Our Team
Putting a wag in their tail
Josie – Head Trainer
Hi there!
I’m Josie and I’m the founder of Positively Pawfect. I am a Kids around Dogs approved professional, an assessor for the Assistance Dog Assessment Association and a rehabilitation trainer for Control the Meerkat.
Here’s how I came to be a dog trainer…
I originally qualified as a Barrister and got called to the Bar at Inner Temple in London.
During my final year of training I became unwell and was eventually diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Fibromyalgia which impacted on my ability to practice.
It took me a few years doing different jobs and completing various qualifications to figure out what I wanted to do as a career.
I have always been a HUGE animal lover, having lots over the years – but I never had a dog. My husband had dogs growing up and when we got our first house together he convinced me to get a puppy (I didn’t need much convincing!). We stumbled across a beautiful Chow Chow x Norweigan Elkhound puppy. We instantly fell in love and brought her home, naming her Lola. We later discovered that her start in life wasn’t great and we suspect she wasn’t old enough to have been separated from her mother and littermates or even to be sold. As a result of this, Lola wasn’t able to learn basic life skills such as bite inhibition (her teeth are very sharp!), how to communicate and how to manage being on her own. As you can guess, my first experience of living with a dog was rather stressful and I wanted to be able to help Lola manage her anxieties and learn some manners. Through researching, trying and testing many positive reinforcement based methods I managed to help Lola become calmer, happier and confident. The incredible thing is, whilst I was helping her, she was also helping me by improving my health and wellbeing. Pushing myself to take her out for walks in the countryside when I was in pain or fatigued meant that my physical health improved and coming home to a joyous bundle of fluff after a long day at work undoubtedly cheered me up!
My fascination with dog training and behaviour led me to discover the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behaviour. I always enjoyed watching her show ‘It’s Me or the Dog’ and was captivated by how much knowledge and understanding she had about the dogs mind and how she was able to help families enjoy living with their dogs. Having experienced first hand a puppy with emotional and behavioural complexities, I understand the impact this can have on the home life. I trained with the Academy on an intense hands-on course, learning about canine psychology, physiology, behavioural management and lots more. I graduated from the course as a positive dog trainer with a distinction – I was over the moon!
Carolina – Trainer
Hi, I’m Carolina and I’m a trainer at Positively Pawfect.
You will meet me in class at our Preston, Grimsargh, and Longridge venues, or in your home for a one-to-one!
I have a special interest in canine nutrition and have completed many courses on this topic. As I go through my dog training journey, I am constantly seeking out new qualifications and have so far completed several courses with The Institute of Modern Dog Training and with The Victoria Stillwell Academy.
I have my own dog, River, the laziest and craziest Golden Retriever you will ever meet. Sometimes I take her to Chloe’s or Josie’s classes so you might meet her there.
I can’t wait to work with you and help you on your positive dog training journey.
Chloe – Trainer
Hey, I’m Chloe and I’m a trainer here at Positively Pawfect. You will meet me at our Blackpool and Longridge venues, or in your home for a one-to-one.
As a child I trained and competed in Agility, Breed Showing and the KC Good Citizen Award, so I’ve always been around dogs and dog trainers. Besides puppy work, I am also a Canine Hoopers Instructor.
I’m so excited to be working the team and I can’t wait to meet you and your pooches.