The Story Behind the Name: How Barkshire Dog Training Was Born

Summary: In this blog, I’m sharing the unexpected story behind the name Barkshire Dog Training — a name that didn’t just pop into my head, but one that found me during a rainy holiday in Wales, an antique shop, and a forgotten old map.

If you’ve ever wondered how a brand name can reflect not just a business, but a whole set of values — patience, connection, fun, and kindness — this one’s for you. I hope it brings a smile and a little inspiration for following your own lightbulb moments.

Why It Was Important

When I began dreaming of starting my own dog training business, I didn’t want just any name. I wanted something meaningful — something that reflected me as a person, what I stand for, and the community I’m proud to be part of.

What I didn’t expect was how tricky that would be! I spent weeks brainstorming, scribbling on scraps of paper, digging deep into my values, trying to find something that felt like home. I knew I wanted to create a space rooted in kindness, patience, connection, and fun — not just for dogs, but for their humans too.

But how do you fit all that into a name?

A Rainy Holiday & A Hidden Gem

As the name hunt continued, Phil and I set off on a rainy holiday to Narberth in beautiful Pembrokeshire, South Wales, with our two dogs, Manu and Poppy. The weather was very Welsh — drizzly, grey, soggy trousers all round — but we made the most of a rare dry window by exploring the charming shops in town.

That’s when we stumbled into an antique shop — a proper little rabbit warren of forgotten treasures and curious finds. While rummaging through some old maps (I was on the hunt for something special for Phil’s mum’s 80th), I came across a stack from Berkshire… and that’s when I saw it.

Barkshire. Spelled B-A-R-K-S-H-I-R-E. A historical variation of the county’s name — and in that instant, it was like the stars aligned.

Poppy by the Pembrokeshire Coast

I grabbed the dogs, and dragged everyone out of the shop with wild excitement. We raced back to our cottage so I could check online: Had anyone used it already? Was it taken? To my delight — it was free.

And just like that, Barkshire Dog Training was born. (Still on holiday, mind you — I wasted no time setting everything up!)

Led by Heart, Guided by Purpose

I’ve always believed that dog training isn’t just about obedience or “fixing” behaviours — it’s about building relationships based on trust, playfulness, and mutual understanding.

That’s why the name mattered so much. I wanted something that celebrated where I work — the beautiful Berkshire community — and how I work: with empathy, patience, and a good splash of humour.

Later, when I discovered that Berkshire’s county crest is a stag standing beneath a tree, another idea sparked. What if my logo showed a dog beneath a tree instead? It felt like the perfect representation: calm, natural, deeply connected — a symbol of the partnership I help people build with their dogs.

And the colours? Blue and green — my favourites. Calming, joyful, alive.

A Name That Reflects So Much More

What started as a holiday discovery has become something far more personal. Barkshire isn’t just a name. It’s a celebration of:

• The community I live and work in — and my love for local connection.

• The joy and spontaneity of the human–dog bond.

• The values that guide everything I do: Patience. Connection. Fun. Kindness.

Out and about in Caversham, Berkshire.

I’ve always believed that dog training should feel uplifting, empowering, and enjoyable. It should help you understand your dog, not control them. And it should nurture a bond that lasts a lifetime.

Let’s Build a Connection That Lasts

Whether you're dealing with reactivity, lead pulling, confidence issues, or just want a deeper connection with your dog, I’m here to support you — with empathy, understanding, and a dash of humour too.

You don’t have to do this alone — and you don’t have to choose between structure and compassion. With the right support, you and your dog can absolutely thrive. Let’s build a training journey that feels good, makes sense, and brings out the best in both of you.