about educating paws
Meet Claire Mcknespiey BSc (hons), ABTC-ATI, founder of Educating Paws
Hi, I'm Claire and I love helping puppies, dogs and their human families!
I've been working with dogs for around 20 years; at various boarding kennels & rescue centres, with 10 of those years being spent at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People where I became a qualified dog trainer. I was also part of the Hearing Dogs display team for 7 years with my demo dog; Scout (the Ruby Cavalier in the photo above), which was great fun
I have a BTEC National Diploma in Animal Care, and a BSC (hons) from the University of Lincoln in Animal Behaviour Science. I passed my extensive Puppy School training in 2017 and am a qualified tutor. I also attend lots of seminars, courses and conferences each year to keep my knowledge up to date
I am proud to be part Puppy School which is a large network of supportive tutors that are selected for their knowledge & experience. I love the support of the other tutors, so when you book with me you will also have access to their knowledge as we all share! All tutors have received comprehensive training from Gwen Bailey; renowned behaviourist & head of Behaviour at one of the largest animal welfare charities for over 12 years, Gwen lectures internationally and has 14 published books. Being backed by Gwen is a privilege!
My puppy School classes are accredited by the ABTC. This is something I'm really proud of due to their high standards. You can be sure that your puppies will be in good hands, with only scientific & kind methods being used
I am also a provisional member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), which means having gained the relevant academic qualifications & I am gaining the practical experience necessary for full membership as a clinical animal behaviourist - the gold standard! In order for veterinarians to feel confident about referrals, full members of the APBC have to have the highest professional standards, knowledge and expertise. It is an honour to have been accepted as a provisional member of such a well respected organisation
In 2019 I became a Darwin Dogs trainer, I love being in the assistance dog world and it's great that I can share my knowledge and experience of training assistance dogs alongside my business
I hope to hear from you soon!
RIP to Scout & Barkley, my two amazing cavaliers. Two sidekicks that taught me so much
more about hearing dogs, the abtc and darwin dogs below.... (click on logos for more info)
