Frequently Asked Questions

What services do you offer?

I provide positive, reward-based dog training in Stourbridge & the surrounding areas, including puppy training, adolescent support, behaviour guidance, and structured group dog walks for sociable dogs. All methods are force-free, science-led, and designed to help dogs feel calm, confident, and understood.

What areas do you cover for dog training around Stourbridge?

I’m based in Stourbridge and cover roughly an 8-mile radius, including parts of Kingswinford, Hagley, Pedmore, Wollaston, Norton, Wordsley, Amblecote, Kinver, and Enville. If you’re unsure, just send me a message and I’ll check your postcode.

What training methods do you use?

All training is fully reward-based, force-free, and grounded in modern canine behaviour science. I don’t use dominance, fear, or outdated techniques — just ethical, effective training that builds confidence, trust, and a strong relationship between you and your dog.

How much does training cost?

Training prices vary depending on the class or programme you choose. I offer 1:1 sessions packages, puppy support, and behaviour guidance. Full details and pricing can be found on my Training page.

How do your group dog walks work?

My group walks are small, structured, and held off-lead in safe countryside locations. They’re perfect for high-energy, sociable dogs who enjoy exploring, playing, and building real-life skills. All dogs must: Complete an assessment, be excellent on and off lead and be comfortable in a group. I only take on regular weekly walking clients to keep groups stable.

Do you offer solo walks?

No. I only offer group walks except on rare occasions for my regular clients.

Can you help with my dog’s behaviour issues like pulling or reactivity?

Yes — I support a range of common behaviour struggles such as pulling on lead, recall issues, over-arousal, puppy behaviour, reactivity foundations, and noise sensitivities. For more complex cases, I may recommend a behaviour vet referral if needed.

Do you offer online training?

Yes — in certain situations I can offer online training for clients outside of my usual travel area. 

What experience and qualifications do you have?

I’m a qualified dog trainer, a member of the National Institute of Canine Ethics, and currently studying Level 6 Advanced Canine Behaviour. I use only science-based, ethical methods and continually update my knowledge to stay at the forefront of modern training. I hold a canine first aid certificate, am fully insured and have an enhanced DBS. My full qualifications can be found on the home page. 

Is your dog walking insured?

Yes — I’m fully insured for all services with Pet Business Insurance, canine first-aid trained, and all dogs are risk-assessed before joining group walks.

How do I get in touch?

You can reach me through the contact form, email (info@thepaw-sitiveexperience.co.uk), or phone 07928 412653. I’m always happy to help.

Do you offer puppy training classes in Stourbridge?

Yes — I run small, structured puppy training classes at Wollaston Village Hall in Stourbridge. Classes are designed to build calmness, focus, and real-life skills from the very beginning. Puppies are welcome from around 12 weeks up to 6 months.

You can find full details here: www.thepaw-sitiveexperience.co.uk/dog-training

Do you offer 1:1 dog training in Stourbridge?

Yes — I offer tailored 1:1 sessions across Stourbridge and surrounding areas, helping with things like recall, loose lead walking and behaviour.

Do you work with spaniels and working breeds?

Yes — many of the dogs I work with are spaniels, retrievers, and other working breeds, and I also have spaniels of my own, so I understand the specific challenges that can come with these types of dogs, including high energy, strong instincts, and the need for both mental and physical stimulation.

As well as general training, I offer tailored 1:1 sessions and gundog-inspired classes, which are ideal for working breeds. These sessions focus on channeling natural behaviours like hunting, retrieving, and searching into structured, rewarding activities.

This gives these dogs the outlets they need, improves focus and engagement, and helps create a calmer, more balanced dog in everyday life.

Do you offer any fun dog classes?

Yes — I run a fun and games session every few months, open to dogs of all ages and abilities. These sessions are a great way to build confidence, practise skills in a relaxed environment, and enjoy training with your dog without pressure. They’re also ideal for reinforcing engagement, recall, and focus in a more playful setting. Great fun for dogs and owners alike. 

Do you offer training for adolescent dogs?

Yes — I offer adolescent dog training to help with the common challenges that come with this stage, such as reduced focus, pulling on the lead, poor recall, and increased distractions. My adolescent classes focus on calmness, engagement, and helping your dog learn to make better choices in real-life situations.