A Lanarkshire dog trainer has defied the odds to win the title of Scotland Dog Trainer of the Year two years in a row.
Deborah O’Neill, from Wishaw, started her popular service, Miss Pawz , 10 years ago when she was just 22 and has enjoyed huge success since.
The award, which is run by the Prestige Business Awards, is not usually handed to the same person consecutively.
But Deborah managed to buck the trend and take home the prestigious award again.
Deborah told Lanarkshire Live : "It feels so good to win this award for the second year in a row.
"When I was shortlisted they had mentioned it would be unlikely I would win as I had already won last year.
"The award is based on customer reviews and case studies and then it goes to an independent judge panel to be decided.
"I was so excited when Prestige called me to let me know, I did not expect it as they had already told me not to expect a win.
"There is an awards ceremony in Edinburgh later this year so I'm excited to receive my award then."
Deborah prides herself on being a force-free trainer and is proud to be recognised for her style of training.
This training proved popular in the months after lockdown when a lot of new dog owners came to Deborah for help.
She added: "During the lockdown, a lot of people became new dog owners.
"But I saw a lot of people coming to me for help with training as they were inexperienced and sometimes scared of the dogs.
"I am a force-free trainer which means I use positive and none forceful methods to train the animals.
"It is an honour to be able to help dogs and owners better understand each other and improve their lives together.
"There are a lot of trainers who use old school methods with their dogs, such as harsher language.
"I feel like winning this award is a great way to show people about force-free training and how effective it is."
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