The Hound Solo Alliance
The Vision Behind the Alliance
Having spent over a decade fine-tuning Hound Solo, and while studying clinical canine behaviour, I learned something fundamental: dogs are continually assigning meaning to the events around them. Whether they’re taking part in a carefully considered training session or experiencing a high-energy, highly arousing group walk, they are always learning.
Dog walking should never be a one-size-fits-all service. Large group walks and frantic car journeys simply aren’t right for every dog, and each one deserves to experience the world on their own terms.
That belief became the foundation of The Hound Solo Alliance. I set out to bridge the gap between discerning owners and exceptional independent pet care specialists who share a commitment to putting the individual dog first.
Jem James
Founder • Behaviourist • Alliance Gatekeeper
The Behaviourist Benchmark
The Hound Solo Alliance isn’t an open directory. Every independent professional is personally vetted against standards shaped by my background in clinical canine behaviour before they can become part of the Alliance.
Positive, Science-Based Care
Alliance specialists share a commitment to positive reinforcement and science-based approaches to canine care.
DBS Checked
Every Alliance specialist must provide evidence of a valid DBS certificate before joining the Alliance.
Canine First Aid
Every Alliance specialist must meet our canine first-aid entry standard.
Independently Insured
Every specialist operates independently and carries their own Public Liability Pet Business Insurance.
Meet the Alliance
The canine care professionals making up the Hound Solo Alliance.
Godwin
Large Breed & Reactive Dog Specialist — South London
"Every dog deserves a second chance."
- About: Godwin and his American Bulldog Bass have been on an incredible journey together. Rescued from a violent past, Bass was once reactive and unbalanced, but through patience, structure, and consistent work, Godwin helped him become a calm and confident companion.A qualified ADHD life coach, Godwin brings the same empathy and understanding to dogs as he does to people, making him particularly skilled at supporting reactive and complex characters. With Bass by his side and a background that even includes running his own courier company, Godwin is calm, dependable, and deeply committed to giving every dog a fresh start.
- Strengths: Clear communication; safe, structured handling for reactive dogs.
- Also: Patience, structure, and trust are the keys to transformation.
- Fun fact: Credits Bass as his greatest teacher, and loyal co-pilot on countless adventures.
William
Nervous/Bullish Specialist
"Time and temperance."
- About: With over a decade of hands-on experience as a dog walker, fosterer, volunteer, and devoted owner, Bill brings a wealth of knowledge and calm confidence to every walk. His natural affinity with nervous sighthounds and strong-willed bulldog breeds makes him a steady and reassuring presence for even the trickiest of characters.Bill’s own dog, Rora, a graceful greyhound known for being “fast out the trap but slow to finish,” perfectly reflects his philosophy of “time and temperance” a patient, balanced approach that builds trust and brings out the best in every dog.
- Speciality: Nervous sighthounds and bullish bulldog breeds.
- Fun fact: Usually cycling with pockets full of treats and poo bags.
Will Robb
Large Breed & Reactive Dog Specialist — South West London
"Every dog wants to play in the end."
- About: Will brings a calm, dependable presence to every walk and is known for staying composed in challenging situations. Working across South West London, he has quickly built a reputation for being reliable, professional, and an excellent communicator with both dogs and owners alike.
- Experience: Experienced in pet sitting, dog care, and handling a wide variety of breeds and temperaments.
- Speciality: Large breeds, powerful working dogs, and reactive characters that benefit from patient, consistent handling.
- Dog: Zoura — a Malinois / Dutch Shepherd cross whose intelligence, drive, and energy have given William extensive hands-on experience managing one of the most demanding dog types.
- Strengths: Calm under pressure, excellent communication, dependable service, and building trust through patience and consistency.
- Fun fact: Has met numerous celebrities through his previous career.
- Favourite walk: Walking home from Richmond — one long, straight road.
Lewis
Nervous Dog Specialist
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated - Mahatma Gandhi"
- About: Calm, patient, and deeply connected to the dogs he works with, Lewis has built a reputation as a true “dog whisperer.” With three years of professional experience providing walking, daycare, and overnight care across Tooting, Clapham and Crystal Palace , he brings quiet leadership and intuitive understanding to every dog he meets. His journey began with Mason, his much-loved family dog, whose memory continues to shape Lewis’s approach: compassionate, steady, and always centred on the dog’s emotional wellbeing.
- Story: Experienced dog walker and sitter known for a calm, grounding presence that helps dogs feel secure and understood.
- Strengths: Naturally intuitive with dogs; calm leadership that builds trust and connection.
- Fun fact: A professional dancer and teacher, Lewis brings mentorship and patience from the studio into every walk.
Carmel
High Energy & Reactive Dog Specialist
"A well loved dog teaches us that kindness is a language spoken without words."
- About: Carmel brings over 10 years of hands-on experience in dog walking, sitting, and handling large breeds. She is calm, confident, and deeply intuitive, with a natural ability to read dogs and respond to their individual needs. Particularly skilled with senior dogs and high-energy characters, Carmel provides structured, thoughtful care that helps dogs feel secure and understood.
- Story: With a background in training support, pet sitting, and senior large-breed care, Carmel has worked with dogs at every life stage. Her steady presence and quiet confidence make her especially trusted by dogs who need patience, consistency, and leadership.
- Strengths: Confident handling of large breeds; supporting senior dogs; managing high-energy dogs with structure and calm guidance.
- Dog: Kimi — a Husky / Alaskan Malamute mix with a big personality and a talent for debating bath time at every opportunity.
- Fun fact: Loves reading and drawing, and often brings a small book or notepad along to sketch or scribble whenever she gets a quiet moment.
Ben
Nervous Dog Specialist — Balham / Wandsworth
"The dog always comes first. It's their walk, after all."
- About: Ben brings patience, empathy, and a gentle understanding to every dog he works with. Based around Balham and Wandsworth, he has experience walking, sitting, and caring for dogs who need a softer, more thoughtful approach.
- Experience: Three years of dog walking, pet sitting, overnight care, and looking after dogs through family, friends, and Rover.
- Speciality: Puppies, nervous dogs, senior dogs, strong breeds, and dogs dealing with anxiety or emotional challenges.
- Strengths: Patient handling, calm reassurance, and understanding what each dog needs rather than rushing the walk.
- Dog: Sparky — his cousin’s Labrador, who Ben has looked after many times and who likes to sing along when Ben plays piano and saxophone duets.
- Fun fact: Ben is a pianist and composer with two solo albums, and also plays at events.
- Favourite walk: Wandsworth Common — especially the ponds and ducks, with plenty of childhood memories attached.