WHO I AM
My name is Maureen Carroll. My relationship with dogs started when I was four years old, playing with the neighbourhood mutts. Since then, I’ve worked with many dogs (as well as cats and horses).
My story
Several years ago I trained with Monty Roberts’ instructors in Intelligent Horsemanship principles and this completely changed my way of thinking about how to use an animal’s natural instincts and body language to train them in a positive, force-free way. Notwithstanding my love of horses and cats, I feel that there’s fewer things in life more satisfying than having that great bond with mans’ best friend – the family dog.
Probably the most important and useful piece of advice I ever had is “always try to put your dog in a position where they can get it right” For a dog that is fearful, anxious, defensive or lacking confidence, the trust in the owner is crucial. That’s why I really believe that your relationship with your dog is so important. You give guidance, reward good behaviour, provide positive reinforcement, deal quietly with issues. If the dog cannot take its cue from you, it will find its own way of dealing with situations.
My training
I have trained with Sarah Whitehead, who is an internationally renowned lecturer and pet behaviour counsellor, and Stella Bagshaw, who is one of the UK’s leading “clicker” trainers. I have completed my training via Alpha Education – an organisation providing accredited education in the field of behaviour and training.
I’m particularly interested in rescue dogs and spend a lot of my free time volunteering for a well-known dog rescue charity. I’ve seen so many dogs gifted in with behavioural “problems” which could easily be solved with some basic, consistent training. Yet often, when kind people re-home a rescue dog, a few weeks later it can turn out not to be the dog you thought you re-homed. Rescue kennels – not matter how caring and well -run, can have a big impact on dogs, especially long-stays. However, many issues that come up can be easily solved with a bit of time, adjustment and consistency in training.
TESTIMONIALS
Here are some of my clients thoughts on how I have helped them and their dogs.
Paw Manners is very affordable and worth every penny!
“Maureen helped us with both our rescue dogs who have problems with anxious behaviour. The lessons were incredibly helpful and all the training focused on how the dogs learn rather than what we want them to do.
The results have been very positive and we continue the training practice with them on our own. Paw Manners is very affordable and worth every penny! Maureen gave us lots of resources on how to deal with dog behavioural issues and left us with lots of training tips to improve certain negative behaviours. I would definitely recommend Paw Manners if you are looking for a dog trainer!” Babette Egham, Surrey
She understood exactly what we needed our dogs to do
“Maureen was very friendly, and my dogs loved her. She was professional and really listened to us. She understood exactly what we needed our dogs to do and she demonstrated step-by-step instructions on how to achieve correct results. She taught us clicker training, which was a revelation! She also gave us written instructions and material that we can refer back to. I feel very confident handling my dogs and they seem much happier too! Thank you Maureen!” Liz, Godalming
Maureen has been an absolute godsend
“Maureen has been an absolute godsend. We had a strong 11 month old Labrador who pulled on the lead. Maureen has been walking him one-to-one and has worked wonders to help him walk calmly without pulling. She has been teaching all the family simple rules for how to manage him on his walks. She has a lovely calm confident way and we are all learning so much from her. When we really needed help she was there for us 100%. Thank you so much Maureen.” Christine, Elstead
We would thoroughly recommend Maureen and couldn’t have managed without her
“Getting our first family dog, having had no previous experience of puppies, was quite a daunting prospect. However, with Maureen’s expert help and guidance, within a few weeks we felt much more confident and Maisie (our puppy) is already responding to Maureen’s excellent training techniques.
We would thoroughly recommend Maureen and couldn’t have managed without her. Thank you.” Rebecca , Farnham
Maureen is right up to date with current understanding of how dogs tick
“My sighthounds have just had two training sessions with Maureen at PawManners, and l am just so pleased that we have.
Maureen is so confident with dogs, understands and is able to explain how they think and what motivates their behaviour, she filled me with the confidence l was lacking with my two when out on walks. l now see what l have to do to help my dogs become more relaxed and well behaved when we are out and about and meeting other dogs and l will continue with their training, knowing that if l get stuck in any way, she will be able to put me back on track.
Already, using her suggested techniques, my dogs are behaving much better and l am beginning to enjoy my walks with them instead of slightly dreading it each time! So much of how we train our dogs is counter-productive and Maureen is right up to date with current understanding of how dogs tick. So l would highly recommend this lovely lady if you have any concerns about your dog or want to improve their behaviour.” Eve