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.

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

Reflection without resolutionsNo goals.No pressure.Just notice what your dog has been showing you about stress, support,...
31/12/2025

Reflection without resolutions

No goals.

No pressure.

Just notice what your dog has been showing you about stress, support, communication and what could help.

That awareness is enough to start the year well, especially for safer and more relaxed walks.

Why January plans fail when December isn’t understoodPlans built on frustration rarely hold traction.Clarity beats motiv...
30/12/2025

Why January plans fail when December isn’t understood

Plans built on frustration rarely hold traction.

Clarity beats motivation every time especially with sensitive dogs.

Before planning change, understand the true picture.

The difference between understanding and fixingUnderstanding says: “This makes sense.”Fixing says: “This must change.”On...
29/12/2025

The difference between understanding and fixing

Understanding says: “This makes sense.”

Fixing says: “This must change.”

One reduces stress.

The other can add it.

Understanding always comes first.

Why noticing patterns can provide useful information.Observation can bring understanding about what your dog is trying ...
28/12/2025

Why noticing patterns can provide useful information.

Observation can bring understanding about what your dog is trying to tell you.

When we understand it can bring relief that we get that our dog is communicating.

With this understanding and information we can create positive change.

When behaviour stops feeling random, pressure can ease.

Patterns need attention but don’t demand fixing.

They invite clarity, possibilities and opportunities for learning.

When we open our minds and get curious about our dogs reactions, especially on walks, we open a door to learning and developing our skills to support ourselves and our dogs.

The guilt that can come with life and a dog that reacts on walks that you feel but rarely say out loud“I should be doing...
27/12/2025

The guilt that can come with life and a dog that reacts on walks that you feel but rarely say out loud

“I should be doing more.”
“They deserve better.”
“I’m letting them down.”

Guilt often shows up when expectations don’t match reality, not because you’ve failed.

Walking your dog on lead isn't a failure it's a responsibility.

Keeping safe by choosing well matched environments isn't depriving your dog it's protecting and advocating.

Enjoying walks that suit you and your dog can help switch guilt to peace of mind and fulfilment.

Why post-Christmas behaviour wobbles are predictableAfter intensity comes depletion.Lower resilience, shorter fuses, slo...
26/12/2025

Why post-Christmas behaviour wobbles are predictable

After intensity comes depletion.

Lower resilience, shorter fuses, slower recovery is all normal.

Things may feel as though they've “gone wrong.”

Your dog may need time to recalibrate.

You may feel overwhelmed or exhausted.

When resources are low, learning and making good choices can feel like a stretch.

Take your time, pause and reflect, choose a walk that is quiet and relaxing,

Our dogs that have big emotions will benefit from a safe space to explore and can give you both time to connect.

A reminder: today is about safety and calm skillsToday needs calmness, management, space and compassion for dogs and hum...
25/12/2025

A reminder: today is about safety and calm skills

Today needs calmness, management, space and compassion for dogs and humans.

Give yourself permission to prioritise peace over progress.

A calm walk, a bimble, sniffari or a perfect potter can help regulate the nervous system for you and your dog.

Reduce, reset and redefine your walk for your dogs reactive communications.

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas from Dawn at Four Positive Paws.

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.