A man from Nottingham has discovered he has quite the knack of training dogs after setting up a dog walking service during lockdown.
While struggling for work last year, Faz set up the service and quickly unearthed a talent for training pups with behavioural problems.
Faz Musani - who overcame a fear of dogs and began walking large and extra-large breeds - found he was "able to connect" with dogs with behavioural problems and started training dogs with anxiety and aggression.
Now, Faz has helped more than 100 dogs and clients describe him as a “dog whisperer” and “training magician”.
Faz , 33, told TeamDogs: “I was actually scared of dogs until I got my Presa Canario. Everyone spoke about ‘man’s best friend’ and I wanted a dog to help with loneliness.
“Watching him grow an inch a day scared me. Then I taught myself how to train him and my fears went away. I quickly became a dog lover.”
In December, 2020, Faz set up Nottingham Dog Walking.
“My fiancée Jess and I were struggling for work during lockdown,” Faz said. “I had six years of love and passion for dogs, so I decided to start a dog walking business in the city.”
The business quickly evolved when Faz discovered a hidden talent for training dogs with behavioural issues.
“The business was purely for walking large and extra-large dog breeds, then people realised that I knew quite a bit about dogs and their behaviour.
“I began to help people train dogs with behavioural issues, such as anxiety and aggression.
“I found that I was able to connect with these dogs and I understood them simply by watching their behaviour.”
Dog owners around Nottingham began contacting Faz through word of mouth and referrals.
Faz has two American XL Bullies of his own, two-year-old El Chocolate and one-year-old rescue dog Nala, but has trained so many more.
“I have now helped more than 100 dogs,” Faz said.
Faz describes himself as a “balanced dog trainer”.
“I believe every dog is different and needs different training. Some dogs are reactive and others have overindulged.”
Faz has trained many different breeds of dogs, with different backgrounds and behavioural problems.
He added: “Recently, I met an elderly lady who struggled to control her Neapolitan Mastiff. I was able to show her that it’s not about strength or power. You need to train the dog to gain respect and trust you as a leader.
“Now, she feels confident with her dog.”
This change in confidence is what drives Faz the most.
“I love helping dogs and seeing an owner’s relationship with their dog change,” he said.
On the Nottingham Dog Walking Facebook one review says: “Very clear, good expert dog training advice. So friendly, helpful and very enjoyable experience! Makes you feel that you can achieve anything with your dog, like a dog whisperer. 100% recommended!”
Another reads: “Lovely guy, easy to get on with and gave simple effective tips. My dog had bad lead manners and after just one session is walking much better.
“Can’t wait to book more sessions with this training magician!”
