Four Paws Training

08/01/2025

Love this infographic from ABCDogsNZ. We have a mantra, what is rewarded is repeated, and what is repeated is practiced and what is practiced is perfected. Stop and think about what you want to see your dog do.

Ask a trainer here, we are happy to help. :)

What isn't talked about often enough is timing and how we can inadvertently cause some very real issues with rewarding.
Training ❓
Have rewards with you ? Great ✅
How you use them is KEY.
Common issues are rewarding a behaviour you may like but they are jumping or pawing for the reward.
You could have rewarded the jumping and pawing...and that can be repeated.
Rewarding walking beside you but from the opposite hand which causes a dog to cross over in front of you.
You could have rewarded crossing or walking in front of you....and that can be repeated.
Only reward the behaviour you want (or the smaller steps towards that behaviour).

Be clear when rewarding, because what is rewarded WILL be repeated and you may not like what you have accidentally caused your dog to repeat
This dog training graphic is available abcdogsnz.com

08/01/2025

For the second year running we have won a Global Recognition Award :-)

Good news. Our judging panel have awarded you a Global Recognition Award.

Four Paws Training, led by Paul Ives, has been recognized with a 2025 Global Recognition Award for exceptional canine behavior education and training across the United Kingdom. It has helped over 1,000 dogs and their owners through effective teaching methods and service programs that meet high industry standards. It demonstrates measurable success in addressing complex behavioral challenges while maintaining the highest levels of professional excellence.

It offers residential training with personalized rehabilitation programs, giving each dog tailored attention for their behavioral challenges. Its comprehensive approach includes detailed behavioral assessments, customized training plans, and specialized interventions for issues ranging from anxiety to aggression. Regular progress updates and ongoing support help create lasting improvements between pets and their owners, supplemented by detailed documentation and video demonstrations of training techniques.

Leadership Excellence and Innovation

Paul Ives and his team demonstrate strong leadership through their comprehensive training methodology, which combines traditional techniques with modern behavioral science. Perfect scores in ethical decision-making showcase its focus on animal welfare and professional standards, reflected in carefully considering each dog's needs and temperament. "Our focus remains on developing strong, positive relationships between dogs and their owners," says Paul, who guides the company's direction through evidence-based practices and continuous professional development.

Its teaching methods have improved traditional dog training practices by integrating behavioral science and positive reinforcement techniques. Professional trainers achieve consistent results with cases from basic obedience to complex behavioral rehabilitation, utilizing advanced training protocols and systematic evaluation methods. Strong innovation and strategic planning scores reflect its industry expertise, demonstrated through successfully handling challenging cases and developing new training approaches.

Service Impact and Community Engagement

Four Paws Training delivers results beyond individual success stories, creating lasting positive changes in the broader dog owners and trainers community. Its approach to behavioral challenges has earned top marks across service metrics, including community impact and program sustainability, supported by detailed documentation of successful interventions and positive outcomes. Its professional trainers maintain high-quality service standards throughout their interventions, ensuring consistent results across various behavioral challenges and dog breeds.

It sets practical standards for dog training services through systematic evaluation and measurement of training outcomes. Its programs create lasting positive changes for pets and owners, supported by comprehensive follow-up support and ongoing education resources. Clients regularly validate its systematic approach and successful outcomes through detailed testimonials and documented behavioral improvements in their pets.

Final Words

Four Paws Training excels in leadership, service, and teaching in canine behavior education, as demonstrated by its comprehensive training programs and consistent positive outcomes. Its evaluation scores demonstrate high standards and thorough training methods, supported by documented success rates and positive client feedback across various behavioral challenges.

Its practical methods and focus on client success have improved professional dog training services throughout the United Kingdom. This award recognizes its contributions to canine behavior modification and positive outcomes for dogs and owners, supported by perfect scores across multiple assessment categories and demonstrated excellence in service delivery. Its impact extends beyond individual cases to influence industry standards and practices in professional dog training.

08/01/2025

So here is the news that we promised for the new year…Four Paws Training has joined forces with Companion:ABLE training bringing a whole new and exciting way to help you build that amazing bond with your dog. Using ethical training methods focusing on positive reinforcement we now have new and improved board and train programs that offer a superior training experience for you and your dog. Coupled with an extensive support package and also online training courses too, we feel we have a training program that is suitable for everyone and their dog.

Also coming soon is an online members section that can be used on a monthly subscription giving you hands on advice and training videos giving you a great introduction into training your dog.

2025 is going to be an exciting year, as we help more people and their dogs. Suzy from companionable training, who is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist said today that she is looking forward to an exciting new year full of new challenges and with the existing Four Paws Team and her own experience we will be able to offer so much more.

04/01/2025

Some cute pics of dogs that have trained with Four Paws give us a call to make your dog the next success story

23/12/2024

Watch this space for news and updates on Four Paws Training in January lots of exciting things happening meaning we can help more owners and their dogs enjoy a harmonious and happy life together.

23/12/2024

Thanks to all our customers over the last 2 years and all the new ones working with us in 2025. Have a happy Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year from all at the Four Paws Team

15/12/2024

Wouldn’t it be great to have a white. Christmas then we can all go out and play in the snow but say our dogs made us do it 👍

14/12/2024

Bruno went to the 3 week residential training with a bit of separation anxiety to me along with disobedience and growing concerns over him becoming more reactive. His lead manners were bad and just generally needed to learn to listen and we needed to understand why he wasn’t responding to us. We received videos daily which we still look at now a month since being home. These are great reminders to keep on track.
Bruno settled very well with Steve and we could see his responsiveness growing each video. We were amazed to see him walking alongside other GSDs where before he had a disliking to them.
A month on and he’s continued to be so obedient, listening and coming back when called. He’s a happier dog for the discipline and we even got guidance on his weight, how to feed him and protect his hips etc. you can tell Steve and the whole team are very experienced and professional.
My biggest fears were him being unsettled and not loved/ looked after it coming back with no personality so we wanted somewhere where the balance would be right.
Our other biggest fear was him coming back and slipping into the same habits. He’s very good still a month on. You have to be prepared to listen and watch the videos and at the handover really take on board all the advice to continue the great work.

We will absolutely consider using the services again if needed and would 100% recommend! Thank you Steve!

Photo of the 14 month GSD back home waiting patiently with his brothers for a treat. We have continued to hand feed only with Bruno which seems to keep him focussed with us.

09/11/2024

Out playing ball with Milo

02/11/2024

Just chilling out on a Saturday afternoon

31/10/2024

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30/10/2024

Great Halloween decorations near us

29/10/2024

What a great idea

22/10/2024

Keeping Your Dog Safe During Fireworks and Halloween Season: A Guide for Pet Owners

As fun as fireworks and Halloween can be for humans, these seasonal events often cause stress and anxiety for our beloved dogs. The loud explosions of fireworks, the doorbell ringing constantly with trick-or-treaters, and strange costumes can all lead to confusion, fear, and even dangerous behaviors in pets. Here’s how you can keep your dog safe and calm during the firework and Halloween season.

1. Prepare a Safe Space Indoors
Fireworks and Halloween night can cause your dog to feel frightened, leading them to run away or hide. Prepare a cozy, quiet space inside your home where your dog feels safe. This could be a familiar room with their favorite toys, blankets, or bed. Close windows, draw curtains, and play calming music or white noise to muffle the sounds of fireworks or doorbells.

Pro tip: Make this safe space accessible even before the noise begins, so your dog can retreat there when they need to. Crate training can also be helpful if your dog is crate-trained, as the crate often serves as a "den" where they feel secure.

2. Exercise and Tire Out Your Dog
A tired dog is a calm dog. On the day of any firework displays or Halloween festivities, take your dog for a long walk or have an extended play session. This will help burn off extra energy and make them more likely to relax once the festivities begin.

Just be sure to get home before any fireworks or trick-or-treaters start arriving. Keeping your dog indoors during this time is crucial for their safety.

3. Keep Your Dog Away from the Front Door
During Halloween, your front door will likely be opened frequently for trick-or-treaters. Dogs may try to escape through an open door, especially if they’re feeling anxious. Keep your dog in a separate room or behind a baby gate during the busiest trick-or-treating hours to prevent them from dashing outside or reacting negatively to the costumes and visitors.

Additionally, ensure your dog is microchipped and has updated ID tags on their collar, in case they do manage to escape.

4. Watch Out for Halloween Hazards
Halloween brings with it extra hazards for pets. Chocolate, candy wrappers, and decorations like fake spider webs can be dangerous if ingested by your dog. Make sure all Halloween treats and decorations are kept out of your dog’s reach, and remind guests or family members not to feed your dog any candy.

If your dog gets nervous around strangers in costume, consider keeping them in a quiet room with toys or long-lasting chews during trick-or-treat hours.

5. Stay Calm and Consistent
Dogs often pick up on our emotions. If you stay calm and act normally, your dog will be more likely to feel secure. Stick to your dog’s usual routine as much as possible, including mealtimes, walks, and play sessions. Consistency can provide your dog with a sense of stability, even when their environment feels chaotic.

Conclusion
Fireworks and Halloween can be a difficult time for dogs, but with a bit of planning, you can help keep them safe, calm, and comfortable. By creating a secure environment, using calming aids, and being mindful of potential hazards, you’ll make these events less stressful for your furry friend. Remember, your dog’s well-being should always be a priority during festive seasons.

By taking these steps, you’ll not only keep your dog safe but also give them the support they need to cope with these unsettling occasions. Happy (and safe) Halloween to you and your pets!

Hope this helps provide some comfort to both you and your dog during these seasonal events!

18/10/2024