Shelina Duke, from Sutton, who left her teaching job in 2024 to pursue her passion for dog training, has won the London and South East Prestige Award for Dog Trainer of the Year.
She set up her business, Go With The Flo, in honour of her dog Flo, and has since expanded to create the Poodle Training School.
Shelina said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been named dog trainer of the year again, and I am over the moon that the judges understood my passion for the business and the dogs that I help.
“Starting your own business is tough, and there have been challenging moments, but getting this kind of recognition makes me feel like I am on the right track.”
Shelina offers both one-to-one and group training sessions, online and in-person, for clients locally and as far afield as the United States.
She is a qualified reactionary specialist, helping clients with issues such as dogs lunging on walks or general mischief.
The judges were impressed by the fun, games, and concept-based training provided at Go With The Flo.
These sessions are designed to shape focus, optimism, and calmness in a dog’s brain, enabling owners to achieve real-life behaviour.
Shelina added: “My sessions really do work, and I am so dedicated to working with clients and seeing amazing results.
“That is why I have branched out with the Poodle Training School.
“Poodles are often misunderstood because they are so clever, and this can lead to behavioural issues.
“So I am on a mission to give the poodle the care and recognition it deserves.”
For more information about Shelina and her dog training, visit withtheflo.co.uk.
