A VETERAN has overcome PTSD to set up his own business as a dog trainer.

Warren Howell, from Great Sankey, was medically discharged from the military after developing PTSD from his service in Bosnia in 1995.

Finding civilian life difficult to adjust to, he decided to adopt a rescue puppy to give him something to focus on.

He said: “I was training the puppies to cope with the outside world and it was having the same effect on myself. We began helping each other. Coming from a military background, security work was a natural career choice for me, but I had built up such a strong connection with dogs and I didn’t want to lose that.”

Warren decided to combine his military skills with his passion for working with dogs.

He said: “I got a German Shepard puppy called Blade who I trained from 12-weeks-old. By the time he was 14 months we passed our dog handler qualification and began working together in security.”

Unfortunately, while Warren and Blade were working for a large store, the shop was raided and Blade was attacked and had to be retired. This meant Warren was also out of a job.

He said: “My dogs helped me recover from previous dark periods in my life. I slipped into depression but to keep positive and focused, I decided to enrol on a canine behaviour course and passed with a distinction.”

After being introduced to New Leaf, a holistic one-to-one programme supporting people to combat their barriers to employment, Modify K9 was born.

Warren said: “I can now work with lots of dogs and their owners, as well as my best friend, Blade.”

With his new business, Warren is helping the dog owners of Warrington to better understand their canines, develop happy and well-trained dogs, and help people find the perfect puppy for their lifestyle.

Warren is also working towards becoming an assistance dog trainer, so he can train dogs to support people living with mental or physical disabilities.

To book a session in with Modify K9, contact Warren on 07485 180438 or email modifyk9@hotmail.com.