Not your typical Trainer - The award winning A-typical Advantage

 

At A Pawsitive Step, I do things differently. As an autistic dog behaviour trainer covering Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, my unique perspective is my superpower.

Animal Star Awards Winner of Dog Trainer/Behaviourist of the Year Southern England

Based from Malmesbury, A Pawsitive Step offers expert dog training, helping Dogs and their humans build stronger, lasting bonds through scent work and science-led Dog training. I SEE the world through YOUR Dogs eyes, transforming behaviour struggles into success in a fresh, effective way.

Struggling with Your Dog? Let’s Fix That!

  • Is this you?

You’ve tried the YouTube tutorials. You’ve followed advice from friends.

But your dog still isn’t “getting it” and honestly, you’re feeling stuck.

You want a calmer, more connected way forward. Something structured, supportive, and grounded in science (without being overwhelming). Maybe you’ve had training before, but it didn’t quite fit. Maybe you just know your dog needs more than the basics.

Your challenges may include:

  • Tension on Walks? Let’s Turn It into Teamwork!

If pulling, lunging, or reactivity make walks stressful, I’ll show you how to bring calm, focus, and optimism back to every step.

  • Struggling with Recall? Make coming back to you Irresistible!

If your dog treats recall like an optional extra, I’ll teach you reward-based strategies that make disengagement and coming back the best choice.

  • Separation Worries? From Stress to Settled.

Barking, destruction, or distress when left alone? I'll help your dog build optimism and independence at their own pace.

  • Wait! There’s More

Want discounts to some of the best Dog brands in the Business? Look no further! A Pawsitive Step are Official Partners to the following brands: Absolute Dogs, MudDaddy, The Muzzle Movement, My Anxious Dog, Butternut Box, Paleo Ridge, AOK-9, Houndagrips and Tug-e-Nuff. 

Classes

Training for puppies and dogs in Malmesbury and the surrounding areas

Online Training

Using the Power of Play to build a better relationship with you and your pet

Dog Detectives everywhere!  LANTRA qualified skills to uncover...

The Power of Scent Work - A Game Changer for Obedience

I specialise in scent work skills, a scientifically proven tool that boosts overall obedience, turns behaviour struggles to strengths and drastically improves the bond between you and your dog.

Scent work taps into your dog's natural instincts, making learning fun, rewarding, and effective.  It's more than just sniffing, it's about engagement, focus, and building  a strong working relationship with you.

Learn to scent match, locate hidden people identify specific scent whilst honestly having fun!

 

 

IMG_2373
Image 4
Absolute Dogs Partner

Training for the Situation, Not Whilst You’re in It

Effective training is about preparing your dog for real-world situations, not just reacting in the moment. My approach ensures your dog is calm, focused, and confident in any environment.

Award-Winning Training That Delivers Real Results

With multiple awards for excellence in dog training, my approach isn’t just effective, it’s recognised by industry leaders. You can trust that you’re getting the best for your dog.

At A Pawsitive Step, I use science-backed, reward-based training, to create lasting behaviour change. Inspired by Dr.Tom Mitchell at www.beha.vet , I started using Concept Training in 2018 with Absolute Dogs and haven't looked back! My approach is concept-based thinking, dog-centered, fun, and always results-driven.

Dr Tom Mitchell, simply state this “The concept-based training revolution started with one simple discovery – you can shape your dog’s brain to make great choices by playing simple games with them. Games teach concepts to your dog like focus, self-control and even to be more optimistic in the face of scary things! There really is a game for that."

Want a happier, better-behaved dog?  LET'S CHAT NOW!

 

What others are saying ...

 

Catriona has been an
amazing help already just
from our first conversation.
I'm really looking forward
to working with her and
learning more about what
goes on in my dog's head!

Lyn McLaren, Wiltshire

 

Absolutely fantastic. More
and beyond what I
expected. Very pleased.
Looking forward to next
weeks meeting.

Claire Abbott, Wiltshire 

 

Positive attitude, friendly
and skilled. Great help
to our fear reactive
dog and socialise
her with other dogs too.

Steve Pryor, Gloucestershire

Ready to find out more

Let me help you to train the dog in front of you.

The solution is only a call or a message away.