St Paws Training Academy

24/11/2025

Looking forward to supporting these two lovely brothers.

19/11/2025

Many years ago, while attempting to demonstrate some no-pulling techniques in a seminar, I was utterly exasperated by a young Labrador.

Clancy had leaped up and head punched me very hard not once but twice, making me see stars and really hurting my nose. Clancy was not malicious or intending harm, he was just an exuberant adolescent who had been taught that leaping around was acceptable. Not being physically sensitive himself, it was doubtful that it dawned on the dog that a head butt was very painful to a human.

I had been patient, kind, vaguely successful but by the second slam to my face, my patience began to shred. I began to think, “One good correction might get through this dog’s thick skull.” I surprised myself by thinking that, but then I further shocked myself (and some of the audience) when I asked the handler explicitly for permission to use a physical correction on her dog.

She agreed, trusting me as a trainer to do right by her dog.

In that moment when she trustingly agreed to let me use force on her dog, I found something in myself that surprised me further: a little voice that challenged me to push myself further, to help this dog without force.

Read more of this article at:
➡ https://suzanneclothier.com/article/i-had-to/

19/11/2025

I've loved working with this gorgeous girl
on engagement. She's a joyful lady 💛 Well done and looking forward to hearing how you get on.

16/11/2025

Hey I run St Paws Training Academy, providing clear, ethical and evidence-based dog training for rescue dogs and reactive dogs.
I focus on practical, tailored sessions that build skills, reduce stress and help owners understand their dogs’ behaviour.
I’d value the opportunity to be part of the community, .
photo by the fab

13/11/2025

I'm looking forward to speaking to Nathan Ll about recall on the Yappily podcast tonight! 🎙️

05/11/2025

💌 Have you signed up for my newsletter? 💌 https://www.stpawstrainingacademy.co.uk/newsletter Photo of a black lab retriever catching meat bubbles. Photo by the fab Teefs and Tails Dog Photography

01/11/2025

🦔

🔥🦔 Bonfire Night is almost here - but while it’s fun for us, it can be deadly for wildlife.

Hedgehogs, toads, frogs and other small animals often see unlit bonfires as the perfect place to shelter and keep warm. Tragically, many don’t make it out once the fire is lit. 💔

If you’re planning a bonfire, please follow these simple steps to help protect our wild friends:
✨ Build on the day – never leave wood piles sitting overnight.
✨ Check and lift your bonfire carefully before lighting.
✨ Use a torch to look for movement, especially hedgehogs curled in the leaves.
✨ Provide an alternative shelter nearby for wildlife to use instead.

A few minutes of care could save a life. 💚

23/10/2025

Worried about trick or treaters? 👻

A sign on the door saying nervous dogs can prevent trick or treaters from worrying your dog. Or you could pop sweets outside the front of your house.

21/10/2025

Loved meeting gorgeous dog Reggie at London Colney Primary School today while I did a talk for the Blue Cross about being a doggie detective and the 3 c's of canine choice!

20/10/2025

Thank you The St Albans Times for sharing information to help dogs and people🎇

St Albans resident Lisa Sinnott, behaviourist from St Paws Training Academy, offers tips to help dogs feel more secure during fireworks.

19/10/2025

Mental health matters for dogs too. Lincoln University have scales to look at anxiety in dogs https://ipstore.lincoln.ac.uk/product/the-lincoln-canine-anxiety-scale-lcas