Norfolk, UK WhatsApp, Text or Call 07999982803 claire@educatingpaws.co.uk
about educating paws
More about me...
Hi, I’m Claire, founder of Educating Paws®, and I love helping puppies, dogs and their families.
I’m a Puppy School accredited tutor, a provisional Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), and an Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). These organisations hold me to the highest professional standards, so your dog’s welfare is always at the centre of what I do.
My Background
I’ve been working with and studying dogs for more than 22 years, and with animals in general for nearly 25 years.
My experience includes:
- Rescue centres and boarding kennels
- Veterinary work, including running specialist puppy sessions in veterinary practices
- Assistance dog training, including managing groups of volunteers and teaching them how to handle and train their dogs
- A little grooming too
- Many years of private training and helping with behaviour problems, including teaching group classes
I am recommended by veterinarians for my training expertise and behaviour knowledge, which allows me to support puppies and dogs within veterinary practice settings, and take veterinary referrals for specialist behaviour support.
I spent 10 years at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, where I became a qualified trainer. I was also a member of their display team for several years, travelling the country and attending high-profile events such as Crufts to demonstrate the life-changing work of assistance dogs. My demo dog was Scout, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who loved being in the spotlight.
Qualifications
- BTEC National Diploma in Animal Care
- BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour Science, University of Lincoln
- Accredited Puppy School tutor (since 2017)
- Provisional Clinical Animal Behaviourist, Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC)
I complete well over 100 hours of continuing professional development each year, attending courses, seminars, and workshops. This ensures my knowledge and skills remain up to date and current, so that my clients and their dogs always receive the best advice and guidance.
I actively network with other qualified professionals in the area. We support one another, and if I believe another expert would be better suited to help you or your dog, I will confidently refer you. I view my peers not as competition, but as a collaborative support network, ensuring the best outcomes for dogs and their owners.
Educating Paws®
In 2017, Educating Paws® was born. What started as one puppy class each week has grown steadily into a thriving business. I now run around 10 classes per week, alongside one-to-one training and behaviour support.
This is not a hobby or a side job – it’s my full-time career and my passion.
My Specialisms
I have a particular focus on:
- Puppies and puppy development – combining study and hands-on experience to give puppies the best start.
- Adolescent dogs – helping owners through the tricky teenage phase.
- Misunderstood dogs – those often labelled “bratty” or “snappy”, where I can uncover the real reasons behind behaviour and guide positive change.
What I Stand For
🐾 Kindness – no methods that cause fear or pain, and no judgement of owners for past choices.
🐾 Meeting needs – adapting to both dog and human learners so everyone can succeed.
🐾 Honesty – if I don’t know, I’ll research, seek advice, and learn.
🐾 Problem prevention – giving owners the right advice at the right time.
🐾 Empowerment – building confidence in both dogs and owners.
🐾 Sharing knowledge – always explaining the “why”, not just the “how”.
🐾 Ethical, long-term change – progress is a journey, and dogs have real emotions.
🐾 Fun training – learning is most effective when everyone enjoys it.
🐾 Celebrating small wins – every step forward is worth recognising.
🐾 Responsibility – promoting good practice and responsible ownership.
Beyond Training
Alongside my classes and one-to-one work, I write articles for local media to share accurate information in a world where dog owners are often overwhelmed by conflicting advice.
Personal Life
At home, I live with Wren, my tiny but mighty Papillon. Over the years I’ve shared life with many different breeds, which has given me valuable insight into just how unique each dog can be.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, tending to my garden, and long walks exploring the local countryside.