WITH more than a decade’s experience in pampering pooches under her belt, it’s certainly not a dog’s life for new Middlewich business owner, Hannah Jones.

The 32-year-old, of Forest Edge in Cuddington, Northwich, has a firm hold of the leash after launching her own dog grooming business Fresh Paws Grooming in Wheelock Street.

Alongside her husband Ben – and ably abetted by their family pet Kaiser, a nine-year-old German Shepherd who has road tested most grooming processes – Hannah is welcoming hound of all breeds and sizes to the newly revamped premises that used to house Waggs Boutique.

Hannah, who groomed dogs for Cheshire Police for more than a decade and has worked at Reaseheath College as a canine instructor, said: “I’ve always had dogs, I’ve always loved dogs, and I’ve worked with dogs for more than 12 years so to run my own dog grooming business is a dream come true.

“It’s such an exciting opportunity and I really love meeting the customers and their dogs and helping them all look and feel better.”

Having studied animal behaviour a Reaseheath College and the University of Chester, believes one of the things that will help her business stand out is her ability to read a dog’s behaviour.

The mum-of-three explained: “Not all dogs like being groomed – Kaiser certainly doesn’t enjoy it – he’d rather stay dirty, although he will let me do anything to him.

“But you can help them feel more comfortable simply by reading their behaviour and adapting to what you do in relation to how they’re responding.”

Opening up in Wheelock Street as the festive season was in full swing, Hannah has been very busy in her first month of business and it’s all been about getting the mutt’s cuts party ready.

She said: “It’s kind of like booking in at the hairdressers before Christmas and New Year. Dog owners want to make sure their pets are all ready for the party season too.”

To find out more Hannah and her business, visit freshpawsgrooming.co.uk