A NEWCASTLE Emlyn dog groomer is keen to pass on his skills and knowledge to fellow dog lovers.

Chris Ewell, founder and owner of Dog & Bone Grooming, is on a mission to maintain high welfare standards for dogs while passing on the skills he has learned over the last 20 years by providing affordable, one-to-one training for both established groomers and those keen to learn the dog-grooming trade, leading to formal qualifications.

Dog & Bone Grooming has been operating in the local area for 15 years with a presence on Newcastle Emlyn high street since 2018, a mobile service and a second salon due to open in Haverfordwest in August.

It has seen business soar as more households locally take in a dog from rescue centres as well as from traditional breeders, creating two new jobs.

“Something that has always concerned me is the lack of regulation surrounding qualifications in the industry,” said Chris.

“Training within the industry is expensive, and sadly can be cost-prohibitive, so not everyone makes the effort. Dog and Bone Grooming is now an approved training centre with iPET, offering courses up to Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management.

“What’s different about our approach, compared to other training centres, is that we train people one-to-one. We can also cater for those that already have industry experience, as well as those newly coming into the business – for whom we can offer a complete package including business set-up.

“Our emphasis is on the quality of students we produce, as opposed to the quantity we train.”

Dog & Bone also offer Canine First Aid courses (a pre-requisite for groomers wishing to pass the iPET Diploma), as well as short demonstration-led courses for those wishing to learn to maintain their own dog’s coat, which can be important to animals’ health and wellbeing.

As well as being a qualified groomer, Chris holds a BSc (Hons) degree in animal behaviour and welfare, and a teaching certificate. Moreover he is passionate about passing on everything he has learnt during his dog-grooming career and a lifetime of looking after dogs at home.

“I feel everything has led up to this, and I feel privileged to be able to share what I have learnt during my time in this business, as well as in my life before dog grooming,” added Chris.

“Teaching is very rewarding. There is nothing better than watching those who come to work with you go on to have their own success. We are the only training centre in Wales offering the iPET Level 3 Diploma at present, and one of very few exclusively offering one-to one sessions.”

As part of its training proposition, Dog & Bone is looking for people interested in having their dogs styled on a more frequent basis to support its students.

For more information, call or text 07852 569375 or email dogandbonegrooming@gmail.com or message Chris via Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DogandBoneGrooming/