Our story
Hi! I’m Magdalena, founder of the WonderWoofs Club.
My adventure into dog ownership started unexpectedly midsummer 2022 at a chaotic, fish market in Swanage. Ben my then fiance and now husband, ever the conversationalist, chatted up a friendly looking couple waiting for their crab rolls. “Hey! Your dog is super cute! Where did you get it from?” he said with a big smile on his face. One thing led to another, and a week later, we found ourselves driving back from Birmingham with a ten weeks old black miniature poodle curled up in my lap.
But my story with Kitka didn’t unfold the way I had hoped. While there were a few joyful moments, playful fights and chewed up toys, most days were a struggle. During our first week together, I often found myself sat on my bedroom floor in tears, unable to leave Kitka’s side even for five minutes because she wouldn’t sleep without me there.
She was anxious and sad, and I felt lost, I felt like I failed.
In need for advice, I contacted Kitka’s breeder. Michelle, The breeder recommended me a short read about puppyhood struggles. I read it cover to cover, again and again, soaking up every word and slowly putting its lessons into place. I realised that building a relationship required effort from both of us.
I began to apply theory into practice.
I started with structure in our daily routine and focused on developing Kitka’s essential life skills, such as self-control, healthy fear responses, and impulse control. Gradually, I noticed positive changes in Kitka’s behaviour, small but meaningful signs of improvement. We spent long evenings playing engaging games together, which eventually became a toolkit that helped us confidently navigate real-world situations
Yet, I still felt there was more to learn. I signed up Kitka for one-to-one training and later group classes. I was determined to understand why my experience with dog ownership was nothing like the fairy tale I’d imagined. I delved into research on dog behaviour, hoping to find answers.
By mid 2023, I was assisting Kitka’s trainer in group classes at our local community centre. Later that year, I earned my first qualification with DTC (Dog Training College UK) as a dog trainer and began working with my own clients.
My experiences, both challenging and rewarding showed me a vital truth: while many dogs thrive In daily life enjoying walks or a quiet evening home alone, many struggle to enjoy life like once Kitka did.
Through WonderWoofs, my mission is to help all dogs and their guardians find joy in their journey together.