Four Paws Training Academy

Four Paws Training Academy Positive game based dog training to build both your confidence and your dogs. This was all pre-knowledge of Dog Training and being a Behaviourist!

Hello there, Im Maria Dent...
I know what it’s like to have an anxious rescue dog… or two! Previously we had an angel of a Black Labrador from eight weeks old, though this time we fell in love with an adolescent, nine-month-old, Chocolate Labrador, and knew he was the one! Apparently, he was very boisterous, needed the chop, and he would walk nicely with a facial harness – Sold! Can you see where

this is going? Tigger came to his forever home after being neutered, with issues with his eyes, ears, and tummy, fitted with a facial harness and either growling or lunging towards dogs or people! Does this sound familiar? We had advice coming from all different directions and it was very confusing. We went to different trainers, but that was to teach him how to sit and walk next to me! It got to the point that I was doing a lot of reading, courses and really enjoying working Tigger out! What did I learn? He was in pain! His previous diet had given him inflammatory bowel disease. His ears and eyes were uncomfortable and inflamed he needed medication. Eliminating many allergens from his diet certainly helped. Because he was in pain and uncomfortable, he was grumpy. Wouldn’t you be? Over a period of time, this had built up with being unhappy in his previous life, in the rescue, in a new life, with different people, and environments. He didn’t know what to do! He was uncomfortable with hash walking equipment. We hadn’t given him enough time to settle, decompress and get used to his new life. This doesn’t take minutes, hours, or days… it takes months. His hormones were everywhere! A ticking time bomb of a teenager, that had also been neutered much too early for him to cope with the consequences. He was overwalked at a period of time of growth. Not enough downtime and enrichment. Our relationship and bond needed building. Us both working each other out, observing each other’s body language, starting again with how we talked to each other, playing games instead of being yanked and pulled about into position and him knowing he was safe and there was unconditioned love. Many courses later, I started my Dog Walking business Four Paws and Trails in 2018, learning many lessons with challenging dogs along the way! Four Paws Training Academy was then formed, in 2020, when I qualified as a Trainer and Behaviourist. With the knowledge I gained from my experiences with Tigger, I help new guardians to give their puppies and dogs the best start they can have. To build a positive relationship and settle them into their new lives and give them the confidence and guidance to help them in the future. Now, Tigger lives life to the full! Most of the issues he had have gone or are working in progress and managed. He also has a sister whom we adopted a few years ago, a Border Terrier called Scooby. They both live a super life with their walking friends and they come to our training groups as stooge or demo dogs. We love a good old ramble through the countryside. Though not everything is dog related. I love mixed media textile art and creating it, a good rugby match, reading to calm the brain, and maybe a mud run or two throughout the year to get the adrenaline rush and covered in the good stuff! I love the path in life that Tigger gave me. One of which I feel at home with. I observe and learn, with each new dog I meet. They show us and I am there to listen and help.

⭐️ TIME 🕰️ Iv chosen to sit outside and look at our memorial apple tree for our past companion, Holly. The flowers in fu...
12/04/2025

⭐️ TIME 🕰️

Iv chosen to sit outside and look at our memorial apple tree for our past companion, Holly. The flowers in full bloom and is a delight to look at. A reflection of what a beautiful soul Holly was. 8 years have gone by and I refer to her all the time in my training life. Though what Holly would think about our life’s now would have been stressful for her. I’m not sure what she would have thought about Tigs and Scoob, also the other dogs I care for.

On this lovely morning I watch both my companions and Miss H mooching around the garden calmly and taking in the morning smells and warmth.

I don’t think I do this often enough and time seems to fly by! Slow down and enjoy your companions while you can. They may have their struggles and quirks, but you still love them.

💡A JAM PACKED DAY OF LEARNING💡What beautiful weather teaching the Discovery and Explore School this morning. Two super l...
06/04/2025

💡A JAM PACKED DAY OF LEARNING💡

What beautiful weather teaching the Discovery and Explore School this morning. Two super lessons, learning that staying close is rewarding and beneficial.

After group was debrief time and lunch with the lovely Canine Vibe. Then we watched Amber Batson’s presentation at DBC.

Scoob falling asleep sitting upright after a busy morning stooging!

The rest of the day consisted of listening to the rest of the Dog Behaviour Conference, catching up with emails and preparing for the week ahead.

A super last three days of theory loveliness!

💡OH MY! ⭐️Officially… my brain is hurting! 🤯A super day of learning starting with the DoGenius Peer Group! Had an intere...
05/04/2025

💡OH MY! ⭐️

Officially… my brain is hurting! 🤯

A super day of learning starting with the DoGenius Peer Group! Had an interesting conversation about chemical castration and annual vaccinations!

Thank goodness for earphones so I could listen to the start of today’s Dog Behaviour Conference. Today’s brilliant talks were from Jo Pay, Andrew Hale, Sarah Fisher and Irith Bloom. 🤯

Time to sleep so I can teach my groups tomorrow.

💡NEVER STOP LEARNING!👩🏼‍🏫It’s 11:30pm and it’s time to rest my brain! 🧠 Got all the doggo’s walked and then 9 hours of l...
04/04/2025

💡NEVER STOP LEARNING!👩🏼‍🏫

It’s 11:30pm and it’s time to rest my brain! 🧠
Got all the doggo’s walked and then 9 hours of learning with the Dog Behaviour Conference. There’s been some fantastic speakers up to now ➡️ Sindhoor Pangal, Julia Robertson, Carmaleta Aufderheide, and Victoria Stilwell.

Looking forward to tomorrow’s line up!

03/04/2025

This was Mr B’s first full freework session. We wanted to see him investigate freely without a harness on and to move naturally around the different stations.While this was happening his caregiver could observe how his body flows with movement. I could explain certain sensory patterns that he was doing more or less and how he was using his body to become more confident. B’s caregiver joined him in the process, both showing lovely calm movements, and experiencing connecting with each other.After the free work session Mr B did go for a little bit of a wonder onto the field where he had a run around. This was beautiful to watch! When we went back to the calming area, he was very happy to lay next to his caregiver and relax on his boundary whilst we talked about the session.This experience has been so valuable to Mr. B’s caregiver. Iv asked her to watch the video for the feedback that Iv given to make sense. Mr B has always had a couple of freework stations while he’s been learning. He is an anxious soul and needs to build his confidence. Most of all needs help with his adolescence hormones as he finds the world a scary place. We will continue to do this and towards the end of his nine week period of training we will do another freework session to see how he’s progressed. If you would like to learn more about your dogs body language, posture, movement and build your observation skills, please do get in touch. We will be running three FOCUS WORKSHOPS this year. The first one will be on Sun 1st Jun. @

A chain, vibration collar, citronella bark collar, stun collar, prong collar, facial harness, fig of 8, choke collar, sl...
22/03/2025

A chain, vibration collar, citronella bark collar, stun collar, prong collar, facial harness, fig of 8, choke collar, slip/ grot lead!

All of which is an aversive way of putting your dog through discomfort to get your way!! They will remember and will react to it in the long run. May be not in a way that you will understand.

A few pieces of food in your pocket can be used as a positive reward, to lure a dog away or just to give. This will build a relationship, trust, and a companion that will want to keep doing the good behaviour.

Kindness or Punishment??

⭐️I CANT DENY IT!😆My close friends usually know where I am! ⭐️I’m a field with the dogs⭐️At home with a load of dogs⭐️Sh...
21/03/2025

⭐️I CANT DENY IT!😆

My close friends usually know where I am!
⭐️I’m a field with the dogs
⭐️At home with a load of dogs
⭐️Shopping for the dogs
⭐️When I buy something, it’s normally for the dogs!
⭐️Walking dogs
⭐️Training dogs
⭐️Observing dogs

Even one of my closest friends (Who used to be afraid of dogs!) comes for a walk with me with the dogs, or we wouldn’t see much of each other!

Yes, I am married, have children and a life! Though my happy place is in the company of these wonderful and fascinating animals. I learn something new of them everyday!

Please read…
20/03/2025

Please read…

Consent-based care isn’t optional. It’s everything. And last week, someone I trusted chose to ignore it.

My beautiful, gentle 14-year-old Percy came home from his groomer shaking. She claims to use a force-free, stress-free approach. She does not.

Percy is deaf. He's partially blind. He's frail. And yesterday, someone I trusted to care for him with compassion chose to do the exact opposite.

I can't stop thinking about how scared he must have been.

Here's the thing about operating without force or fear - either you're doing it, or you're not. There's no middle ground. There's no "consent-based and compassionate, except when I'm annoyed or want to get the job done quickly."

We had discussed his boundaries extensively. He doesn't like his paws touched. His nails are sensitive. His muzzle and private areas are off-limits.

She knew I'd rather he come home half groomed than been forced through anything.

She KNEW all this.

And yet, for whatever reason, she did the opposite.

She shaved his entire muzzle. Shaved his private areas. Shaved his feet and clipped his nails. All the things we had explicitly agreed she would NOT do if he showed any discomfort.

To do this she would have HAD to restrain him, to force him, to subjugate him to a process that would have petrified him.

This wasn't an accident. This wasn't a miscommunication. This was a choice.

A choice to prioritize her process over my elderly dog's emotional wellbeing.

A choice to ignore his boundaries because they were inconvenient.

A choice to send a message: "Your dog's comfort doesn't actually matter to me, even though I pretend it does."

When a groomer, vet, trainer or any professional who works with dogs puts the end result above the emotional journey to get there, they are failing that dog.

Full stop.

I would rather have the scruffiest dog in town than know my boy spent even one minute feeling afraid and helpless while someone forced procedures on him.

I'm devastated that I couldn't protect him from this.

That someone who used all the right words - "low stress," "positive," "force-free" - chose to do the exact opposite the moment it became challenging.

When we talk about "consent-based care" for dogs, some people roll their eyes. "It's just a dog," they say. "Sometimes you have to just get things done."

But if you've ever looked into the eyes of a dog who trusts you completely to keep them safe... if you've ever felt the weight of that responsibility... you know.

You know that "just getting it done" isn't good enough. Not even close.

I don't care how perfect a groom looks if it came at the cost of my dog's dignity and trust.

I don't care how convenient it is to force a dog through a procedure instead of taking the time to build trust.

I don't care what anyone thinks about being "precious" with my dog's boundaries.

Because at the end of the day, I'm all Percy has. I'm his voice. I'm his advocate. And I failed him by trusting someone who used kindness as a marketing slogan rather than a genuine commitment.

To every professional working with dogs:
Words matter. Promises matter. But your actions matter most.

If you claim to be "low stress", "no fear" or "force free," but get frustrated when a dog doesn't comply, you're not what you claim to be.

If you advertise gentle handling but prioritize efficiency over emotional wellbeing, you're not what you claim to be.

If you think a result justifies trauma to get there, you're not what you claim to be.

All our dogs deserve better. They deserve practitioners who truly understand that consent isn't optional - it's everything.

You have the right to demand that of every professional in your dog's life.

Percy deserved better. And I'll spend every day making sure he never experiences anything like that again.

Because real love means respecting boundaries, even when it's inconvenient.

Real care means prioritizing emotional wellbeing over results.

Really working without fear isn't just marketing - it's a promise you keep even when no one is watching.

If the process isn’t kind, the result doesn’t matter.

14/03/2025

🐾Four Paws Training Academy💡

❓Do you enjoy walking your dog?
❓Are you embarrassed?
❓Are you feeling ignored?
❓Do they prefer other dogs and people to
you?

Explore School is there to help you feel more confident, listened too, valued and to be proud of your dog. Let’s help you connect again and enjoy being with each other.

🔗For more details follow this link… https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/service-page/explore-school-5?referral=service_list_widget

12/03/2025

💡⭐️ TRUELY AMAZING! ⭐️💡

What can I say about ACE (Animal Centre Education) and ACE FREE WORK?

Magical, amazing, grounding, connection, phenomenal, releasing, kind, activating, bond, revealing…. And so much more!

Two days of mind blowing loveliness with our companions and the wonderful Sarah Fisher at ACE - Tilley Farm.

Six fantastic tutors, including Tigs and Scoob. All enjoying the different sensory and movement areas to help them relax, decompress and rebalance. As for us guardians, we had the delight to observe their bodies, actions and confidence grow.

This is our second year being at Tilley Farm and it was as mind blowing as our first visit. Being so proud of both of our tutors and how much they have grown in a year. Tigs very much being a different dog in his confidence, presence, and physical health. Scoob showing more dna behaviour, willingness to explore without me and calmness.

Free work is apart of all our behavioural and teaching sessions as it’s supporting to your dog’s mind, body and spirit.

We’re proud to be holding our Module Two certificates and I can’t wait for Module Three to start.

10/03/2025

❓IS THIS A DREAM? 💭

Two happy companions enjoying their walk, relaxed and staying close!

A caregiver enjoying walking with both of her companions knowing they won’t go far, will come back to her attention noise and know they have enjoyed their time too.

Yes, they’re my dogs, but I started where you are now! It’s works and it can happen!👍🏻

🔗 Would you like this? https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/service-page/explore-school-5?referral=service_list_widget

💡LEARNING NEVER STOPS 👩🏼‍🏫Your learning journey should never stop with your companion and mine definitely doesn’t! One t...
09/03/2025

💡LEARNING NEVER STOPS 👩🏼‍🏫

Your learning journey should never stop with your companion and mine definitely doesn’t!

One thing care givers miss a lot of the time when searching for a trainer or behaviourist is qualifications and ongoing studies. Don’t take it for granted that the person is up to date or qualified. Unfortunately the industry is regulated which makes it harder. Personally I think it’s a must to keep up to date with the sciences and kind training methods.

This is our time to top up on our education! The Four Paws and Canine Vibe team are currently in the beautiful countryside of Bristol. Where we are getting ready for two days of learning with the lovely Sarah, at ACE, Tilley Farm. 🤯

This beautiful walk is on our doorstep and we’re going to make the most of the lovely weather. For the rest of the day I plan to study… I will get this Level 5 in Canine Behaviour!!

03/03/2025

⭐️ WHAT A STAR! ⭐️

This is Team B! Iv had the honour to be apart of B’s life since he was adopted by his caregivers. Many messages being exchanged before I met him, and a lot of dedication being put in place to help him.

Discovery School has given B and his care givers the tools and confidence to be able to settle him into his new home, lower his anxieties of being left and in outside environments. Even though his caregivers have successfully cared for previous rescues, they have learnt so many skills to help their multi dog household.
Well done Team B!

If you would like to join us on for Discovery School, there is one place left. Please do take a look at this link for more information…

https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/service-page/discovery-school-5?referral=service_list_widget

02/03/2025

🐕‍🦺 DREAM WALKS 🤔

Before we welcome a new companion into our lives we imagine our dogs walking by our sides and them staying close off lead. Then reality hits!

Lead waking and recall takes dedication, patience and a lot of practice. Some of us are willing to take the time to get this right with our companions and others want instant results by using aversive equipment. Unfortunately the latter can cause other issues and can be very uncomfortable/painful for your dog. This is not what I teach!

I teach up to date, scientific based training that works! It is kind, it will strengthen your relationship and will build with positive praise and reinforcement.

If this is what you would like to accomplish please do follow this link…

https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/service-page/explore-school-5?referral=service_list_widget

01/03/2025

⏰ STOP THE WORLD….
I WANT TO GET OFF! 🌍

🤔 How did we get to March??!! Seriously, I’m still in January. 🤦🏼‍♀️

It’s been a busy start of the year with groups and one to ones. Plus starting a new qualification and continuing/ finishing others.

This week is the present Discovery and Explore Schools final session, their 9th week.
Wow… we have had loads of progression and we’re looking forward to handing out their certificates and rosettes 🏵️

The next set of sessions start on Sunday 23rd March. One place left for Discovery School and limited space for Explore School.

Please follow the link for more information…
https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/book-online

06/02/2025

🥶Morning all!❄️

Not everyone’s favourite weather, but I do love a frosty morning to get my brain working!

What do you and your dog think about it?

Personally the dogs I have walked have loved the Sniffarri! When it’s cold, smells stay closer to the ground and it’s all been about noses to the floor!

Though… it’s not the best day to let off your dog, unless they have a flashing beacon on their heads! 🚨 Especially if they don’t have a strong recall or stay close!

Iv seen a few dogs being chastised this morning…
❓I want you to think about this -
🤔 Whose fault is it!!

⚠️ Think before you let them off!! ⚠️

If you need help with recall, take a look at this link https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/service-page/explore-school-5?referral=service_list_widget
The next group starts on Sunday 23rd March 23rd March at 10am

A super write-up to help describe what is happening to your companions and not to label them with just a word. Thank you...
14/01/2025

A super write-up to help describe what is happening to your companions and not to label them with just a word.
Thank you Confident Canine with Sonia Catherall

Labels Don’t Define Your Dog – Look Beyond Them 🐾

We often use labels to describe our dogs, and while they can be helpful at times, they can also simplify the complexities of their behaviour. Labels like "shy," "high-energy," or "reactive" can provide some insight, but they don’t always capture what’s really happening beneath the surface. Relying on labels might prevent us from truly understanding the underlying emotions or needs causing their behaviour and can influence how we, and others, respond to them.

Here’s the thing: labels often do more harm than good. They can overshadow the unique individual in front of us and limit our ability to truly understand and support our dogs.

Why Labels Can Be Problematic 🐕

🔸They Don’t Describe the Behaviour
When we label a dog as "stubborn," what does that actually mean? Are they unsure? Distracted? Struggling to understand what’s being asked of them? Labels like these miss the why behind a dog’s behaviour, which is often where we can find the key to supporting them.

🔸Labels Can Be Self-Fulfilling Prophecies
Calling a dog "naughty" or "aggressive" might unintentionally shape how we interact with them. Worse, it could affect how others treat them, too. Over time, the label reinforces itself, and we might miss the opportunity to uncover what the dog really needs.
🔸They Close the Door on Understanding
When we use labels, we may stop asking important questions:
- What is causing my dog’s behaviour?
- What can I do to support them?
- How can I help my dog to feel safe and understood?

By focusing on the label, we can overlook potential solutions or miss seeing the dog as a unique individual.

What You Can Do Instead 🌟

🔸Describe, Don’t Define
Instead of saying, “My dog is aggressive,” try describing the specific behaviour: “When my dog is near other dogs, they tend to bark and lunge.” This shift in language opens the door to understanding and problem-solving, allowing us to better identify what causes our dog’s behaviour. Rather than labelling, we can focus on the behaviour our dog is demonstrating and work towards helping them feel safe and secure in different situations or environments.

🔸Reframe Your Mindset
Be mindful of the language we use about our dogs. Labels like "difficult" or "reactive" can unintentionally reinforce negative feelings or frustration, but changing the language we use can encourage a more understanding and supportive approach. For example, instead of saying "reactive," try thinking of your dog as "sensitive to their environment." This shift helps us approach their behaviour with empathy and opens the door to more effective solutions.

🔸See the Dog in Front of You
Every dog is unique, and they, like us, are constantly learning and adapting. Rather than focusing on labels, let's appreciate their individuality, embracing their quirks, celebrating their strengths, and recognising how awesome they are each day.

The language we use matters. It shapes how we see our dogs, how others perceive them, and how we approach their care. When we let go of labels and focus on understanding the unique dog in front of us, we create opportunities for trust, connection, and understanding.

💬 Have you ever shifted the way you think about or describe your dog? What difference did it make?

The "Unlabel Me" graphic was created by Dr. Susan Friedman and Behaviour Works.

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Coleridge Drive
Enderby
LE194QG

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Tuesday 9am - 8pm
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Thursday 9am - 8pm
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