Now when it comes to understanding dogs, I know a thing or two. However, when it comes to trimming them, I am still very much the amateur.

Yesterday I decided to tidy up my two - nothing too complicated, just the feet and ears - and after over an hour of clippering, cutting and combing, Pru and Kez were rewarded for their patience with a hairdo that I am sure somewhere would be called "avant-garde". All the while I was toiling over them I kept thinking, "I wonder if there is a good groomer somewhere..."

The advice I give owners who are searching for a good dog professional - groomer, walker or vet for example - is to go and see how they operate, and whether they spend more time talking to the owners or the dogs. If it is the former then all well and good. A dog that already finds itself in a strange environment full of weird sights, sounds and smells does not need an over-the-top human in their face as well. This is why some dogs react badly to these excursions, and if misread can be seen as aggression, rather than fear.

In my time teaching people the Amichien Bonding method, I have had various professionals attend, and the piece of advice I give for those who only spend a limited time with a dog is to be as matter-of-fact as possible. This way the dog sees there is no threat and that everything is calm. This can dramatically reduce the risk of being bitten.

The ONLY problem is they will sometimes have to explain to owners unaware of what they are doing is that of course they think their dog is adorable, they are simply putting it at ease (some owners worry that there may be something unlovable about their pride and joy - bless).