The Dog Walking Business Mentor

24/06/2025

Sometimes the only thing on your ‘ta-da’ list should be rest…

This morning, I made the call to take a much-needed self-care day.
Truth is, I’d had another restless night (sleep has been an ongoing struggle lately), my husband’s come down with a lurgy, and I just woke up feeling completely wiped.

I was conflicted - that niggling guilt of letting people down crept in. But I had to listen to what my body was telling me. So, I made the decision to pause. I went back to sleep for 5 hours, then spent the rest of the day snuggled up with my dogs.

💭 Running a business - especially in the pet care world - can feel relentless. It can be all too easy to push through exhaustion because we love what we do… but the truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Taking a day to rest isn’t lazy. It’s smart business practice.

I’ve learnt from over a decade in the corporate world that burnout doesn’t help anyone - and I carry that lesson into the work I do now as a mentor and pet pro. Looking after your wellbeing is not optional if you want your business to thrive.

So if you needed a little permission today: this is it.
Listen to your body. Rest when you need to. The world - and your business - can wait a little while.

🌿💤🐾

The Dog Walking Business Mentor ~
Mentoring with Heart, Growing with Purpose.

🌈 Proudly inclusive. Rooted in business experience. Led with heart.❤️

*The cuddle chair, which has now become the dog’s chair!!

23/06/2025

🌟 First official session with Jacqui = DONE! 💥🐾

Today I had the absolute pleasure of kicking off our 12-week mentoring journey with the lovely Jacqui - and what a start it was!

From rebranding and building confidence, to shaping her services and laying strong foundations, we covered so much - all at her pace. No pressure, no overwhelm, just steady, supported progress. And she’s already taken a massive leap by making a life changing decision today to pursue her dream of running her pet care business full-time. That takes guts 💛

Jacqui is hugely qualified, passionate about supporting rescue dogs and anxious pups, and now stepping boldly into her new identity. And honestly, I can already tell - she’s going to shine ✨

Mentoring is about more than just checklists and pricing sheets. It’s about clarity, confidence and creating a business that feels good. And I’m so excited to be part of Jacqui’s journey.

Let’s go, Superstar! 🚀💫

22/06/2025

🌿 Sunday Reset Vibes 🌿

Sundays are my time to pause, reset, and get everything back in sync - for my mind, my business, and my wellbeing. Whether that means a quiet moment with a cuppa, setting intentions for the week ahead, or just writing down the stuff I don’t want to carry into Monday… it matters.

And if you’re a pet professional juggling all the things - admin, clients, dogs, content, invoices, family, self-care (what’s that again?) - then you’ll know how quickly things can spiral if you’re not carving out these pockets of reset time.

💬 I’ve built my mentoring around exactly this: creating a safe, inclusive space to grow your business without burning out. A space that honours your mental health and helps you work smarter, not harder - leaning on the kind of business acumen that comes from 13+ years in the corporate world and 7+ years running three successful pet care businesses.

✨ I currently have 1–2 mentoring spots available - and I only work with a maximum of four mentees at any one time, to make sure you get my full support, guidance, and attention.

If you’re dreaming of a pet business that feels good and does good… this might just be your sign. 💛

📥 DM me or check out the 5 Steps to Strengthening Your Pet Biz here:

👉 https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/5-steps/

The Dog Walking Business Mentor ~
Mentoring with Heart, Growing with Purpose.

🌈 Proudly inclusive. Rooted in business experience. Led with heart.

With 5 Steps to Launching Your Dog Walking or Pet Sitting Business, your dream business can become a reality.

21/06/2025

🌱 From seed of an idea to something growing beautifully…
A big thank you to my lovely mentee Katy for this heartfelt review 🧡

✨ “Nathan took a genuine interest in my small seed of an idea and his feedback and encouragement is certainly helping it grow.” ✨

Running a pet business isn’t always easy - especially if you’re navigating it alone. That’s why I bring not just over a decade of corporate and business banking experience to the table, but a huge dollop of empathy and a deep belief in doing business well.

That means:
✔ Supporting your mental wellbeing, not draining it
✔ Creating a mentoring space that’s inclusive, judgement-free and encouraging
✔ Helping you grow something that’s sustainable, purposeful, and aligned with who you are

Whether you’re in the early planning phase, or ready to level up, I’m here to walk the journey with you.

🌈 I proudly offer a safe, inclusive space for all pet professionals – especially those in the LGBTQ+ community.

Ready to turn your idea into a reality?

💥 Grab my free ‘5 Steps to Get Your Pet Biz Off the Ground’ checklist here:

https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/5-steps

🧡The Dog Walking Business Mentor ~
Building Better Pet Businesses, One Step at a Time.

20/06/2025

✨ Yesterday was a much-needed reminder… ✨

I’m still riding the rollercoaster (literally and figuratively 😂) from the Funpreneurs event at Paultons Park yesterday. A full day of in-person networking, laughs, connection, and FUN 🎢🌈

But I’ll be completely honest - I nearly didn’t go.

I woke up feeling a bit rubbish and genuinely talked myself this close to backing out. The self-doubt was creeping in, the overwhelm was knocking at the door… and yet, I knew deep down I needed this.

If I hadn’t gone:
❌ I’d have wasted the ticket
❌ Missed some brilliant opportunities
❌ Denied myself a full day of joy, play, and stepping out of the business for once

So I made myself go. And you know what? I’m so glad I did.

💥 I met amazing people
💥 Had real, human conversations (with hugs!)
💥 Booked straight away for next year!

As a multi-business owner, I spend most of my time ‘in’ or ‘on’ my businesses. But taking time out like this? That’s not indulgent - it’s essential. Because your wellbeing is the foundation your business stands on.

If you needed a sign to step away for a day, this is it. Even when it feels hard. Especially when it feels hard 💛


Mentoring with Heart, Growing with Purpose

🌐 dogwalkingmentor.co.uk/5-steps

19/06/2025

💛 A BIG DAY OUT with the Funpreneurs 💛

As someone who works mostly solo or online, it’s not often I get the chance to hang out in real life with other amazing business owners. But today was all about connection, community, and - most importantly - fun! 🛝🌞

I spent the day at Paultons Park for the Yellow Tuxedo Funpreneurs Big Day Out and honestly… I loved every minute! There were inflatables, theme park vibes, brilliant humans, and loads of laughs (with maybe a tiny bit of networking squeezed in too 😉).

It’s so important for your business AND personal wellbeing to do things like this - to switch off, step outside your usual routine, and just enjoy being around others who get it.

Would I go again? 1000% yes.
Am I already thinking about next year? Also yes. Tickets are already on sale if you fancy joining the fun!

Massive thanks to Yellow Tuxedo for creating such a vibrant, welcoming space for small biz owners like me.

https://www.yellowtuxedo.co.uk/funpreneur/

18/06/2025

✨ We’ve had a bit of a glow-up over on the website… and I’m loving it! ✨

With some wise words from my own mentor Andy Hale still ringing in my ears, I’ve merged my three mentoring packages into two - introducing ‘Foundations’ and ‘Elevate’. These new names feel so much more aligned with where I’m taking the business, especially with my ongoing focus on business wellbeing, authenticity, and building sustainable success - not just for me, but for the brilliant pet pros I support.

Of course, being part of The Wuf Club means I’ve got the incredible Rosie Robinson of WUF Design in my corner - aka the Pet Biz Tech Queen 👑 - and she’s worked her usual magic to get everything updated beautifully and efficiently. 🧙🏻‍♀️💻

And that leads me to a really important reminder - having a supportive circle around you makes all the difference. I feel so grateful to have a team of pet biz wizards 🧙🏻‍♂️ behind me, and I know my mentees benefit from that ripple effect too ❤️

Oh, and I’ve got a very exciting rebrand reveal coming soon… so keep your eyes peeled! 👀

Take a look at the newly updated mentoring page here:

👉 https://dogwalkingmentor.co.uk

The Dog Walking Business Mentor ~
Mentoring with Heart, Growing with Purpose 💙

Proudly inclusive. Rooted in business experience. Led with heart 🌈

Expert guidance for thriving in the pet industry with award winning Nathan Dunleavy. Elevate your dog walking business with tailored mentorship and coaching

17/06/2025

🎉 Big Paw-some Congratulations to Lisa Ward from Noble Paws Partnership 🐾

I’m absolutely delighted to share that one of my incredible mentees, Lisa, has officially gained her Yappily accreditation following our 3-month mentorship together. 🙌🏼💼

Lisa came into my mentoring programme full of passion, heart and drive - and she’s now leaving it with so much clarity, confidence, and a business that reflects her values beautifully. ✨

She’s now listed on the Yappily directory as an ethical and trusted dog professional, joining the ranks of those who are raising the bar for our industry. 👏🏼

🏆 Completed 3-month mentoring with me
🏆 Fully insured
🏆 Pet first aid trained
🏆 DBS checked
🏆 Kind, ethical and committed to canine wellbeing

This is exactly what it’s all about supporting pet professionals to build sustainable, ethical businesses with purpose and pride. It’s also a reminder that when you invest in your business and your own wellbeing, great things can happen. 💬🧠

Go check out Noble Paws and show Lisa some love! 👇

https://yappily.co.uk/listing/noble-paws-partnership/

The Dog Walking Business Mentor ~
Empowering Pet Professionals, Ethically and Effectively

🌈 Proudly inclusive. Rooted in business experience. Led with heart.

🐾 We’re proud to share that Noble Paws Partnership is now Yappily Verified! 🐾

That means we’re not just passionate about dogs

we’re also:

✔️ Accredited & Qualified
✔️ Licensed & Insured
✔️ Compassionate & Kind

Being verified by Yappily means we’ve been carefully vetted to ensure we meet the highest standards of care. 🐶💛

Yappily connects dog owners with ethical, trustworthy, and qualified dog professionals in their area, people who genuinely care about your dog’s wellbeing. Every provider is approved with your pet’s safety and happiness in mind.

We’re so happy to be part of a network that puts dogs first, and we can’t wait to welcome more paws into the Noble Paws family! 🐕✨

https://yappily.co.uk/listing/noble-paws-partnership/

16/06/2025

Taking Time for Me - and a Bit of Learning Along the Way 🧘‍♂️🎧

Today has been a proper self-care kinda day. Eyebrows sorted this morning ✅ and a much-needed back massage this evening to ease some niggles. A little reminder that your wellbeing really does matter - especially when you run your own business.

If you’re not looking after yourself, how can you expect your business to run smoothly? Prioritising your wellbeing isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity.

And while I was taking that time, I popped on one of my favourite podcasts - Dog Grooming Business Help & Support by Bill Betts. Now, I’m not a groomer myself, but the advice on there is genuinely valuable for any pet pro.

One thing that really stuck out today was around client communication:

📣 Clear boundaries and expectations build trust

🐾 Understand the emotional state of both the pet and the parent

💬 Communication and listening skills are key (and yes - we need to like people too, not just animals!)

💡 Providing great customer service doesn’t mean being a pushover - it means being assertive with kindness

I did a NVQ Level 2 in Counselling Skills years ago, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most useful things I’ve ever done. It’s helped me massively in how I communicate with clients, especially those who are stressed or worried about their pets.

So if you’re in the pet care world and want a dose of practical wisdom, definitely check out Bill’s podcast - relatable, knowledgeable, and packed with real-world advice:

🎧 Dog Grooming Business Help & Support -

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dog-grooming-business-help-support/id1568887666

The Dog Walking Business Mentor ~
Mentoring with Heart, Growing with Purpose ❤️

15/06/2025

🌟 Father’s Day & The Power of Pressing Pause.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, dog dads, stepdads, grandads, and father figures out there 💙
And to those remembering someone no longer here - I’m sending love today.

I hope you gave yourself permission to step away from the business (even just for a bit) and spend time with those who matter most.

Because here’s the thing - balance matters.
Family time, wellbeing time, and “off switch” time are just as vital as emails, client calls, and squeaky toy refills.

As pet professionals, we give so much of ourselves.
We hold emotional space for our clients, we carry responsibility, and we do important, heart-led work.

And let’s be clear - what we do is a real business.
This isn’t “just dog walking” or “just popping in to feed the cat.”
It’s professional, skilled, and it has real impact - on people’s lives and pets’ welfare.

So today, take pride in your work.
Honour your time.
And know that being present - for others and for yourself - is part of building a sustainable business.

📣 The Dog Walking Business Mentor ~ Building Better Pet Businesses, One Step at a Time.

14/06/2025

🎙️ Saturdays, CPD & The Yappy Hour

Saturdays in our house tend to look a little different… Mark’s usually working, so I get the day to myself - well, me and the dogs 🐾
It’s my time to slow down a bit, recharge, and just be.

Sometimes I wrap up admin from Friday, sometimes I binge a bit of telly (no shame!), but I also try to use Saturdays for a bit of CPD - and today was exactly that…

🎧 I recorded a new episode of The Yappy Hour podcast, and honestly, I learn so much from my guests. I always come away with fresh insights and inspiration - it’s like bonus CPD wrapped up in good conversation.

Whether it’s podcasting, online courses, or brushing up on an old skill, I truly believe CPD is part of self-care. It keeps us curious, connected, and growing.

🐾 If you’re a pet pro, here’s your reminder: schedule time for your own learning.
Make space for you in your business week - because you’re worth investing in.

And if you’re not sure how to fit it in… well, that’s where I come in.

The Dog Walking Business Mentor ~
Empowering Pet Professionals, Ethically and Effectively

14/06/2025

📣 Please give a big Superstar welcome to Jacqui! 🌟

Jacqui is the newest member of my mentoring family, and she’s kicking things off with a bang - signing up for an initial 12-weeks in the mentoring programme to bring her exciting new venture, Superstar Dogs, to life. 💥🐾

She’s already an incredibly skilled and passionate professional, with qualifications in behaviour, training, and canine wellbeing… but like so many pet pros, she was feeling a little stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure how to turn that passion into a thriving business.

That’s where I come in 👋

Over the next few months, we’ll be working together on:
✨ Building her brand identity
✨ Mapping out realistic services that reflect her lifestyle and skills
✨ Boosting her confidence
✨ And creating a business that feels good – not just on paper, but in real life too

I’m absolutely buzzing to help Jacqui shape something meaningful, sustainable, and totally aligned with her values. 🧡

Let’s do this!