Labradors, poodles, spaniels, corgis…dogs galore! Dog trainer and behaviourist Oli Juste is mad about mutts, crazy about canines, and oh so passionate about puppies. He recently gave Khoollect the rundown on his unconventional career choice, and his top tips for training man’s best friend.

A day in the life of Oli Juste

How did you get into your line of work, and have you always worked with animals?

If humans count as animals, then yes I have. Animal behaviour and dogs have always been my passion, but I used to work with people in learning and development.

Now I help people to train, communicate with and understand their dogs better. I studied dog behaviour and training with wonderful pet behaviour counsellor Sarah Whitehead. I’ve also trained with the Association Of Pet Dog Trainers.

What do you love most about your job?

You just have to follow my Instagram feed to understand. It’s a very special job – I get to spend my days with wonderful dogs, and some pretty great people too. I find that dog owners are always lovely people, especially the ones who call me for help. They have their dog’s happiness at heart.

What’s your most popular service?

Probably my ‘pre-puppy pack deluxe‘. I meet with new dog owners before the puppy, or sometimes adult rescue dog, arrives and puppy proof their house and lives. I get them ready for that very important first day/night/week. I then come back and help them through all of the dog’s milestones. Plus I am always available should they have a question or crisis.

Ever had any funny doggy disasters during a training session?

I’ve never had a disaster, although not all my sessions are a walk in the park. I often deal with dogs who have ‘problems’. But funny situations yes – I’ve definitely had those.

I was having a cup of tea with a client recently, just after we had completed a training session with her two dogs. We were chatting away while one of her dogs sat on my lap. The second dog was keen to come up for some cuddles too. It started to bark frantically at the door for no apparent reason, and the dog sitting on my lap leapt off and ran to the door to join in with the barking. Then the dog who had started the barking rushed to me and took the other dog’s space. Dogs are cunning and very smart. We laughed so much.

What sort of dog do you own and why?

My boy Bernard is a Springer Spaniel/Parson Russell Terrier. We found him by chance after very little research (I am ashamed to say), but he is just the best and he is the best part of our family.

Why do you think Brits are so dog mad?

Dogs can’t roll their eyes and tut. Need I say more?

Best Kept Secrets

I khoollect a few…

I khoollect cookery books. I had 105 last time I counted.

What’s your favourite item in your khoollection?

A 1958 French Edition of Patisserie Familiale that belonged to my maman. She gave it to me a few years ago when I was looking for a good Madeleine recipe.

A life lesson that you’d tell your younger self?

Before you talk, think. Is what you’re about to say true, is it kind and is it necessary?

What’s your secret ingredient or top tip in the kitchen?

I’ve got three:

• Vanilla and paprika might not be my secret ingredients but they are definitely my favourites at the moment.
• I always add the flour last in any of my cake mixes.
• My ‘go to’ recipe is Isles Flotantes.

Urban Favourites

Your favourite place for coffee?

It depends where I am. As I travel through London every day I have a map in my brain with places that make good coffee. However, my favourite place is Fuckoffee, at 167 Bermondsey Street.

Best way to spend a Sunday morning?

Family snooze time, late breakfast with Radio 2 on, followed by a walk and a throw with Bernard. My dog is terrible in the morning! It’s impossible to get him out of bed, so having a lie-in is easy.

Oli Juste Dog Trainer

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If you’re keen to hear more from Oli, read his dog do’s for living in London.

Dog lovers unite – tell us in the comments below where you love to walk your dog? And don’t forget to tag @khoollect in your pics of your pampered pooches.

Photo by: Waggywhisker Photography