All about me !!!

Growing up I was never allowed a dog of my own but I loved them. My nan owned the most amazing German Shepherd. It was this dog that sparked my passion for not just dogs but all animals. I finally got my first dog at the age of eighteen. I soon fell in love with my little mongrel. He was the light of my life.

As my life moved on and middle management loomed heavy along with office politics I knew this was not the life I wanted. I needed something new, something heart warming and something that I loved. Our first staffy Dolly had come in to our lives as a small puppy and she was absolutely amazing. It was this little dog that put me on the path I am on now. Dolly was my total inspiration to start dog walking. A walk around Leybourne Lakes with a friend sparked the idea and away I went with research and a heart full of excitement and anticipation.

On June 23rd 2011, Hawkes Walks was launched. I worked hard to start my little business and I am now doing the best job in the world. This job ….. I do not actually call it “my job” my dog walking brings joy to my life every day. All those different faces and personalities are a joy to behold.

For me my business is all about creating a family. My small team are all chosen with their care and compassion for the love of animals in mind. For myself and the team, this job has never been about the money. It is the love of the animals and having a wonderful life, dog walking harmony and balance.

Tracy Hawkes

Our Journey So Far

I was never really interested in dog training when I started dog walking some fifteen years ago. We had some amazing trainers in the area back in the day. Then things started to get messy, and the force free, positive reinforcement training started to get lost. Several of my peers of which I highly respect kept encouraging me to start the journey to becoming a dog trainer.

After my research I chose Canine Principles. Canine Principles is a science based, force free, positive reinforcement company that aligned with my ethos. My journey began with a level 4 Diploma in Canine Welfare, Training & Behaviour. This course consisted of thirty-six essays writing and referencing over 42,000 words, seventeen webinars of over 11 hours learning and twelve additional pieces of additional reading. Across nine modules which included, anatomy, nutrition, canine communication, puppy classes and much more. This course was an OFQUAL qualification which means it is recognised within the dog training world.

During my learning at Canine Principles, I had the opportunity to start learning with the Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT) I enrolled onto their 20-week Complete Puppy Course. Delving into all things that I need to know about puppies. From purchasing the puppy, puppy proofing the home and all aspects of training and beyond. The puppy trainer in me and been ignited!!

It was during my learning with PACT that I came across the amazing Debby Lucken founder and owner of Kids Around Dogs (KAD). Debby was doing an online seminar for the PACT puppy course. I was absolutely taken and fascinated with what Debby was discussing. During the online seminar I e-mailed Debby asking how I could enrol into her amazing association. I had an interview with Debby that consisted of a nice chat, answering questions regarding pictures of children with dogs and scenarios. I am now a proud KAD Professional. I am able to work with children who are fearful of dogs, neurodivergent children and can go to schools and groups to help children and dogs have their best life together.

During my time being a PACT student my Canine Principles study continued. I started researching the best way to become the best puppy trainer I could be. This is when I found The Puppy School. The Puppy School is accredited member of the Animal Training Behaviour Council (ABTC) The ABTC sets the highest standards for animal training and welfare in the England. There are many hoops to jump through to get onto this register. The course content is challenging work; and the standards are next level which is why I chose this course. I start my course with The Puppy School in September. I am currently shadowing puppy classes and can not wait to begin my puppy training journey onto the ABTC register.

Tracy Hawkes

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