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My own sensitive and anxious poodle X failed his first dog training class that we ever went to together. The environment was too noisey, too different, too distracting, too many people, too many dogs, just too much. For sensitive dogs or sensitive humans, typical dog training classes can be overwhelming, leading to either shut down dogs or reactive big feelings from them.
My goal is to create learning environments for humans and dogs who feel more comfortable learning in a small group (4 dogs maximum, often limited to only 2 or 3). Held at my home in a fully fenced garden environment, we learn life skills in a way that empowers you and your pup and builds trust between you both.
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Our dog training classes are specifically tailored to you and your dog. Because of our small classes, we can cater to your needs and focus on what you and your pup need most. These small classes focus on regulation and helping your dog to 'paws together' before the training begins.
Skills that we build on include loose lead training, recall, relaxation protocol, distraction when overcoming big feelings around strange dogs and strange people, station training, dealing with the teenage years, building confidence in anxious dogs and much more.

My background in supporting youth and children with additional needs, including autism, ADHD and neurodivergent brains, make me the perfect trainer for families who want to get the whole family involved in training your beloved furry pal.
As a youth worker and pastoral care worker, I understand the multitude of emotions that come with the ups and downs of supporting a dog as they learn how to interact and be in our distracting human world. Having either dogs with additional needs such as anxious tendencies or reactivity or human family members with additional needs adds a nuanced layer to our dog training that needs to be unpacked and considered individually and with care. I'm here to be a coach on the journey and a sounding board for when you just need a listening ear or a brainstorming companion for how to meet your the needs of your pup in a way that is within your own capacity.


Got an anxious dog who's not quite ready to join in on larger dog classes in the area? Paws & Thrive offers home based, fully fenced, small classes specifically tailored to the needs of each dog & handler. With a maximum of 4 dogs per class (usually only 2 or 3) and training stations individualised for you, you will get loads of focused attention and training time.
6 - 7.30pm Tuesday evenings
(outdoor lights and indoor space available)