Gentle Training for Happy Dogs

Welcome to The Paw-sitive Experience

The Paw-sitive Experience is a Stourbridge-based dog training service dedicated to helping dogs become calmer, happier, and more confident members of your family. Run by Nikki, a qualified trainer who specialises in positive, science-backed methods, the focus is on building real-world skills, emotional stability, and stronger relationships between dogs and their owners.

I work with puppies, adolescents, rescue dogs, and sensitive or easily overstimulated dogs who need help with focus, calmness, manners, and everyday behaviour. Every session is gentle, reward-based, and tailored to the unique needs of your dog — whether we’re building foundations, tackling challenges, or boosting confidence in the outside world.

I’m always developing my skills and knowledge, and I’m currently completing my Level 6 Advanced Canine Behaviour qualification to ensure the support I offer is grounded in the most up-to-date behavioural science.

Before becoming a trainer, I spent years working hands-on with high-energy breeds through my countryside group dog walks. These off-lead walks still run daily and give me a deep understanding of canine body language, arousal patterns, social behaviour, and what dogs truly need to thrive. This experience strengthens my training approach, allowing me to help dogs not just learn better – but feel better.

I’m also an approved assessor for Therapy Dog Training UK, supporting owners who want their dogs to bring comfort and emotional support to others. As a qualified Pet Bereavement Counsellor, I bring a compassionate understanding of the human–animal bond, offering support to both dogs and the people who love them.

My aim is simple: to provide kind, effective training and thoughtful care that helps every dog feel safe, supported, and understood — and to give you peace of mind at every step.

About The Paw-sitive Experience

Our Services

Tailored training and walking for your dog’s best life.

Group Dog Walks

Structured off lead countryside walks for high-energy, working breeds — building real-world skills, confidence, and fulfilment.

Qualified, compassionate guidance for owners navigating the loss of a beloved companion.

Dog Training

From puppies and adolescents to reactivity, life skills, recall, loose lead walking, gundog-inspired training, workshops, and more.

Pet Bereavement Support

Customer reviews

Discover what our clients think about our service

"I have been using Nikki and her dog walking services for just over a year for my two rescue dogs. Starting to use her is the best thing I did. My dogs are now more sociable, better trained and fitter. They absolutely adore her and can't wait to get out the door with her when she comes. I can't rate her highly enough."

Katherine, Oby & Snoop

"Nikki is a natural expert in the field of working with dogs (be it a small puppy or a grumpy teenage puppy!), any problem and Nikki has a solution!

When I first got my first dog, Nikki was a lifesaver in helping us work on his nervousness and she's now supporting us with his noise phobia!
Nikki has also always been on hand for any questions I've had as a new puppy dog Mom!
I would recommend Nikki to anyone for all aspects of training or walking with dogs - she is fabulous at her craft!"

Emma, Murphy & Willow

★★★★★

★★★★★

Happy dogs learning and playing together

All About Me!

My love for animals started early, encouraged by a childhood spent outdoors and a fascination with wildlife. That passion stayed with me through my degree in Human Biology, volunteering with otters and exotic species, and years of caring for a wide variety of animals.

Everything changed for me in 2019 while walking my German Shepherd, Gem, through the woods. Those peaceful walks helped quiet my own anxiety and showed me just how powerful our bond with dogs can be. That moment inspired me to retrain in dog walking, canine behaviour, and canine first aid, and eventually to qualify as a professional dog trainer.

Today, I blend my love of nature with modern, reward-based training to help puppies, adolescents, and family dogs build confidence, calmness, and real-world life skills. I’m committed to continued learning through The National Institute of Canine Ethics so I can always bring kind, ethical, science-led support to the dogs I work with.

At home, life is busy in the best way — shared with my two teenage boys and a small zoo of much-loved animals, including four dogs, a skunk, owls, a tortoise, frogs, snakes, and more. They’re a daily reminder of why I do what I do.

Hi, I’m Nikki — the heart behind The Paw-sitive Experience

Qualifications to Date

• Dog Walking Certificate - International Open Academy (2020), NarpsUK (LANTRA Accredited) (2020)

• Canine First Aid - NarpsUK (LANTRA Accredited) (2020), Dog Training College (2023), Dog First Aid Training (2024)

• Certified Dog Trainer - Dog Training College (2024)

• Canine Body Language Specialist - Dog Training College (2024)

• Children and Dogs Specialist - Dog Training College (2024)

• Canine Reactivity Specialist - Dog Training College (2024)

• Canine Noise Phobia Specialist - Amazing Animal Minds (2024)

• Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Business Course - NarpsUK (2020)

• Loose lead walking - Dog Training College (2023)

• Canine Law - Dog Training College (2023)

• Canine Enrichment - Dog Training College (2023)

• Canine Senses - Dog Training College (2024)

Full Enhanced DBS - Update Register
Fully Insured - Pet Business Insurance

Currently Studying - Level 6 Advanced Canine Behaviour