A Pawsitive Step

We first met catriona three years ago with our first dachshund puppy. She attended puppy and teenager lessons and we credit catriona with our dog now off lead walking, calm in pubs and cafes and shops and having the most lovely temperament you could wish for your family dog. Most recently, catriona has helped us with our newest boy dachshund with his anxiety and reactiveness around other dogs by really getting into the root of his problems (IVDD and possible diet issues). She has given us saucy amazing advise with we are now so positive about his quality of life . Both our dogs love catriona and we would recommend her to anyone within the Chippenham area to see her before anyone else More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

Catriona was incredible with both of our pups, one of whom began lessons as a baby and the other at 2 years old. She provides academic peer-reviewed research to diagnose and treat behaviour related conditions in dogs with clarity and passion, I’m thankful to have her guidance and knowledge support my dogs through their training!

Reviewed on TrustPilot

We first met catriona three years ago with our first dachshund puppy. She attended puppy and teenager lessons and we credit catriona with our dog now off lead walking, calm in pubs and cafes and shops and having the most lovely temperament you could wish for your family dog. Most recently, catriona has helped us with our newest boy dachshund with his anxiety and reactiveness around other dogs by really getting into the root of his problems (IVDD and possible diet issues). She has given us saucy amazing advise with we are now so positive about his quality of life . Both our dogs love catriona and we would recommend her to anyone within the Chippenham area to see her before anyone else. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

A big thank you to Catriona for introducing us to Mantrailing. We had initially tried scent training with our high energy and easily distracted rescue Vizsla but he found it hard to stay focused. Catriona suggested Mantrailing may be better suited to his temperament. We have now been doing it for a year and the difference in him is amazing. He has gained confidence by learning to solve problems for himself and clearly enjoys the work. He is much calmer and we are sure it is helping him cope better with everyday challenges. Catriona's enthusiasm, deep knowledge and guidance has been so helpful to both him and us. More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

I’ve only had one session so far but I feel that Catriona is completely in tune with my puppy and was very patient and supportive with regards to my worries. She sent through a wealth of fascinating and informative literature including some excellent insight into the way dogs think in addition to fantastic games I can play with my puppy to help her to learn. I have every faith that by the end of the training my dog Juno will be the best behaved and happiest canine in Gloucestershire ! More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

Great course ,very well presented ,learn't lots Cannot wait for next one .

Reviewed on TrustPilot

Wonderful lady, she was patient, worked very well with my dog, she worked at his speed never rushed him, I would absolutely recommend her to anyone who wants help not only to train but understand why our dog behaves in ways we don't like, and change how we do things and listen to what our dogs are telling us

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

A lovely surprise for a bank holiday weekend, thank you so much. Your wonderful Dog and your family will have many years of joy together due to your willingness to help him understand and respond appropriately with guidance. Thank you for allowing me to help.

Catriona loves and understands dogs. She is always full of good advice and is very supportive. She’s doing a great job of training me and my dog and helping us build on our bond 😊 Thank you Catriona😊

Reviewed on TrustPilot

I have been so impressed with Catriona’s knowledge and understanding. She approaches dog behaviour from a holistic point of view, looking at root reasons for the outward behaviour not simply trying to train them out of it with treats and diversionary methods. She explains the methods and games she would like you to try very clearly and the reasons behind them, ie what it’s retraining the dog to understand or how it’s making them feel emotionally (safer, useful, calmer).Her approach is also practical and manageable in terms of time and fitting into your daily life.I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Catriona and a Pawsitive Step More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Catriona has made training and learning about my daughters dog such a positive experience for her. As my daughter is autistic having the flexibility of one to one sessions really helped. We all looked forward to Catrionas visits and I highly recommend her kind and knowledgeable training guidance. My daughter has come away with much more understanding of her dogs needs, body language and how to positively help an excitable young lurcher! Thank you Catriona More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

It was a shame I never got as far as the training as it looked very good , our two year old Chow Chow did so want training classes but my wife fell ill and I changed the date we were due to start to one further on this year . As it turned out I was my wife’s carer and so I passed our dog on to a good home, by then I cancelled the lessons booked as no dog no need for lessons but when I was told no money back read my rules I was very disappointed , Wheres the compassion there ? I know business have to have things in place to protect them and the customers but it was not intentional. More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

I have found mantrailing with Betsy so rewarding and how connected you are with your dog. I go every two weeks and by doing this regularly you and your dog grow in confidence and you become so proud of your dog. Catriona is there with you every step of the way with her excellent teaching and encouragement. Thank you Catriona. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Catriona helped me with my overly excitable and anxious Shih Tzu, Arthur, earlier this year. She was so lovely to work with- she listens well, explained reasons for the different things to try with Arthur and answered any questions I had. I like that none of her techniques involve punishing a dog for their behaviour and she worked at Arthur's pace, we never felt rushed with her and she is just all round a genuinely nice person. I would recommend her if help is ever needed for a troublesome pooch! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I wanted to say a huge thank you to Catriona for helping our beautiful girl, Molly, to become the best version of herself. Molly attended classes for misbehaved “teenage” dogs. Catriona has shown us ways through play and consistency how to work with Molly, day after day, to slowly overcome her aggression, anxiety and phobias. Molly has now transformed from an anxious rescued dog into a confident, trusting and loving member of our family. Thank you Catriona and A Pawsitive Step. Monika&Roland&Molly More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I received a telephone call from the trainer and had a very useful chat which resulted in me wanting to book a one hour initial session with the 2 owners and dog. However when I went on to confirm booking the site said it wasnt available. I have since contacted the person who I chatted with More...

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

Hi Jane, thank very much for the review. I’m just trying to work on the software booking glitch “as we speak” then I’ll messge this evening, when it is fixed. Loving the photos of your Pup so far. She’s gorgeous ☺️

Wonderful trainer. Catronias dedication and passion for understanding dog behaviour is evident and through reward based games and exercises builds confidence for both dog and owner whatever the issue - I would highly recommended Catronia

Reviewed on Google Maps

We couldn't be happier with Catriona's dog training services! Her expertise, patience, and genuine love for animals truly shine through in every session. Our dog has made progress in obedience and behavior thanks to her tailored approach. Highly recommend Catriona for anyone looking to improve their dog's behaviour ! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Catriona has been a great help in getting my rescue Lola feeling more comfortable and confident in her new life. We have made great strides forward in just a short amount of time thanks to the tools and training Catriona has shown us. We are looking forward to continuing this with some of the other courses on offer, cannot recommend A Pawsitive Step enough! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I booked a few 1 2 1 sessions with Catriona, she came to my home and really got a feel for the chaos of family life, 2 children under 4 yrs, that our miniature dachshund has had to put up with. Catriona was so understanding, this really reassured me that the training I was managing to getting in, was actually helping. What I needed was support and physical training, not just watching youtube, someone I could talk to and ask questions. Catriona ticked all these boxes. I still have lots to work on but in the 4 weeks I have been having these sessions we have managed to re introduce a pen, Dexter has learnt games, and the barking is reducing. Thank you Catriona, you are a joy to have in my home. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Lovely communication, quick response. Really looking forward to getting stuck in

My puppy got on so well with a pawsitive step, being outside suited us perfectly. Great 1:1 advice, handouts and puppy games to do with the family! Definitely would recommend to others! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Really personable, I felt so much better after our first session with my anxious Vizsla, I’m looking forward to the next session, lots of great advice to work with here. Highly recommend

Reviewed on Google Maps

Catriona was extremely insightful and very personable in helping me and my lovely boy Kane. She listened to all of our situations that we were going through and came back with some very insightful training techniques and fun games to support us. She’s always been very responsive and gets back to any questions or messages I have in a prompt way. Would thoroughly recommend Catriona to anyone wanting support with creating a happy partnership and life with your dog! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Catriona was so helpful with my puppy. My puppy loved her and always responded to her and our sessions were always fun. Catriona is very knowledgable and I learned a lot. I felt more confident after our sessions too, thank you! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Catriona came today , and had given us very useful insights as to what is causing our rescue to be barking over the slightest thing, some of the recommendations Such as calming our other dog , never entered our head, as he has always been a very active pup. We never thought for a minute he could be contributing to her anxiety, So we were taught , in the relaxed comfort of our own environment , exercises on how to deal with these issues . We are looking forward with anticipation that all will be well and quiet before too long , and have taken her advice to heart. Thank you Catriona for these new coping mechanisms , and I look forward to letting you know the results. Dachshunds are a difficult breed to manage a lot of the time , so this info has been extremely useful . More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Friendly very approachable. Excellent advice, written and discussion all helpful.

I worked with Catriona to help with my very excitable spaniel and all I can say is wow! She has a lovely approach which is easy to follow. She has done wonders teaching my pup to disengage + focus! TY More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Very positive first call
Training due to start soon

Catriona is super friendly and approachable. We can’t wait to start training in January.

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

Thank you, Jo. That's a lovely thing to say. I am looking forward to meeting you all in the January Classes and so pleased for you too. What an exciting chapter in your life to vie starting in December. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Best wishes, Catriona.

Great response and after a telephone chat have booked some 1 2 1 lessons.

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

Mark, thank you so much for this review. I'm looking forward to working with you and your little Dude.

The sessions have been effective and we can see good progress in our nine year old dog that we adopted when she was eight. At time of writing we have three of eight sessions to go. We have tried another trainer before but that person was nowhere near as good as A Pawsitive Step. More...

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

Dennis, thank you so much for your kind words. I've enjoyed out time together so far and Ruby is a wonderful Girl who definitely doesn't show her age. What a bright and intelligent Girl she is. I'm looking forward to our other sessions.

Catriona has been such fun to work with. We have rehomed a six year old patterdale and Catriona has helped us understand her anxieties and given us confidence to use the training tips she has taught us. Bree enjoys the games and is much calmer already. Thank you! More...

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

Hi Chris, Likewise, it was great fun coming to visit you all and help your Rescue Dog, Bree, find her paws. Looks like you're going to have many good times as a family. Thanks for the review.

My wife had a long initial conversation with Catriona over the phone and found her to be highly knowledgeable and someone we look forward to working with to help give our new puppy the training it needs.

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

It's been great to work with you so far. Thank you for being so welcoming and patient with your new addition to the family.

Catriona has been so lovely to work with. In the 4 weeks she has been working with us we have noticed a difference and even had comments on the change in behaviour in our dog. Its a long road but Catriona has given us the building blocks to keep us going to allow our dog to be the best he can be. We would definitively recommend her skills. More...

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

Dear Three! What a great dog you have on your hands! You were all a pleasure to work with and I hope our paths cross again. Thank you for such a lovely review.

A perfectly timed call from Catriona after another difficult walk with our recent new arrival to the family.
I felt she understood the issues we were having, and it was lovely of her to fit an hours training in the same day. Very much appreciated, as was her approach to our new family member. Just the depth of knowledge and reassurance that was needed. We’ll be back for more 😊 🐶 More...

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

Vanessa, it was a pleasure to help you and I couldn’t let your new companion face the world without some immediate guidance to help you both feel confident moving forward in your lives together. I’d be delighted to help you again. Many thanks for such a kind review. 🤗

Catrionna quickly developed a rapport with my Shih Tzu and gave me very useful advice on nutrition and games to play to help with barking and recall. My neighbours have already said she's much quieter! An excellent trainer. Thank you. More...

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

Nella, it's been wonderful to work with you and Rosie. I hope you can carry on making progress with your training. thank you for your hard work.

We are at the start of training but I am very impressed. Catriona is very knowledgeable and able to communicate with us without being condescending. My dog is also enjoying her new games. More...

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

Thank you, Victoria. I've enjoyed being with you and your Dog. I hope that she continues to flourish under your guidance.

I have just booked first session with Catriona next week. Feeling very positive.

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

Wonderful to meet you the other day. Think you're going to have your struggles turned into that strength in no time. thank you for the kind words.

Really informative set our mind at rest and made me feel less hopeless, she feels we can really make headway as an owner and a family unit

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

Hi David, thanks for taking the time to write a review. It's appreciated. I know you will be able to make a difference in the Family unit.

We would highly recommend the training our puppy Maggie has received from trainer Catriona at “A PAWSITIVE STEP”.

Our puppy Maggie had a great time attending the one hour session once a week over a six week duration and we would highly recommend these classes to any one with a new puppy. The gentle training has made a world of difference to Maggie’s life skill development.

Catriona has a kind and professional approach to us and our puppy that was truly impressive and Maggie seemed to respond to her puppy tools and training methods.

Maggie has now completed her puppy training and we have now embarked on “A PAWSITIVE LIFESKILLS” once a week training and fun sessions.

Thank you Catriona for giving us the tools to have A pawsitive beginning with our dog. More...

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

Paul and Julie. What a wonderful dog Maggie is. She's growing up to be a very optimistic Pup thanks to you. Ive thoroughly enjoyed our time together. Thank You!

I found working wit Catriona from A Pawsitive step, very helpful. She is a really lovely lady and clearly knows her stuff. It was great to learn and understand why my dogs were behaving the way they were. I really enjoyed learning new ways in which to teach them to disengaged, work on their frustration and to learn calmness. The dogs really enjoy all the new concept game and it amazing how working on these really changes the dogs behaviours. More...

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

Karen, thank you so much for your kind words. igt really has been pleasure working with you and brilliant to see the enthusiasm from your Dogs too.

It has been a joy working with Catriona. She is so passionate about her work and, in just 3 sessions, has been able to change how we interact with our dog to make sure that he is feeling fulfilled. She has also given us a number of tools to help him to stay calm when he feels aroused, such as when visitors come. Working with Catriona has been the best thing we've ever done for our dog. More...

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

What a joy Pippin is, when listening to you. Thank you for letting me help you.

Yet to meet but phone chat excellent so far.

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

Hoping that your Rescue rehab is going well, you have such a wonderful Dog. Thank you for the kind words.

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

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

Claire, its been wonderful helping you on your way to transform your Dogs behaviour. Thank you for the kind words.

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!

A

Reply from A Pawsitive Step

Lyn, that's very gracious of you and I’m grateful. I’m looking forward to you rediscovering your dream dog.