Four Positive Paws

30/06/2025

Reactive Dog Behaviour can be super stressful.

I have real life experience of the challenges, heart ache, disappointment and overwhelm that can be associated with reactive behaviour.

I have also experienced the joys of the times that have felt amazing, when we see our dogs start to transform and adjust while learning new skills and gaining confidence.

I love supporting people that are struggling so that progress can be made, confidence built and a reassurance that things can get better.

Life with a reactive dog can be different to how we expected our experience to be.

We don't have to feel deprived or feel like a failure. We can discover ways to feel safe on our walks, to help our dogs feel safe and bring back the pleasure of walks with less worry.

We can feel disappointment when our dog has a big reaction or if we see other dogs appearing to behave perfectly.

We may then feel guilty or frustrated and wish we had a dog we could enjoy more on walks and at home with visitors.

It is so rewarding when I see the amazing people I work with start to transform their own and their dogs skills on walks and at home with visitors.

Let's have a chat to discover how I can help you with your dogs reactive behaviour.

Phone: 07941 517571
Email: [email protected]

27/06/2025

Transforming reactive dog behaviour with compassionate training and behaviour support is absolutely possible.

Will my dog ever be able to walk calmly on the lead, cope with other dogs or visitors are frequently asked questions.

The answer is yes.

How long will it take is another popular question.

The answer is, it depends. There are lots of factors when we unpick and unpack the training and support each individual dog needs.

Dog Training and Behaviour sessions that I offer are not off the shelf, they are tailored to the dog and the guardian.

Change can be relatively quick, we can see how training and behaviour can be the catalyst for new skills both ends of the lead.

Consistency, the right environment and being prepared to introduce some adjustments make a big difference.

Seeing change happen, quick changes are not the same as quick fixes.

We achieve results and make progress to optimise our dogs safety.

When our dogs feel safe they are in a great place to learn and improve skills.

Instead of 'fixing' the dog, we focus on what our dog needs to be able to change and we can then facilitate that.

Training, education, learning, it is all a journey and we can celebrate our success, manage the challenges and overcome obstacles that we thought might never be possible.

If you would like to find out more about how you can get training and behaviour support for your dog drop me an email or call for a no obligation chat.

16/06/2025

Choices and decisions.

What choices do you give your dog when out on walks?

08/06/2025

📣 Advocacy and Awareness: Supporting Reactive Dogs in a Busy World 🐾

If your dog barks, lunges, growls, or freezes when they see another dog or person — you're not alone. And more importantly, your dog isn’t “being bad.” These big reactions are communication. Often, they’re a way of saying: “I’m not comfortable.”

💡 Reactivity doesn’t mean something is wrong with you or your dog.
It means your dog is doing their best to handle a situation that feels too much.

Here’s how you can support yourself and your dog:

✅ Be your dog’s advocate – It’s okay to say “Please give us space” or to calmly walk away from situations that feel too intense. Your dog needs you in their corner.

✅ Plan for calmer walks – Choose quiet times and routes so that you have a better opportunity for peaceful, enjoyable time together.

✅ Celebrate the small stuff – A quick glance without barking, turning back to you, staying calm when someone walks by — these are all real progress.

✅ Stay connected – It’s not about controlling your dog, it’s about supporting them. The more your dog trusts that you’ve got their back, the easier it becomes to handle tricky moments.

You are not “overreacting” for giving your dog space, time, and kindness.
You're meeting your dog where they are and that matters more than perfection. 💛

👇 Drop a ❤️ if you’re supporting a reactive dog. You're not alone.

02/06/2025

Struggling with your dog’s behaviour on walks?

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

I support worried, overwhelmed dog owners with one-to-one behaviour sessions in person or online.

Whether your dog barks, lunges, pulls or panics—change is possible with kind, tailored support.

🌿 How I can help:
• One-to-one behaviour support (in person or online)
• Fully tailored behaviour programmes
• Clear, calm guidance at a pace that feels manageable

I help people with dogs who:
• Bark, lunge, pull or have big reactions on walks
• Struggle to cope with a range of triggers
• Feel anxious, nervous or frustrated by everyday life

💬 This is for you if:
✔ You're feeling stuck, stressed or unsure where to start
✔ You're ready to learn and support your dog using kind, welfare-based methods
✔ You want personalised, professional help—not generic tips

🚫 This might not be for you if:
✘ You're looking for a quick fix or harsh training methods
✘ You're not ready to commit time to making small, consistent changes
✘ You’re hoping someone else will “just train the dog for you

How do I get started?
Book a free discovery call today and let’s talk about how I can support you, no pressure, no obligation.

Qualified, Certified, Insured and experienced in real life, real world reactive behaviour.

22/05/2025

Behaviour can be complex.

Understanding it can make a difference and change lives.

Understanding spatial dynamics requires moving beyond simplified ideas like "threshold distance" into a much more fluid understanding of how dogs experience and navigate space when feeling uncertain. Safe distance isn't measured in feet and inches. It's measured in the dog's body language.

Read more at the blog . . .
➡ https://suzanneclothier.com/the-spatial-dynamics-of-fear/

16/05/2025

Feeling Safe – Why Rushing Up Isn’t “Friendly”

“It’s OK, my dog’s friendly!”

…isn’t helpful when the other dog doesn't feel comfortable or safe.

It isn't okay when the other person feels concerned or unsafe.

Many Dogs need slow introductions at a distance they feel comfortable with.

Who decides what a comfortable distance is? The individual dog.

Not all dogs like all dogs, not all dogs want to get up close and personal with an unfamiliar dog, not all dogs want to play or get into a full body contact situation.

Assuming that a dog can run up to all other dogs they see to say hello and be okay is a mistake and an accident waiting to happen.

Taking the time to support our dogs to develop social skills can be a game changer. Understanding what good social skills are and look like are what makes the difference.

Play forms part of a repertoire of social skills but is often mistaken for the whole picture of friendly socialisation.

When a dog is on lead or off lead with good skills it is not okay to be rushed at by another dog.

The dog that is on lead or off lead with good skills should not be put in a position to tell the other dog off or feel worried, pressured or have to defend their space.

Of course, dogs will communicate when they have had enough, there is natural dog behaviour where they interact and are able to stop, slow down or cut off the interaction. This is seen when the dogs are skilled and have the ability to do so.

When a dog lacks skills, they are more likely to make mistakes and it is important to consider the best way to support each individual dog to progress.

Rushing at unfamiliar dogs is not okay because we don't know how the other dog or guardian will feel and react.

A dog may be recovering from an illness or surgery, old and a bit wobbly, deaf, blind, recovering from an incident or a newly fostered or adopted dog.

It makes sense, if we have a sensitive dog, to choose a well matched walk so that they are in an environment where they feel safe. A busy park at dog walking rush hour isn't the best.

However, when effort is put in to choosing a safe walk, the last thing that dog and person needs is a loose dog bolting over and pestering. And, the last thing they then need is verbal abuse about it being their fault that the loose dog is behaving inappropriately.

I understand it can be a defensive response if a dog is off lead and out of control to not accept responsibility or accountability.

That doesn't make it okay for the other person struggling to protect themselves and their dog to keep safe.

Dogs can socialise and interact without physical contact or up close and personal sniffs and pestering. Dogs can interact and have a 'conversation' at a comfortable distance.

A sensitive dog that needs space benefits from a calm, low-pressure environments to enjoy a fulfilling walk that feels safe.

📏 Give space.
💬 Ask before approaching.
🐾 Don't be offended by a No, it isn't offensive or anti social.

Together, we can create safer walks for all dogs.

❤️ Share if you’ve ever had to explain your dog’s needs.

15/05/2025

Surprises, interesting finds and hidden gems.

What do you notice that your dog notices on your walks?

Sometimes we discover novel items that the dogs can explore using their natural senses.

Today we discovered a bag outside a house, a deceased frog and a worm, a bee that surprised them when they went to sniff a w**d and some fresh bird p**p.

Each dog behaved differently towards these things.

One was straight in to check out the scent, the other wasn't really bothered or interested.

I love observing natural dog behaviour and the engagement of senses that give me the opportunity to just be with the dogs and connect, giving them their time they need without being rushed or moved on.

When our dogs are sniffing they are fulfilling their needs. They are picking up important information about the environment and it is really such a pleasure to see them getting both physical and emotional needs met on a walk.

What have you discovered on your walks lately?

12/05/2025

Reflections

What can we reflect on this week?

My reflections are about advocating for space for dogs that are struggling with a situation or environment.

Reactive dogs aren’t being naughty or disobedient – they’re communicating their needs and emotions.

If a dog barks, growls, or lunges, they might be scared or overwhelmed.

What can we do?

*Give them space.
*Cross the street.
*Keep your dog close.
*Try not to judge or make unhelpful comments
*Find a quiet space to decompress

It is easy to make assumptions about the dog and the person but we don’t know what we don’t know.

👉 Every dog deserves to feel safe on walks.
👉 Every dog guardian deserves to be treated with respect.
Let’s be part of creating that change in perceptions and beliefs.

💬 Have you ever had to advocate for your dog’s space?

03/05/2025

Why I Advocate for On-Lead Walks

🐾 Let’s talk about leads. I often get asked why I recommend keeping dogs on-lead in many situations — especially for dogs who are reactive, anxious, or just a little too excited. Here’s why:

🔒 Leads create safety — for you, your dog and others.

A lead isn’t about “restricting freedom.” It’s about providing structure, predictability, and support — for your dog, for other dogs, and for people around you. That’s especially important for dogs who are still learning how to navigate the world calmly.

🚫 Not all dogs want to be approached.
Whether it’s a fearful dog, a reactive one, or a dog recovering from trauma, off-lead dogs running up can feel like a threat — even if they’re “friendly.” On-lead walking helps us respect our dog’s space and emotional needs.

🧠 On-lead walks allow for learning.
When your dog is on a lead, it gives you the chance to observe, redirect, and reward behaviours you want to see more of. It’s much harder to support your dog’s learning when they’re way ahead and chasing squirrels.

🌳 There are other ways to give freedom and fulfillment.
Freedom doesn’t have to mean “off-lead.” We can use long lines, secure fields, and enrichment games to give dogs safe outlets for sniffing, movement, and choice — all without putting others at risk.

💛 Being on-lead is not a failure — it’s a compassionate.

For many dogs, being on-lead reduces pressure. It helps them feel supported and grounded, and it sends the message: “I’ve got you. You don’t have to manage the world alone.”

If you’re walking a sensitive or reactive dog, please know that you’re not doing anything wrong by keeping them on a lead. In fact, you’re doing something incredibly responsible and compassionate.

Let’s normalise on-lead walks — and respect the dogs and people who need them.

02/05/2025

✨ A Note From Me: Who I Work Best With (and Why That Matters) ✨

Working with dogs who struggle with reactivity, fear, or over-arousal isn’t easy — and neither is supporting the people who love them. That’s why I want to be honest about the kind of support I offer, and who it’s best suited for.

I work best with committed dog guardians who:
🐾 Are open to learning and growing
🐾 Understand that behaviour change takes time
🐾 Are willing to adapt their routines and environments for safety
🐾 Value kindness, consent-based handling, and reward-based methods

This work is sometimes slow, emotional, and imperfect — and that’s okay. Progress isn’t always visible right away, but I’m here to guide you through each small step.

A slow and steady journey can create positive lasting change.

I’m probably not the right fit if:
🚫 You’re looking for fast fixes without changing your habits
🚫 You’re unwilling to use safety tools and strategies
🚫 You expect results without following the plan

It’s taken me time (and a few hard lessons) to realise that I can’t be everything to everyone — and that’s okay too.
I want every client to feel fully supported, and that means working with those who are truly ready for the journey.

I offer one to one, tailored behaviour programmes, supported social walks and a start right puppy education programme in East Grinstead. If you are further afield I can travel within a 30 mile radius.

If this sounds like you, I’d love to hear from you 💛
Your dog doesn’t need to be perfect — and neither do you. Let’s work together with compassion, patience, and purpose.