Victoria’s journey into dog training began not in a classroom, but through lived experience. Diagnosed with a disability at 18, she found herself unable to continue her career in care - a field she had entered through an apprenticeship in a dementia day centre. When traditional assistance dog charities couldn’t meet her needs, she discovered the lesser-known route of owner-training an assistance dog. That decision not only changed her life but eventually led to the creation of Bond and Behave.
Launched in July 2025, Bond and Behave is the result of over a decade of hands-on dog training experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by disabled individuals. Victoria’s own spaniel, Molly, is a fully trained assistance dog and now plays a key role in classes as a stooge and demo dog. The business offers something previously unavailable in East Lothian: a supportive, affordable way for individuals to train their own dogs to assist with everyday tasks and enhance their quality of life. Each dog is temperament tested before joining, and owners are guided through the process of training, handling, and understanding the legal rights that come with owning an assistance dog.
Victoria doesn’t just teach - she advocates. Many of her clients face access refusals in shops, difficulties travelling abroad, or confusion around public rights. She provides clear, compassionate advice on assistance dog laws and actively supports her clients in navigating these challenges, helping them feel empowered and informed.
Classes are currently held at community venues like Longniddry Scout Hut and the Pennypit Centre in Prestonpans, where Victoria has built a loyal and growing client base. Keeping prices low is a core value of the business, ensuring accessibility for low-income families and individuals who might otherwise be excluded from this kind of support.
Getting the business off the ground was made smoother thanks to the guidance and encouragement of Business Gateway East Lothian. With support from adviser Steve Newlin, Victoria was able to refine her business plan, set up her online presence, and access East Lothian Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund £500 New Business Support Grant. That funding allowed her to invest in branded uniforms - an important step in building trust and professionalism. Steve also provided advice on social media strategy and helped Victoria feel confident in her next steps. The Pennypit Centre played a key role too, offering her the first opportunity to run classes and helping to promote them locally.
Running the business has already proven to be incredibly rewarding. Victoria describes it as busy, fulfilling, and full of new connections not just with people, but with their dogs too. Looking ahead, she plans to expand training to include real-world scenarios like cinema visits and public transport, with the long-term goal of preparing dogs for air travel.
Her advice to others thinking about starting a business is simple but powerful: “If you have a dream, go to somebody who will have that dream with you and help take it further. Steve saw the future of the business before I did. Make sure you have a good support system - family and advisers who will push you to do better.”
Bond and Behave is a shining example of the diverse and impactful businesses supported by Business Gateway and East Lothian Council’s Economic Development team. Proof that with the right guidance, even the most personal challenges can become a platform for positive change.
Contact:
[email protected] | 07928 965056
