A former Newcastle Falcons and England rugby star is helping some of Britain's naughtiest dogs to bring their behaviour under control in a new Channel 4 show.
Sean Brown had previously enjoyed six years as a winger playing for clubs including the Newcastle Falcons and representing England at junior level. But after retiring from the sport in 2016 due to a number of injuries, he swapped the pitch for pups and pursued a passion for dog training.
Now the 28-year-old features as a dog training expert on The Dog Academy after being scouted for the show last year, alongside five other trainers.
Read more: 56 dogs looking for loving homes as they spend Easter in kennels
Sean, from Prudhoe, said: "When I got the email I thought it was a scam but after a call with the head hunters I realised it was legit. I think there was about 1,000 trainers interviewed in the UK but I think the producers could see how passionate I am about helping dogs.
"Whether I'm on TV or not, helping dogs is what I do and it's what I love."
Sean's dog training expertise feature on five of the eight episodes in the series, including episode one which aired on March 30. Here viewers see how Sean helps pet owners Cindy and Corey work with 11-year-old Chihuahua Gina to address her anger issues.
Sean said: "The show is all about finding out how human's behaviour and a dogs behaviour is all connected. We really go into what's going on with the humans and is there a connection with the way the dog is behaving.
"Some issues are a lot harder to pin point than others, but when you talk to the owners you get a lot more information. It's almost like being a detective."
He added: "I think one of the things that got me onto the show is that as a trainer I don't just look at the problem that somebody comes to me with, I have a very holistic approach. First I'll look to see if there's any pain or injury, do they need grooming or cared for in that way? Do they need socialising and exercise support? Do the owners need a safe space to do the work to help them? I always want to cover everything."
Outside of the show, Sean owns dog care and training business, Petsercise. It was inspired by a lifetime of Sean's family owning rescue dogs, which he has continued to do since moving out, starting with Rottweiler Cleo who features on the business' logo.
As well as gaining experience through owning rescue dogs, Sean completed behavioural courses to help understand why a dog might react in a certain way. He founded Petsercise in 2016, offering dog walking services to people across the North East.
But it soon expanded to offer dog training, walking and agility classes, as well as luxury dog grooming, day care and boarding in the region. The business owns land in a number of locations between Ryton and Stanley where owners can bring their dogs to be trained, which even feature mini swimming pools.
And last week Petsercise opened its latest venture, a large hydro pool, near Stanley in County Durham, where dogs can visit to help them recover from an injury, to enjoy a swim or even join a swim with their owners.
Sean said: "I think we've got the biggest pool in the North East and a great open set up, whether people want to swim with their dog, want to see their dog swim or the dog needs medical treatment from their vet.
"We also have a dog diving pier where some of the more confident dogs like to run and jump off it and we see how far they can jump. It's live a big diving board for them."
Read next:
When was Paul O'Grady's For The Love of Dogs filmed? ITV show returns for final series
ITV's Paul O'Grady left 'emotional' in heart-wrenching For The Love of Dogs return
- Why Hunt for Raoul Moat writer wanted to do ITV drama
- Vera's Kenny Doughty shuts down talk of role in BBC drama
- Jane Moore 'halts' Loose Women as co-star raises concerns for her
