A Colwyn Bay animal behaviour therapist has expanded her business with the help of a start-up loan.

Rachel Phillips, 29, founded Rachel Phillips Behaviour earlier this year, focusing on positive reinforcement techniques to tackle behavioural issues in dogs and horses.

Her experiences working in kennels and with a national animal welfare charity inspired her to intervene early and prevent animals from reaching crisis points.

Ms Phillips said: "I’ve had horses and dogs in my life from a young age, and it’s always been my goal to work with them, especially after seeing some of the most desperate situations that animals can end up in.

"It’s incredible what can be achieved when we take the time to learn how to communicate effectively, so I set up Rachel Phillips Behaviour earlier this year to help people set their animals up for success from the get-go."

She works with feral horses, helping them adapt to domestic life.

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"The equine industry is conditioned to work with horses in certain ways, and positive reinforcement is still a relatively new approach," she said.

Her expertise also extends to common challenges faced by dog owners, such as reactivity, resource guarding, and recall.

Earlier this year, Ms Phillips applied for a £13,000 start-up loan from the British Business Bank, which allowed her to invest in essential equipment, including ground mats for outdoor training sessions, and create a professional image for her business with a custom uniform and logo.

She said: "I was originally anxious about having debt, especially as a start-up, but the process was easier and more supportive than I expected.

"If you don’t have the money sitting there, it can be hard to find the confidence to start.

"The loan gave me the push I needed to grow my business and break down barriers, even for things like ordering business cards and leaflets.

"Now, I feel confident to keep pushing forward with my business."

Looking ahead, Ms Phillips plans to expand her business by developing online content, including a training resource hub.

She said: "There is so much information that I want to share with pet and horse owners, and online content will help me get that across."

Jess Phillips-Harris, senior manager for Wales at the British Business Bank, said: "Rachel has combined her love of animals and her experience as a behaviour consultant with an admirable entrepreneurial spirit, to realise her dreams of working with dogs and horses."