About Me
ABOUT ME
My name is Claire, I am the owner at Dugs Paws. I am a dog walker and trainer. I am passionate about helping dedicated dog owners like you. I help train dog handlers to build a strong relationship and bond with their dogs so they can enjoy relaxed walks with a dog who is engaged and focused on their owner.
My journey starts with my own German Shepherd, Diesal; he taught me that walks aren’t always ‘a walk in the park’. I also felt judged by other dog owners.
- Rude stares, as people crossed the road to avoid us.
- Being told that he was a ‘vicious breed’ and that he should be kept away from other dogs.
Not only did I feel judged and belittled, I also faced plenty of struggles with training Diesel.
From struggles to new strength
I wanted to have a nice well mannered dog when Diesal was a puppy but there were times that I felt like a failure, I sought the support of a local dog trainer and attended a dog training club for the first year. I then shadowed another dog trainer for over a year. I knew I wanted to learn more so I decided to start doing lots of dog training courses and started up my own German Shepherd dog training club with my parter Wullie. ; I dedicated time and effort, with training courses, so that I could help not only Diesal and myself, but also other owners who had faced similar struggles (especially with German Shepherds!)
The inspiration behind Dug’s Paws
Inspired by my own struggles, I wanted to go on to help other owners, as I’d discovered how long and lonely the road can be! That’s why I decided to specialise in German Shepherds: I have the knowledge AND the personal experience, so I will never judge owners for the difficulties that can often accompany the breed.
Never give up!
Despite these struggles, we achieved the unexpected: Diesal went on to become a Therapy dog with ‘Canine Concern Scotland’, regularly visiting hospitals and universities to help patients and students with reducing stress. Diesal is now used as a stooge dog helping with other dogs training as he is very chilled and neutral to other dogs. We now also have Radar who is learning from Diesal and will also be used as a stooge dog to help other dogs in training.
Honest advice: I will never judge you
I always offer honest, informed advice and I try to avoid the usual ‘jargon’ words. I work with you at your own pace; after all, every dog is as individual as their owner, so there is no one-size-fits-all training method!
The learning never stops!
Just like you – I continue to learn, keeping up to date with the latest practical and theoretical knowledge of dog behaviour, so I can better help dogs and their human families. I regularly shadow other dog trainers and behaviourists to help me learn more. My aim is to help owners get a dog who is more engaged with them and can work around other dogs calmly and be well rounded and balanced in all environments. We must understand that they are dogs and need guidance in life to help them make good choices. I will always work to the abilities of the dog and the owner.
My name is Claire, I am the owner at Dugs Paws. I am a dog walker and trainer. I am passionate about helping dedicated dog owners like you. I help train dog handlers to build a strong relationship and bond with their dogs so they can enjoy relaxed walks with a dog who is engaged and focused on their owner.
My journey starts with my own German Shepherd, Diesal; he taught me that walks aren’t always ‘a walk in the park’. I also felt judged by other dog owners.
- Rude stares, as people crossed the road to avoid us.
- Being told that he was a ‘vicious breed’ and that he should be kept away from other dogs.
Not only did I feel judged and belittled, I also faced plenty of struggles with training Diesel.
From struggles to new strength
I wanted to have a nice well mannered dog when Diesal was a puppy but there were times that I felt like a failure, I sought the support of a local dog trainer and attended a dog training club for the first year. I then shadowed another dog trainer for over a year. I knew I wanted to learn more so I decided to start doing lots of dog training courses and started up my own German Shepherd dog training club with my parter Wullie. ; I dedicated time and effort, with training courses, so that I could help not only Diesal and myself, but also other owners who had faced similar struggles (especially with German Shepherds!)
The inspiration behind Dug’s Paws
Inspired by my own struggles, I wanted to go on to help other owners, as I’d discovered how long and lonely the road can be! That’s why I decided to specialise in German Shepherds: I have the knowledge AND the personal experience, so I will never judge owners for the difficulties that can often accompany the breed.
Never give up!
Despite these struggles, we achieved the unexpected: Diesal went on to become a Therapy dog with ‘Canine Concern Scotland’, regularly visiting hospitals and universities to help patients and students with reducing stress. Diesal is now used as a stooge dog helping with other dogs training as he is very chilled and neutral to other dogs. We now also have Radar who is learning from Diesal and will also be used as a stooge dog to help other dogs in training.
Honest advice: I will never judge you
I always offer honest, informed advice and I try to avoid the usual ‘jargon’ words. I work with you at your own pace; after all, every dog is as individual as their owner, so there is no one-size-fits-all training method!
The learning never stops!
Just like you – I continue to learn, keeping up to date with the latest practical and theoretical knowledge of dog behaviour, so I can better help dogs and their human families. I regularly shadow other dog trainers and behaviourists to help me learn more. My aim is to help owners get a dog who is more engaged with them and can work around other dogs calmly and be well rounded and balanced in all environments. We must understand that they are dogs and need guidance in life to help them make good choices. I will always work to the abilities of the dog and the owner.
