OUR STORY
My childhood was spent in the Cotswolds countryside, doing the crazy and sometimes stupid things you get up to when you have two brothers and two sisters. My family has always lived here, and still does. I love the countryside, and the great outdoors is where I feel most at home.
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Dogs haven’t always been in my life, as a child I was scared of them. How times would change.
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Having spent 12 years with the Ministry Of Defence, 9 of those as a Dog Handler, I decided to step away from that part of my life and start a new journey far removed from the environment and experiences that have shaped and moulded me for over a third of my life. The only thing I wanted to take with me was the four-legged team mate who'd been my 'oppo' for nearly half my years as a Dog Handler - Xavier.
I had to leave Xavier behind. I had intended to re-home him when his service time came to an end. Unfortunately, my plans did not work out. I found myself in a job in which I had no purpose or fulfilment, and with no 'mission' or direction.
Then, on the 30th November 2022, I received the news that Xavier had passed away. My former team mate had lost his battle with an undetected cancer. I felt like I'd let my mate down, and if I'd done another 6 months, I would have been there for him at the end.
With Xavier gone, I was truly adrift. Fortunately, a chance encounter with a retired Army Officer galvanised and set me on a path I had never considered. His brutal and honest assessment was exactly what I needed.
"Put your nine years of experience to use! Go and help people with their dogs, train them to be good handlers!" I promised him I'd look into it. It became the 'mission' and direction I'd not had in a long time.
I decided to make the mission a company. Led by me, for anyone of any age and skillset to learn with and from me to be a better handler/owner. Enabling them to get a more rewarding, enjoyable and fulfilling life with their four-legged mates.
Working with dogs of all shapes and sizes, and training their owners to be better handlers rekindled the passion and drive I'd had during my years within the Ministry of Defence.
For a long time, the company was nameless. No name was good enough; until I was asked "what was the name of your dog in the forces?"
Xavier Dog Training was created in that moment.
Xavier had provided the final part and could now walk it with me. Honoured for the huge role he'd played in my life. He is the name of the company. ‘Our years together are the benchmark I set myself and those I train and teach.’
I owe Xavier a lot. Thanks mate, stay ally. You’ll always walk with me.
Tom Hughes
Founder Xavier Dog Training
