Four Paws Training Academy

Four Paws Training Academy Maria is a qualified force-free trainer and behaviourist. Four Paws Training Academy was established in 2020. Can you see where this is going? What did I learn?

Her aim is to build both the caregivers' and dogs' confidence, which will then produce a strong and rewarding relationship. Hello there, Im Maria Dent...
I know what it’s like to have an anxious rescue dog… or two! 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! A

pparently, he was very boisterous, needed the chop, and he would walk nicely with a facial harness – Sold! This was all pre-knowledge of Dog Training and being a Behaviourist! 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! 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.

Couldn’t have wrote it any better Paw and Order Dog Training thank you!
05/08/2025

Couldn’t have wrote it any better Paw and Order Dog Training thank you!

Dog Training Methods Matter – And Here’s Why

There are so many methods, tools, and opinions in the dog training world — it’s no wonder new dog guardians feel overwhelmed. But here’s the truth:

Not all training is kind or effective, and some methods can have lasting, damaging effects on a dog’s mental and emotional well-being.
And yes, even in 2025, you still hear outdated phrases like:

“It’s what a mother dog would do.”
Let’s be real — unless you’re also licking puppies clean, that argument doesn’t hold up.

At the core, there are really two paths when it comes to dog training:

1️⃣ Positive, force-free training

This means setting dogs up for success, using rewards, motivation, and trust. It’s based on understanding how dogs learn, feel, and communicate.
It builds confidence
Strengthens the dog-human bond
Teaches the dog to make good choices
And is backed by science and behaviour studies

Or

2️⃣ “Balanced” training

This approach uses a mix of reward and punishment. But let’s call it what it is:
Fear
Pain
Discomfort
Intimidation
There’s nothing “balanced” about a dog responding out of fear or being shut down emotionally.
The dominance theory (“you must be alpha”) was debunked years ago, but some trainers still rely on outdated, harmful ideas — pushing, yanking, shouting, or using tools designed to cause pain.

Tools like these are NOT training:

Slip leads used to choke
Prong collars
Shock collars
Physical force or intimidation
Yelling or “correcting”
And forcing dogs into positions

They might look like they’re working — but often you’re just seeing a dog that’s emotionally suppressed. Calm on the outside, shut down on the inside.

Beware of common red flags from “balanced” trainers:

“Some dogs can’t be trained positively.” 🚩 Not true. All dogs can.

“I use mostly positive.” 🚩 Usually means mostly correction with a sprinkle of treats.

“I’ve tried it on myself, it’s fine.” 🚩 Dogs aren’t humans.

“It doesn’t hurt if used properly.” 🚩 If it didn’t hurt, it wouldn’t work.

“I use different methods.” 🚩 Translation: I use punishment when I don’t know what else to do.

“Positive didn’t work for this dog.” 🚩 More like: they didn’t know how to apply it correctly or gave up too soon.

“You have to show authority.” 🚩 You don’t need to intimidate to lead.

“A mother dog would…” 🚩 You’re not a dog. And your dog knows that.

--------

So what IS positive training?

It’s not “just giving treats.”!

It’s about:
Setting dogs up for success
Teaching better choices
Building confidence and motivation
Creating long-lasting, reliable behaviour
Communicating in a way your dog understands

A skilled, force-free trainer understands canine behaviour, cognition, and body language. They know how to help your dog feel safe, learn, and thrive — not just comply.

Here at Paw and Order, we’re proud to be 100% Positive and Force-Free.
Because your dog deserves training that builds confidence, not fear. 💛

04/08/2025

I can’t not share this…

💡 Knowledge is Key💡The information I gain from this webinar is going to be vital for our dog’s future as the climate gro...
04/08/2025

💡 Knowledge is Key💡

The information I gain from this webinar is going to be vital for our dog’s future as the climate grows warmer.

This webinar is open to all caregivers and canine professionals. £5 for 2 hours that will save your dogs life. Preventing, managing and saving them from the effects of heat.

I highly recommend any webinar or course of Sophie’s as they are up to date scientific knowledge, easy to understand and to the point!

😌 Start as we mean to carry on! 🧘🏻….with calmness There’s really no point in continuing training if your dog isn’t calm....
03/08/2025

😌 Start as we mean to carry on! 🧘🏻
….with calmness

There’s really no point in continuing training if your dog isn’t calm.
WHY?

When a dog is anxious or having a loony moment, there brains switch off their learning and listening mode!

If we can calm the dog before this happens with decompression (Using their senses) they will be able to switch their brains back on!

It was Discovery Schools first practical session to day and that’s what we did! With a few added games of cause.

The results - dogs that weren’t reacting to each other or caregivers present. They stayed in their areas and went home knowing two games. These games will help their skills towards engaging with their care givers, disengagement from others, settling on an item and taking notice of their surroundings.

28/07/2025

💡😊 PROUD😊💡

At the moment, I’m consulting and mentoring in the background on a case — and honestly, it’s a joy to witness. The real hard work is being done by Team P and Canine Vibe. I’m just the quiet one on the sidelines, occasionally chiming in, but mostly just soaking up the progress with a full heart.

Two absolutely dedicated caregivers are doing everything they can to support their very anxious dog. Miss P is absorbing the learning like a sponge, and their trainer is going above and beyond to guide them all through this journey.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting this lovely girlie a few times. The first time was incredibly tough for her, she was clearly overwhelmed and shouting out for help. Now, I see a completely different dog: more confident, more relaxed, and clearly starting to feel safe in her world.

It’s a testament to what patience, consistency, and compassion can achieve. I couldn’t resist sharing this video of a recent interaction with her, such a special moment. Earlier this year, her response would’ve been completely opposite.

She’s a beautiful soul, and it’s my honour to witness her progress.

27/07/2025

💡🧠IMPORTANT INFORMATION!🧠💡

I personally can’t see the point of training if the caregiver doesn’t have a clue why their dog companions doing what they’re doing in the first place!

No they’re not being naughty, stubborn, over friendly, sexual, aggressive or getting you back!! They’re communicating and trying to tell you how they’re feeling!
This is like a chemical reaction or message blip in the body!

There’s no point in repeating the same thing over again or using force if you don’t know how to help these blips and reactions… hence our first session is theory!

Nothing complicated, or scary, just an explanation. Then this happens… 💡

And we have a bit of fun! Plus eat cake!!

Let the training begin!!

17/07/2025

🐕‍🦺SOMETHING AMAZING HAPPENED🐕‍🦺

If you’ve reading my posts regularly you will know Mr F!

🕰️ TIME, PATIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, A VET VISIT, AND BONDING is what he needed.

We could have very easily put harsh equipment on him, had an operation, and negative forceful training.

Instead he made good decisions, remembers what Iv asked him to do and this is the result!

Mr F couldn’t be in a group over a year ago. He was to boisterous and didn’t understand the situation.

Today, this happened…
I bumped into Mr F and his caregiver on there walk and I asked if I could borrow him. We walked with Mr B and Miss P, on a nice casual, small group walk.

🤩HE ACE’D IT!!🥳

Now to think about the future walks and how we go forward in his learning. His learning journey doesn’t stop with one (Ok, a super dooper) group walk! We need to maintain the learning…

We’ll keep you updated!

🤔Think about this in a different way… 💡Simple management can help your dog feel safe and you from being prosecuted…
07/07/2025

🤔Think about this in a different way…

💡Simple management can help your dog feel safe and you from being prosecuted…

🌡️🐾🌟Bargain! Don’t miss this! 🌟🐾🌡️Animal Love Pet First Aid will be talking about a really important subject — keeping o...
05/07/2025

🌡️🐾🌟Bargain! Don’t miss this! 🌟🐾🌡️

Animal Love Pet First Aid will be talking about a really important subject — keeping our dogs safe in the heat.

As the years go by, the temperatures are only getting hotter, and it’s so important we know how to protect our dogs in these extreme conditions.

Sophie, a well-known and highly respected vet, will be leading the talk. I’ve done many of her courses in the past and can honestly say she’s fantastic — clear, knowledgeable, and passionate about animal welfare. 🐶💕

📅 Don’t miss this chance to learn more and keep your pets safe this summer!

NEW WEBINAR! Only £5 with an emailed certificate of attendance. It’ll be recorded if you cannot make the date. And the slides will be sent to you. Mark it as CPD.

https://www.animallovepetfirstaid.co.uk/service-page/the-hot-dog

The hot dog webinar will bust those myths, arm you with knowledge to pass on to pet owners or apprentice as a pet owner.

Science improves, we do better as vets, let me share the whys and wherefores with you ❤️

https://www.animallovepetfirstaid.co.uk/service-page/the-hot-dog

04/07/2025

💡⭐️ WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! ⭐️💡
🐾 Whether you’re new, continuing your journey, or coming back for more learning — there’s a group for YOU and your canine companion! 🐶💕

🔍 DISCOVERY SCHOOL
Perfect for:
🐶 Puppies
🐾 Rescues
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Caregivers needing guidance
Start your training journey here with support, structure, and FUN! 🎉

🎓 SKILLS FOR LIFE
Returning and new members welcome! 🙌
📅 Two times available:
🕦 11:30 AM (limited spaces!)
🕝 2:30 PM (extra group added!)
Next step after Discovery School or for anyone who has trained with Four Paws Training Academy or Canine Vibe 🐕

🧠 THE PAWSPECTIVE EXPERIENCE
Feeling a disconnect with your dog? 😟
Want to:
🔎 Build connection
🧘‍♀️ Understand your dog’s needs
📋 Gather insights for your vet, physio, or nutritionist?
🎉 Enjoy a joyful, sensory-based bonding session?
Then this is for YOU! 👃🐶

🎯 FOCUS WORKSHOP – coming in October 🍂
Ideal for:
🎓 Caregivers wanting to explore Freework and connect with their dog.
🐕 Give your companion the experience of a lifetime using all of their senses.
👩‍⚕️ Professionals interested in how movement & sensory techniques can change lives 🌀



If any of these sound like a good fit for you and your dog, we’d LOVE to hear from you! 🐾💬
📩 Reach out here ➡️ https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/contactform

01/07/2025

✨🦮 EDUCATING CAREGIVERS & THEIR CANINES🐾✨

👉🏻 We have just TWO spaces left on our Discovery School, starting Sunday 27th July at 10 am!

💡 Why choose Discovery School?
We're here to educate you and your canine tutor. To build a strong, trusting bond with your dog.

🗺️ Start your journey the right way — with positive, clear guidance. Learn to understand what your dog is really telling you, and why they may struggle with certain things. With this knowledge, you’ll have the perfect foundations to continue your learning journey.

🐾 What’s included?
✔️ Small group – only 5 dogs per class
✔️ Indoor and outdoor learning spaces
✔️ Real-world training outings
✔️ Two qualified trainers & a behaviourist supporting you every step
✔️ 100% force-free, choice-based training methods

🧠 Calmness, connection, and confidence are at the heart of what we do.

🌐 Want to learn more?
https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/book-online

📣 Hurry — limited places remaining!

Address

Enderby

Opening Hours

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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