Paws4Fun

13/07/2025

What is happening at Paws4Fun ?

In the 13 years i have been running i have tried many formats, the only way you know is if you try!
Class format for puppy foundation and continuation classes is now, pay monthly, stay as long as you like, train and practice at your own pace, there is no start or finish, take part in Kennel Club assessments or dont, no pressure just fun and safe learning.
Still small classes and individual attention, from a Kennel Club Accredited trainer and a certified behavior practitioner.

09/07/2025

This young lady is a Golden Retriever who has started training with us tonight in puppy class, she will be training towards being an assistance dog. She has made a great start on her Settle mat and loose lead walking tonight.

07/07/2025

Congratulations Paige and Jennie.

06/07/2025

This is an amazing action shot of my Storm taken by Nigel Wallace last year.
If you have a dog that loves Frisbee i recommend using him for action shots.
Also if you are keen to do more Frisbee we would love to create a UK league or simply a monthly training session for fun.
Your dog would need to be fit, obedient and friendly.
Get in touch.
for more info on League see the link.

K9 Frisbee Toss & Fetch Worldwide League

https://g.co/kgs/DTZF1xa

05/07/2025

Wonderful, should i sign up ? 😬

04/07/2025

Well who knew there was so much to it ? 🐾

Unit 7 of Level 6 with ISCP, continued CPD with force free ethical providers is very important, alongside experience of course.

03/07/2025

Send away, send to bed Cue is taught in a positive rewarding way.

26/06/2025

We have one space available in an adult dog class, this is not for a beginner, it would suit a dog and handler with some previous experience who are happy to work in a small group working towards kennel club good citizen scheme assessments, this is optional.
Please get in touch for more information and to see if this class is what you are looking for.
🐾 reward based training
🐾 max 5 dogs in the group
🐾 advanced obedience skills.
Kennel club listed and Kennel club accredited trainer. 🐾🐾

25/06/2025

Dogs are NOT toys! They are living, feeling beings with needs, limits, and emotions.

✨ It’s our responsibility to respect their body language, honor their boundaries, and give them space!

Take this photo for example… It may seem harmless, but the dog is giving clear signals (tight face, looking away, closed tense mouth) that they are uncomfortable!

❌ Just because a dog is cute doesn’t mean they’re comfortable with being hugged, climbed on, or approached.

👀 Watch their signals and their body language! Listen to what they’re telling you—because every dog deserves to feel safe and respected!

Want to learn more about dog body language? Join us for our LIVE Dogs & Toddlers Webinar on July 15th at 7PM EST!

To register, please find the link in our bio or use the one below ⬇️

🔗https://familypawsbooking.as.me/schedule/1450ac5a/?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=19391069

25/06/2025

A big part of my recent study has been Epigenetic’s, its a fascinating subject that is helping me understand more about our dogs and us too.

We often think of trauma as something that happens to an individual, a specific event, a particular hardship. But what if that trauma can be passed down through generations?

It turns out, this isn’t just theory. In both humans and animals, generational trauma is real and we’re starting to understand just how deep it runs.

One of the most striking studies on this was conducted with mice. In this experiment, researchers exposed a group of male mice to the scent of cherry blossoms while delivering mild electric shocks. Unsurprisingly, the mice began to associate the smell with danger and displayed clear signs of fear whenever they encountered it.

Here’s the extraordinary part: their offspring, and even their grand-offspring, were also afraid of the cherry blossom scent, despite never having experienced the shocks themselves. Analysis showed changes not only in behaviour but in the structure of the mice’s brains and even their DNA. Trauma had left a biological imprint that was inherited.

This concept of epigenetic inheritance may explain why some dogs, particularly those from puppy farms or rescue situations, can present with significant behavioural challenges even if they’ve never experienced direct abuse or trauma themselves.
In puppy farms, for example, generations of dogs may be born into high-stress, deprived environments. Mothers often suffer extreme neglect, lack of enrichment, and chronic stress. Their puppies even when adopted into loving homes can carry the emotional residue of that experience. It’s not just poor socialisation. It’s a history written into their nervous systems.

Understanding this changes everything.

When working with fearful, reactive, or shut-down dogs particularly those from difficult or unknown backgrounds we must approach them with greater compassion, patience, and a trauma-informed mindset. It’s not always about “fixing” a behaviour, but understanding its roots, and giving the dog a chance to feel safe enough to start healing.

If you’re living with a dog who seems stuck in fear or overreacts to the world in ways that don’t make sense you’re not alone, and they’re not broken.

22/06/2025

I have had a few people ask me about training their dog to be an assistance dog recently, TDTUK offer training and public access test, i am an affiliate trainer and offer in person training around TDTUK.
* therapy dogs are not assistance dogs*

Email from TDT Canine Services UK Ltd Train Your Pet Dog to support you as an Assistance Dog   20% Discount TDT UK - Family Dog Foundation Training for Assistance Dogs Would you like your pet to becom

22/06/2025

Puppy classes are now a rolling program, stay a min of 5 weeks up to when you and your dog are ready to continue to Bronze or when you are ready for a break.
Kennel club good citizen scheme puppy foundation certificate is available for those who wish to achieve it suggested minimum of 10 weeks, this is not compulsory.
Have fun with your puppy. 🐾🐾