A WREXHAM-based dog training business is celebrating its 15th birthday this month.

Karen Boyce, who lives in Froncysyllte, has been helping families and their pets for more than 20 years in total.

But, this month, her Beastly Thoughts Professional Dog Service (BTPDS) business officially celebrates its 15th year of existence.

Read more: Back-to-back wins for dog trainer Karen and Brogan at Crufts

Karen, 59, said: “Back in 2007 I split from my partner and as we had only recently moved to the area I wasn’t working. With two under-fives to provide for and not wanting to become a 9 till 5 working mum I took the plunge to turn my hobby into a business.

“We obviously started small with a few classes a week. But I also had the behavioural side I had already trained in, particularly reactive dogs, to build on.”

The BTPDS business now covers Wrexham and Oswestry for classes and further afield for behavioural problems. Venues used include Coedpoeth, Black Park, Weston Rhyn, Trefonen and Knockin.

The business started with Karen and one assistant in class and now includes three qualified Puppy School UK Tutors, and six assistant instructors, plus an administrator.

Instructors also have additional skills as specialists in reactive dogs, agility and areas such as nutrition.

The Leader:

PIC: Karen Boyce with Bess.

Karen said: "With 250 puppies through the doors last year we are almost certainly the biggest puppy training organisation in Wales. And our work and commitment was recently recognised by The Secretary of State for Wales with an invitation to a meeting in Whitehall for successful Welsh female entrepeneurs.

“We just continue to be extremely humbled that so many owners place their trust in us and see us as the go-to dog training provider.

“BTPDS will hopefully continue to provide training for puppies, older dogs and problem dogs across the area for many years to come. Dogs are a huge part of the local community and having them happy, obedient and under control makes life so much easier for all concerned.”

As part of the celebrations BTPDS has run a 15th Anniversary Dog Show and a Photo Competition, as well as an anniversary party.

Karen added: “I and all the team were very pleased to be able to welcome clients new and old to a little Cake, Cuppa and Chat, with a local band too. 

"We just had a nice time catching up with all the news; doggy and non-doggy. Some of the dogs that have been with us for training came too.”

The Leader:

PIC: Karen with Jayne Christie, who has been a client - along with her three dogs - for the full 15 years. 

Karen has been a Puppy School tutor for over a decade and is also Regional Manager for other Puppy School tutors across North Wales, Shropshire, Cheshire and Lancashire.

The mum-of-two also owns the Awesome and Rawsome Pets shop in Froncysyllte, selling premium food and products selected for health benefits and eco friendliness.