Four Paws Training Academy

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Four Paws Training Academy Maria is a qualified force-free trainer and behaviourist. Four Paws Training Academy was established in 2020. Can you see where this is going? What did I learn?

Her aim is to build both the caregivers' and dogs' confidence, which will then produce a strong and rewarding relationship. 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! A

pparently, he was very boisterous, needed the chop, and he would walk nicely with a facial harness – Sold! This was all pre-knowledge of Dog Training and being a Behaviourist! 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! 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.

🤔Think about this in a different way… 💡Simple management can help your dog feel safe and you from being prosecuted…
07/07/2025

🤔Think about this in a different way…

💡Simple management can help your dog feel safe and you from being prosecuted…

🌡️🐾🌟Bargain! Don’t miss this! 🌟🐾🌡️Animal Love Pet First Aid will be talking about a really important subject — keeping o...
05/07/2025

🌡️🐾🌟Bargain! Don’t miss this! 🌟🐾🌡️

Animal Love Pet First Aid will be talking about a really important subject — keeping our dogs safe in the heat.

As the years go by, the temperatures are only getting hotter, and it’s so important we know how to protect our dogs in these extreme conditions.

Sophie, a well-known and highly respected vet, will be leading the talk. I’ve done many of her courses in the past and can honestly say she’s fantastic — clear, knowledgeable, and passionate about animal welfare. 🐶💕

📅 Don’t miss this chance to learn more and keep your pets safe this summer!

NEW WEBINAR! Only £5 with an emailed certificate of attendance. It’ll be recorded if you cannot make the date. And the slides will be sent to you. Mark it as CPD.

https://www.animallovepetfirstaid.co.uk/service-page/the-hot-dog

The hot dog webinar will bust those myths, arm you with knowledge to pass on to pet owners or apprentice as a pet owner.

Science improves, we do better as vets, let me share the whys and wherefores with you ❤️

https://www.animallovepetfirstaid.co.uk/service-page/the-hot-dog

04/07/2025

💡⭐️ WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! ⭐️💡
🐾 Whether you’re new, continuing your journey, or coming back for more learning — there’s a group for YOU and your canine companion! 🐶💕

🔍 DISCOVERY SCHOOL
Perfect for:
🐶 Puppies
🐾 Rescues
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Caregivers needing guidance
Start your training journey here with support, structure, and FUN! 🎉

🎓 SKILLS FOR LIFE
Returning and new members welcome! 🙌
📅 Two times available:
🕦 11:30 AM (limited spaces!)
🕝 2:30 PM (extra group added!)
Next step after Discovery School or for anyone who has trained with Four Paws Training Academy or Canine Vibe 🐕

🧠 THE PAWSPECTIVE EXPERIENCE
Feeling a disconnect with your dog? 😟
Want to:
🔎 Build connection
🧘‍♀️ Understand your dog’s needs
📋 Gather insights for your vet, physio, or nutritionist?
🎉 Enjoy a joyful, sensory-based bonding session?
Then this is for YOU! 👃🐶

🎯 FOCUS WORKSHOP – coming in October 🍂
Ideal for:
🎓 Caregivers wanting to explore Freework and connect with their dog.
🐕 Give your companion the experience of a lifetime using all of their senses.
👩‍⚕️ Professionals interested in how movement & sensory techniques can change lives 🌀



If any of these sound like a good fit for you and your dog, we’d LOVE to hear from you! 🐾💬
📩 Reach out here ➡️ https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/contactform

01/07/2025

✨🦮 EDUCATING CAREGIVERS & THEIR CANINES🐾✨

👉🏻 We have just TWO spaces left on our Discovery School, starting Sunday 27th July at 10 am!

💡 Why choose Discovery School?
We're here to educate you and your canine tutor. To build a strong, trusting bond with your dog.

🗺️ Start your journey the right way — with positive, clear guidance. Learn to understand what your dog is really telling you, and why they may struggle with certain things. With this knowledge, you’ll have the perfect foundations to continue your learning journey.

🐾 What’s included?
✔️ Small group – only 5 dogs per class
✔️ Indoor and outdoor learning spaces
✔️ Real-world training outings
✔️ Two qualified trainers & a behaviourist supporting you every step
✔️ 100% force-free, choice-based training methods

🧠 Calmness, connection, and confidence are at the heart of what we do.

🌐 Want to learn more?
https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/book-online

📣 Hurry — limited places remaining!

26/06/2025
⭐️A few of our winners⭐️Don’t they look proud of their rosettes! Super pictures….
24/06/2025

⭐️A few of our winners⭐️

Don’t they look proud of their rosettes! Super pictures….

🥳Congratulations to all the winners 🎉We have rosettes waiting to be delivered. Can all caregivers that haven’t got back ...
22/06/2025

🥳Congratulations to all the winners 🎉

We have rosettes waiting to be delivered. Can all caregivers that haven’t got back to me with their addresses do this asap. Or they can be collected from myself. Please private message me or email me on [email protected] to let me know…
Cut off day will be Thursday 26th Jun for delivery.

Thank you for your co-operation.

21/06/2025

Re the prizes for the dog show - please can everyone private message me your address, dog’s name, class, and prize. This will make it easy for us to sort. Thanks very much for your cooperation.

🥳 Winners of the Virtual Dog Show🥳Thank you to everyone that has taken part! It has definitely been a super substitution...
21/06/2025

🥳 Winners of the Virtual Dog Show🥳

Thank you to everyone that has taken part! It has definitely been a super substitution to the in person dog show!

Thank you for keeping your dogs safe!

21/06/2025

30 minutes to go till the end of registration! 🐕‍🦺🐶🐾

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Opening Hours

Monday 09:30 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:30 - 20:00
Wednesday 09:30 - 20:00
Thursday 09:30 - 20:00
Friday 09:30 - 15:00
Sunday 10:00 - 15:30

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