Four Positive Paws

Four Positive Paws Certified Canine Behaviourist specialising in Fearful, Anxious and Reactive Dog Behaviour.

I am passionate about canine welfare, education and raising awareness about having the best quality of life possible for and with our dogs. My philosophy is based on the teachings of Sheila Harper who taught me how to educate and co-habit with my own and others dogs with the utmost of respect for the individuals that they are. I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of dogs and owners wi

th great success and I continuously see the benefits and rewards of a natural and intelligent approach to consent and relationship based education. Dogs can often be our greatest teachers if we stop, observe, listen, understand and act upon their needs.

How guessing creates frustration for dogs and their peopleWhen walks feel unpredictable, most people start second guessi...
09/01/2026

How guessing creates frustration for dogs and their people

When walks feel unpredictable, most people start second guessing.

Second Guessing can lead to:
• doing more than your dog can handle
• focusing on the wrong thing
• doubting yourself after every walk

Clarity doesn’t demand perfection it simply replaces second guessing with an informed direction.

Why honest snapshots can feel uncomfortable but powerfulBeing honest about walks can feel uncomfortable.Noticing what’s ...
08/01/2026

Why honest snapshots can feel uncomfortable but powerful

Being honest about walks can feel uncomfortable.

Noticing what’s difficult and challenging without rushing to fix it takes courage and consideration.

But clear snapshots made without judgement are what turn discomfort and confusion into clear direction.

No pressure. No blame. Simply information.

What happens when you stop reacting and start noticing subtle body language?Reactivity feeds a sense of urgency.Noticing...
07/01/2026

What happens when you stop reacting and start noticing subtle body language?

Reactivity feeds a sense of urgency.

Noticing subtle changes creates opportunity to shift and create space.

That pause is where better decisions can be created.

Why one small insight can change everythingNot because it fixes things with a magic wand but because it removes confusio...
06/01/2026

Why one small insight can change everything

Not because it fixes things with a magic wand but because it removes confusion.

Clarity can provide calm moments when the penny drops.

When you can be calm you can support a calmer dog

One small insight, one small adjustment, one small step towards calmer walks.

How is your January going so far?Thought I would do a little introduction for new followers and regular peeps too.My nam...
05/01/2026

How is your January going so far?

Thought I would do a little introduction for new followers and regular peeps too.

My name's Dawn from Four Positive Paws and I'm a qualified Behaviourist supporting people with dogs who find walks & life challenging, overwhelming or worrying.

I have January availability for:

1:1 behaviour support so that you can start making progress right away

puppy education for new pups and guardians so that you can stop guessing and feel more confident

Supported training walks so that you can transform wonky walks

Alongside this, I’ve recently created a new resource called The Calmer Walks Compass a diagnostic toolkit designed to help your understand what’s shaping your dog’s behaviour on walks before trying to change everything.

Inside the Calmer Walks Compass Toolkit you get:

and Challenges Map for gaining a real time snapshot
Tracker for setting goals and measuring progress
Board for creating a visual picture of your wins or challenges
Planner for planning ahead.

I’ll add links in the comments for anyone who’d like to explore and I’m always happy to answer questions.

The eight areas quietly shaping your dog’s behaviourBehaviour never exists alone.Emotional wellbeing, routine, environme...
05/01/2026

The eight areas quietly shaping your dog’s behaviour

Behaviour never exists alone.

Emotional wellbeing, routine, environment, communication all matter more than we think.

Seeing how they are connected together can change how problem behaviour feels, especially during walks.

Why clarity beats motivation every timeMotivation can be momentary and fade over time.Clarity and consistency sticks.Whe...
04/01/2026

Why clarity beats motivation every time

Motivation can be momentary and fade over time.

Clarity and consistency sticks.

When you know where to focus, action feels possible and achievable.

What behaviour problems look like when you zoom outWhen we are zoomed in we are closer to the behaviours like big reacti...
03/01/2026

What behaviour problems look like when you zoom out

When we are zoomed in we are closer to the behaviours like big reactions, lunging and pulling.

When we're zoomed out we broaden our lens to see routines, emotions, environment and expectations.

The wider view can change perspective.

Can you zoom out to reflect on your walks and your dogs behaviour?

How often can you schedule some time to reflect on your walks, what is going well, what's working and and what areas would you like to work on?

I absolutely love the Calmer Walks Compass. I used it myself and found it quite peaceful to take stock and give myself recognition too.

If you want to find out more about how the Calmer Walks Compass can work for you drop me a DM or add a comment.

Why most dog guardians work on the wrong thing firstWe fix what’s loud and what we notice most.We miss what’s subtle and...
02/01/2026

Why most dog guardians work on the wrong thing first

We fix what’s loud and what we notice most.

We miss what’s subtle and most influential.

Behaviour is rarely the root cause and is often the result of underlying issues.

Putting on a curious, open minded detective hat can help you see what could be causing your dogs behaviour, especially while out on walks.

Observe, consider the different contexts of the behaviour and also think about how you are feeling too.

Our dogs pick up on our emotions and we pick up on theirs.

Walks can feel stressful so there is a human reaction to fix the behaviour.

First things first!

As we step into a new yearI’ve been thinking about walks, how much effort they can take, how progress often goes unnotic...
01/01/2026

As we step into a new year

I’ve been thinking about walks,

how much effort they can take, how progress often goes unnoticed,
and how easy it is to feel unsure about what to focus on next.

That’s what led me to create something new called The Calmer Walks Compass.

It isn’t a training plan or a set of instructions.

It’s a calm, reflective toolkit designed to help you pause and take stock of where you and your dog are right now on walks.

It gives you space to gently:
• notice what’s going well
• acknowledge what still feels challenging
• clarify what matters most to you
• identify what feels like the right next steps

So many people living with dogs that can be sensitive to certain environments tell me they feel overwhelmed, unsure if they’re making progress, or pulled in different directions by conflicting advice.

The Compass is a quiet starting point before doing more, fixing more or trying something new.

It’s a compassionate way to reset, reflect and move forward at your own pace.

I’ll pop the link in the comments for anyone who feels this might support them right now.

As always, there’s no pressure. Take care of yourself today 🤍

Stop GuessingBefore you change anything, pause and take a look at the whole picture.What do you see and in what context,...
01/01/2026

Stop Guessing

Before you change anything, pause and take a look at the whole picture.

What do you see and in what context, on walks, what is the behaviour that concerns you most?

Change without clarity often creates more confusion.

Understanding what’s actually shaping behaviour can bring focus and relief.

31/12/2025

In loving memory of Sarah Fisher

Address

East Grinstead

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+447941517571

Website

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Our Story

I am passionate about canine welfare, education and raising awareness about having the best quality of life possible for and with our dogs. My philosophy is based on the teachings of Sheila Harper who taught me how to teach my own and others dogs with the utmost of respect and treat them all as individuals. I have had the privilege of working with many people and dogs over the years and I am continuously seeing the benefits and rewards of a natural and intelligent approach to teaching and learning. Dogs can often be our greatest teachers if we stop, observe, listen, understand and act upon their needs. Dog behaviour, communication and wellbeing are what I have studied and qualified in. My learning will be lifelong.