Debbie - assistant trainer with a particular interest in puppy training

Hi, I’m Debbie.
I had my first puppy when I was just a baby and have been surrounded by dogs and puppies ever since. I truly believe that growing up with animals, learning to care for them and train them using positive, kind methods, supports children and their grown-ups in developing empathy, resilience, social skills and emotional wellbeing. And of course, it gives our beloved dogs a safe, loving home to relax into.

Our house is wonderfully chaotic with two teenagers, two cats and now two dogs. It’s a bit like Noah’s Ark, and according to April, I even bring the weather to match. Our lovely Enola joined us as a rescue at five months old, and our newest family member, Zorro, came to us at around a year old, another rescue with the biggest heart.

As a child, I dreamed of working with animals or becoming a teacher. I’ve been lucky enough to do both, spending many years teaching in local primary schools. I’ve gained a wealth of experience working with children and helping them build safe, respectful relationships with dogs. Ensuring both children and dogs feel secure and understood is always a top priority for me.

Now, as I study for my Master’s in Psychology, I’m constantly fascinated by the parallels between the canine and human worlds. With both dogs and children, behaviour is a form of communication, and our job as caregivers is to understand the why.
Why can my dog not sit right now? Why is my puppy struggling to settle? Why does my dog bark at others? When we look for the why, we can begin to understand how best to support them.

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Since beginning my journey with Pawcentric Pathways, I have been putting my teaching background to good use by running puppy and life-skills classes under April's mentorship. I genuinely love working with puppies and sharing those early stages with new caregivers, supporting them as they build confident, trusting relationships from the very start.  Alongside group classes, I offer one-to-one support and specialised Puppy Reconnect sessions for puppies and families who may need more individualised guidance. I am canine first aid trained and have begun studying with IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers). I am excited on continuing on this journey and where it may take me!