2026: Building, Listening & Moving Forward in Dog Training & Walking

2026: Building, Listening & Moving Forward in Dog Training & Walking

As the first weeks of 2026 unfold, it feels like a good time to pause — not to make big declarations, but to take stock of where things are heading and what I want to continue building.

For me, this year isn’t about drastic change. It’s about steady progress, keeping dogs at the centre of everything I do, and developing The Paw-sitive Experience in a way that feels ethical, realistic and sustainable.

Over the coming months, my focus is on supporting more people, helping more dogs, and continuing to grow both the training and walking sides of the business with clarity and care.

Continuing to Grow as a Dog Trainer

Over the past year, I’ve felt increasingly settled in my work as a dog trainer.

Not because learning has stopped — far from it — but because I trust my knowledge, my experience and my approach. I’m confident in the way I work with dogs and owners, and in the value of training that prioritises understanding, communication and relationship over quick fixes or rigid expectations.

That confidence comes from seeing real, meaningful progress:

• dogs becoming calmer and more settled

• owners feeling more capable and less overwhelmed

• skills transferring into everyday life, not just class settings

That’s the kind of training I want to continue building on throughout 2026.

I’ll also be continuing my Level 6 Advanced Canine Behaviour studies this year, deepening my understanding of behaviour, emotion and learning — knowledge that feeds directly into the practical, real-life support I offer clients.

Training Plans for the Months Ahead

As we move through the first half of 2026, I’ll be developing the training side of the business in a more structured and intentional way.

Over the coming months, I’ll be running a rotating programme of small-group courses and workshops, including:

• Adolescent Life Skills – a longer course focused on calm behaviour, focus, impulse control and coping with the challenges of adolescence in real-world situations

• Loose Lead Walking & Recall Workshops – practical, outdoor sessions aimed at improving everyday walks rather than achieving “perfect” obedience

• Children & Dogs: Confidence and Understanding – a short, fun and educational course to help children feel safer and more confident around dogs, understand body language and learn respectful interaction

• General Obedience / Life Skills – for dogs who have completed earlier training and need support applying skills in everyday life

Later in the year, once the weather improves, I’m also looking forward to bringing back gundog-based training for pet dogs. This style of training focuses on engagement, impulse control, recall and calm behaviour, and is suitable for many dogs — not just traditional gundog breeds.

All training will continue to be:

• practical

• ethical

• grounded in real life

• focused on helping dogs cope, not suppressing behaviour

Dog Walking: Calm, Experienced & Consistent

Dog walking remains a core part of The Paw-sitive Experience in 2026.

It’s something I take a great deal of pride in, and something that underpins my understanding of dogs as individuals. Good dog walking isn’t just about covering miles — it’s about reading the group, managing arousal levels, understanding individual needs and creating calm, structured outings where dogs feel safe and secure.

That approach continues unchanged this year.

Slowing Down and Listening to Dogs

Recently, the dog training world lost Sarah Fisher, whose work encouraged many trainers and owners to slow down and really listen to dogs.

Sarah was widely known for drawing attention to the quieter details — posture, breath, tension, hesitation, curiosity. She reminded us that behaviour is communication, and that dogs need safety and agency before learning can truly happen.

That message feels particularly relevant as we move forward into 2026.

So often, difficulties escalate because dogs are being asked to move faster than they can cope with, or because early signals are missed. Slowing down, observing more closely and adjusting expectations can change outcomes dramatically.

This philosophy aligns closely with how I work — and it’s something I want to continue encouraging in both training and everyday life with dogs.

Looking Ahead

As 2026 continues, my focus remains on steady, thoughtful progress.

• Continuing with dog walking

• Developing training in a sustainable way

• Offering classes and workshops that genuinely help

• Keeping learning at the heart of what I do

Most importantly, continuing to support dogs and owners in a way that feels calm, ethical and realistic.

An Invitation

If you’re thinking about what you’d like to work on with your dog this year — calmer walks, better focus, improved understanding or support with a specific challenge — you’re very welcome to get in touch.

If there’s something you’d like to see offered, or something you’d like help with in the months ahead, please feel free to email or WhatsApp me. I’m always happy to talk things through.

Here’s to a year of learning, listening and continuing to put dogs first.