Four Paws Training Academy and Trails

Four Paws Training Academy and Trails Hello there, Im Maria Dent...
I know what it’s like to have an anxious rescue dog… or two! This was all pre-knowledge of Dog Training and being a Behaviourist!

Four Paws Training Academy and Trails, established in 2018 by Trainer and Behaviourist Maria Dent, offers friendly, professional dog walking, training, and behaviour support across Leicestershire using kind, reward-based methods. Previously we had an angel of a Black Labrador from eight weeks old, though this time we fell in love with an adolescent, nine-month-old, Chocolate Labrador, and knew he

was the one! Apparently, he was very boisterous, needed the chop, and he would walk nicely with a facial harness – Sold! Can you see where this is going? Tigger came to his forever home after being neutered, with issues with his eyes, ears, and tummy, fitted with a facial harness and either growling or lunging towards dogs or people! Does this sound familiar? We had advice coming from all different directions and it was very confusing. We went to different trainers, but that was to teach him how to sit and walk next to me! It got to the point that I was doing a lot of reading, courses and really enjoying working Tigger out! What did I learn? He was in pain! His previous diet had given him inflammatory bowel disease. His ears and eyes were uncomfortable and inflamed he needed medication. Eliminating many allergens from his diet certainly helped. Because he was in pain and uncomfortable, he was grumpy. Wouldn’t you be? Over a period of time, this had built up with being unhappy in his previous life, in the rescue, in a new life, with different people, and environments. He didn’t know what to do! He was uncomfortable with hash walking equipment. We hadn’t given him enough time to settle, decompress and get used to his new life. This doesn’t take minutes, hours, or days… it takes months. His hormones were everywhere! A ticking time bomb of a teenager, that had also been neutered much too early for him to cope with the consequences. He was overwalked at a period of time of growth. Not enough downtime and enrichment. Our relationship and bond needed building. Us both working each other out, observing each other’s body language, starting again with how we talked to each other, playing games instead of being yanked and pulled about into position and him knowing he was safe and there was unconditioned love. Many courses later, I started my Dog Walking business Four Paws and Trails in 2018, learning many lessons with challenging dogs along the way! Four Paws Training Academy was then formed, in 2020, when I qualified as a Trainer and Behaviourist. With the knowledge I gained from my experiences with Tigger, I help new guardians to give their puppies and dogs the best start they can have. To build a positive relationship and settle them into their new lives and give them the confidence and guidance to help them in the future. Now, Tigger lives life to the full! Most of the issues he had have gone or are working in progress and managed. He also has a sister whom we adopted a few years ago, a Border Terrier called Scooby. They both live a super life with their walking friends and they come to our training groups as stooge or demo dogs. We love a good old ramble through the countryside. Though not everything is dog related. I love mixed media textile art and creating it, a good rugby match, reading to calm the brain, and maybe a mud run or two throughout the year to get the adrenaline rush and covered in the good stuff! I love the path in life that Tigger gave me. One of which I feel at home with. I observe and learn, with each new dog I meet. They show us and I am there to listen and help.

🚗🐾 Rule 56… It’s There For A Reason!🚗After seeing a dog inches away from dying today, I thought it was important to remi...
14/05/2026

🚗🐾 Rule 56… It’s There For A Reason!🚗

After seeing a dog inches away from dying today, I thought it was important to remind everyone about Rule 56 of the Highway Code.

Just because you think your dog can walk off lead, doesn’t mean they should. Dogs are still animals with prey instincts and genetics deeply ingrained into their brains. One movement, one bird, one squirrel, one loud noise… and instinct can take over faster than we can react.

Roads, car parks, bikes, livestock, wildlife and even other dogs can all change a situation within seconds. It only takes one moment for a tragedy to happen.

As humans, it’s our responsibility to make the safest decision for our dogs, not the most convenient one. Long lines, secure areas and management are not failures… they are safety tools.

Your dog relies on you to keep them safe, even when excitement or instincts take over.

Knowledge is key!

🤔 Your New Dog Doesn’t Need Everything at Once 🗺️Getting a new dog is exciting. You want to introduce them to friends an...
14/05/2026

🤔 Your New Dog Doesn’t Need Everything at Once 🗺️

Getting a new dog is exciting. You want to introduce them to friends and family, book the groomer, visit the pet shop, head to doggy daycare, meet up with dog walking groups, “socialisation meets”, go on adventures, holidays, walks in busy places, and let them run free in fields.

But sometimes the best thing you can do is… less.

As you know by now… your dog has just entered a completely new world. Rushing into too many experiences too quickly can create stress, anxiety, and unwanted behaviours later on.

Give them time…

Focus on building trust, creating calm routines, and strengthening your relationship first. Let them learn that you are safe, predictable, and understanding. A settled dog will cope far better with all those exciting experiences in the future.

There’s no rush and you can do all those things when your dog is stable and understanding what’s going on.

Start with connection before expectation.

😫 Your Rescue Dog Still Isn’t Settling After a Few Days? Read This ❤️🐾A few days in, and your dog may still be showing s...
13/05/2026

😫 Your Rescue Dog Still Isn’t Settling After a Few Days? Read This ❤️🐾

A few days in, and your dog may still be showing signs of anxiety.

🤔 They might not be eating or drinking properly.
🤔 They could still be hiding away.
🤔 You may be seeing zoomies around the house or garden, chewing behaviours, or a dog that follows you everywhere like Velcro.

And naturally, you start thinking:

“Surely they know they’re safe by now?” “They have the life of luxury!”

But settling into a new home takes time.

Your dog has experienced a huge life change, and their nervous system may still be in survival mode. This is why decompression is so important, and not just for the first couple of days.

Decompression should continue daily for as long as your dog needs it.

Free work and sniffing activities are incredibly valuable because they help produce those feel-good hormones often referred to as the DOSE hormones:

✨ Dopamine
✨ Oxytocin
✨ Serotonin
✨ Endorphins

These help your dog feel calmer, safer, and more emotionally balanced.

Free work doesn’t need to be complicated. Scatter natural items from your walks for scent, like leaves, swirl old towels on the floor and place food on it or even some of your worn clothing to create safe scent exploration in to a shallow box. The goal is not pressure or obedience, it’s giving your dog an outlet to regulate naturally.

If your dog isn’t eating, it’s important to look beyond “fussy behaviour.” Stress and anxiety can upset the digestive system and make the tummy sore or unsettled.

Sometimes offering something gentle like plain turkey or white fish can help encourage eating before gradually mixing their normal food back in.

Your dog isn’t giving you a hard time.
They’re having a hard time.

Those first few days may feel long to us, but for your dog, everything in their world has changed. Give them patience, compassion, and time to feel safe.

You’re building trust, and that cannot be rushed. ❤️🐶

The Journey to a New Life 🐾Help prevent your new rescue dog from beginning overwhelmed in the first week. Everything is ...
12/05/2026

The Journey to a New Life 🐾

Help prevent your new rescue dog from beginning overwhelmed in the first week. Everything is new. The car ride, your driveway and home, the smells of cooking, the hum of appliances, the perfume you have just put on, even the quiet “click” of the fridge at night. This is SOCIALISATION. It’s nothing to do with meeting other dogs yet! Meeting dogs is last thing on your list at the moment. It’s about helping them feel safe in their new world and setting them up for success! You have to hold back the urge of showing off your new dog and putting them in situations that can set them back longer.

Take it slow. Let them explore in time, not all at once. Overwhelm can show up in different ways, some dogs become over-excited, racing around with frantic energy, start showing their teeth and growling, while others shut down, hide, or withdraw. Learning your new dog’s body language is key. Look for subtle signs like lip licking, yawning, or avoiding eye contact, these tell you they need space and support.

A settled dog looks soft and relaxed. Their body is loose, they relax and open their mouths, eyes gentle, movements calm. They can sniff, rest, and take food easily. They will nap and hopefully sleep for a while. Remember sleep is when they heal, learn, retain information and rejuvenate. That’s your goal, not perfection, but comfort.

If your dog isn’t coping, make their world smaller. Reduce stimulation, slow everything down, and build confidence step by step. If they’re doing well, stay right there, not rush ahead. Confidence grows through repetition and positive experiences.

You are their only connection to the past and their safe person. Go at their pace, and you’ll build trust that lasts a lifetime.

# knowledgeiskey

🏡 First Day & Night with Your Rescue Dog 🐾Bringing your rescue dog home is a huge moment, for you and for them. It’s exc...
11/05/2026

🏡 First Day & Night with Your Rescue Dog 🐾

Bringing your rescue dog home is a huge moment, for you and for them. It’s exciting, but also overwhelming. Their whole world has just changed, so your job is to make it feel safe, calm, and predictable from the very start.

Keep their world small!!
Limit access to just a couple of rooms and the garden. If you have an open-plan home, a dog pen (This can be stretched out to divide rooms up) can really help create a secure space where they can settle without feeling overwhelmed. Set them up with a comfy bed, fresh water, some soft bedding, the item you took with you to the rescue and a few comforting toys. Stay nearby, your presence is their only familiar anchor right now.

Keep the environment calm. Lower the volume of TVs or music, and encourage everyone in the house to move slowly and speak softly. Every sound, smell, and texture is new to them, so less is more.

Don’t worry if they don’t eat straight away. A bowl of food may be overwhelming. Stress and adrenaline can affect appetite. Instead, try gentle “free work”, this encourages natural sniffing, reduces pressure, and helps them feel safe enough to eat.

Toileting may take time. You may wish to pop them on a longline in the garden for you to walk around calmly with them. Praise when they go outside, but if accidents happen indoors, simply clean up and move on, no fuss, no punishment!

At night, they may feel unsettled. Stay close if needed, whether that’s sleeping nearby or allowing them in your room. This won’t “spoil” them; it builds trust. Over the next few nights, you can gradually increase distance. It isn’t forever! They may need to toilet in the night.

Be patient, be present, and let them come to you. Trust takes time, but you’re already doing something incredible by giving them a home 💛

Re photo… Tigs chose to lay in our dining room with the toy we had socialised him with when visiting the rescue. He was there for quite a while, but eventually came into the lounge and joined us. I had two very excited children, but we managed to contain our joy of having him!

🚙 Rescue Dog Homecoming Day – Are You Ready? 🐾That special day is nearly here… your rescue dog is coming home. A little ...
10/05/2026

🚙 Rescue Dog Homecoming Day – Are You Ready? 🐾

That special day is nearly here… your rescue dog is coming home. A little checklist can make all the difference in helping them settle calmly and feel safe from the very start.

Make sure you’ve got the essentials covered: insurance ready to be put in place, make sure you receive all the relevant paperwork from the rescue organisation, and any known history or vet details. Check the microchip information and get it changed asap. If your dog needs medication, worming and flea information for when they need it to be done again.

Make sure you have a name tag prepared with your surname, telephone number, house number and postcode on it! This is inline with the current laws. Also if they were to escape or run off they have identification, as the microchip wouldn’t have been done yet.

For the journey home, use a secure setup, such as a crate, dog seat belt, or safe transport area. Bring towels just in case of accidents and keep water available in a bowl. Once home, having food they’re used to helps avoid stomach upset for the first week or so. If needed, this can be changed later on. Stock up on cleaning supplies and an enzyme spray. Accidents are normal while they adjust to their new environment.

Don’t forget well-fitted walking gear like a comfortable harness, collar, and lead. Keep things calm, predictable, and low-pressure. Your new dog doesn’t need excitement, they need safety, patience, and understanding.

A smooth start builds trust, and trust builds everything.

Everyone in the House Matters: Set Your New Dog Up for Success 🐾Welcoming a new dog into your home is exciting, but cons...
09/05/2026

Everyone in the House Matters: Set Your New Dog Up for Success 🐾

Welcoming a new dog into your home is exciting, but consistency is what truly makes the transition smooth. One of the biggest factors in a dog settling well is ensuring everyone in the household is on the same page from day one.

That means agreeing on feeding routines, training cues, walking times, and even where your dog will rest and decompress. Dogs thrive on predictability, mixed messages can quickly lead to confusion, stress, and unwanted behaviours.

Keep things simple and structured. Feed at the same times each day, use the same training words and reward methods, and choose calm, appropriate walking routes while your dog is still adjusting. Just as importantly, allow your dog plenty of uninterrupted time to rest. Sleep is essential for learning, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing! So, avoid disturbing them when they’ve settled.

Think of your household as a team. When everyone follows the same approach, your dog feels safe, secure, and able to trust their new environment. That’s the foundation for a confident, happy companion.

🛏️ Settling Your Rescue Dog 🐾You may have heard of the “3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months” guideline when bringing a rescue dog ...
08/05/2026

🛏️ Settling Your Rescue Dog 🐾

You may have heard of the “3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months” guideline when bringing a rescue dog home. While it’s a helpful framework, every dog is an individual, and their journey will look different.

In the first 3 days, many dogs feel overwhelmed. They may be quiet, shut down, or unsure of their new surroundings. This is completely normal. Give them space, though make their world small by keeping them to a few rooms and the garden in your house! Keep routines simple, let them decompress with freework and limit people coming to see them!!

By 3 weeks, you may start to see their personality come through. They’ll begin to understand your routine, feel a little more secure, and may test boundaries. This is where consistent, positive guidance really helps. Getting a behaviourist on board will help to guide you with decompression, games, walking ideas and help challenging behaviour.

At around 3 months, many dogs start to feel more settled and at home. Trust builds, and you’ll likely see more of who they truly are. Personalities truly come out whether good or challenging!! Building your bond and relationship from the start will be your biggest help at this stage.

That said, some dogs, especially those from challenging backgrounds such as street or roaming life, puppy farms, neglect, abandonment, or stressful early environments, may take much longer. Puppies from stressed mothers (Street, abandoned or farms) are also included! No puppy comes with a clean slate!! Progress isn’t linear, and will always have ups and downs.

Set realistic expectations. Have an open mind! Focus on building trust, creating positive experiences, and going at your dog’s pace. There’s no deadline for feeling safe.

If you’re unsure or struggling, reach out. Some rescues or charities have a behaviourist on board. They should be your first point of support. Though as we know some organisations don’t and sadly it’s just about getting you to take a dog! 💷 If you need more tailored help, a qualified behaviourist can make a huge difference and guide you both forward.

You’re not alone in this, and with patience and understanding, your dog can truly thrive 💛

🏠 From First Visit, House Check and Transportation 🚙This is a important part of your rescue journey. The bit before a do...
07/05/2026

🏠 From First Visit, House Check and Transportation 🚙

This is a important part of your rescue journey. The bit before a dog even comes home, and getting it right makes all the difference.

From seeing your dog for the first time to, reserving your dog and signing on the line. Spending quiet time with them and observing and bonding, every step builds the foundation. Watching their body language, allowing them space, and beginning to understand who they are helps create trust before they even walk through your door. Your dog has seen loads of people walk by, go up to their kennel and walk away! It is very stressful time for them and the behaviours they how may not be their true selves! I understand why so many dogs don’t get rescued or they do and they change personalities after weeks or months in the new home.

The house vetting stage is where preparation really matters. It angers me that some rescues don’t do this anymore. Think, and start small, using baby gates to create a calm, safe area to help prevent overwhelm. A whole house can feel like too much too soon. As your dog begins to settle and show confidence, you can gradually introduce new rooms at their pace.

Your garden is just as important. Check fencing thoroughly, is it tall enough, solid and strong? Some dogs will jump, others will dig under or try to go through it, and many will test boundaries in a new space. Fight and flight is apart of their mental state at the moment. A secure garden keeps them safe while they explore.

Inside, clear away anything potentially dangerous. Tidy loose items, remove hazards, and think from your dog’s perspective, not yours! Kitchen counters are a big one, if food is accessible, counter surfing can quickly become a favourite habit! Set them up for success.

You’ll be ask about how long they will be left, work hours, do you have a plan in place? Look for dog walkers and there availability asap! Ask family and friends for their help too. Notice I haven’t said daycare!

Transporting your dog safely is essential. UK law requires dogs to be properly secured in the car to prevent distraction or injury. A seatbelt harness that attaches over the headrest is a great option, or a secured crate in the boot. If using the boot space, ensure they are still safely restrained, this also reduces escape risk when opening it.

This all could be sorted with in days, so be prepared to have time off quickly to help them settle. How long do you say?? Personally someone being at home for at least two weeks! Then elongating time. This will depend on the dog and to extra help needed. But remember they still will be settling for many months later…

Once home, focus on decompression. Freework is a brilliant way to allow your dog to explore, make choices, and settle naturally. No pressure, just calm guidance.

Most importantly, take time to get to know them. Notice the small things, build connection, and let trust grow.

A thoughtful start creates a confident, secure dog, and that’s where everything truly begins. 🐶💛

So, You’ve Chosen a Dog… Have You Asked the Right Questions (Including the Cost)? 🐾Bringing a new dog into your life is ...
06/05/2026

So, You’ve Chosen a Dog… Have You Asked the Right Questions (Including the Cost)? 🐾

Bringing a new dog into your life is exciting, but asking the right questions early on can save you stress, time, and unexpected expense down the line.

Start with the essentials:
• Vet history – vaccinations, past injuries, ongoing treatment
• Physical and behavioural concerns – mobility issues, anxiety, reactivity
• Allergies or sensitivities – food, environment, medication
• Diet and preferences – what they eat now (switching food can be costly)
• Daily routine – sleep, exercise, where they settle
• Socialisation – people, dogs, environments
• Bite history – even minor incidents matter

Now, let’s talk about something often overlooked… the financial reality.

Every answer above can influence cost:
• Ongoing medical conditions = regular vet bills or medication
• Behaviour challenges = potential need for professional support
• Allergies = specialist diets (Often more monies)
• Lack of training or socialisation = time and money invested in building skills
• Insurance premiums may increase depending on history

What if there’s no background information?

This is common with rescues or strays, and it means you need to budget with flexibility.

Start with:
• A full vet check (and possible follow-ups)
• Setting aside an emergency fund
• Investing in basic training and guidance early
• Expecting trial and error with food, equipment, and routine

From a behaviour perspective, keep things calm, basic and predictable. Observe closely, avoid overwhelming situations, and build trust through positive reinforcement and decompression. Let the dog show you who they are, at their pace.

A dog without a known past isn’t a risk, it just requires a more thoughtful plan, including financially. When you prepare for both the emotional and practical side, you set both of you up for success.

Re photo - I fostered Scooby at the start. I had support from her lovely extended family. They were happy to take my advise and knew what was best for her. We knew a bit of her history, and put things into place quickly - groomers, vet visit, updated her vaccinations. Unfortunately her caregiver wasn’t able to care for her and we made the decision for her to stay with me. Still keeping in touch with her previous caregivers and living with me.

🏡 Thinking about getting a rescue dog? 🐾There are so many ways to find the right dog. You can go through UK rescues like...
05/05/2026

🏡 Thinking about getting a rescue dog? 🐾

There are so many ways to find the right dog. You can go through UK rescues like RSPCA or Dogs Trust, smaller local shelters, breed-specific rescues, or even word of mouth. If you’re considering dogs from abroad, it’s important to understand the extra challenges that can come with that.

🏡 Adoption – the pros & cons
Adopting can be incredibly rewarding. You’re giving a dog a second, third chance, and many rescues (Should) will match you carefully based on your lifestyle. However, some dogs may come with unknown histories, behaviour challenges, or need time to settle and feel safe.

⚠️ Adoption via social media ⚠️
Go with your eyes open. Ask LOTS of questions. Request full vet history directly from their veterinary practice (this can usually be emailed to the current guardian). Spend proper time with the dog, meet them more than once, see them in the home, go for walks, and if possible, have them visit your home too. Be aware that not everyone is fully honest, so don’t ignore red flags or rush the process.

🏡 Fostering – a great option
Fostering is perfect if you’re not quite ready to commit long-term. It helps dogs transition into home life and gives you a chance to learn what suits you. The downside? Saying goodbye can be tough, but it opens space to help another dog.

✈️🚛🚙 Abroad vs UK rescues
UK rescues often assess dogs in more detail and provide ongoing support. Dogs from abroad can be wonderful, but they may arrive with limited background, different socialisation experiences, and sometimes health considerations. Preparation and realistic expectations are key. If you do go down this route, choose charities that place dogs into UK foster homes first, rather than handing them over straight off transport. That transition time makes a huge difference.

🤞🏻Extra support 🐶
Consider bringing in a qualified behaviourist to meet, observe, and assess the dog before committing. I’ve supported many owners this way, helping you understand the dog in front of you and creating a realistic, kind plan from day one setting both you and the dog up for success. (Re picture… Miss H! One family I have supported!)

Top tips
✔ Take your time—don’t rush
✔ Ask questions and be honest
✔ Avoid emotional impulse decisions
✔ Focus on the right match, not just the story

The goal isn’t just to rescue a dog, it’s to create a happy, lasting partnership ❤️

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Coleridge Drive
Enderby
LE194QG

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Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 8pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 8pm
Thursday 9:30am - 8pm
Friday 9:30am - 3pm
Sunday 10am - 3:30pm

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