ABOUT BARKERS PET STYLISTS
Built from a lifelong love of dogs
Dogs have been part of Sam's life for as long as she can remember. She grew up in a home filled with dogs. Her mum and stepdad kept working dogs and bred dogs, so there were nearly always puppies running around her feet.
That early connection created a love of animals that never left.
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Finding the work that finally felt right
Before becoming a dog groomer, Sam followed several different paths. She worked as a chef, became a restaurant manager, completed a degree in Business and Events Management and became an NVQ assessor.
Eventually, with a house full of dogs of her own, Sam began wondering whether she could combine her love of animals with everything she had learned about people, care, teaching and business.
That thought led to a basic grooming course. She loved it.
Sam then travelled to Devon to undertake professional grooming training and went on to achieve her Level 3 OCN Diploma in Dog Grooming.
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From the back room to the high street
Locally, Sam and her family were already affectionately known as the crazy dog family.
What began as a small grooming business in the back room of Sam's home grew through recommendations, trust and a commitment to treating every dog as an individual.
BARKERS has now been trading since 2016. Today it is an established commercial salon with a carefully chosen team who share Sam's expectations around care, patience and professional standards.
What changed was the size of the business. What did not change were the values it was built upon.
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More than a beautiful groom
For Sam, grooming has never been only about how a dog looks at the end of an appointment. A great groom matters, but so does understanding the dog beneath the coat.
Over the years she has continued developing her knowledge of dog behaviour, body language, compassionate handling and welfare, with a particular interest in nervous, reactive and more challenging dogs.
Her philosophy remains simple. Every dog is an individual and deserves to be treated that way.
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Experience, qualifications and competition success
Sam's professional achievements include the Open College Network West Midlands Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming, Canine First Aid training, Compassionate Handling of Difficult Dogs training and Pet ultrasound scanning Level 1 with Vet Image Solutions.
Her competition achievements include:
Cymru Groom Beginner Class, 1st Place, 2017
Super Groom Underdogs, 1st Place, 2019
Super Groom Open Purebreed, 1st Place, 2019
Cymru Groom Intermediate, 3rd Place, 2025
Spring Fling Puppies Class, 3rd Place, 2025
Spring Fling Handstrip Class, 2nd Place, 2025
BARKERS has also recently been shortlisted for a Client Excellence Award.
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What Sam is most proud of
Awards and qualifications matter, but Sam's proudest achievement is the trust owners place in BARKERS.
The business has grown from a small room at home into a busy high street salon without losing the personal care that made people recommend it in the first place.
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Life beyond the salon
Away from work, Sam is a wife, mum and lifelong dog lover with two Miniature Schnauzers and a Miniature Dachshund of her own.
Her family has supported BARKERS throughout its development, with her husband regularly helping behind the scenes with the practical jobs that keep a busy salon running.
When Sam is not working, she enjoys spending time with family, travelling and, unsurprisingly, being surrounded by dogs.
RECOGNITION
Award-winning craft. Everyday care.
Cymru Groom
Beginner Class
Super Groom
Underdogs
Super Groom
Open Purebreed
Cymru Groom
Intermediate
Spring Fling
Puppies Class
Spring Fling
Handstrip Class
LET’S GET TO KNOW YOUR DOG