Meet JJ
- BSc - Qualified Dog Behaviourist & Trainer - formally known as 121 Dog Training.
- Level 5 Canine Behaviour Qualification – Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (OCN)
- Highfield Level 3 Teacher & Training Qualification (RQF)
- iPET Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management
How I Went From Training & Behaviour To Shop Owner To Groomer....
People often ask how I went from studying behaviour and training dogs, to owning a shop creating art, and finally into grooming. On paper, they can seem like completely different paths — but to me, they have always been connected by one thing: understanding, passion and creativity.
I began my journey with dogs through behaviour and training, completing my Level 5 and focusing on how dogs think, communicate, and experience the world around them. I became fascinated not just by training dogs, but by building trust with them and working with their owners to better understand their K9 companions. Understanding fear, stress, excitement, confidence, and communication taught me that every dog is an individual with their own story, personality, and needs, I won awards in my work and yet I was still looking for more...
At the same time, I’ve always been creative. Art has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Discovering about my ADHD and Autism in 2025 i realised what art does for me and i wanted to bring that to others. Creativity eventually led me to opening my own shop, where I poured my heart into building something personal and meaningful that me and my family could share.
Winning some more awards for my art sessions and learning what sort of space I’d like to make and how much I value creating spaces where people feel welcomed, understood, and comfortable.
But throughout every stage of my life, dogs and animals remained at the centre of it all.
Over time, grooming became something I was naturally drawn towards. What many people see as “just grooming,” I see as another form of communication, care and art. Grooming is not only about appearance — it’s about patience, trust, health, comfort, and emotional wellbeing. My background in behaviour allows me to understand when a dog is anxious, overwhelmed, nervous, or simply needs a slower, gentler approach. My creative side allows me to see the artistry in grooming and appreciate the individuality of every dog I work with and appreciate the owners wishes.
For me, all of these paths — behaviour, training, art, business ownership, and grooming — are deeply connected. They are all rooted in empathy, observation, creativity, and connection with people and animals.
My journey hasn’t been a straight line, it’s had plenty of learning curves and discoveries, but every experience has shaped the groomer and trainer I am today. I believe dogs deserve to feel safe, respected, and understood, and I strive to create that experience for every dog that walks through my door, weather that's for training, grooming or just to visit my shop.
This career is more than a job to me. It’s a combination of everything I love most: animals, dogs, supporting owners, building trust, expressing creativity, and continuing to learn every single day.
And in many ways, I think I was always heading here — even before I realised it myself.
So the names coming together to celebrate my wild side, story telling and creative journey no matter which hat you want me to wear.
121 Dog Training became The Wild Fig Grooming & Training and JJBarrsArt became The Wild Fig & Fern.
I cant wait to explore this unique path and hope you can celebrate braking out of the mould with me... after all life is about the journey.... not the destination.
And who knows what will happen if you mix creativity and dog grooming....
