Paws In Hand

Brilliant time with plenty of tips to help with your puppy

Reviewed on Google Maps

Denise is so knowledgeable, patient and kind. Stella highly recommends the classes x?

Reviewed on Facebook

Denise, Martin and Jo are fantastic! We started going to the puppy parties from almost week one of having the puppy with us and then we have been attending some proper training lessons. We find the lessons really useful and fun! I would recommend anyone getting a new puppy to go to this puppy parties, they were essential to understand how dogs interact and when to interrupt rude behaviours. All trainers are always ready to answer all your questions and worries, and following their advice always leads to better results with our puppy. And our puppy can't wait to start her lesson each Saturday! She simply loves it! What more could you ask? More...

Reviewed on Facebook

We have been training with Paws in Hand for several years and with several of our dogs/puppies. It’s very positive reward based training and our dogs have done very well with it. The variety of classes offered is excellent, from general training, to Kennel Club Good Citizens, to more social and fun classes. The addition of new classes held at an outdoor venue over the past year has also been excellent. We can’t recommend them highly enough. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Denise and her team are all knowledgeable, courteous and empathetic to the training needs of the dogs (and humans!) in their care. They offer an unrivalled approach to training in the Dorset area. They use only the most up-to-date, scientific training methods and advocate for positive, force-free reward based training. Denise herself is a very well respected dog behaviour expert and explains with confidence and clarity the “why”’s behind any given behaviour. Without Denise and her team my young dog would not have been able to qualify as an assistance dog at merely 2 years old. Denise and her team have transformed mine and my dogs life. A trained dog is a happy dog! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Denise and her team are all knowledgeable, courteous and empathetic to the training needs of the dogs (and humans!) in their care. They offer an unrivalled approach to training in the Dorset area. They use only the most up-to-date, scientific training methods and advocate for positive, force-free reward based training. Denise herself is a very well respected dog behaviour expert and explains with confidence and clarity the “why”’s behind any given behaviour.Without Denise and her team my young dog (who was affectionately called the "asbo puppy" when he was younger!) would not have been able to qualify as an assistance dog at merely 2 years old. Denise and her team have transformed mine and my dogs life. A trained dog is a happy dog! More...

Reviewed on Yell

We have been training with Paws in Hand for several years and with several of our dogs/puppies. It’s very positive reward based training and our dogs have done very well with it. The variety of classes offered is excellent, from general training, to Kennel Club Good Citizens, to more social and fun classes. The addition of new classes held at an outdoor venue over the past year has also been excellent. I can’t recommend them highly enough. More...

Reviewed on Yell

Highly recommended paws in hand dog training, Denise and Jo are fantastic, I would like to thank them both for the fantastic dog training they do, Jade has come on so well, we are going to miss you guys, keep up the fantastic work you do.massive thank you.

Reviewed on Facebook

I could not thank Denise and Jo enough for all the help they have given me with my super friendly, energetic and crazy Labrador Herbie. Before meeting Denise and Jo, Herbie was a handful to say the least. He would pull on the lead to get to other dogs, would jump up at people and letting him off lead would result him running off to play with other dogs with no concept of manners or any thought to coming back! I was apprehensive to take him to group classes as I knew he would be disruptive but Denise and Jo instantly made me feel comfortable and quickly taught me the basics to get Herbie to listen. Fast forward 3 months and Herbie is a totally different dog! He walks loosely on the lead even in busy places, he doesn’t launch himself at people and listens to all his commands. He can be off lead in the classes and be focused even with other dogs around him. Our next aim is to lower his excitement levels when Herbie is off lead but his recall has improved massively since attending the outdoor recall classes. Even in a class environment you still get the feel of one to one training with guidance when you need it. I couldn’t recommend Denise and Jo enough and think they are fantastic trainers with a lot of knowledge, Denise can even tell when Herbie’s ear problem is flaring up again. If you’re thinking of contacting paws in hand most definitely do it ☺️ More...

Reviewed on Facebook

We are very grateful to Denise Martin and Jo from Paws in hand dog training and behaviour. They have been most helpful with their invaluable advice and support they have given us with regard to our Labrador puppy. We are new dog owners and through The Paws in hand teams expert tuition we have learnt an enormous amount about canine behaviour and have grown in confidence as dog handlers. We would highly recommended Denise, Martin and Jo. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

We attended the beginner and intermediate training classes at Ferndown. A great venue, plenty of space, with well structured and planned classes. Whilst it’s a class setting the individual needs of each dog are cared for. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Denise is an extemely knowledgeable APBC and TCBTS registered Behaviourist. Her wealth of experience and qualifications and the fact she truly cares about all dogs and their owners makes her one of the best to work with if you are lucky enough to live near her.

Reviewed on Facebook

We have been absolutely delighted with the training we have received from Denise, Mark and Jo at Paws in Hand. We have attended several indoor and outdoor classes since our energetic black Labrador, Tilly, was a puppy and are so thankful for all the guidance and advice they have given us. We have owned dogs before but this time we wanted to be better dog owners and understand more about how to train and maintain good behaviour in our young dog as she grows through adolescence and into adulthood. As with any puppy we have faced different challenges at different times but Denise, Mark and Jo have always been there to help us through. The outdoor puppy classes have been a fantastic help in socialising Tilly with other dogs and with people. These classes have particularly helped us with recall, lead walking and giving us a better understanding of different dog behaviours when Tilly is socialising and playing with other dogs. We thoroughly recommend Paws in Hand. More...

Reviewed on Yell

Denise has a positive approach and genuinely puts the wellbeing of the dog firstShe shares her observations and advises on actions that are tailored for your own dog both in sessions and over the phoneShe is very fair with her costings and is more than happy to suggest other trainers if she feels her classes are not suitable for your dog, when she could have eEASILY got more out of meI trust her wholeheartedly with my pooch

Reviewed on Google Maps

Honestly couldn't recommend them highly enough. I took Barney to their puppy parties, the first week he was very nervous but by the third he was happy & playful. Unlike the puppy parties you get in pet stores that are a free for all these ones are well controlled. There's a lot of guidance given so timid or very hyper puppies are all given a chance to thrive rather than being made even more nervous or hyper. Well worth every penny! We moved on to the dog training class for puppies under 18 weeks. Again it's not just about training but lots of other advice is offered. Sadly we missed a few due to illness but will continue with classes. Barney is not our first puppy but it's still been a worthwhile experience doing classes, plus these are by far the best & most helpful trainers I've worked with. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

When we decided that we would like another dog, we thought that after having springer spaniels, whom we adored, we would go for another spaniel, albeit a quieter version, and went for a Cocker. Who was I kidding!! Well let me tell you she is like our springer spaniels incarnate all rolled into one. We called her Holly and we started going to Denise’s puppy parties for 12 weeks then puppy classes for 12 weeks. Denise taught us all about dog body language while they were doing meet and greet and gave us lots of advice about looking after our new addition. We then progressed to the novice and then intermediate classes taken by Denise and Jo. Both ourselves and Holly who is now 20mths old enjoy these classes immensely. Denise and Jo have been so supportive in helping with the training of our little ‘pocket rocket’, (as Jo called her), and have given us a lot of help and advice at different stages of Holly’s training. Their in-depth knowledge and wealth of experience is amazing, not just about general dog training, but also about what training works best for particular breeds. We have had two unfortunate incidences with Holly becoming unwell. One was a phantom pregnancy followed by pyometra at 7 months and very recently pancreatitis. On both occasions the first thing that we noticed was a change in Holly’s behaviour. She had become more anxious, barking more and even a little aggressive. When I asked for advice from Denise about her change of behaviour she advised me to take Holly to the vet as the behaviour was uncharacteristic. She was right and Holly was indeed very unwell. Denise is so supportive and both times she kept in touch with us and followed Holly’s progress. We are so thankful to have met Denise and have her in our doggy life. She is Holly’s guardian angel. Denise thank you. Sharon, Stu & Holly. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Just wanted to let you know that I recalled Lincoln from two deer this morning... which followed a load of bunnies and two suspicious joggers last weekend! I've done some work (but not loads) and there is still lots to do but I know we wouldn't have made this much progress without your Recall course so thank you! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

We thoroughly enjoyed our classes with Denise. Time spent on training gave my dog Bobby a fantastic start in life and great grounding for his future years. Those first classes have proved to be invaluable & both rewarding for me as a dog owner. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Denise is a wonderful trainer, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her.

Reviewed on Facebook

We first started working with Denise a year ago when she made a home visit to help us with Maud's separation anxiety. We followed her advice and it made such a difference. It was a relief to be able to go out and leave Maud again knowing that she would no longer get so distressed that she would make herself sick. A few months later, Maud and I started Denise and Martin's training and behaviour classes. She is now far more obedient and her confidence has increased dramatically, to the point that she has now become a therapy dog. This really would not have been possible without the weekly input from Denise and Martin. We both love the classes and have made lots of doggy and human friends! The training takes place in such a relaxed atmosphere where we always feel encouraged and I never feel judged or embarrassed when Maud and I struggle to master a new skill. Thank you Denise and Martin! Karen Rainbow More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Ziva and I have just come back from a very successful outdoor class. Ziva is reactive around dogs unknown to her, but today she coped with three other dogs in quite close proximity and still chose to work! I think the outdoor classes are invaluable because in real life, that's where you come up against little obstacles. I learn so much about my own dog and dogs behaviour in general from Denise and Martin. They are so calm and patient with both dogs and owners. Thank you so much for all the help and advise - you are both brilliant! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Having moved into the area with a new puppy, not knowing anyone or the area very well I took to the Internet to find a puppy training class. Paws in Hand is fantastic, highly recommend them. Rodney is doing really well and enjoys the classes too. Started the second course after puppy classes and will sign up to the next one. Need help training your pup, look no further than Denise xxx More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Have just finished Denise's puppy classes and about to start the next course of puppy training with her. Her knowledge is incredible - I have learned so much. The classes are very well run and well controlled - with Denise and Martin I feel we are in very good hands and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I had the good fortune to have Denise and Paws in Hand strongly recommended for us and our little dog by our Vet. Denise is possibly one of the best two actions we progressed since getting our little dog over the last year. Denise is an Angel and made a huge difference to my dog, his experience of walking, playing, and simply getting to feel at home after a very ropey first year, to us as a couple and truly the output of all the work done has truly enhanced our lives. Thank you so much - cant recommend enough ........x More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Denise was recommended by my vet. She came to our house to help us with our boisterous and nippy puppy. She assessed his behaviour and left us with techniques to follow. Within days he was a different puppy!! At that time we were attending another training class but we're not happy as it was overcrowded and the dogs were out of control! So moved to Denise & Jo's class on Saturday mornings in Ferndown. The classes are not crowded by any means which gives you the opportunity to work calmly together with your dog and to set your dog up for success!! Denise watches their behaviour while Jo takes the class. Jo has such a natural way with dogs and they all work so well with her - my dog loves her! The fact I travel 35 minutes to get there every Saturday says it all!! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Both the puppy classes and the Fun & Games classes were well organised and great fun to attend. So much to learn about the basics of owning a dog, and even the more in depth traits too, let alone the training. Couldn't recommend the classes enough. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I called Denise when I became desperate for help with my newly rescued x terrier, charlie (previously stray). He has fear aggression, and I was at a point where I couldn't see a way forward for him and our family. Denise helped me to understand what he needed from us as a family, to help him to become less fearful, less stressed and happier. We followed her advice and although charlie will always be anxious in certain situations, he now fully enjoys his life. He can run in the meadow and play with other dogs, be around people, and has even accepted an addition of a pug into our family, who also needed a home. I have recommend Denise at Paws In Hand to many other people with dogs ( and owners) in need of help. Thankyou Denise. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I'll be back again and again (I hope, with future puppies), just the best classes I've come across in the locality......people are OK too!

Reviewed on Facebook

I first met Denise a fun dog show at Three Cross Vets back in the summer. We had been having some problems integrating our new puppy with our resident dog, despite the fact he was a puppy too. Denise was more than happy to try to help us out as much as she could at that point. Time passed and the dogs developed a more friendly relationship. Louie, our lab/shepherd cross, who is now 14 months old, was attacked while out on a walk by a dog and the dogs owner join in too. Louie became very fearful afetr that evnt and began showing fear aggression towards others dogs and men he didn't know. Honnie, our Alaskan Shepherd who is now 11 months old, developed separation anxiety as a result of not being left alone during her initial time with us as she had diabetes that was uncontrolled. We decided to have a consultation with Denise in August of this year as we had to young puppies with fairly complex issues. Denise came for a few hours and observed our pups, showed us some techniques on how to deal with unwanted behaviors and how to combat Louie's fear aggression. We also received a written plan and lots of helpful information as well.We have attended Grumpy Growlers, which gave us the opportunity to work with Louie in a controlled environment around other dogs. Grumpy Growlers is fantastic. It not only helps to build you dogs confidence, but also yours and helps to prepare you for training outside of the controlled situations. Since having the consultation with Denise and attending Grumpy Growlers, there have been times where I have had questioned, felt disheartened and had successes. Denise is very approachable and is always on hand to share her wealth of knowledge to help you as much as she possibly can. We have made lots of progress with both pups since August and are continuing with Denise's support to build a happy future for the dogs. Denise will help you to understand you dogs behaviors as well as tailor a plan to you individual dog to help you overcome you issues. All of her methods use positive reinforcement which helps to establish trust with your dog. I would definitely advise anyone having issues wth their dog to contact Denise as she has helped us so much. She is fully qualified and accredited. This was important to us, not only because we wanted someone who knew what they were doing, but she was covered under our insurance too. I will say though, getting a behaviorist isn't not a miracle cure. Denise can give you all of the tools, help a guidance in the world, but you, as an owner, have to commit to putting in to practice the techniques you are taught. Denise provides a fantastic service at a very reasonable price and I would thoroughly recommend her to anyone! More...

Reviewed on Yell

Our pup suffered with a very nervous personality which has made it very difficult to socialize her with other dogs - we often felt the situation could not be resolved and we were very upset as we felt our puppy wouldn't be able to live a happy and free life away from the safety of her home. Denise and Jo at Paws in Hand training turned it all around. They approach all dogs as the individuals they are and create solutions and offer advice tailored to your dogs needs, this isn't a cookie cutter process, this is professional help from people who care enough to invest in your dogs happiness - when we were at our lowest, they persevered and had they not, our puppy wouldn't know the freedom and quality of life she has today.I cannot recommend them enough. More...

Reviewed on Yell