We have recently welcomed animal care Trainer Coach, Sonja Oliver, to our growing team of industry experienced Trainer Coaches. We caught up with her to discuss her interesting career and how her experience as salon owner has helped shape her new role with us.
Sonja says, “I spent 30 years as a veterinary nurse and later worked as a veterinary practice manager. I now own Goody 4 Paws, a dog grooming school with boarding, in South Wales. In my spare time I show Bullmastiff dogs and judge nationally and internationally, including Australia in 2019.
I started my grooming career as a young teen when I would show cocker spaniels. I loved preparing them for the show ring. I also used to hand strip working terriers and spaniels, which is a specific dog grooming technique to remove loose hair from a dog’s coat by hand.
In 2004 I won Best of Breed at Crufts with a female bullmastiff I bred myself. She also won Best Bitch in Breed in 2005. To win the top prize in the dog world at such a young age was truly breath taking. I love the connection with animals, and I love making a difference to their welfare and wellbeing.
I currently employ two animal care apprentices at Goody 4 Paws who are supported by Haddon Training. I was impressed with their training model and then an opportunity arose to become a Trainer Coach. I knew I would be joining an organised, professional, and dynamic team.
To support my learners and employers, I can draw on my own experience as a salon owner. I know all too well of the daily challenges they face. I want to deliver interactive and professional qualifications that not only meet the industry standard but are also fun to learn.”
In Wales, we currently offer:
If your are interested in employing an animal care apprentice, please contact us here.