training proved popular in the months following the lockdown when many new dog owners came to Deborah for help.
She added: “During the lockdown a lot of people became new dog owners.
“But I saw a lot of people coming to me for help with training because they were inexperienced and sometimes afraid of dogs.
“I am a non-strength trainer, which means I use positive, non-strength methods to train animals.
“It’s an honor to be able to help dogs and owners better understand each other and improve their lives together.
“There are a lot of trainers who use old-fashioned methods with their dogs, like tougher language.
“I feel like winning this award is a great way to show people non-strength training and its effectiveness.”
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