A SOUTH Essex dog trainer has made it to the final of an animal competition.

Rik Morgan who runs Dogga Dogs in Westcliff has made into the Animal Star Awards.

The awards not only recognise animals that do extraordinary things for humans but give deserved recognition to humans that do extraordinary things for animals.

He has been put forward for the award by his clients. He is in the running to be named best animal behaviour and trainer of the year.

He said: "I received notification on June 17 that I'm one of the five finalists at this years Animal Star Awards. Which is also on their social media along with the other nominees. As a solo dog trainer who's only been doing it for the last couple of years, following my training under Glen Stanford, I'm stoked and honoured not only to have been nominated but to have made the finalists. I think there was something in the region of 700 nominees. I work hard to help the dogs and to me, this is a big deal. It gives me a lot of personal satisfied to know people are happy with my work. A lot of work I do is working with dogs with psychological issues and rehabilitating them to help them be better members of society."

Each year the awards support various charities. The awards launched on April 5 2017 by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and the first awards ceremony will be held on Saturday November 3.

Dogga Dogs is run by husband and wife team Emma and Rik.

Its offers services to the surrounding areas of Westcliff and is CRB checked, reliable and with experience in a multitude of breeds.

Rik with the UK Dog Whisperer, Glen Stanford, who trained with Cesar Millan.

He works to the same principals, but with his own slant.

For more on the business see whovian78.wixsite.com/doggadogs and more on the competition see www.animalstarawards.com/about-us/