I’m Catriona, an Award Winning force-free dog trainer. I provide classes, workshops & 1-2-1’s for all
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… does your DOG do things that makes you feel unwilling?
🏆Multi-award winning Dog training services for all frustrations, fears and over-excitement in Dogs 🐾
Through only positive, fun and engaging training for both you and your Dog, make those feelings of last!
DM me with 🐾 to maintain that eagerness to see something through!
Classes outside are for everyone (although the cute, small puppy phase does provide extra gasps of delight!)
🫶🏼 They are a ‘safe space’ for you and your Dog to practice in
🫶🏼 They provide calm reassurance that you’re helping your Dog, not just yourself.
🫶🏼 They allow you to get things ‘wrong’ so you feel ‘right’ when out and about
🫶🏼 real-life sights, sounds and smells to practice low level ‘distraction’ training
🫶🏼 they nurture optimism through working in ‘novel’ environments resulting in a more easy going dog
🫶🏼 small, well managed classes to suit every temperament of Dog
I welcome all ages to attend progressive, helpful sessions that are easy to learn, fun and provide you with a variety of ways to train real-life behaviours
DM for the website link or click on the link in the bio
🍂🌻Autumn already? Do you feel as if we had a 'Summer'! 🌻🍂
🔬Why not improve your own 'outlook' with some new training ideas and ways to keep your dog healthy. Award winning training starts HERE 👍🏼
🎓 NEW! Puppy FUNDamentals Classes - 16th September 6pm
📖 NEW! AdoleSENSE Classes - 26th September - 6pm
🎓 NEW! UK Sniffer Dogs BRONZE Classes - 11th September 6pm
📖 NEW! Mantrailing Introduction - 15th September 2pm
🎓 On2 2 Ones available mid September onwards
📖 Ongoing Mantrailing & Scent Detection Classes throughout the month
🐾 DM for details and lets get everyone learning something fun, new and relationship changing 🐾
🌟🤩 Thrilled to announce some incredible news! 🤩🌟
I’m beyond excited to share that A Pawsitive Step has been honoured with another prestigious award from the Southern Enterprise Awards 2024:
🐾🐾 Best Specialist in Dog Reactivity
Solutions 2024 - Wiltshire 🐾🐾
These awards mean the world to me, especially knowing the rigorous process behind them. The independent judging panel gathered evidence not just from my submitted documents, but also through in-depth research by their dedicated team. This included exploring public sources to build a comprehensive case file on my business.
Unlike many awards, winners here aren’t determined by a popularity vote but by proven expertise, dedication to client service, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. It’s a true testament to the quality and care I strive to bring to every client and their beloved pets.
A huge thank you to all my wonderful clients and followers—this recognition wouldn’t have been possible without your trust and support. This is as much your award as it is mine! 🐶🎉
“August slipped away into a moment in time, 'cause it was never mine." — Taylor Swift
WRONG! Make August yours! Summer ain’t over yet 😎
Award winning Class formats Coming up in August … and beyond!
🐾 NEW! Puppy FUN & AdoleSENSE classes starting 22nd August at 6pm in Malmesbury locations
🐾 NEW! UKSD Bronze Scent Detection classes starting September 4th in Didmarton
🐾 NEW! Scent ‘Detective Progression’ sessions starting September 4th in Didmarton
🐾 Continuing the BEST dog sport for all! Mantrailing Progression Sessions on Sundays AMs and Wednesdays AM. Introduction Workshops available on request. As sniffing is such an intense activity for Dogs, weekend afternoons are only held if the weather allows.
DM 🌭for details for classes that suit you and your Dog.
“August slipped away into a moment in time, 'cause it was never mine." — Taylor Swift
WRONG!! Make August yours! Summer ain’t over yet 😎
Award winning Class formats Coming up in August … and beyond!
🐾 NEW! Puppy FUN & AdoleSENSE classes starting 22nd August at 6pm in Malmesbury locations
🐾 NEW! UKSD Bronze Scent Detection classes starting September 4th in Didmarton
🐾 NEW! Scent ‘Detective Progression’ sessions starting September 4th in Didmarton
🐾 Continuing the BEST dog sport for all! Mantrailing Progression Sessions on Sundays AMs and Wednesdays AM. Introduction Workshops available on request. As sniffing is such an intense activity for Dogs, weekend afternoons are only held if the weather allows.
DM 🌭for details for classes that suit you and your Dog.
“… and don’t it feel good!” Read the below ⬇️ ….to help your Dog in a ‘snap’ hot weather situation. After all, they’re happening a lot now!
https://apawsitivestep.co.uk/top-tips-to-keep-your-dog-cool/
Can’t use the link? DM with 🕶️ below and I’ll send it over
… ‘Flooding’ - the humans desire in this 21st century world where we want our dogs to change in just ‘one lesson with me/half a day with me’ and whatever else the Bearded Dog Training community promise us.
But you are told flooding is ‘just exposing the Dog to too much socialisation settings in the first 16 weeks of their life? Yes, this is true but so are these ‘balanced trainers’ who overtrain these Dogs in too short a period of time. Youre actually seeing a resigned, wary and submissive dog. To the untrained eye, it’s thought of as ‘Obedience’.
It is not. It is being domineering and it needs to stop.
Read on for a little insight half way round the world…
Flooding....everyone has done this at some stage.
The big difference is it can be deliberate and intentional or completely unintentional.
Even with the very best of intentions.... suddenly the environment has changed.
Your dog is now faced with the very same stimuli they are afraid of and at an amount they may never have encountered before.....that is one example of flooding...unintentional flooding and it is vastly different to intentional flooding which forces dogs to comply.
.......which leads me to a topic that seems to be everywhere on social media.
Deliberately flooding dogs.....
However much that "compliance" looks like a success the fallout and emotional damage can be lifelong.
Watching videos of trainers with dogs scared out of their minds suddenly and "miraculously" change and "obey" when systematically and deliberately flooded is one of the WORST things out there on social media.
So beware of the quick fixes, the flooding techniques and the "amazing" one minute videos......
It is abuse.
One minute videos cut and slickly produced give the impression that in just a few minutes you can change an aggressive, scared, or reactive dog forever...........
.....and yes your dog will be "changed".
The change you may get though will be everything you never EVER wanted.
Feeling Hot Hot Hot! This poor GSD is an example of owners well meaning but not fully knowing about the consequences. (the owners gave full permission to share this info so it would help others. That’s what I’m doing 👍🏼)
Please research your Dogs wellbeing. You’ll be surprised what’s changed or added now 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
❗️HIDDEN DANGER❗Where? It's deceptive, right? This heat and humidity is still VERY dangerous to your dog. This temperature gauge is on a north facing wall at my home in the SHADE 😎
The PDSA Vets say DO NOT walk your dog for more than 30 minutes in this type of weather, especially when the temperature goes over 21 degrees. Look at the clouds then look at the temperature! DEFINITELY DO NOT LET THEM OFF LEAD.
Check out my blog posts on hidden daggers and what to do to help via the link or in my pinned posts at the top 🔼 https://apawsitivestep.co.uk/heat-and-dogs/
What struggles are you facing right now? DM with 😖 and let me help you solve that struggle?
A Very Important Pup… read on.
Brian, or Bing, the Alsatian (GSD) , receives his Dickin Medal along with his owner Betty Fetch (PDSA/PA)
“…As the D-Day landings began, Brian was parachuted into the town on Ranville but became stuck in a tree on his way down.
His fellow paratrooper Sgt Ken Bailey cut Brian down from the tree despite being under fire and the pair fought together over the next few months.
Brian, who took part in Operation Varsity, remained on active duty in occupied Germany but was eventually reunited with his family.
He was presented with his Dickin Medal on March 29 1947, with the citation: “For excellent patrol work and qualifying as a paratrooper, Airborne Division, Normandy, June 1944.”
Jan McLoughlin, PDSA.
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-dickin-medal
Today is in the UK!
… does the barking in your household make your blood curdle?
… does it grate when your dog jumps up?
… does your dog seem hole-y unaware of you around distractions?
DM me with a 🧀 and we’ll start that transformation process 👍🏼
June: It only gets warmer from here! (Let’s hope we’re not swapping cold rain for warm rain 😃)
Award winning Class formats Coming up in June … and beyond!
🐾 NEW! Puppy FUN & AdoleSENSE classes starting 10th June at 6pm in Kemble & Malmesbury’s also incorporating ‘Rehomes / Rescues’ of
⚠️PLEASE! Do NOT exercise (walk) your Dog in this weather. Exercise Caution!
⚠️Your Dog’s head lower than normal even at the start of a walk? STOP!
⚠️Your Dog panting or breathing fast even when they sit?
STOP!
⚠️Your Dog’s tongue and gums darker pink?
STOP!
⚠️ Your Dog lying on your artificial grass in the sun
STOP!
… did you know our temperatures in the UK are recorded in THE SHADE? We don’t get the gradual increase in seasonal temperatures anymore so be aware.
Dogs do not die from a lack of exercise for a few days. Please my two blog posts on what to look out for and what to do to help them.
https://apawsitivestep.co.uk/heat-and-dogs/
https://apawsitivestep.co.uk/top-tips-to-keep-your-dog-cool/
🐾 … as of June 2024, I’m excited to announce that I am going to be helping The Doggy Playschool Company with their vision of enriching and engaging training for their Clients. 🫶🏼
I will also be using this wonderful 10 acre facility for my own behaviour and training work. 👍🏼
Watch out for new Classes starting there the week beginning 10th June 🐾
Monaco has nothing on us! 💩🏁🤣
✋ STOP Training your Dog!
😇 Train the BEHAVIOUR!
. instead of correcting your Dog. Ask yourself WHY? Is my dog acting like this (No, it’s not dominance or being naughty) … it’s INFORMATION.
Ask me why 👍🏼🐾🫶🏼
So very worthwhile listening to this. Are you still thinking that a ‘Pop’ on the lead gets your dogs obedience? Please do think again 🤞🏼
… why do you think a Dog will not listen to you? Let me know and I’ll provide some surprising alternatives … in a good way 🫶🏼🐾☀️
... He's 40 today! Without these platforms, many small business and self employed people such as myself wouldn't be able to operate.
😁
😆
...Going to start sharing my favourite reviewer and honest opinion of food stuffs and dog food here in the UK.
to start, one of my favourite brands to recommend customers if they only feed 'kibble' and their dog doesn't have too many dietary requirements 😊- Orijen
Amen to this! 👍🏼
… Please look! 👀Our UK weather is doing its crazy thing again with no slow transitions for our Pets. Read on how to monitor the hidden danger of our HUMIDiTY and why walking your dog is NOT a great choice! ☀️
https://apawsitivestep.co.uk/heat-and-dogs/
My blog covers this but DM me for more info specific to your Dogs needs…
https://apple.news/AOkxZkMQ4S-OH9skteoIAHg
20,000 Dogs a year being put to sleep. Why IS no one sharing this heartbreaking news more often. How can you help those in need?
You CAN train your way out of any situation. The PDSA will help those on low incomes, with Vets Bills. Please look for help before rehoming
Do you ever think to yourself “This is not the Dog I am looking for?” 😜🐾
Malmesbury
Malmesbury
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 5pm |
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https://woodgreen.org.uk/pet-advice/dog/dogs-and-water-safety/ … brilliant post about responsible water play but having a safe, happy time with your Dogs. #wednesdaywisdom #heatwave #watersafety #responsibleparenting #dogownership #happydog #happydogs
#wednesdaywisdom #dogtrainingstruggles #dontworrybehappy #dogfriendly What struggles are you facing right now? DM with 😖 and let me help you solve that struggle?
Oxbow Daisys, Sunny weather, great location, great trailing!
Too many great moments today! Learning about scent picture and the change from narrow to wide open spaces 😎
Been waiting weeks for this moment. Kuno at his own pace, working through the fear of man-made water objects. All in his own time is known as ‘Freework’. What have done to build your Dogs optimism lately?
Discover the Detective within your Dog! Bronze, Silver and Gold level training available. #wiltshiredogsofinstagram #tetbury #cirencesterlife #wiltshiredogs #dogtrainingtips #snifferdogs #scentworktraining #wiltshire #wiltshirelife #gloucestershire
New Year, New Start! 😃 Come and employ your dog using their superpower! Click on the 🔗 in bio for more details 🐾
🎅🦌🎄Tis the Season to be Jolly so give the gift that keeps on giving to your Dog - Scent Work! You get the delight of watching them have fun too. Enter 2024 knowing you’re doing the best for your Dog. 🎄🦌🎅 Wiltshire’s only current Mantrailing and Scent Detection Instructor. Come and try the most fulfilling Dog Sport you can for your Dog - Sniffing! Mantrailing and Scent Detection both provide the greatest release of happy hormones your dog can muster. Mantrailing Introduction Workshop 🔎 🐾17th December at 9.30am Have a dog that isn’t comfortable in public places or lessons? One 2 One sessions for both Mantrailing and Scent Detection available in December. Click on the link in the bio to book 🔗 Develop time with your Dog in other ways too. Read the blog post about how to help you and your Dog enjoy a calm and cozy Christmas https://apawsitivestep.co.uk/christmas-with-your-dog/ 🐾 NEW! UK Sniffer Dogs BRONZE Scent Detection Course starts 6.30pm WEDS 3rd Jan 🐾 NEW! UK Sniffer Dogs SILVER Scent Detection starts 10th Jan 7pm 🐾 Puppy FUNdamentals - NEW course Saturday 6th January at 9AM 🐾 AdoleSENSE - NEW course Saturday 6th January at 10AM
Foundations. The title of the song playing. 📻 Very appropriate as Sundays Mantrailing would not have been so successful if the handlers hadn’t let their Dogs develop their foundations at a steady pace. Patience has been their test and they passed with flying colours. Well done, Teams! #mantrailing #snifferdogs #dogtrainer #wiltshiredogtrainer #malmesburylife #wiltshiredogsofinstagram #dogtrainingadvice #wiltshiremums
Despite heart and joint issues, He’s made it. Hoping we have many more years too 🥰. He’s had fuss, fun games and he still thinks he’s a lapdog! 🐾
With bonfire night looming, now is the time to start working on your dogs nervousness. Don't train whilst in the situation, train for it. I'll be hosting my Bins, Bangs and Blunders workshop on Saturday 16th September at 9.30am. During this 2 hour workshop you'll learn, practice and transform your Dogs passive coping mechanisms to ones of calm, growing optimism and knowing that they are safe. Book now: https://checkout.square.site/buy/SLVIOVYGSBXXYNPFRE4KC4J7
💡What is Mantrailing we hear you ask! Mantrailing is a scent-based dog sport, training dogs to find people by following their unique scent alone. As well as providing physical exercise, Mantrailing also engages your dog's incredible olfactory system, giving them an intense mental workout. It really is mindfulness for Dogs. Promotes Calm, massively increases optimism, builds Focus, disengages from the surroundings, brings arousal down, and aids impulse control. It is suitable for all dogs. Want to try it for yourself? Your pawsitive step into Mantrailing starts with an Introduction Workshop. Check our website for next available dates. #mantrailing #mantrailinguk #dogtraining #wiltshiredogs #dogsofthecotswolds #malmesbury
Mantrailing DATES for August are now LIVE! Click on the website link in the bio to book. Head to the Mantrailing page. Hurry as places go quickly! #mantrailing #mantrailingdog #mantrailingtraining #mantrailingforfun #igerswiltshire #wiltshirewalks #wiltshiredogs
Mindfulness. A really MASSIVE influence on your dogs behaviour is your own. The more you can fit in calming and relaxing activities to your life, the more your Dig will learn to relax too. A calm dog ALWAYS makes the next decisions. Each and every time. How will #mindfulness #keepyourdogcool #sundayvibes #malmesburydogs #dogtrainernearme #wiltshiredogs #dogtrainers #mantrailing #mantrailingdog #malmesburylife #cirencesterlife #tetbury you find your mindfulness this weekend?
Exercise Caution, not your Dogs! Summer is looking pretty dry right now but the humidity is a hidden threat. How do you help yours? Want ideas of how to help? Check out my Blog post for some really great tips and links to buy the best things to keep cool when things get hot! https://apawsitivestep.co.uk/tips-to-keep-your-dog-cool/ #malmesburylife #wiltshiredogsofinstagram #cirencesterlife #tetbury #wiltshiredogs #keepyourdogcool #fridayvibes #dogtrainingtips #dogslife #dogtrainingadvice #dogsafety #dogsafetytips #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainerslife #dogtrainer #dogtrainers #dogtraineruk #dogtrainernearme
This is a 9 month old Puppy on his 4th session of Mantrailing. He has the drive and determination. As handlers, we look to work on helping them become steady whilst keeping that optimism. Line handling is key!
What an Mantrailing Introduction Session! 🐾🥾🟰🙌🏼🥇I am in total awe of how quickly, smoothly and progressively the Handlers and Dogs did today… and every day I see my Students and/or colleagues Trail. It really is a wonder to let Dogs be Dogs and have the optimism to work as a real team with you 🥰🙌🏼🎉 This is a 9mth old puppy on his second trail of the day. Nailed it 👍🏻
Does your dog find the environment more appealing than staying with you on walks? Got a teenage dog who has gone selectively deaf?! 😉 Come along to my AdoleSENSE or Recall group classes to bring the focus back to you, the disengagement from that noise, smell or movement, the desire to want to be with you and the self control to think when the excitement is building! The AdoleSENSE Classes are suitable for dogs from 5 months to 2 years. The Recall and Retrieve class is suitable for all ages! All bookable via my website : https://www.apawsitivestep.co.uk See how 5 month old Atlas is working with three other dogs in the room but finds Mum really great fun to be with and listen to! 👍🏻🙌🏼🦴
Nothing like that feeling of achievement! Allow your Dog to feel the same and come to my UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze Scent Detection Course. Click the link in my bio to read more and book via my website. #uksnifferdogs #scent #scentwork #scentdetection #wiltshiredogs #wiltshiremums
Malmesbury and District Dog Training Club
Charlton Village Hall
