Sarah Hawkins IMDT
Hello, I'm Sarah.
I know what it feels like to stand at the end of a lead and not know what to do next.
I know the frustration of a dog who won't listen, the worry of a dog who's scared, and the helplessness of watching your dog struggle and not knowing where to turn.
I've been that person and it's exactly why I do what I do today.
It all started back in 2005 when a six-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback named Archie came into my life. He bit me pretty early on, which was scary and I wasn't sure whether he was going to stay. I didn't know much about his background when I rescued him, just that his previous owner had gone into a home and he hadn't been socialised very much. Motorbikes, bicycles, cars, anything that moved fast - Archie had something to say about all of it.
I was out of my depth, and I wanted to give him a chance of happiness, so, with the support of a wonderful trainer, I discovered what positive reinforcement could do. With patience, consistency, and a lot of love, Archie started to trust the world a bit more. He learned to feel safe. He learned to enjoy his life.
My social circle expanded and his fear of men eased, thank goodness as I met my partner Phil who won us both over when he turned up to a date with dog treats.
Day-to-day things that had felt complicated started to feel easier - walks, pub visits, weekends away, holidays and I will always see him as my heart dog.
And the lessons Archie taught me understandings his needs and the connection we shared became the foundation of everything I do as a trainer now.
Since Archie, I've shared my life with Davey, an American Bulldog who started out as an anxious and reactive dog thanks to an unsettling start in life where he found himself in rescue.
I learned a lot about patience and kindness, working through his challenges on our 5am walks, and in time he transformed into a gentle giant who loved nothing more than cuddles with my young nephew.
And now my world is shared with Poppy and Manu - my enthusiastic, squirrel-fixated, part-terrier duo who keep me very much on my toes. Daydreaming on walks - not a chance.
With those two I have to be on the whole time - other dogs, wildlife, anything that might catch their eye. I wouldn't have it any other way though.
Every dog I've lived with has shaped me.
Not just through study and qualifications, but through real life experiences, the messy, wonderful, sometimes baffling reality of sharing your world with a dog.
I know how hard it can feel when things aren't going right. And I know how brilliant it feels when they do.
Why Barkshire?
When I started this business, I wanted a name connected to where I live and what I do.
One rainy day, browsing in an antique shop on holiday in Wales I found a historical map where "Berkshire" was spelled Barkshire.
It felt instantly right: local, warm, and with a very obvious nod to the dogs at the heart of everything.
My Approach: Lifestyle Dog Training
My belief is the best results come when training fits around your life, not the other way around.
My Lifestyle Dog Training method is built on four pillars — Support, Real Life, Understanding, and Confidence. Together, they shape how I design every programme, plan every session, and support every client.
And underpinning all of it are my four core values: Fun, Connection, Kindness, and Patience. They are present in every session I deliver, every message I send, and every plan I write.
Training you can trust
I'm qualified through the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), one of the UK's leading professional bodies for force-free, evidence-based training.
I'm committed to ongoing learning, because the science of dog behaviour never stands still - and neither do I. I collaborate with a number of local vets, who trust me to support their clients
I've stood exactly where you're standing and I found a way through.
Let's build something great together
Whether you're navigating the chaos of puppyhood, working through a specific behaviour challenge, or looking to deepen the connection you have with your dog - I'm here for it.
With the right support, you and your dog can absolutely thrive and you don’t need to struggle alone.
→ Get in touch — I'd love to help you with your dog.