WELCOME TO
Thinking Paws
Striving for well-being in every human-animal relationship
I understand that it’s important to you to achieve your goals with your dog or cat. And that to do this you are seeking simple practical skills and enough knowledge to confidently:
raise a happy, confident, well-mannered puppy or
build your relationship with your dog through training activities or
overcome problematic behaviours with your dog or cat
Because sometimes trying to do right by your pet and meeting expectations (especially your own!) amongst everything else that life throws at you can be a bit overwhelming.
Hello, I’m Julie (CCAB)
I’ve been there too. I tried training my first dog with no clue what I was doing. This led to using outdated methods. I realised that I needed to learn more and do better. So, I:
Achieved a diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and Training (COAPE) - qualifying me to work with dogs & cats
Achieved a master’s degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour (University of Edinburgh)
Won the prize for best research dissertation (University of Edinburgh)
Published my research in a peer-reviewed journal
Achieved strict academic and practical skills criteria for membership of the following CAPBT, FABC, APDT and ABTC (ATI)
Became a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) for dogs working to a very strict Code of Practice which you can read here.
Help numerous clients in a way I would wish to be supported
What motivates me?
I started to search for a different, kinder, and more collaborative approach. I found it through education and hands on practical training with some of the best in the industry.
I was motivated to set up Thinking Paws to offer a path I wish my beautiful and very forgiving Lem and I had found much sooner. A fulfilling journey of confidence building in people, dogs and cats (I love them too) using only simple, kind, and proven behaviour changing methods.
During training classes my first dog Lemmy (a Rottweiler cross) I felt like a complete failure.
I was embarrassed by his aggressive lunging and being pulled face down in the mud as he went for another dog. I just couldn’t understand his behaviour. He was so unlike my cats who were no trouble at all! I lost all confidence, avoided class participation, and just went along to watch my now husband do the training instead. Lemmy became an obedient pupil in the class, but it didn’t translate to the real world. I felt sad, and later very guilty, about the harsh management and training methods we were encouraged to use.
Ready to work with someone who really understands the challenges you are facing?