Hello! Welcome to HH
Behind Hoppes Hounds š¾
Hello and welcome to the Hoppes Hounds!
If you're new here, I'm Em, the person behind Hoppes Hounds, and I've spent over six years building and running my dog-walking business here in Surrey.
Dogs have always been a huge part of what I do, and I love being able to turn that passion into a job that gets me outdoors, exploring beautiful places and spending my days with some rather wonderful four-legged characters!
But for me, dog walking has never been just about getting dogs out of the house and tiring them out. I love seeing their individual personalities shine, watching their confidence grow and finding ways to make their time out with me genuinely enjoyable.
šæ A little about my approach
My motto is simple: set the dogs up for success.
That means taking the time to understand the dogs in my care, considering their individual needs and making thoughtful decisions about everything from introductions and group dynamics to where we walk and what we get up to.
I'm a big believer in letting dogs be dogs. I want them to have opportunities to sniff, explore, play, investigate interesting smells, splash through streams and enjoy the world around them. Whether we're exploring woodland trails, charging across a meadow or discovering something fascinating in a patch of undergrowth, there's always something to enjoy.
Of course, all that freedom comes alongside structure, appropriate boundaries and an understanding of canine behaviour. I use force-free handling and positive reinforcement, incorporating games, recall practice and other activities where appropriate.
The goal is to find that lovely balance between giving dogs the freedom to enjoy themselves and ensuring their experiences are thoughtfully managed.
š Experience, qualifications and the practical stuff
Alongside more than six years of running Hoppes Hounds, I've invested in developing my knowledge and practical skills through a range of canine training and education.
I'm Canine First Aid trained and hold a Level 3 qualification in Canine Behaviour, with Level 4 currently in progress. I've also completed dozens of CPD courses covering canine training, behaviour, body language, anxiety, rehabilitation and welfare through organisations including IMDT, CANIFIT and Canine Principles.
I'm also a certified Canicross Leader and a Scooterjor/Bikejor Instructor, which means my work with dogs extends beyond traditional walking into running and other dog-powered sports.
I'm insured, DBS checked and follow relevant professional guidance, including the Surrey Dog Walking Code of Conduct. Careful location selection, risk assessments and considered working procedures are all part of how I organise our adventures.
It's the combination of hands-on experience, practical knowledge and a genuine interest in understanding dogs that shapes the way I work.
š³ Small groups, big adventures
One thing that's particularly important to me is keeping our groups small.
Six dogs is the absolute maximum I'll ever walk in a group, and most of my groups are smaller than that. I organise walks around the dogs themselves, taking their individual needs, compatibility and group dynamics into consideration.
I want to be able to pay attention to what's happening around me, recognise when something needs adjusting and give the dogs in my care the consideration they deserve. Filling every available space has never been the point.
Instead, we make the most of the beautiful countryside Surrey has to offer, choosing suitable locations that provide opportunities for exploration, enrichment and a little adventure.
And yes, that often means muddy paws, soggy dogs and the occasional very enthusiastic river swimmer! š
ā¤ļø So, that's Hoppes Hounds!
At the heart of it all, I'm someone who loves working with dogs and wants them to have a brilliant time out in the world.
I love the variety, the characters, the little quirks that make every dog different and the satisfaction of seeing dogs enjoy themselves in an environment suited to them.
Every walk is a little different, because every dog and every group is different. That's part of what makes this job so rewarding.
So, whether your dog is a seasoned countryside explorer, a keen sniffer, a muddy-paw enthusiast or a little more cautious about the world, the aim is always the same: to give them a positive, enjoyable experience that puts their needs first.
Thank you for stopping by, and welcome to Hoppes Hounds!
Now, let's go find some adventures. š¾
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