ABC Dogs are Up and Running!

I recently met up with Katie at our local networking group here in Coin. When asked if we could share her story with our readers, I said, "Of course, it goes without saying." The team here at Mediterranean Homes wishes her and John well in their new venture.

Katie tells her story...

“It is hard to believe that less than 6 months ago I was living in London, working a 9-5 stressful office job, living in a house on a major road with a small garden feeling miserable about the rubbish English summer we had just had. Now, I am sitting here writing this, looking out the sunny window of my Spanish finca in the Coin campo, with a large garden and my own Dog training and home boarding business!

It didn't happen overnight, my husband, John, and I had a 10 year plan to save money and get out of the London rat race. We were going to get dogs but once we were out in Spain where they could enjoy more freedom, mountain hikes and sunshine. However, we ended up getting Ava, a Hungarian Vizsla, while still in London during covid. I knew getting a dog would have a big impact on our lives but didn’t realise quite how much.

When I got Ava I didn’t know much about dog training, I just did a few searches on the internet and I saw some videos of people playing games with their dogs. Now, I love games so this seemed like something worth trying. From playing these games I found my relationship with Ava became stronger, we were having so much fun, it didn’t take up too much time and it didn’t feel like training. Incorporating the games with an understanding of concept based training I found improvements were being made in all sorts of areas like improved recall and loose lead walking.

I started helping out friends and family with their dogs and really enjoyed seeing the changes in other people’s dogs and how it helped their relationships. I completed several certified dog training courses and then thought that I could do this when we move to Spain.

ABC Dogs is now up and running, offering dog training services to customers throughout the Costa del Sol. I offer one to one sessions for people who have a particular need or struggle but also do group classes covering general life skills. All using concept training, positive reinforcement and games. I also offer home boarding, where dogs can come and stay and be welcomed in to our home so they can be comfortable (and spoilt!) while their owners are away. The next stage of the business will be to create an Agility arena on our land for people to use as a coaching ground (and for me to use with my dogs!)

I am really excited about this journey, I know I am going to get so much satisfaction out of helping other people, but better than that, other people will get so much more joy out of the relationship with their dogs."

- Katie, ABC Dogs

You're Invited to our Professional Networking Events on the Costa del Sol

Mediterranean Homes' CEO Kelly Summerell together with Mark Pinder from BnB Finca Los Chozones arrange a special event for businessmen and women to attend every other week - The Inland Networking and Support Group - Costa Del Sol (the link will take you to our Facebook group - you're more than welcome to join!)

The networking group welcomes any business men and women who own or manage businesses in these areas around the Costa del Sol in Spain: Alhaurin el Grande | Coín | Monda | Guaro | Pizarra | Alora | Tolox | Casarabonela | Alozaina | Mijas | Alhaurín de la Torre.

So, If you are in business or thinking of starting your own business in any of the areas mentioned below, then this group is for you. The group holds regular meetings usually every other Friday at various local venues.

The Inland Networking Group Costa del Sol is a networking group that focuses on the people and not the businesses themselves. We believe in getting to know each other to build strong business relationships within a relaxed atmosphere.