Bedford’s Best in Show: Local dog businesses scoop national awards
Two Bedford-based pet professionals are celebrating this week after winning national honours from Professional Dog Businesses UK (PDBUK) — bringing well-deserved recognition to the town’s thriving dog community.
Love Hounds Dog Grooming, run by Michelle in Great Denham, has been awarded:
- Dog Groomer of the Year
- Canine Teeth Cleaning Service of the Year
Michelle’s 1:1 grooming studio is known for its calm, purpose-built environment and welfare-first approach. Services include full grooms, hygiene trimming, ultrasonic teeth cleaning, nail clipping, ear cleaning and gentle care for anxious, elderly and first-time dogs.
Her business journey is a heartfelt one — founded after personal loss, Love Hounds has grown into an award-winning service built on compassion, skill and dedication.
Michelle said: “Every dog deserves kindness, patience and expert care. To be honoured for doing what I love means so much.”
Kempston-based Val’s K9 Training, led by canine behaviourist Valentina (Val), has been awarded Dog Behaviourist of the Year.Val has been working with dogs since 2003, beginning her career as a dog walker before training alongside a professional behaviourist — an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for understanding why dogs behave the way they do.
Over more than 20 years, she has built a reputation for her calm, empathetic approach and her commitment to continuous learning.Her qualifications include modules with the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training (CIDBT), the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), and extensive study with the School of Canine Science. She also holds the Ofqual-regulated IMDT Level 3 in Professional Day Care & Boarding and regularly attends CPD events, seminars and workshops to keep her knowledge current.
Val specialises in:
• Anxiety and fear-based behaviours
• Reactivity• Separation-related issues
• Puppy development
• Bespoke one-to-one training programmes
Her philosophy is simple: help owners understand their dogs on a deeper level so they can support them properly in the real world. Val is known for breaking things down in a practical, down-to-earth way that gives families the confidence to handle everyday situations with their dogs.
Valentina said: “I love helping families understand their dogs. Once you know what’s really going on for your dog, everything becomes so much easier for both of you. Being recognised for that work means a lot.”
Fully insured, DBS-checked and licensed by Bedford Borough Council to board up to two dogs, Val’s K9 Training has become a trusted name in the Bedfordshire dog-training community.
These achievements highlight the exceptional pet expertise available locally. Both businesses recognised in this year’s awards are well-loved by Bedford residents and now celebrated at national level for their dedication, professionalism and care.