Balancing Pet Business & Parenthood: How Shelina Duke (The Poodle Trainer) Built a Sustainable Life as a Poodle Trainer & Full-Time Guardian

After a decade of foster parenting, Heather Gibson discovered lessons about trust, connection and resilience that would go on to shape the way she breeds dogs, mentors pet professionals and builds sustainable businesses. Podcast Show Notes: What can fostering children in crisis teach us about working with people, animals and building better pet businesses? Quite a lot, as it turns out. In this episode of The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast, Nathan is joined by Heather Gibson, founder of Big Hearted Breeders and the BHB Community, for a conversation about trust, connection, ethical breeding, business growth, community and knowing when it might be time to simplify. Heather has been breeding dogs and cats for more than 12 years and has spent around five years coaching other breeders to build ethical breeding programmes without allowing the business to completely take over their lives. But her journey into the pet industry really begins somewhere very different. Before breeding, Heather and her husband spent around a decade involved in foster care, eventually adopting four children alongside their three biological children. Those years profoundly changed Heather’s view of people. She describes becoming much less judgemental and much more curious about the experiences sitting behind somebody’s behaviour. Instead of immediately asking: “What’s wrong with them?” Her instinct became much closer to: “I wonder what they’ve been through?” That perspective now influences the way Heather approaches both people and business. She talks about how quick judgement can create gatekeeping, scarcity and division within industries - whereas curiosity, openness and sharing knowledge can build stronger communities. One particular moment during foster parenting also changed the direction of Heather’s professional life. While trying to support one of her young daughters through significant trauma, Heather asked who she felt able to talk to. Her answer was simple: “I can talk to the cat.” That moment helped Heather recognise the potential role animals can play in connection, comfort and emotional support, eventually leading her into breeding cats and later dogs. Today, Heather breeds Mini Golden Retrievers and runs a substantial breeding programme with her husband and team. She also mentors other breeders through the Big Hearted Breeders Community, hosts educational summits, runs a membership and brings together breeders, vets and other professionals to improve standards, business practices and wellbeing. And she is very open about the reality behind the polished version of running a pet business. Breeding is not a nine-to-five job. Sometimes it means being awake all night with a dog giving birth. Sometimes it means managing staff, facilities, health testing, education, client support and multiple income streams simultaneously. And sometimes it means admitting: This is too much. Something needs to change. Heather talks candidly about reaching a point where she is evaluating which parts of her businesses she wants to keep, what she wants to delegate and what may need to disappear completely. That means asking questions such as: Is this profitable? Is it genuinely serving people? Is it worth the impact on my wellbeing? Could someone else do this? Do I actually still enjoy it?

Kimberly Freeman joins Nathan to reflect on 20 years in the dog industry, from dog walking and city dog training to cancer, disability, rebuilding her business and learning to give herself the same grace she gives the dogs she works with. Content Note: This episode includes discussion of cancer, chemotherapy, disability, chronic illness and the long-term physical and emotional effects of serious illness. Podcast Show Notes: What happens when the business you’ve spent years building suddenly has to change because your health does? In this episode of The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast, Nathan is joined by Kimberly Marie Freeman, founder of City Dog Expert and City Sit Stay, for a wide-ranging conversation about 20 years in the dog industry, city dog training, business evolution, chronic illness, cancer and rebuilding. Kimberly began her career as a dog walker while studying at university in Dundee. What started as a way to make sure her own dog Riley was properly cared for grew into the largest dog walking, pet sitting and behavioural centre on the east coast of Scotland. From there, her journey took her to New York City, where she discovered just how little practical information existed for people trying to live well with dogs in small urban spaces. Living in a studio apartment with dogs made her rethink traditional dog-training advice that assumed access to gardens, multiple rooms and quieter environments. That experience ultimately led to City Dog Expert and later City Sit Stay, with Kimberly developing a particular focus on helping dogs and humans thrive in busy urban environments rather than simply cope with them. Nathan and Kimberly also explore how she sees the human-dog relationship as a partnership rather than simply ownership, particularly when working with dogs in challenging city environments where trust, choice and connection become incredibly important. But this episode is also about what happens when life interrupts the business plan. Kimberly talks openly about being diagnosed with bowel cancer after a prolonged period of illness, undergoing surgery and chemotherapy and the difference between being supported during active treatment and what happened afterwards. She describes the strange experience of suddenly being expected to return to normal when her body and mind were still dealing with the long-term effects of treatment. For Kimberly, that meant stepping away from work, losing clients, pausing acting and eventually having to rebuild her businesses from scratch. Now in remission, she is still navigating the impact of cancer, chronic illness and disability and learning how to work at the pace her body allows rather than constantly comparing herself with the version of herself that existed before. One of the most powerful parts of the conversation is Kimberly’s reflection that she is trying to give herself the same grace she would give a dog learning or relearning something. If she once had ten clients a day and now has ten in a week, that doesn’t mean she is failing. It means this is the stage she is in now. The conversation also explores the value of online dog training, particularly for disabled people, busy professionals, anxious dogs, separation anxiety cases and anyone unable to attend traditional in-person classes. Kimberly argues that dog training is fundamentally about teaching the human and that good communication matters far more than physically standing next to the client or dog. Towards the end of the episode, Kimberly reflects on what she has learned after more than two decades in the industry. Her message to newer dog professionals? Keep learning. Be comfortable saying you don’t know. Refer clients when something sits outside your expertise. Stay curious. And don’t forget to have fun with the dogs in front of you. Because the science keeps evolving, our understanding keeps changing and no dog or human fits neatly into one formula. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Kimberly went from univers

After a life-changing cycling accident, Matt Jones had to rebuild almost every part of his life and in this deeply personal conversation, he shares what trauma, chronic pain, mental health, purpose and My Anxious Dog have taught him along the way. Content note: This episode includes discussion of serious injury, bereavement, chronic pain, mental health difficulties, suicidal thoughts, assisted dying and prescription medication withdrawal. Please listen with care and seek appropriate professional support if anything discussed raises concerns for you. Podcast Show Notes: What happens when the life you knew changes in a matter of seconds? In this episode of The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast, Nathan is joined by Matt Jones from My Anxious Dog for an incredibly open conversation about trauma, mental wellbeing, identity, marriage, purpose and rebuilding a life that looks very different from the one you expected. Before 2019, Matt was a company director, passionate about fitness and cycling and working alongside his wife Sarah in their family business. Then, on 16th June 2019, an ordinary group cycle ride ended in a catastrophic collision that left Matt with extensive injuries, including damage to the nerves supplying his left arm. Matt spent weeks in a coma and later had to adapt to life with a paralysed arm, which was eventually amputated. Alongside the physical trauma came grief, chronic pain, changes to his identity and the mental impact of having his whole life altered without warning. In this conversation, Matt talks honestly about some of the thoughts he carried long before the accident too - dyslexia, feeling “not good enough”, imposter syndrome and the negative voice in his head that continually questioned his worth. One of the most powerful lessons he learned through psychological support was the simple reminder: Thoughts aren’t facts. Matt also speaks about losing his father shortly after the accident, the guilt he carried because he had planned to be with him and why therapy and talking openly became such an important part of his recovery. The episode explores the reality of chronic nerve pain, medication, mental health struggles and the different things Matt has personally found helpful along the way, including therapy, meditation, breath-work, movement, cold-water practice, friends and family. Importantly, Matt is clear that his experience is his own. This is not a story about pretending everything became easy. There are still good days and bad days. There are still moments when Matt wants everyone to leave him alone. There are still times when Sarah recognises before he does that he needs support. And that honesty is a huge part of this conversation. Matt also talks about the pressure people can place on disabled people to be “inspirational”. His response is refreshingly simple: he sees himself as someone getting on with his life, taking small steps and trying to make the most of where he is now. While Matt was recovering, Sarah increasingly poured her energy into My Anxious Dog. The business and the Dogs in Yellow movement became an important focus for both of them and as Matt gradually became able to do more, processing orders and helping behind the scenes gave him something he had been missing: a sense of purpose. They discuss the impact of their dog Bella, the development of Yellow Space Zones, the community that has grown around My Anxious Dog and how much pride Matt feels watching Sarah build something that helps anxious and reactive dogs and the people who love them. The conversation also touches on Matt and Sarah’s move to Herefordshire following their appearance on Escape to the Country and how creating a new home has become another part of rebuilding their lives. Towards the end of the episode, Matt shares perhaps the biggest lesson he has taken from everything he has been through: Acceptance. Not liking what happened. Not pretending it was okay. But accepting the reality of where he was, adapting and beginn

Alicia, a dog professional based in San Francisco, shares why she joined Circle+ despite disliking online groups and how its supportive community, manageable format and helpful events changed her mind. Podcast Show Notes: What if an online community could offer genuine support without adding more noise, pressure or overwhelm to your day? In this short bonus episode of The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast, Nathan Dunleavy chats with Alicia, a dog professional based in San Francisco and a member of The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle+. Alicia first met Nathan at the Emotional Wellbeing Conference in Torquay, UK. After discovering his business mentoring work, she began working with him one-to-one before deciding to join Circle+. But she admits she had reservations. Her previous experiences of online groups had left her feeling frustrated by judgement, unhelpful responses and conversations that often created more confusion than clarity. She was also unsure whether a community outside Facebook would suit her. After taking part in the Pet Pro Reset Experience, Alicia decided to give Circle+ a try. Now, approaching her third month as a member, she shares what she has appreciated about the experience so far. For Alicia, one of the biggest differences is how manageable the membership feels. She can check in once a week without feeling overwhelmed, but she can also post when something happens in her business and receive a response. She talks about the supportive atmosphere, the opportunity to bounce ideas around without judgement and the value she has found in the membership events. Despite living in San Francisco, eight hours behind the UK at the time of recording, Alicia also explains how she has been able to make the membership work around her schedule. Her invitation to anyone considering joining? “Come on in, the water’s warm.” 💙 This is Alicia’s personal experience of Circle+ and an opportunity to hear directly from someone who was initially unsure whether another online community was what she needed. 🌿 Join The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle+ Circle+ is Nathan’s group mentoring and wellbeing membership for pet professionals who want support in building a sustainable business, without feeling they have to navigate everything alone. Inside, you’ll find two live sessions each month, guest experts, practical resources, session replays and PDF summaries, Ask Nathan support and a private community away from Facebook. There’s no expectation to attend everything or keep up with every resource. Take what you need and engage in a way that works for you. Circle+ is currently open for new members until midnight on Sunday 27th September 2026. 👉 Find out more and join Circle+: https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/the-pet-business-wellbeing-circle-plus/ Connect with Nathan: Website: https://nathandunleavy.com/ Email: [email protected] Free Pet Pro Rescue Plan: https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/pet-pro-rescue-plan/ Free 5 Steps Guide for Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Businesses: https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/5-steps/ Join The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle - Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepetbusinesswellbeingcircle/ What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ Why Alicia was initially reluctant to join another online group. ✅ How meeting Nathan at a conference led to one-to-one mentoring and later, Circle+. ✅ Why she decided to join after taking part in the Pet Pro Reset Experience. ✅ What she appreciates about having a community away from Facebook. ✅ How Circle+ fits into her schedule without feeling overwhelming. ✅ Why being able to post a question and receive a response matters to her. ✅ What she thinks of the community atmosphere and the opportunity to bounce ideas around. ✅ How she has found the membership events helpful. ✅ What it has been like participating from San Francisco, eight hours behind the UK at the time of recording. ✅ What Alicia would say to another pet professional who is unsure about joining. Key takeaways: - A

What if you gave yourself permission to slow down? Biggi Junge joins Nathan to share how one remarkable dog changed her life, her approach to dog training and her understanding of self-compassion - before guiding listeners through a moment of mindful reflection. Podcast Show Notes: What if you didn’t need to do more, achieve more or become somebody different? What if, just for a moment, you gave yourself permission to pause? In this episode of The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast, Nathan welcomes Biggi Junge, a certified dog trainer, Behaviour Adjustment Training instructor, meditation teacher and founder of Pawprints & Presence, based in Germany. Biggi’s work brings together dog training, mindfulness and coaching. But the journey that led her there was far from straightforward. Before entering the dog industry, Biggi trained as a nurse, studied sports science and English and worked in rehabilitation. She shares how years of working hard eventually led to burnout and how, during a period away from work, she began reconsidering what she wanted her life to look like. Dogs were at the top of her list. First came Nana, her German Shepherd. Then came Charlie, a Spanish sighthound mix whose reactivity, separation-related difficulties and intense responses to the world challenged almost everything Biggi thought she knew about dogs. After years of trying to change Charlie’s behaviour, Biggi experienced a turning point during a walk in the Bavarian Alps. She began to recognise that, although she could not control everything around them, she could explore her own expectations and emotional responses. That shift gradually changed their relationship. Rather than striving for a perfectly behaved dog, Biggi began focusing on acceptance, compassion and finding a way for them to live together. Nathan and Biggi also talk openly about Charlie’s death, the profound grief that followed and the importance of seeking support when life becomes difficult. Biggi explains how her experiences, alongside the encouragement of a professional community, helped her reshape her business and develop Pawprints & Presence for an international audience. And there’s something a little different in this episode. At around the halfway point, Biggi guides listeners through a gentle mindfulness exercise centred on permission. It is an invitation to slow down, do things your own way, put down the weight of comparison and consider what permission you might want to offer yourself. There is no requirement to get anything right or feel a particular way. You can simply listen and take what feels useful. The conversation closes with Biggi’s reminder that even one small pause can give us space to notice what we are feeling before deciding what to do next. Whether you are a dog trainer, dog walker, pet sitter or another pet professional who feels constantly under pressure to keep up, this episode offers an invitation to consider a different pace. A note about the guided exercise: Please listen in a safe setting where you can give the exercise your attention. If you are driving, cycling or handling a dog in a situation that requires your full attention, save the guided section for another time. You are welcome to keep your eyes open, adapt the invitations or stop at any point. What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ How Biggi’s journey through nursing, sports science and rehabilitation shaped her approach to working with dogs and people. ✅ Why a period of burnout prompted Biggi to reconsider her working life and make space for a dog. ✅ How Nana and Charlie each influenced her journey into the dog industry. ✅ Why trying to change Charlie’s behaviour eventually led Biggi to examine her own expectations and emotional responses. ✅ How acceptance changed the way Biggi and Charlie lived together. ✅ Why being a dog trainer can bring additional pressure when your own dog struggles. ✅ How mindfulness, breathing and grounding became part of Biggi’s everyday life with Charlie. ✅ Why self-compa