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, Groomer and Behaviourist

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.

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 also works for a Stockport based Animal Care College as a trainer, assessor and internal verifier for animal care dog grooming and customer service vocational qualifications and had worked as a consultant to other groomers on the setting up and running of their salons.

Pam's professional development continues by attending many courses and seminars. She has recently applied to the Kennel Club to become a Kennel Club Approved Instructor. This is a new scheme recently launched by the Kennel Club. She is working towards full accreditation which involves building a portfolio of all her knowledge and experience with dogs.

Sharon - Behaviourist, groomer and dog walker

For as long as she can remember Sharon always been fascinated by dogs and their amazing abilities. While working as an animal nurse she rescued a young boxer who had behavioural issues. Wanting to help her but also wanting to help other owners who too had a dog with issue, she started to research training and behaviour and found The Association of Pet Dog Trainers and Pam Rowley.

With support from Pam (and family) Sharon completed the APDT Instructors course. She has also to date completed the BVNA Companion Animal Behaviour Certificate and Rally ‘O’ instructors course not to mention the many seminars from canine body language to canine search and rescue.

Sharon is working towards becoming a kennel club accredited instructor and achieving her city and guilds grooming qualification.

Sharon also offers a dog walking service.