Why we changed from Paws Off to Puppy Tales
Over the past few years I have been working incredibly hard behind the scenes, revamping the puppy training programs we provide for puppy owners across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.
I’d love to take this opportunity to share with you a little information about who we are, what we do and what brought about the decision to change the name from Paws Off to Puppy Tales.
The ‘Paws Off’ ethos
For over a decade I have been working as a dog trainer across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire providing puppy classes, classes for adult dogs, Scentwork workshops and home visits for owners who need help with their dog/puppy training.
I have also worked as an Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist offering behaviour consultations on veterinary referral to help owners with dogs who exhibit severe behavioural issues such as aggression, separation problems and generalised anxiety disorders.
When I set up my dog training and behaviour business, Paws Off, back in 2009 the name was chosen to reflect my dog training ethos.
I take a ‘hands (paws) off’ approach to dog training and behaviour change through the use of positive reinforcement and a focus on emotional motivation. No force, intimidation or coercive methods are used and the highest standard of welfare is always at the core of my practice.
“If you change nothing, nothing will change.”
And then came COVID. The pandemic was a challenging time for everyone. And who would’ve thought that dog training classes and consults could be successful online? Certainly not me!
But online training WAS successful.
And if this change could be successful, perhaps this was an opportunity for further evaluation? To rethink, not only how I was working with dogs and their owners but also, how I show up in the world through my work.
Puppy specialist
On reflection, I realised that it is my work with puppies and their owners that truly lights up my heart.
There really is no better feeling than watching chaos turn to calm, as owner and puppy train and learn together. I feel privileged each and every time I get to work with a family and their new puppy.
So whilst my ethos remains the same, the name Paws Off no longer FULLY represents who I am or what I do. I want to dedicate my time to helping puppy owners get the best out of their training journey.
Expectation vs reality
I know all too well how difficult the initial few months of raising a puppy can be. Both personal experience and my work with countless puppy owners over the years has taught me that it isn’t always ‘love at first sight’. And this can bring up questions like……..
My last dog wasn’t like this – why is my puppy behaving this way? Is it something I have done?
How do I do the best for my puppy when I am overwhelmed by conflicting sources of information? What is the best advice to follow?
Why is my puppy so nervous? They can’t even enjoy ‘normal’ everyday activities like going for a walk or meeting new people. Will it always be like this?
I feel anxious and guilty that I haven’t instantly bonded with my puppy – is this normal? Now the puppy is here to stay – have I made a mistake?
The reality of life with a new puppy doesn’t always meet the expectation. In exploring these questions we can find solutions.
The value of storytelling
So why the name Puppy Tales?
I understand the value in storytelling – the telling of tales. Our ancestors would gather around fires and share stories to make sense of the world around them. To pass on knowledge and wisdom.
Fairy Tales, whilst entertaining, also exist to teach clear lessons in morality in a way that is easy to remember.
Puppy Tales exists to share the knowledge and wisdom I have gathered from years of academic study and over a decade working with dogs, puppies and owners.
Through sharing my stories I aim to help puppy owners successfully navigate the initial, most crucial part of their puppy’s development, in a way that is fun and easy to understand.
Get in touch
So if you, or anyone you know, is struggling with a new puppy and would like some help and advice, please get in touch.
