Training Built on Understanding, Partnership & Practical Progress

More Than 25 Years' Experience Rehoming & Training Rescue Dogs

Dogs do not all learn in the same way, and behavioural challenges rarely have one simple cause.

Over more than 25 years' experience rehoming and training rescue dogs, I have worked with a wide range of breeds, temperaments, environments and behavioural concerns. That experience helps me look beyond the behaviour a dog is displaying and consider what may be influencing it.

This might include the dog’s learning history, emotional state, environment, level of arousal, physical surroundings, available rewards and the way a situation is being managed. Understanding those factors allows us to create a plan that is realistic, ethical and suited to the dog in front of us.

A Positive Approach Does Not Mean Ignoring Difficult Behaviour

Positive-reinforcement training is sometimes misunderstood as simply giving dogs treats or avoiding boundaries.

In practice, it means teaching dogs what we would like them to do, reinforcing useful behaviour and carefully managing situations so that they have the best possible opportunity to succeed.

We may also look at how to prevent a dog from repeatedly practising unwanted behaviour while new skills are being developed. My methods do not rely on pain, fear, intimidation or physical correction. I want dogs to feel safe enough to learn and owners to understand how to continue the training confidently between sessions.

The result is a clearer, more cooperative relationship based on communication rather than conflict.

Training That Fits Your Dog & Your Everyday Life

A training plan is only helpful when it can be used in the client’s real life.

I will take the time to understand your dog, your concerns, your routine and the situations that matter most to you. We will identify practical priorities and work through them in a structured way.

That might mean beginning with management changes that make daily life safer and calmer. It might involve building foundation skills before working in more difficult environments. It may also mean adjusting the pace of training so that neither you nor your dog becomes overwhelmed.

My job is to coach and support you as well as train your dog. I will explain what we are doing, why we are doing it and how you can practise between sessions.

Specialist Help for Strong Predatory Behaviour

I am 1 of only 3 certified Predation Substitute Training instructors in Scotland.

Predatory behaviour is natural, but it can make everyday walks difficult when a dog becomes highly focused on squirrels, deer, foxes, birds or other moving animals.

Predation Substitute Training does not attempt to punish or suppress those instincts. It provides safe and appropriate outlets for natural predatory behaviour while teaching the dog to work more cooperatively with their owner.

A warm welcome to Positive Approach Canine Coaching. Based in Renfrewshire, I am a certified dog trainer dedicated to using force-free methods to help you and your canine companion thrive.

After 42 years in international logistics management, and 3 years as a director of St Mirren FC, I decided to follow my passion for helping dogs — in particular, rescue dogs — and their owners to grow in confidence, learn new skills, and deepen the bond between them.

I have rehomed several dogs (sighthounds are my weakness) over the last 25+ years, all with their own various fears, issues, and challenges, and have helped them go on to live confident, happy lives.

I offer tailored training solutions that meet the specific needs of you and your pet. Whether you are dealing with behavioural issues or simply wish to strengthen your bond, my training programmes are designed to meet your individual circumstances, ensuring that the approach taken is both suitable, effective, and most of all, fun.

I offer a unique (in the dog training world) NLP service that can resolve / eliminate fear of dogs in a single 30-45-minute online session, regardless of how long it has been an issue, or how deeply the fear is held.

Qualifications & Continued Professional Development

Dog training and behaviour knowledge continue to develop. I believe it is important to keep learning, question outdated assumptions and use approaches that reflect current understanding of how dogs learn.

Other CPD Certifications