Shelina Duke, who quit her job as a teacher in 2024 to follow her dreams, has won the London and South East Prestige Award for Dog Trainer of the Year.
Originally setting up as Go With The Flo, in honour of her dog Flo, Shelina built a successful online and in-person business, and has now branched out creating the Poodle Training School, for owners of the highly intelligent dog.
Speaking after attending the awards event in Southampton, Shelina said: "I am absolutely thrilled to have been named dog trainer of the year again, and I am over the moon that the judges understood my passion for the business and the dogs that I help.
"Starting your own business is tough, and there have been challenging moments, but getting this kind of recognition makes me feel like I am on the right track."
Offering both one-to-one and group training online and in-person, Shelina applies a 'dog and owner centred approach' helping clients locally and as far afield as the United States.
Whether clients are struggling with their dog lunging on walks or being generally mischievous, Shelina is a qualified reactionary specialist that can help.
The judges were impressed by the fun, games and concept-based training provided at Go With The Flo. These sessions are devised to help shape focus, optimism and calmness in a dog's brain, which enables owners to achieve real-life behaviour.
Shelina added: "My sessions really do work, and I am so dedicated to working with clients and seeing amazing results. That is why I have branched out with the Poodle Training School. Poodles are often misunderstood because they are so clever, and this can lead to behavioural issues. So I am on a mission to give the poodle the care and recognition it deserves."
To find out more about Shelina and her dog training go to https://www.withtheflo.co.uk