THE MINISTRY OF HOUNDS

Hi, I’m Saph, the founder of The Ministry of Hounds.

Animals have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up surrounded by dogs, cats and horses, but it was my family Akita, Koda, who first sparked my fascination with canine behaviour. From a young age, I wanted to understand not just what dogs were doing, but why they were doing it. That curiosity has shaped the career I have today.

At 16, I began working part-time at a veterinary practice as a receptionist and veterinary nursing assistant, where I gained valuable hands-on experience caring for a wide variety of animals and developed a strong understanding of their health and wellbeing.

Rather than continuing into sixth form after school, I knew my passion was working with dogs. I wanted to begin my career in the animal industry straight away, so I joined a dog grooming salon and started an apprenticeship with KIETS, learning the skills of professional dog grooming.

While I enjoyed learning the practical side of grooming, I quickly realised that many dogs found the grooming environment incredibly stressful. Seeing anxious and fearful dogs struggle made me realise that my true passion wasn’t grooming itself—it was understanding why dogs felt that way and helping them overcome those challenges.

That experience led me to join my dad at K-9 Rehabilitation Ltd, where my apprenticeship transferred across. Working alongside him gave me the opportunity to help dogs with behavioural challenges, build their confidence, and teach owners how to better understand their dogs through structure, guidance and clear communication. It confirmed that helping dogs through rehabilitation and behaviour was where I truly belonged.

Alongside my practical experience, I continued to expand my knowledge by completing an Animal Psychology and Wellbeing course with zoologist Dr Isla Fishburn, before later qualifying in Level 4 Canine Behaviour.

My passion for canine nutrition and holistic health grew even stronger through my own dog, Winter. After she developed acid reflux, I began researching how nutrition, natural supplementation and lifestyle changes could support her digestive health. Winter also has mild hip dysplasia and a bulging disc, so finding the right supplements and management plan became another important part of her journey. Seeing the positive difference these changes made inspired me to learn even more about supporting dogs from the inside out.

In 2025, I qualified as a Level 3 Holistic Canine Practitioner and gained my Diploma in Canine Nutrition, allowing me to support owners who want to improve their dogs’ health through a more natural, whole-body approach.

The Ministry of Hounds was created from my passion for helping dogs live healthier, happier lives. I believe that behaviour, nutrition and physical wellbeing are all connected, and by looking at the dog as a whole rather than focusing on just one issue, we can provide support that makes a real difference.

My aim is to educate and empower owners with personalised nutrition and holistic wellness guidance, giving them the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions that support their dogs’ long-term health and happiness.

A holistic approach to your dog’s health, inside and out.