Best Friends

My philosophy when it came to pets was much like that of having children: You got what you got, and you loved them unconditionally regardless of whatever their personalities or flaws turned out to be.

Gwen Cooper

Pam - Owner

Pam has had a passion for dogs all her life. Since leaving school she has always worked with dogs, initially starting off as a kennel maid at a boarding kennels, training as a veterinary nurse, working as a dog groomer, then for breeders of toy and giant breeds.

She trained and qualified as a canine beautician in 1988 and went on to achieve a level 3 City and Guilds in grooming. More recently being awarded an LCGI from City and Guilds. In 1991 Pam set up one of Stockport’s first dog groomers, which specialised in nervous and aggressive dogs that had been banned from many other groomers. Pam now offers this service from her new shop in her home town of Gatley. As her reputation grew for managing difficult dogs she began studying canine behaviour and psychology in more detail, and has trained under the watchful eye of many well- known and respected trainers and behaviourists, such as Erica Peachy and John Rogerson.

For many years Pam competed in the breed show ring, handling both her own dogs and handling show dogs for other people. She has also been involved in competitive obedience, agility and fly ball; her real passion however is for working trials, in which she has qualified a dog to W.D.Ex
Pam started 'Best Friends Dog Training' in 1994 as she felt there was a need for Pet Dog Training in the area. Although there are many dog clubs, most people were wishing to compete with their dogs. Few were aimed at training based on reward and motivational methods of training. In 1996 Pam became a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) Membership No. 00278 and is now an assessor for the association.

Pam is a listed examiner for the Kennel Club Good Citizen dog scheme and has worked dogs to the gold level on this scheme. In addition to training Pam works for a Stockport based animal care college as a tutor, assessor and internal verifier of the animal care qualifications. She also works for City and Guilds as an external verifier for the dog grooming qualifications and offeres these qualifications from the salon in Gatley.
Pam's professional development continues by attending courses and seminars and is working towards Acredited Instructor status fron the Kennel Club.

Lee began his career at Best Friends in 2014. Initially as an apprentice and later as a senior stylist. In January 2020 Lee took the plunge, became self-employed and started Perfect Paws at Best Friends. Lee continues to work from the salon several days a week. Lee continues to further his professional development by attending courses and seminars and is currently studying for a further dog grooming qualification.
Bookings with Lee can be made on 0161 428 8207

Always wanting to work with dogs Caitlin joined the team straight from school in 2016. She started her career as an apprentice, quickly achieving her level 2 in Animal Care (dog grooming) and went on to study level 3. Once Caitlin had achieved her level 3 she started her own business, Caitlin Tuffy Dog Grooming. Caitlin runs her business from the salon several days a week. Bookings with Caitlin can be made on 0161 428 8207