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. I am a Member of the IMDT, an Approved Dog Trainer with the Dog Training College and Certified Puppy Training Specialist. I have been working with Dogs since 2011 and established Kirsty's Paws in 2018.
I am proud to have won multiple awards for my services.
Awards
- Dog Training Company of the Year 2024/2025 - 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 2023/2024 - 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 2021/2022
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
Qualifications
So that I can always give you the best training experience I am committed to ongoing education
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 and keep up to date with the latest studies, seminars and literature available including:
- Currently studying the 3 Year Behaviour Bible with The School of Canine Science
- 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
I am fortunate enough to share my life with a beautiful Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Shadow, she will be 18 on the 22nd November 2025, we have been together since she was 8 weeks old, every day she fills my life with love and happiness and together we have practiced many enjoyable training activities that I would love to share with you too!
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!
I also grew up with two fabulous Collies who I have very fond memories of!
When I am not studying or spending quality time with Shadow, I enjoy going to a variety of dance classes and aerial arts!
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