"Kirsty is such a professional in all she does. Her sessions were well thought out and she tailored activities to your dog if they needed adapting. Simple easy effective. Kirsty really cares and makes training your dog seem effortless"
Awards, Memberships and Qualifications
To ensure I can give you the best support I have a level 6 Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour with Distinction and am passionate about ongoing education.
I am a Member of the IMDT, an Approved Dog Trainer with the Dog Training College, Certified Puppy Training Specialist and an IMDT Easy Peasy Puppy Qualified Trainer.
I have been working with Dogs since 2011, studied for almost 20 years and established Kirsty's Paws in 2018.
I am proud to have won multiple awards for my services.
Please do contact me if you have any questions, I'm always very happy to help
Qualifications
So that you will have the best training experience I am committed to ongoing education, continuously learning, keeping up to date with the latest research and attending courses and workshops
I have achieved the highest possible grades in each the following courses:
- Reactive Rascals Instructor
- Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour Level 6
- Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour (Canine) Level 5
- Open College Network Level III 'Principles of Dog Training and Behaviour’ accredited certification
- IMDT Membership Assessment
- Puppy Specialist Course
- Advanced Canine Body Language Level 3 (VTQ)
- Canine Body Language Instructor
- Canine First Aid Level 2 Certificate
- Canine Behaviour Counselling (Theory and Practice) Level 3 Diploma
- Animal Behaviour Level 3 Diploma
- Professional Dog Obedience Trainer Diploma
- Professional Holistic Animal Healing Level 3 Diploma
- So You Want to be a Dog Trainer? College Certificate
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology Level 3 Diploma
- Canine Psychology Part 3 ‘A Journey Deeper Into the Dog’s Mind’ College Certificate
- Pet Psychology Level 3 Diploma
- Canine Psychology Part 2 ‘A Journey Through the Ages’ College Certificate
- Animal Management Level 3 Diploma
- Introduction to Canine Psychology College Certificate
- Animal Management Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma
- Animal Care BTEC Level 2 Diploma
I also have a range of other related certificates including:
- Currently studying the 3 Year Behaviour Bible with The School of Canine Science
- Companion Obedience Specialist Course - Dog Training College
- Separation Anxiety Specialist Course - Dog Training College
- Dog Training College - Gundog Certified Specialist
- Dog Training College - Assistance Dog Certified Specialist
- IMDT - Pet Dog Gun Dog Training Course
- Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy Qualified Instructor with the IMDT
- Dog Training College - Children and Dogs Specialist
- Dog Training College - Canine Scentwork Specialist
- IMDT - 3 Day Puppy Instructor Course
- IMDT - Canine Body Language
- IMDT - 4 Day Practical Instructor Course
- IMDTB - Dealing with Noise Sensitivity and Phobias
- Dognostics - Canine Enrichment Technician Certification
- IMDTB - Behaviour Case Studies
- IMDT - 1 Day Canine Aggression and Rehabilitation
- IMDTB - Resource Guarding
- IMDTB - Separation Anxiety
- IMDT - Happy Recallers
- IMDT - Loose Leaders
- IMDT - 1 Day Perfect Puppy
- IMDT - Career as a Dog Trainer (2 Day)
- School of Canine Science - The Puppy Lab
- School of Canine Science - Behaviourism 101
- School of Canine Science - The Art of Consultation
- School of Canine Science - The Science of Scent
- Dog Training College - Reactive Rascals Certificate
- Dog Training College - Canine Body Language Certificate
Awards
- Puppy Training Specialist of the Year 2025 - South West England Prestige Awards
- Dog Training Company of the Year 07852644190 - South England Prestige Awards
- Theo Paphitis selected Kirsty's Paws as a winner of Small Business Sunday in 2024
- Awarded 'Most Dedicated Dog Behaviour Expert - Dorset' in the Pet Products and Services Awards 2024
- Awarded 'Best Dog Training Service Provider in Dorset' in 2024 by the Southern Enterprise Awards
- Dog Training Company of the Year 07852644190 - South England Prestige Awards
- Best Dog Trainer in Bournemouth 2023 - Quality Business Awards
- Winner of the Dog Training Company of the Year by the South England Prestige Awards 2022/2023
- Best Dog Training Company - Dorset - Southern Enterprise Awards 07852644190
Memberships
- Member of the IMDT
- Approved by The Dog Training College
- Member of the ISCP, ICAN and the Initiative for Force Free Dog Training
- Affiliate member of KAD (Kids Around Dogs)
- Canine Body Language Instructor and Reactive Rascals Instructor in association with The Dog Training College
- Lifetime member of The Dog Training College
- Friend Member of the Association of INTODogs
A bit about me
I was fortunate enough to share nearly 18 years with a beautiful Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Shadow, she would have been 18 on the 5th December 2025 but passed away peacefully on August 15th, we had been together since she was 8 weeks old and I treasure every moment.
Shadow filled my life with love and happiness and together we have practiced many enjoyable training activities and experiences that I would love to share with you too!
Shadow was my inspiration for becoming a Dog trainer and together we have learned so much.
In 2009 I rescued a wonderful Bull Mastiff called Lola who lived out her years enjoying her time with Shadow and I - I learned so much from that girl and loved her deeply too.
I also grew up with two fabulous Collies who I have very fond memories of, it was my early experiences with Animals that helped shape a future in which I knew I wanted to work with them.
When I am not studying about Dogs, I enjoy going to a variety of dance classes, aerial arts, pole fitness and learning Spanish and Navajo. I believe that learning new skills myself also helps me become a better teacher.
I'm a proud sponsor of the Muddy Dog Dash 2025 in support of Lewis Manning Hospice Care.
I am also currently sponsoring Polly at The Dogs Trust.
Thank you for reading,
Kirsty