Heart Of The Pack
Dog Walking and Training in the Forest of Dean
About me
Hi, I’m Steph. After spending several years in Spain with my daughter Billie, our dogs, and horses, I returned to one of my favourite places in the UK — the Forest of Dean. Drawing on my lifelong experience with animals, I established a premium dog walking service here.
Animals have always been a central part of my life. I grew up with dogs — my earliest memory is of a yellow Labrador, followed by a beautiful Rough Collie. As a teenager, I became deeply involved with Belgian Shepherds, and was involved with showing, breeding, and training them in obedience and agility.
During my time in Spain, I owned intelligent Podencos and a gentle giant, the Spanish Mastin. I now share my life with Estrella, my first small dog — a scruffy mixed-breed terrier from Spain.
Over the years, I’ve also cared for many other animals, but my greatest passion has always been horses. My equestrian background includes everything from backing young horses to competing in endurance events with stunning Arabian horses.
This lifelong love of animals, paired with real-world experience, underpins the reliable, care I provide to every dog I walk.
Heart of the Pack Services
Dog Walking
I aim to offer a premium dog walking service and I specialise in group walks. Dogs are exercised safely whilst learning perfect dog manners. Every dog is given the required attention to learn recall and basic commands, and I strive to have each dog behaving appropriately at all times. New dogs are only introduced to the group once existing pack members are able to be reliable role models.
Walks last no less than one hour. During the walk we will practice recall, waiting and loose lead walking, as well as sniffing games, digging and swimming. Obsessions i.e., balls and sticks are discouraged, the focus is very much on allowing dogs to become calm and confident.
Training Walks and Consultations
As a certified dog trainer I can be available for one-to-one training walks with you and your dog. We can address common walking problems such as poor recall and lead pulling as well as socialisation skills. Training consultations can be in person or via video call or telephone.
Qualifications
I have successfully completed accredited courses in dog training and canine first aid.
Insured
PetPlan Sanctuary provide me with the necessary insurance.
Dogs in Transit
Dogs are safely transported by van in crash tested crates, provided by DogBox UK
Contact Me
Pricing Guide
Dog Walking
A place in a group walk costs £13 per dog.
Dog Training
A one to one training consultation for you and your dog cost £30.
Online and telephone consultations are charged at £25
House Sitting
Billie is an integral part of the business, helping me with group walks, sometimes on her pony which has resulted in all of our dogs being safe around horses. She is now offering house sitting (for existing clients only), and group walks for local dogs. Billie holds a canine first aid certificate, is insured for dog walking and pet/house sitting, and studies dog behaviour and training.
Heart Of The Pack Testimonials
"Steph has been walking Missy since she was 6 months old. Missy adores Steph and literally cannot wait for her to arrive. Being part of Steph's pack has meant that Missy is fully socialised, loves meeting other dogs and people and is happy and contented when she arrives home..." D.M
"My German Shepherd boy and I have known Steph for many years. We visited her this summer and accompanied her and the various dogs on walks in this stunning part of the world!
It was such a joy. :) Steph has a natural way with dogs and she combines true caring and understanding with firmness. The dogs are so well behaved on their walks...and have so much fun..." K.M
"Steph has been taking our dogs out now for many months and we are pleased to say they always come back happy and ready for a nap and definitely better behaved. The training Steph includes with her walks is definitely making a difference to their characters and is incredibly helpful. We can certainly recommend Heart of the Pack for Steph's way with dogs, she just knows how to talk to them." B.H
