A MAN who grew up in South Africa where he worked with wild animals is now helping train dogs.

Jarred Hodgson – who works with people in Newport, Cardiff and the surrounding areas – grew up in South Africa in a household which had seven dogs at one point. He studied environmental management at university before training to be a game ranger.

Mr Hodgson said: “This is where I wanted to be. Waking up in the bush, being in the bush, going to sleep in the bush. I passed all my exams with more than 90 per cent, including animal behaviour, birding, tracking and dangerous game encounters.

“I started working on reserves where I helped monitor endangered game, like cheetah, rhino, pangolin and wild dogs. I also assisted in anti-poaching efforts, going out with the guys on patrols.”

Mr Hodgson moved to Wales in December 2016, initially working on a small farm caring for a variety of animals.

In 2018, he found the Prince’s Trust and pitched his business idea to them, leading to him setting up his own company: Happy Days Dog and Puppy Training.

His experience studying and working with wild animals in Africa has given him the confidence and skills to handle the unruliest dogs.

Mr Hodgson is now working with Allen Meek, who is a business mentor for Prince’s Trust, and will provide support to Jarred in these early days of his business.

Mr Meek said: “Jarred has a great affinity with animals and makes a difference for the community by making owning a dog more enjoyable and safer through effective training.”

For more information on Happy Days Dog and Puppy Training, go to www.happydaysdogtrainer.com/#!/up