New Mayo holistic dog training and animal care service opens
A NEW holistic dog training and animal care service has opened in Crossmolina, offering a range of services designed to support the wellbeing, behaviour and overall care of dogs and other animals in the community.
Oak and Howl, founded by dog trainer and behaviour specialist Deborah P. Ilkow, provides professional dog training and behaviour consultations alongside a number of complementary holistic services aimed at supporting animals in a calm and supportive environment.
The business combines practical training expertise with a holistic approach that focuses on understanding animals and promoting their physical and emotional wellbeing, and offers a variety of services including dog training, behaviour consultations, grooming, animal meditation and phytotherapy.
The business has now opened an indoor space with a small pet shop offering carefully selected products designed to support animal health, comfort and enrichment, and to set up the new animal care service.
Deborah established Oak and Howl with the goal of creating a space where animals are treated with patience, understanding and respect. The services are designed not only to address behavioural challenges but also to help owners better understand their animals and build stronger relationships with them.
Speaking about the new venture, Deborah said: "My aim is to help strengthen the bond between people and their animals. There is so much that we can do with our pets to enrich their life and ours that we don’t even realize we can do.
“Every animal is an individual, and behaviour challenges can often arise when their needs are not fully understood. By combining training, behaviour support and holistic care, we can help animals feel calmer, more confident and more secure."
Dog training and behavioural consultations at Oak and Howl focus on helping owners understand their dogs’ communication, needs and natural behaviours. Through positive guidance and supportive techniques, the service aims to help families build trust and lasting relationships with their pets.
In addition to training and behavioural support, the holistic services offered by Oak and Howl aim to promote relaxation, wellbeing and balance for animals. Services such as sensory enrichment sessions, animal meditation and phytotherapy provide complementary options for owners who are interested in natural approaches to supporting their pets’ health and emotional wellbeing. A pet does not need to have behavioural issues to avail of the services.
The addition of grooming services and an indoor pet shop means that pet owners can access a range of supports and products in one welcoming space. The shop offers carefully chosen items intended to support the comfort, health and enrichment of pets.
Deborah hopes the new business will become a supportive resource for pet owners across Crossmolina and the wider Mayo area, offering guidance, care and practical support for those seeking help with training, behaviour or general pet wellbeing.
Oak and Howl officially opened its indoor space in Crossmolina in recent weeks and is now welcoming enquiries and bookings.
More information here.