When Celene Collison started her dog walking business, Take Your Sniffs Dog Walking, it wasn’t just about getting dogs from A to B. It was about creating meaningful relationships with the dogs, their humans, and the New Westminster community she now calls home.

Each walk is a “sniffari,” as Celene playfully calls them. But don’t be fooled by the whimsical name—these outings are carefully designed with each dog’s emotional and physical needs in mind. “We slow it down, we give choice and direction, we play games, we do enrichment busy boxes,” she explains. “It’s not just walking. It’s mindful engagement.”

The inspiration behind her business? A towering Irish wolfhound named Phoebe. As Celene’s first family dog, Phoebe brought along big love—and big challenges. Working through Phoebe’s reactivity taught Celene the value of patient, intentional training. “I felt like I came out of that as half a dog trainer,” she laughs. That experience—and her deep love for animals—sparked a second career that draws on her background in marketing and her lifelong passion for dogs.

What sets Take Your Sniffs Dog Walking apart is Celene’s low-volume, high-engagement approach. “I max out at five walks a day. I want quality, not quantity,” she says. And clients can feel that difference. She knows her dogs by name, by quirk, by need. Whether it’s a 30-minute mid-day check-in or a full hour sniffari with enrichment play and calming techniques, every visit is personalized.

This approach is especially helpful for dogs dealing with anxiety, behavioral challenges, or high energy levels. “One thing people often don’t realize is how hard it can be for dogs to stay home alone all day,” she says. “They’re social creatures. A trusted, fun-enriched dog walker can be a win-win for both the dog and the owner.”

Celene lights up when talking about the dogs she works with. “The most rewarding part is the relationship. I’ve had dogs go from growling to kissing my face. That’s everything to me.” These transformations don’t just help the dogs—they reassure owners that positive change is possible. “I like helping people as much as I like helping their dogs.”

Though her business is young, officially launched in August 2024, Celene has big dreams. She’s considering expanding into behaviorist training or even franchising one day. But for now, she’s happy to keep things intimate. “I kind of enjoy being the itty bitty, super fun, special dog walking business. It lets me stay connected to my community.”

And the community connection is strong. Celene works with a diverse mix of clients in New West and is considering ways to give back, especially through organizations like ElderDog that help seniors care for their pets.

If you’re curious about Take Your Sniffs Dog Walking, you’re not alone. The dogs sure are. “They know when I’m coming,” she says, smiling. “They can smell time.” And once you meet Celene, you’ll see why her business is sniffing out success—one happy pup at a time.

🐾 Celene has also written a book, check it out! www.phoebebearifyoudare.com or find Celene on Instagram. You can also just give her a call—she’s happy to chat, especially if it’s about dogs.

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