About
Training Ethos
Purple Paws is committed to using science-based, ethical and force-free training methods exclusively. As a business, we do not use fear, intimidation or pain to train dogs.
I believe dogs learn best when they feel safe and trust their humans, the last thing we want to do is make them afraid of you with shouting or shocking.
The bond you have with your dog is so important, in using positive training techniques, we can only make it better, and hopefully along the way help you and your dog better understand eachother.
My approach is about understanding the why behind a dog’s behaviour and working from the root to fulfil their needs. We use reward-based methods to strengthen the behaviours we want to see and slowly fade out those ‘undesirable’ ones. By doing this, we can help them become happier, more confident dogs and help you enjoy life with them again!
Ruby
I was always the kid in the park that stopped everyone with a dog to ask to say hello (yes, I know.) It was always a passion of mine to be around animals in some regard.
As I grew up my career ideas were always changing, I wanted to be a police horse woman, a ‘sniffer dog’ handler, a teacher. I decided that whatever it was I picked I wanted to help people.
In 2019 I started a job in childcare, which I was so passionate about. I worked my way up to a managerial position and after 3 years decided I needed something new.
2019 is also when I met Sledge, and we spent a LOT of time together in lockdown - little did I know something new was brewing… and in September of 2022 I did my first group walk!
A few years later and I’m now working towards a full APDT accreditation, I have so far completed APDT foundation year one, many different IMDT courses, read a plethora of books and watched countless webinars.
My passion for dogs is endless, they are the best co-workers I’ve ever had and I love them to pieces. I’m grateful every day to do what I love for a living.
Sledge
A 13 year old, stubborn as they come Husky! As a youngster he was relentless in all the best ways, and sometimes really challenging ways too. I know what it’s like to stand in the park and think “Is this really my dog?”
Sledge and I have worked really hard over the years and he’s not perfect but I’m okay with that. Having a perfect dog was never my goal, a happy and fulfilled one is.
In his retirement he enjoys pup-cups, long naps, car rides and trips to the drive thru for chicken nuggets.
Without him, Purple Paws wouldn’t exist - I owe it all to you buddy.
(Yes before you ask me, the fur shedding is constant)