We are a mother-and-daughter team with a shared passion for helping dogs feel safe, confident, and stress-free in their daily lives. We believe every dog deserves to learn in a way that nurtures trust and security, free from fear, anxiety, or stress. Our approach focuses on building a deep, calm connection between Guardians and their dogs, allowing them to create a strong bond and live their best possible lives together.

As dog training remains an unregulated industry, we place great importance on both qualifications and experience. Continuous professional development is at the heart of what we do—we are always expanding our knowledge, staying up to date with new research, and exploring alternative ways to support Guardians and their dogs. A thorough understanding of Positive Reinforcement and its application is essential to our training methods, ensuring a positive and effective learning environment.

We are also both certified in Canine First Aid, ensuring that we are prepared to respond in any emergency and prioritize the well-being of the dogs we work with.
 

Hi, I’m Fiona, a certified IMDT Trainer (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers) and a partner in Positive Paws Dog Training. I share my life with my 11-year-old Labrador, Molly. After attending traditional puppy classes and leaving feeling stressed and discouraged, I knew there had to be a better way—for both dogs and their humans.

Molly is the reason I started my dog training journey. We went to Puppy Classes every week and practiced hard in between classes but it just didn’t seem to work, and I wanted to find out why.  And hence where I am now.  If only I had known, then what I know now. 

When my daughter was lucky enough to bring home her Cocker Spaniel puppy, she was a very anxious little pup.  I saw firsthand how anxiety can impact a young dog’s development which led me to explore canine behaviour in greater depth. This sparked my journey toward becoming a dog behaviourist.

I began assisting at a local training club and noticed that many teenage dogs struggled to adapt to the training environment. Now, in addition to becoming a qualified IMDT Trainer, I continue to develop my expertise with relevant courses and webinars to deepen my expertise. I hold a certification in Teaching Scent Work and have recently begun exploring Free Work—an incredible approach that enhances the bond between Guardians and their dogs.

Hi, I am Deana, and I am a partner in Positive Paws Dog Training.  I now share my life with my working Cocker Spaniel, Cara, it took me a while to talk my Dad into that one!  But he loves her with all his heart! Our Labrador Molly was what got me through school, it wasn’t the best time for me, but she was always there for me at the end of the day.  While we had fun together, training classes were always quite stressful.  She was the “class clown”.  We attempted agility but it just wasn’t for her. However, she does love Hoopers and Scent Work.  I compete at Agility with my Cocker Cara, and I am currently undertaking a Dog Agility Instructor Course.

After leaving school I attended College and completed my NC and HNC in Animal Care and started teaching puppy classes at our local club.  But I wanted to do things differently and felt that there should be more emphasis on the connection between Guardian and Dog.  This led me to pursue formal qualifications with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), and I am currently completing my final assessments.

My Cocker Spaniel has experienced ongoing digestive issues, which inspired me to explore the link between diet, gut health, and behaviour. I have since completed a Canine Health & Nutrition certification with the British College of Canine Studies.  Additionally, I am beginning my journey into Free Work, a practice that aligns perfectly with my belief in strengthening the Guardian-Dog bond.
At Positive Paws Dog Training, we are committed to helping every dog and their Guardian build a trusting, stress-free, and fulfilling partnership.