Justin Kumaran
History at Halo Dogs: Justin founded Halo Dogs after leaving behind a 15yr career with the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust. His previous career saw him undertake a plethora of roles from a 999 Call Taker, Training Manager, Medic, Emergency Planning Manager and an Operational Manager. The latter included responsibility for improving working lives, service delivery, delivering performance standards and civil disaster management including the 7/7 London bombings. During his previous career Justin received many awards including a Chief Officers Commendation and a Royal Humane Society Award. He is also a Fellow of both; the Chartered Management Institute and The Institute of Leadership & Management.
In opening Halo Dogs, Justin wanted to draw together all the necessary elements of modern dog care under one roof, whilst keeping everything fun, relaxed, and accessible to everybody. Importantly, Justin wanted Halo Dogs to be a preventative measure, rather than a correction centre, with respect to problematic dog issues. Justin’s steady and careful guidance has culminated in Halo Dogs becoming one of the largest of its kind in the world.
Best moment at Halo Dogs: “Being involved in the redevelopment of a historic farm in Enfield which had been left in ruin, we’ve been instrumental in its regeneration. Also creating a wonderful work place for hard working, diligent and enthusiastic staff. Equally important is being in a position to pursue a passion for rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of abandoned dogs. Plus, at the end of the day, getting to play with 65 wonderful dogs in dog day care.” For Justin, Halo Dogs is the fulfilment of a life-long passion for all aspects of dog care, education and understanding.
Favourite breed: Caucasian Ovcharka… I think he’ll need a bigger house!
History with dogs, including current pets: Justin is a highly respected dog trainer / behaviourist, although he humbly refers to himself as just a student of dogs. “Dogs teach me something new everyday!”
He has an NVQ at level 5 and has attained the title ‘Master Trainer’ with the Guild of Dog Trainers and Approved Instructor with the Academy of Dog Training and Behaviour. Furthermore, he’s a qualified Pet Nutrition Advisor with Hill’s and is currently studying toward an Honours degree in canine psychology and behaviour. Justin’s career with dogs began during his previous employment with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and the Enfield Dog Training Club, where they teach the ‘Kennel Club Good Citizen dog scheme’. He writes generally on his knowledge of dogs, including articles for the Guild of Dog Trainers. Justin has also attended many seminars over the years with John Rogerson, Nina Bondarenko, Sarah Fisher, David Ryan, Ali Taylor and others. At home he keeps many rescued dog companions!
Interests outside of work: Dogs, obviously! He’s also a gym nut, enjoys riding motorcycles and is a qualified pilot too. Also rather strangely, he likes reading the ‘Yellow Pages’: “I like seeing what kind of unusual services are offered!”