Nathan Dunleavy – The Dog Walking Business Mentor
Hi, I’m Nathan, also known as The Dog Walking Business Mentor! I specialise in helping aspiring pet entrepreneurs turn their passion for animals into thriving businesses. Drawing on over seven years of experience running multi-award-winning pet care companies and a 15-year career in corporate and small business banking, I bring a unique combination of business acumen and industry expertise to my mentoring.
As the Founder and Managing Director of Nathan’s Paw Care Ltd, Nathan’s Paw Trails Ltd, Nathan’s Paw Training Ltd, and The Dog Walking Business Mentor Ltd, I’ve built a portfolio of successful pet care businesses that achieved a six-figure turnover last year through hard work, dedication, and a deep commitment to excellence.
Achievements and Awards:
Pet Care Service of the Year (2023 & 2024) – LUXlife Pet Products & Services Awards
Best Pet Care & Behavioural Services Company 2024 – Southern Enterprise Awards (SME News)
Dog Training Service of the Year – South England Prestige Awards (2021/22, 2022/23 AND 2023/24)
Best Dog Training Business 2021 – Corporate Vision Small Business Awards
My work has also been featured in the Southern Daily Echo, on BBC Radio Solent and Voice FM reflecting my passion for sharing insights and expertise with a wider audience.
Qualifications and Accreditations:
I’m proud to hold multiple accreditations and certifications, ensuring my clients receive the highest standard of training, care, and mentorship.
These include:
-Accredited/Qualified Dog Trainer and Full Member with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT)
-Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy Qualified Instructor (IMDT)
-Approved Dog Trainer with the Dog Training College (DTC)
-Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Behaviour Consultant, trained by Julie Naismith
-Certified and Recognised:
-Canine Body Language Specialist (DTC)
-Puppy Specialist (DTC)
-Canine Reactivity Specialist (DTC)
-Separation Anxiety Specialist (DTC)
-Scentwork Specialist (DTC) & Bronze Scent Detection Instructor (UK Sniffer Dogs)
-Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM)
Assistance Dog Specialist (DTC)
-KAD Approved Professional (Kids Around Dogs) – School Dog Specialist & Children and Dogs Specialist
-Pet First Aid Certified – DTC (July 2024) and trained personally by renowned RVN Rachel Bean
-Dog Law Certified – DTC (July 2024)
-Currently completing the NICE Level 4 Dog Training Instructor (ATI) exam, preparing for listing on the ABTC register.
As an affiliate representing The Dog Walking Business Mentor, I’m thrilled to also collaborate with the Pet Professional Network (PPN). I’m also part of the admin teams at PPN, NICE (National Institute of Canine Ethics), and Yappily, where I serve as Yappily’s Lead Ambassador and Podcast Director for our show, “The Yappy Hour”.
A Bit About Me:
I describe myself as a multi-award-winning qualified dog trainer, professional dog walker, pet sitter, and certified canine behaviour consultant specialising in separation anxiety. I’m passionate about mentoring, networking, collaboration, and connecting people. Through my mentoring, I empower pet care professionals to launch and grow their businesses with confidence and clarity.
When I’m not working with clients or mentoring, I enjoy spending time with my husband Mark and our seven dogs in Southampton, UK.
I’m a firm believer in the power of community, collaboration and look forward to supporting pet professionals worldwide.
