Please can you tell me a little bit about the business?

The Mutty Professor has been in business since June 2010.

It is owned and managed by myself, Roz Pooley, and I am a dog behaviourist and trainer.

The most of the work is done by myself, but I also have two lovely helpers who accompany me on walks or cover me when I go on holiday. Both helpers have had extensive training and have proven themselves to be trustworthy, reliable and (most importantly) capable of caring for the animals to the same standard as me.

Why would my dog benefit from your walks?

If your dog is an only dog, interacting with their own kind is really important for their character development and general well being. My walks are based around socialising and mental stimulation. I will team your dog up with suitable companions who they can explore and play with.

If you work long hours then it is a good idea to get your dog walked during the day. Some studies have shown that dogs left at home for more than six hours at a time have higher stress levels than those who are not. Breaking up your dogs day with a walk tires them out physically and mentally so they sleep for the remainder of their day until you arrive home. Rather than a hyper dog desperate for some stimulation and activity, a well rested and calm dog will await you upon your return.

During the walks we work on recall and other minor behavioral issues you may be experiencing. Many clients have reported an improvement in their dog's behavior since they have been joining us on our walks.

What behaviours can you help train my pet out of?

I have successfully trained dogs out of fear and nervousness, brutish play behavior, pulling on the lead, recall, dog related fear and barking at children to name but a few. I have also given many new puppy owners start up advise on toilet training, good manners and walking on a leash.

I also have experience and knowledge in feline behavior and can help with issues such as nervousness, weeing in and around the house and cat related aggression.

Why should I get a pet carer if I am going on holiday?

If you go on holiday, putting them into temporary accommodation (catteries, kennels etc) can sometimes be distressing for them as they are away from you and their home. Their normal routine is disrupted and they have limited space. This along with an an strange environment can often be too much for them to deal with and may result in them become withdrawn or stressed.

Pet carers are great for pets that find boarding stressful. There is little difference in cost and the bonus is that your house gets looked after while you are away too.

My pet is difficult to look after, can you cope with that?

You get grumpy people, stubborn people, people who shout a lot, nervous people and some people who are just down right difficult!. Animals are no different, they are individuals with their own personality and this should not be forgotten. I am experienced in caring for a wide variety of personalities and adapting to them and their behavior.

If I feel that some behavioural problems will benefit from some slight changes and adaptations within their every day life then I can always make some suggestions, or you are welcome to book in a training session with me so we can try and resolve the problem.

If your pet requires medication then please be assured that I am capable of doing it in your absence. One of my cats (now sadly deceased) was diabetic and required an insulin injection once a day. Another of my cats is asthmatic and requires an inhaler twice a day. I am also experienced in administering eye drops, ear drops and oral medication in both cats and dogs.

How can I trust you? Are my home, keys and pet safe in your care?

I have full public liability insurance for pet caring and dog walking as well as transporting pets in my car. I have held a clean UK driving license for ten years.

I have been a key holder in various jobs for over eight years. Once for a magistrates court as a cleaning supervisor and also as a retail manager for a multi-million pound mail order business. This means I am highly experienced in opening and securing large and small premises, with or without alarm systems.

Addresses are not attached to keys. Nor are the keys stored in the same place as any files containing addresses and information.

What happens if I need to cancel?

If circumstance has it that you no longer need my services then all I ask is that you give me as much notice as possible. For same day cancellations I charge a £5.00 fee for dog walking and a £3.00 fee for home visits.

What happens in an emergency?

I request an emergency telephone number. If you are away on holiday this should be someone who you trust to make a decision on your behalf.

Your phone number or the emergency phone numbers are kept to hand at all times, so you or your trusted emergency helper are informed immediately if a problem should arise.

Will I meet you before the day your services are required?

Absolutely! It's good for you and your pet to meet me well in advance so we can discuss all aspects of their care and also to get to know each other.

I offer intro walks for daycare and group walk clients, and I come to see you at your house if you require a solo walk or pet home visit.

If there are any concerns or questions then you are welcome to ask me during this time, via email or phone.

Can I contact you to see how your getting on?

I can send text updates for those away on holiday, but you are more than welcome to call me for a chat about how your pet is getting on.

Which areas do you visit?

For dog walking and pet home visits we cover the following areas: Southville, Ashton, Hotwells, Totterdown, Windmill Hill, Lower Knowle, Clifton, City Centre, Temple Gate, Cotham, Redcliffe and all other areas in the proximity. I will consider other areas but may have to calculate additional travel costs.

For training and behaviour consultations I cover the whole of the Bristol area. I happily travel to locations further afield but will have to apply additional travel costs.