🌿 How I Ended Up Doing What I Love: The Story Behind Alba Dogs 🌿

I never set out to be a dog trainer...

For years, I worked in the family business. It all fitted in around school runs and life with our family Labradors. I was happy in my little bubble—comfortable, familiar, and surrounded by the dogs I loved.

Then my sister invited me to join her new venture: dog walking.

I said yes.

And that one simple “yes” changed everything.

Discovering Joy in the Everyday

Walking dogs in nature felt like coming home. I loved seeing their joy, their freedom, their individuality. Every dog was different, some confident, some cautious, some bursting with energy, others quietly curious.

It wasn’t long before I realised I didn’t want to just walk dogs.

I wanted to understand them.

I wanted them to feel seen, safe, and supported in every moment.

The Journey Into TTouch and ACE

That curiosity led me to study Tellington TTouch, and later Animal Centred Education (ACE).

At first, I felt like an outsider—surrounded by amazing, experienced people, wondering, “Why am I here?” But I kept going. Slowly, one step at a time, things began to click.

And then Amber came into our lives.

A whirlwind of feelings wrapped in a yellow Labrador body, Amber challenged everything I thought I knew. Puppy classes were overwhelming for her and for me. Group sessions felt impossible.

I was completely lost… until I returned to the quiet, gentle power of ACE Free Work.

That’s where our real connection began.

Learning to Listen Differently

We slowed down.

I watched. I listened.

Amber started to show me what she needed—one moment, one choice at a time.

And that changed everything.

Amber and myself

Why I Created Alba Dogs

That journey of my own learning, Amber’s challenges, and the breakthroughs we shared, led to the creation of Alba Dogs.

I built Alba Dogs for:

• 💛 The people who leave traditional training classes feeling deflated

• 💛 The dogs who find group settings just too much

• 💛 The quiet ones, the over-aroused, the nervous, the shut-down, the misunderstood

• 💛 The humans doing their absolute best, but still feeling like they’re getting it “wrong”

At Alba Dogs, it’s just you, your dog, and me.

No pressure. No judgement. No expectations.

Just support, understanding, and the chance to build a relationship based on trust and connection.

A Space Where You’re Both Heard

Whether your dog struggles with regulation, anxiety, reactivity or simply deserves a peaceful, enriching experience, Alba Dogs is here to offer a different kind of support.

Because you and your dog matter.

Because there is another way.

Because I’ve been there too.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to meet you and your dog.

Let’s take that first step—together.

With calm connection,

Pauline Mitchell

Founder of Alba Dogs