An Edinburgh mum who lost her business in the pandemic is featuring on Ben Fogle’s Channel 5 show, New Lives In The Country.
Dog trainer Rizia Robertson left her four storey townhouse and life in the capital behind to renovate a derelict farm set in 30 acres in the Pentland Hills. The 64-year-old bought the dilapidated property in the height of lockdown and has lived in a caravan on the grounds since.
Rizia was urged by her friends to apply for the show and in an exciting twist, her story was chosen. Rizia will appear on the show alongside her sons, 35-year-old builder Kyle, and 31-year-old dogwalker Josh, as well as her three dogs, two cats and four chickens.
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Rizia said: “The cameras follow me leaving Edinburgh and our old home where we used to work for the council supporting vulnerable adults.
“I had the crazy idea of selling everything we had to invest in this property, which I hope to turn into an adventure playground and training retreat for dogs and their owners.
“The cameras followed us from day one, from my van getting stuck in the mud when I arrived, and us living in a caravan with no running water or electricity.
“We’ve renovated the Gate House to an indoor school for dogs, and Ben is shown training with me and a little Collie, Marcus, from Edinburgh Cat and Dog Home.
“Moving from city life to being off grid and living in a caravan with a camera crew following our lives has been hard, but so rewarding and I’m really excited to be sharing the experience.”
As well as the huge renovation project, Rizia is filmed taking her Professional Association of Canine Trainers assessment and passing with flying colours. She hopes being on the show will highlight her passion for force free dog training for all dogs and puppies, using kind and effective methods based on canine learning theory and experience.
Rizia has two German Shepherds, Scorch, six, and LA, nine, and Chime, a Tibetan Mastiff, who is six-months-old, and offers indoor and outdoor training, as well as one to one consultations. Her estate also has secure training fields for dogs to enjoy time off lead in a safe place and learn new skills.
Rizia added: “Our dream in the long term is to have a relaxing retreat area where people can have respite breaks, and visit for board and train breaks with their dogs.
“Being on the show and having Ben’s support has been incredible. I hope people find the journey inspiring and see the adventure I’m creating for dogs and their owners.”
Rizia will appear on Ben Fogle's New Lives in the Country on Tuesday, August 9 at 9pm on Channel 5. Tune in to see how she gets on with her doggy adventures.
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