Hello there!
I’m Gretta Ford… animal lover, business geek and marketing obsessive.
Supporting self-employed, ethical dog trainers & animal behaviourists who want a business that not only does good but also feels good.
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Cocktails or walking the dogs? Err… how about both? ; )
Your business should be more than just a ‘poorly paid hobby’
The trouble is, many of our industry norms lead to burn-out and struggling to earn enough to fund the life that you want.
And no, I’m not necessarily talking about yachts or designer handbags (though let’s be honest, they wouldn’t pair well with my wellies anyway!).
You didn’t join this industry under the illusion of it being a ‘get rich quick’ scheme… but after all your hard work, is it really too much to ask to pay your bills, take time off and treat yourself to things that make you happy?
Whether that’s holidays with family, cocktail nights with friends or yet another totally unnecessary (but rather lovely) new dog collar… or bed… or lead… I’m not judging!
You deserve all of that and more
That’s where I come in….
Fuelled by copious cups of tea, sneaky slices of cake and the foot-warming powers of a working cocker who never leaves my side, I’m on a mission to set you up for success in your business.
Imagine the progress you could make with the right support—someone who gets this industry and has the skills, experience and strategies to help you move forward…
…whether that means attracting more of the right clients, increasing your income without working all hours, or finally having a website that truly reflects your expertise and value.
No more second-guessing, time-wasting, or crossed fingers—just clear, practical steps that get you where you actually want to be.
Proud to be trusted by…
As a business strategist and self-employed ABTC-Registered Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Dog Trainer, I combine industry-specific business know-how with real-world experience.
Before devoting myself to dogs, I worked in marketing, sales, school teaching and leadership (and I’ve got 4 successful businesses under my belt), so I’d like to think I’ve earned my stripes.
I know what it’s like to struggle with your business or have to keep up your ‘proper’ job whilst trying to grow your new venture to a point where you can afford to jump in with both feet.
So, rest assured, I’ve been where you are and got the t-shirt (skinny fit, plain, striped, oversized… you name it, I’ve got them all!).
Forever a teacher at heart, I’ve shared my expertise with some of the most respected professional membership bodies and educational establishments in the world.
Through my industry-specific 1:1 business coaching/ mentoring, online courses/ resources and strategic website design, I’ve had the pleasure of supporting many wonderful colleagues with their businesses.
I’d really love to help you too…
Gretta is different to other business coaches
When I looked at other business coaches, it always made me feel uncomfortable and like I wouldn't succeed because I didn't have a big, bold personality that could ‘sell’. Gretta is different - she’s down to earth, approachable and understands that most of us are in this to help the animals and people that we work with - we just need to be able to make it a sustainable living as well!
Laura
As a marketer-turned-teacher-turned-dog behaviourist, it’s probably no surprise that I see things a little differently.
I’ve always loved working on my business just as much as working in it. So, just as I did with dogs, I threw myself into learning everything I could… investing time, money and an embarrassing number of late-night research sessions. As my mum would say, I’ve ‘never been one to do things by halves’… whatever that even means!
I soon found myself with a pile of business and marketing books by the bed, competing with the towering stack of my latest dog-related reads next to it. Colleagues would often ask to pick my brains. Loving nothing more than a business chat over lunch, being the ‘one you go to for business advice’ suited me just fine.
But seeing so many brilliant professionals struggle, I knew I had to do more. It was only a matter of time before I came out of the ‘business nerd closet’ and did something about it.
So that’s why I’m here - on a mission to support the industry I love (and, in turn, the animals and clients we serve) by sharing everything I’ve learned along the way.
Choosing to invest in Gretta’s services was the best decision I’ve made!
Gretta has been an incredible mentor and source of inspiration to me. She has encouraged me to trust in my skills and empowered me to market them effectively. Her warm and humorous approach made the entire process so enjoyable, and with her guidance, I’ve gone from feeling stuck and uncertain to confident and clear in my abilities and offerings. With Gretta’s help, not only have I become ‘unstuck’, but the return on investment was almost immediate. Thank you so much, Gretta!
JULIE
Which one best describes you?
I’d like to have
a website that wows
Make life easier with a website that works as hard for your business as you do for your clients. Choose one of my strategic website templates, opt for bespoke brand and website design or check out some of the other ways that I can help you to have a website that wows.
I really want to
level-up my business
Give your business a boost so that you can earn more money and enjoy a better work-life balance. With 1:1 support and a range of online courses/ resources to suit you, I’m here to help you make your business stand out and pay out, without leaving you burned out.
I’m excited to
start a new business
Prepare to launch your own business as a self-employed ethical dog trainer or behaviourist. Follow my proven step-by-step process with a comprehensive online course or take your pick of business resources, to help you realise your dreams.
I’d like to see my
personalised picks
Avoid ‘analysis paralysis’ with my quick quiz. Simply answer 10 questions to find out which of my pillars of business brilliance you need to strengthen and then filter all of my services, courses and resources into a curated collection of those most relevant for you.
No ‘sticking-plaster-hacks’ or ‘cookie-cutter-formulas’ here! I’m all about…
Ethics
Acting authentically, with integrity and empathy. No fluff, no magic-fixes… just honest, practical support.
Expertise
Providing strategic, industry specific advice, underpinned by psychology and extensive experience.
Empowerment
Giving you the clarity, knowledge, skills and confidence that you need to help your business fly.
So, where to next?
Like a ‘choose your own adventure’ book from the 1980s…
…fortunately, in this case, you won’t turn to page 36 only to be told that you’ve died
I’m curious…
Got any useful articles I can read?
Ok, I’m keen…
What free resources can help me?
Yes, I’m all in...
Help me choose the best option for me!
A business and mindset transformation!
Gretta has not only transformed my business and my website (which is so beautifully designed and easy to use) but has also changed my mindset in regards to my business. I have a real belief now that I can achieve my goals and also understand how I can achieve them. On top of that, Gretta is just such a lovely person to work with: efficient and knowledgeable but also kind, compassionate and caring. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
Pauline Whittaker
HELP ME, GRetta!
Not sure what you need? I’ve got you!
Sometimes it’s hard to work out which way forward is best. In these situations, it’s easy to get stuck in ‘analysis paralysis’… going round and round in circles comparing different services, courses and resources, hoping for a moment of clarity (that doesn’t always come!).
That’s why I’ve created a simple 10 question quiz which will help you to identify what you most need to work on in your business, by giving you a score for each of my ‘pillars of business brilliance’.
Armed with this insight, you can filter everything that I have to offer by pillar, to view personalised recommendations, tailored to the needs of your business. Clever, isn’t it?!
Just click on the button below to get started. It won’t cost you a penny and you don’t even need to share your name or email address. You’re welcome :)
Gretta is an incredibly rare talent
She is honest, un-stuffy, organised, efficient, non-salesy and highly qualified. Unlike others, Gretta actually showed up for me, pushed me when I needed it, helped me when I floundered and supported me with patience, understanding and integrity. She is probably one of the most brilliant and lovely people I’ve ever met.
Lottie hanks
Want to know more?
Well, this pretty much sums me up…
JOBS BEFORE DOGS:
Various sales and marketing roles, followed by teaching + leadership.
Favourite drink:
A great cup of tea… accompanied by plenty of biscuits, of course!
Favourite food:
Is it ok to admit that cake is your favourite food (asking for a friend)?
Worst Habit:
Cramming my diary too full with things that I want to get done.
Trust me, Gretta is who you need to speak to!
She really has ‘been there, done that’ so knows exactly what you’re going through! Gretta’s help has had a huge impact on my business and I’d highly recommend working with her to others.
Karen Bachell