Paws Academy Dog Training

Paws Academy Dog Training Led by a qualified trainer and behaviourist, we are dedicated to using force-free, science-backed methods to achieve lasting, positive results.

⭐⭐Dog Trainer of the Year 25/26 ⭐⭐

Positive, reward-based dog training led by a qualified behaviourist, with behaviour support, puppy classes, online training, bespoke 1:1 calls, obedience training and agility to help dogs grow in confidence and thrive. Welcome to Paws Academy Dog Training

With over 30 years of experience, Paws Academy provides professional dog training and behaviour support, bo

th online and through one-to-one and group classes in Co Mayo. Our training is vet recommended, and we specialise in supporting all behavioural challenges, with significant experience working with rescue dogs. Our services include:
* Puppy training classes
* Specialised workshops
* Behaviour modification programmes
* Agility training
* Online training

At Paws Academy, we are committed to helping you develop a well-behaved, confident, and happy dog through ethical, reward-based training.

If your puppy feels like they have burst into your life, that energy is not the problem. It is the opportunity.Inside Pa...
29/12/2025

If your puppy feels like they have burst into your life, that energy is not the problem. It is the opportunity.

Inside Paws Puppy Club, we show you how to:
• Build calm focus
• Teach great manners from day one
• Prevent common puppy problems before they start
• Train positively, clearly, and confidently at home

You will also have access to our Paws Pack community space, where you can ask questions, get practical training advice, and receive ongoing support as your puppy grows.

This is step by step online guidance, designed for real puppies and real families.

Join Paws Puppy Club today 👇

Today’s walk started off as what I thought was a good idea…..It was not…..Sully, of course, had the best time of his lif...
29/12/2025

Today’s walk started off as what I thought was a good idea…..

It was not…..

Sully, of course, had the best time of his life 🩶

Meanwhile Matthew and I are still getting over this nasty bug that’s going around…..Cue a cold forest mountain trail and us coughing our way to the top….. So now we’ve retired for the afternoon…..We’re horizontal, Sully’s happy, and we’re binge-watching Star Wars 🙂

Honestly….. could be worse 🙈😂

What day is it???? ⏰ Anyone else struggling to remember what day of the week it is…. All I know is it’s between Christma...
28/12/2025

What day is it???? ⏰

Anyone else struggling to remember what day of the week it is…. All I know is it’s between Christmas and New Year, and my schedule has officially retired. 😂

🐶 Movement, mouthiness and meltdowns 🐶If you have a puppy who suddenly cannot settle, starts biting more than usual or h...
27/12/2025

🐶 Movement, mouthiness and meltdowns 🐶

If you have a puppy who suddenly cannot settle, starts biting more than usual or has big emotional moments, you are not alone.

These behaviours often show up together, and we sometimes refer to them as the 3 Ms.
Movement, mouthiness and meltdowns.

Movement might look like pacing, zooming about or struggling to switch off.
Mouthiness can show as increased biting, grabbing clothes or chewing hands.
Meltdowns may look like barking, whining, frustration or a complete loss of focus.

These are not signs of a badly behaved puppy. They are usually a sign that your puppy has had a lot to take in and needs support, rest and clearer structure.

Inside Puppy Club, we talk about things like this in detail. Not just what is happening, but why it is happening and how to respond in a way that actually helps.

Alongside the core course content, Puppy Club also covers
• understanding common puppy behaviour
• recognising when puppies need rest or a reset
• managing busy days and changes to routine
• building calm foundations rather than pushing through
• reassurance that many behaviours are normal and temporary

If you would like guidance, reassurance and a supportive space to learn alongside others going through the same stage, we would love to welcome you into Puppy Club.

See below.....

26/12/2025

Walking off the calories consumed yesterday 😂

Hope you are having a lovely Boxing Day 🎄

Happy Christmas Sully 🎄🥰
25/12/2025

Happy Christmas Sully 🎄🥰

Wishing all of our wonderful clients and followers a very happy Christmas and a joyful New Year. Enjoy the festivitie...
24/12/2025

Wishing all of our wonderful clients and followers a very happy Christmas and a joyful New Year. Enjoy the festivities over the next couple days, we are looking forward to some downtime and eating and drinking far too much! :) I mean it is Christmas after all......

Thank you for being part of the Paws Academy community and for trusting us with your dogs throughout the year. Your support truly means a great deal to us, and we are grateful to share in your dogs’ progress and achievements.

We look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead.

Warmest wishes,
Renee and the Paws Team ❤☃

One of the most valuable skills a dog can learn is the ability to simply watch the world without feeling the need to rea...
24/12/2025

One of the most valuable skills a dog can learn is the ability to simply watch the world without feeling the need to react. Calm observation sounds small, yet it shapes behaviour in every environment.

When dogs learn to observe quietly, they gain emotional stability, clearer focus and the ability to make thoughtful choices rather than impulsive ones.

Calm observation teaches dogs how to process information without pressure. Instead of rushing toward every movement, sound or scent, the dog learns to pause, assess and remain composed. This single skill supports loose lead walking, polite greetings, recall, reactivity work and everyday confidence.

Dogs naturally respond to movement and stimulation, especially in busy environments. Without guidance, they may bounce from one distraction to another, feeling heightened or uncertain. Reinforcing calm observation teaches the dog that they can exist within the environment without needing to interact with everything in it.

Reinforcement is the key. When a dog looks at something calmly, even for a second, marking and rewarding that moment strengthens the behaviour. Over time, the dog develops the habit of checking in, slowing down and choosing to remain settled. These small moments accumulate into lasting behavioural change.

Calm observation is especially beneficial for puppies who are learning how the world works, for adolescent dogs who struggle with impulse regulation and for dogs who become easily stimulated or sensitive in new spaces. This skill gives them a safe framework for understanding their surroundings.

The process relies on creating manageable situations. Distance, predictability and clear expectations help the dog stay within an emotional range where learning is possible. When the dog feels secure, they can observe without tension and their ability to stay calm improves steadily.

This approach also reduces frustration. Dogs who spend their walks pulling toward every stimulus often become tense because they cannot predict how to respond. Teaching calm observation removes this sense of urgency and encourages steady emotional processing. It turns busy environments into learning opportunities rather than sources of stress.

The benefits extend well beyond training sessions. A dog who can observe calmly finds it easier to settle at cafés, ignore other dogs during walks, wait politely in the car, remain composed around visitors and navigate unpredictable environments with confidence. Calm observation becomes a transferable life skill that supports both safety and emotional wellbeing.

This method reinforces why training must be individualised. Some dogs naturally observe before they act. Others need structured support to develop this skill. Breed tendencies, temperament and previous experiences all influence how easily a dog can watch the world quietly. Tailoring the process ensures the dog progresses at a pace that feels comfortable.

Teaching calm observation is one of the simplest yet most transformative things we can do for dogs. It builds emotional resilience, reduces reactivity and creates steadier behaviour across daily life.

If you would like guidance in teaching calm observation or would like a structured plan to support your dog’s development, please feel free to get in touch. I would be delighted to help. ❤

Christmas Eve has finally arrived, and if you live with a dog you will know that the excitement of today can feel very d...
24/12/2025

Christmas Eve has finally arrived, and if you live with a dog you will know that the excitement of today can feel very different for them. While we rush around finishing food prep, sorting presents and welcoming visitors, our dogs are trying to understand why the house suddenly feels busier, louder and full of new smells. It is easy to forget how much change they have already taken in before the celebrations have even begun.

So this evening, take a moment to slow the pace for them. Give a steady walk before things get lively, keep meals predictable, and double check that tempting festive treats are out of reach. A quick tidy around the tree, a safe spot set aside for quiet time and a distraction toy at the ready can make the whole evening run more smoothly. If you have guests popping in, remind everyone to let your dog decide if they want to say hello rather than expecting them to join in straight away.

Later tonight, as the excitement builds for Christmas morning, your dog will benefit from a peaceful wind down. A gentle stroke, a few reassuring words or simply sitting together for a moment can help them settle after a day of unusual activity. It is these small bits of preparation that help your dog feel secure, even when everything around them is a little less predictable than usual.

Wishing you and your dog a relaxed Christmas Eve and a calm start to tomorrow. ❤

The first photo is being a super boy in Westport today whilst Matthew finished his Xmas shopping…. The second photo is n...
23/12/2025

The first photo is being a super boy in Westport today whilst Matthew finished his Xmas shopping…. The second photo is now, exhausted after his adventures….. 🥰

His focus on me and his calmness whilst waiting outside shops all comes from the foundations that we teach in puppy school 🙂 Sully would be considered really nervous, anxious and (given the right opportunity) would be reactive… however with the right training, any dog can be supported and be able to cope in most situations that they are presented with….💛

Ps - it was lovely to see so many of our clients in town today, wishing you all a very merry Christmas 🎄

A nervous dog does not need louder encouragement or bigger challenges. What they need is structure that feels safe, pred...
23/12/2025

A nervous dog does not need louder encouragement or bigger challenges. What they need is structure that feels safe, predictable and achievable.

Agility can be one of the most effective confidence building tools for nervous dogs when it is introduced with thoughtful guidance and controlled progression.

Many people assume agility is only suitable for bold or energetic dogs, yet the opposite is often true. Nervous dogs benefit greatly from the clear routines, gentle challenges and steady emotional support that well structured agility provides.

Predictability is the first pillar. Nervous dogs feel safer when they understand what is about to happen. Repeating simple patterns, using consistent cues and introducing obstacles in a clear order helps the nervous system settle. When the dog knows what to expect, their focus improves and their emotional tension decreases.

Safe challenge levels are essential. The goal is not to push the dog but to guide them through steps that feel manageable. Starting with low, stable equipment, slow movement and simple exercises allows the dog to succeed without feeling pressured. Each small success encourages the dog to approach the next step with more confidence.

Routine plays a vital role in emotional stability. Agility sessions that follow a familiar structure help nervous dogs feel grounded. Beginning with calm engagement, progressing into gentle movement and ending with predictable tasks creates a training environment where the dog feels supported throughout. Routine reduces uncertainty and gives nervous dogs a sense of control.

Achievable success is the heart of confidence building. Nervous dogs flourish when they repeatedly experience small wins. Walking over a low plank, stepping through a tunnel entrance or responding to a simple positional cue becomes a confidence growing moment. These wins accumulate and reshape the dog’s expectations about their own abilities.

Agility also develops body awareness, which can reduce anxiety. Nervous dogs often struggle with coordination or hesitate when facing unfamiliar surfaces. Agility foundations create opportunities to practise controlled movement in a safe and structured way. As the dog becomes more aware of their body, their confidence increases in everyday environments as well.

The emotional benefits extend beyond the equipment. Agility teaches dogs how to navigate gentle challenges without fear. It offers a safe space to practise regulation, decision making and engagement. Nervous dogs learn that new situations do not have to be frightening when introduced at the right pace.

This approach reinforces why agility training must be tailored to the individual dog. Some nervous dogs progress quickly once they feel safe. Others need time, slower steps and careful observation. There is no single pathway that suits every dog, and thoughtful adaptation ensures steady progress.

When agility is taught with controlled structure, nervous dogs develop genuine confidence. They learn through success, predictability and calm guidance. With the right approach, agility becomes far more than a sport. It becomes a powerful tool for emotional growth.

If you would like support in introducing agility to a nervous dog or creating a confidence building plan, please feel free to get in touch. I would be delighted to help. ❤

Address

Aughness South, Ballycroy, Westport
Mayo
F28YR65

Telephone

+353857574185

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About Kola-Beanz

Kola-Beanz Equestrian and Pet supplies is a family run business in Co Mayo, Ireland. We are proud to be working with some of the best equestrian and pet brands, all hand chosen by us, to ensure that we only stock products that we know and trust.

This ensures that we only sell items which are superior quality, hardwearing, have a great design, plus are the latest in high end fashion.

We specialise in the HAAS Brushes and HAAS Brush Sets and have exclusive Brush Packs designed for your horses particular colour and coat. As well as stocking all the HAAS brushes individually.

At Kola-Beanz we are dedicated to providing award winning customer service, and have a fantastic customer loyalty reward scheme, called ‘Blue Points’. Blue-Points are given for every purchase made, plus bonus blue-points are awarded for sharing to FB, Twitter or following on Instagram. Plus you get money off vouchers as part of our refer a friend scheme. Your Blue-Points can then be used for money off purchases or great gifts! It’s good to be rewarded!