Hi there!

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I’m Josie and I’m the founder of the Child and Canine Consultant and Positively Pawfect Ltd.

 

Here’s how I came to be a dog trainer…

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I originally qualified as a Barrister and got called to the Bar at Inner Temple in London.

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During my final year of training I became unwell and was eventually diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Fibromyalgia which impacted on my ability to practice. It took me a few years doing different jobs and completing various qualifications to figure out what I wanted to do as a career.

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I have always been a HUGE animal lover, having lots over the years – but my first experience of living with a dog was rather stressful and I wanted to be able to help Lola manage her anxieties and learn some manners. Through researching, trying and testing many positive reinforcement based methods I managed to help Lola become calmer, happier and confident. The incredible thing is, whilst I was helping her, she was also helping me by improving my health and wellbeing. Pushing myself to take her out for walks in the countryside when I was in pain or fatigued meant that my physical health improved and coming home to a joyous bundle of fluff after a long day at work undoubtedly cheered me up!

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My fascination with dog training and behaviour led me to discover the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behaviour. I always enjoyed watching her show ‘It’s Me or the Dog’ and was captivated by how much knowledge and understanding she had about the dog's mind and how she was able to help families enjoy living with their dogs. Having experienced first hand a puppy with emotional and behavioural complexities, I understand the impact this can have on the home life. I trained with the Academy on an intense hands-on course, learning about canine psychology, physiology, behavioural management and lots more.  I graduated from the course as a positive dog trainer with a distinction – I was over the moon! Shortly after qualifying, I trained through Family Paws Parent Education and Kids around Dogs to become a dog and child specialist. My passion for this came well before I had two children of my own joining our family with our two dogs, Lola and Bali. Having a new born or older children in a home with dogs can have its challenges as well as being incredibly fun however, I understand just how stressful it can be if things are not quite going to plan or if you have no idea where to start. This is why I work to support families, schools and agencies to ensure both the children, dogs and the adults are all happy and safe.