Paw Friendly Paisley

Paisley’s status as a Paw Friendly town centre is increasing all the time with the number of businesses ready to welcome you and your four-legged friend growing almost every week!

For this edition of the Love Paisley magazine, we’ve been speaking to two relatively new businesses to the town centre who are taking Paw Friendly to a whole new level.

DOGHOUSE GROOMING

Derek is the owner of Doghouse Grooming in the town’s Johnston Street, a dog owner and life-long animal lover.

“Dogs have been a passion for me all of my life and my love and appreciation for them inspired me to work with them,” explained Derek. “We opened at the end of 2021 and I chose Paisley for the location as it’s a local area I’m familiar with and has a busy and vibrant town centre. “Paisley also has a warm and vibrant community and that is reflected in its pets.” “Over the last few years more and more people have become dog owners as lockdown life left many people lonely and feeling vulnerable,” added Derek.

“Dogs offer unconditional love and companionship and people recognise that.” Doghouse Grooming offers a variety of grooming services for dogs of all sizes and breeds - whether that be a bath and trim, to a full groom, they cater for all dogs. “We once had a request to style a dog’s hair into a Mohican… there is never a dull moment when working with animals!” said Derek smiling. “My best advice for keeping your dog in tip top condition is simple - good diet, plenty of exercise and lots of love.

Dogs offer unconditional “We aim to provide a safe and efficient service for pet owners. We pride ourselves on catering love and for all dogs, regardless of size, companionship breed and temperament. and people “We are open Tuesday to recognise that. Saturday with late night on Thursdays and you can book in via phone, Instagram or by visiting us at the shop.” If you are an avid follower of dog accounts on social media for the cute pics then following Doghouse Grooming on Instagram is a must, just look for

@doghouse_grooming_paisley Doghouse Grooming

4 Johnston Street, Paisley 07852 128187

ST MIRIN DOG TRAINING CENTRE

For Denise Symon of St Mirin Dog Training, her love of dogs also began at an early age.

“As a child we had a 'cheeky puppy' who we took to obedience classes,” explained Denise. “I was quickly hooked and competed at Crufts as a junior and senior in obedience. Over the years I have competed in many dog disciplines; agility, obedience, rally and breed showing and many of my dogs have worked in film, tv and theatre. “My career as a Veterinary Nurse kept me very busy so running classes was a hobby but last year I made the decision to leave my profession and train dogs on a full time basis. “All our training is positive reward based games and so easy to do, so having the chance to improve the relationship between owners and their dogs makes this the best job anyone can do.” Originally the first dog training centre in the area, starting out more than 30 years ago, classes were previously held in church halls until the opportunity arose to open St Mirin Dog Training Centre in the town’s Hunter Street. “Having our own premises gives us more flexibility,” said Denise. “Classes are held every night and during the day with workshops and events at weekends. We offer one to one tuition and classes for all ages of dogs. There are also regular workshops covering topics like senior dog care and puppy care.

“We often have guest trainers in disciplines like heelwork to music. I am a Certified Trick Dog Instructor, Canine Conditioning and Fitness Coach and Animal Actor Certificate Evaluator and a Pro Dog Trainer with Absolute Dogs in Devon.”

So what are Denise’s top tips for getting your dog to behave?

“Dog training is evolving all the time and methods of training are way more fun than they used to be,” said Denise. “All Dog training is puppies should attend classes to help owners raise happy evolving all the trained dogs. Our dogs have time and methods to eat so by making use of of training are way more fun than their daily food allowance we can encourage our dogs to practice good behaviour they used to be. in the house and outside.” “Training is not just for puppies, any age of dog enjoys working with their owners,” added Denise. “There is no place in the world for intimidation and fear in training animals so reaching as many people as possible to educate them in the best ways to train your dog is amazing. “I am always here for advice and help no matter what age your dog is. Dogs have helped many people get through the last few difficult years so we owe it to them to help them live the best life they can.”

St Mirin Dog Training Centre

13 Hunter Street, Paisley www.stmirindogtrainingclub.co.uk