Losing my dad made me question everything so I started the Canine Coven
When he father died she said it made her question everything about her life.
A Preston dog trainer who launched her own business following the sudden loss of her father said she did so after his death made her question everything.
After more than a decade working with dogs in grooming salons, kennels, veterinary practices, dog day care centres and training environments, Lydia Brown decided to launch her own business in 2024 named The Canine Coven.
The decision followed a difficult period in her life after her father passed away suddenly in 2023.
Lydia said: “Losing my dad made me question everything. It was also the year I turned 30 and I found myself thinking carefully about what I wanted from life and my career.
“By the end of that year, I'd decided it was time to build something of my own.”
The Canine Coven specialises in positive reinforcement training, helping owners raise calm and confident dogs through puppy classes, adolescent dog training, life skills courses and one-to-one coaching.
Lydia's approach focuses on building strong relationships between dogs and their owners rather than relying on rigid obedience-based methods.
Ahe added: “A lot of owners come to me because they want training that feels supportive rather than stressful. My aim is to help both the dog and the owner feel more confident and enjoy life together.”
The business has grown rapidly through word of mouth and recommendations from local dog owners.
Best Dog Trainer in Preston
In May 2026, Lydia's work was recognised with four separate business awards in just two weeks, including Dog Trainer of the Year Lancashire and Best Dog Trainer in Preston.
The recognition has given her confidence that her approach is making a genuine difference.
She said: “Winning four awards in such a short space of time was a huge surprise.
“It reinforced that there is a real demand for positive reinforcement training and that helping dogs become calmer and more confident really matters.”
Alongside her regular classes and coaching sessions, Lydia has recently expanded into specialist workshops covering areas such as scent work, confidence building, enrichment and canine body language.
She credits much of the business's success to the support of the local community.
Nigel Botterill, founder of Entrepreneurs Circle, said: “Lydia's story highlights the resilience and determination that sits behind so many small businesses.
“She took a difficult personal experience and used it as the catalyst to build something positive that is now helping people throughout her local community. That's exactly the sort of entrepreneurial spirit UK Small Business Week is designed to celebrate.”
UK Small Business Week was held on June 1-7 and with businesses across the country taking part in local events, social media activity and community campaigns celebrating independent firms and entrepreneurship.
More information can be found at entrepreneurscircle.org/sbw.