Dog Training in Stourbridge -

A junior trainer works with her border collie during an adolescent dog training class outdoors

At The Paw-sitive Experience, we provide science-based, reward-led dog training that’s not only effective — but enjoyable for both ends of the lead.

Our training approach is grounded in the latest research in canine behaviour and learning theory. As science evolves, so does our understanding of how dogs think, feel, and learn. By staying up to date with modern, evidence-based training, we ensure your dog is taught in the kindest, most effective way possible.

We proudly use positive reinforcement only — never fear, force, or outdated dominance methods. These ethical techniques build confidence, trust, and a strong bond between you and your dog. Whether you’re raising a new puppy, working through behavioural challenges, or looking to deepen your connection, our goal is to make training enjoyable, supportive, and accessible for every dog and owner.

Training is tailored to each individual dog, with a focus on engagement, relationship-building, and real-life skills. From playful games to practical behaviours, every session is designed to help your dog learn in a way that feels natural, rewarding, and fun.

Ready to start your dog’s training journey?

Let’s work together to bring out the best in your dog — Paw-sitively!

What We’re All About

What Training Do I Offer?

We support dogs of all ages, breeds and backgrounds with a range of positive, science-based services, including:

Puppy Classes & Puppy 1:1 Training

A Paw-sitive Puppy class being taught in Wollaston, Stourbridge

Early foundations, confidence building, socialisation and life skills.

Adolescent English Springer Spaniel in a field with Poppies

A young golden retriever working on general obedience with his handlers in Stourbridge

Adolescent Classes & 1:1 Training

Support through the challenging teenage phase with focus, calmness and real-world manners.

Tailored help with recall, loose lead walking, engagement and everyday behaviour for any age

General Obedience - 1:1 Training

Labrador and handler working on basic retrieve during a gundog class in Wollaston

Practicing Loose lead walking during a workshop in Wollaston

Fun, reward-based games to build focus, steadiness and early retrieve skills.

Behaviour Support - 1:1 Training

Force-free help for reactivity, anxiety, noise phobias, resource guarding and complex behaviours.

Hands-on workshops that build calm loose-lead walking and reliable recall through positive, game-based training.

Gundog Training Principles for Fun & Obedience Classes

Loose Lead & Recall Workshops

Continue Down the Page to Book

Uk dog behaviour & training charter chartered member 2025 badge

International institute for canine ethics, registered ethical canine professional badge 2025

Therapy dog trainer trusted trainer badge

Canine reactivity specialist dog trainer badge

Children and dogs specialist dog training badge

Canine body language specialist dog trainer badge

In-Person Dog Training Areas

I’m based in Wordsley Stourbridge and cover surrounding areas including Kinver, Hagley, Wollaston, Wordsley, Norton, Pedmore, Enville, Wombourne, Clent, Dudley, and Kidderminster.

I also work with clients in nearby parts of the West Midlands, South Staffordshire, and North Worcestershire, within roughly a 10-mile radius of Stourbridge.

If you’re unsure whether I cover your area, just get in touch — if you’re just outside my travel range, I may still be able to help via video sessions or local hall-based training (a £15 hire fee applies to each session for hall use & is subject to hall availability).

Service area map showing The Paw-sitive Experience’s coverage around Stourbridge, Kingswinford, Dudley, and surrounding areas

Customer reviews

Discover what our clients think about our service

Sharon & Evie

Chocolate Labrador & handler smiling after passing their KC puppy foundation dog training class

“We booked onto Nikki’s 1-1 training sessions with our 12-week-old cavapoo. Whilst we had had family dogs before this was our first dog together and we wanted help to set the foundations with our new puppy. Nikki was so so helpful in being able to do this, we learnt so many new tips and tricks from putting the harness on without any nipping to a great recall technique that we still use and practice everyday.
Nikki helped us feel so much more confident in ourselves which helped the bond with the puppy and most of all we had such fun along the way. We would highly recommend Nikki’s sessions to anyone with a new pup!”

Young Cockerpoo puppy sitting in the sunshine at dog training

Sophi, Dan & Winston

★★★★★

“ Evie first joined Nikki's class when she was 6 months old. We were having problems with her recall as she used to get so excited off lead and would not listen to us at all. Nikki's puppy class helped us understand how to get Evie's attention, instruct her clearly and rewards (VERY IMPORTANT)! Nikki also took time to get to know all the pups and their families so that she could understand where we needed extra tips/advice. The classes were so informative as we as dog parents got to understand why Evie was the way she was and how to correct that behaviour in an always positive way! The pups and families also got to know each other which made classes so fun and enjoyable and we still continue to keep in touch over our class whatsapp group that started in March! This was started so that we could ask Nikki any questions between classes and also to share our training experiences through the week, all the good and the nearly good :)

As soon as Evie graduated from her puppy class, we enrolled her into Nikki's Loose Lead & Recall Training class as well as the Gun Dog Training Sessions. Again, Nikki's classes have been so informative and fun, with the whatsapp groups support as well! Evie's recall, loose lead work, retrieval and obedience have all improved drastically, even to the point where class members are telling me how well she is doing! We could not have asked for a better experience for Evie's training and Nikki as always is amazing!

Noise Phobia & Sound Sensitivity Support

Sensitivity to sounds like fireworks, thunder, household noises, or children playing can have a huge impact on a dog’s wellbeing. Research suggests that 25–50% of dogs experience some level of noise sensitivity — but with the right support, progress is absolutely possible.

I’ve completed a specialist, evidence-based noise sensitivity course with Dr Else Verbeek, an animal welfare scientist specialising in behaviour, physiology, anxiety, and stress. This allows me to support both you and your dog through structured, compassionate sound training that’s tailored to your dog’s emotional needs.

1:1 Noise Phobia Package

£265 — Initial consultation + 4 tailored sessions (5 total)

• In person or online

• Ongoing WhatsApp/phone support included

• Additional sessions: £55 per session

This is a gentle, dog-led programme that often runs over several months. Together, we’ll work on reducing fear responses, building coping strategies, and helping your dog feel safer and more in control. In severe cases, I may recommend working alongside your vet to support your dog’s wellbeing.

While some fears may never disappear completely, we can help your dog feel calmer, more confident, and far better equipped to cope with the sounds that worry them.

Coping with fireworks and noise phobias book cover

Purchase Here

Alternatively… If you’d prefer to work through this yourself

I also offer a two-part downloadable guide bundle that you can follow at home, at your dog’s pace.

Did your dog struggle through fireworks season?

It’s not too late to help them feel safe and confident — not just for New Year’s Eve, but for all future fireworks seasons.

What’s included in the bundle:

Coping with Fireworks & Noise Phobias

A clear, supportive guide explaining why noise fears develop and how to create a calm, secure environment for your dog.

The Desensitisation Workbook

A structured, step-by-step plan with sound exposure guides, printable progress logs, and trackers to help your dog gradually and safely overcome their fears.

Therapy Dog Training UK

I am a trusted trainer & assessor for Therapy Dog Training UK who offer training and assessment for dog and handler teams who wish to visit establishments such as schools, care homes, universities and workplaces as visiting therapy dogs or for individuals who would like to train their own dog as an assistance dog