Dog Training in Stourbridge -

A young girl training a black and white Border Collie at an outdoor dog agility course.

At The Paw-sitive Experience, we provide science-based, reward-led dog training that’s not only effective — but enjoyable for both ends of the lead.

Our training approach is grounded in the latest research in canine behaviour and learning theory. As science evolves, so does our understanding of how dogs think, feel, and learn. By staying up to date with modern, evidence-based training, we ensure your dog is taught in the kindest, most effective way possible.

We proudly use positive reinforcement only — never fear, force, or outdated dominance methods. These ethical techniques build confidence, trust, and a strong bond between you and your dog. Whether you’re raising a new puppy, working through behavioural challenges, or looking to deepen your connection, our goal is to make training enjoyable, supportive, and accessible for every dog and owner.

Training is tailored to each individual dog, with a focus on engagement, relationship-building, and real-life skills. From playful games to practical behaviours, every session is designed to help your dog learn in a way that feels natural, rewarding, and fun.

Ready to start your dog’s training journey?

Let’s work together to bring out the best in your dog — Paw-sitively!

What We’re All About

What Training Do I Offer?

We support dogs of all ages, breeds and backgrounds with a range of positive, science-based services, including:

Puppy Classes & Puppy 1:1 Training

A group of people training their dogs on leashes during a professional indoor dog obedience class.

Early foundations, confidence building, socialisation and life skills.

Liver and white English Springer Spaniel walking beside a golden wheat field.

A golden retriever puppy sitting for obedience training with its owners in a green park.

Adolescent Classes & 1:1 Training

Support through the challenging teenage phase with focus, calmness and real-world manners.

Tailored help with recall, loose lead walking, engagement and everyday behaviour for any age

General Obedience - 1:1 Training

A brown dog runs on a long leash during training with its owner in a grassy outdoor dog park.

A brindle and white dog wearing a blue basket muzzle and harness standing on grass.

People training their dogs in an outdoor grassy field at a pet obedience class.

Fun, reward-based games to build focus, steadiness and early retrieve skills.

Behaviour Support - 1:1 Training

Force-free help for reactivity, anxiety, noise phobias, resource guarding and complex behaviours.

Hands-on workshops that build calm loose-lead walking and reliable recall through positive, game-based training.

Gundog Training Principles for Fun & Obedience Classes

Loose Lead & Recall Workshops

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Kids Around Dogs – Family, Education & Community Support

Learn More About Kids Around Dogs

As a Kids Around Dogs (KAD) Approved Professional, I offer education-led support to help children, adults and dogs live safely and confidently together.

This work is rooted in the KAD ethos of prevention through education — supporting families and individuals at every stage, from expecting parents wanting to prepare their dog for the arrival of a baby, through to helping children learn how to interact safely and respectfully with family pets, including neurodivergent children, and supporting children and adults who feel nervous or fearful around dogs.

Sessions focus on understanding canine behaviour and body language, building confidence through clear information, practical games and structured activities, and helping people feel more comfortable around dogs at their own pace. Where appropriate, this may include carefully managed interaction with a calm, suitable dog.

Support can be delivered through family sessions, group workshops, holiday activities, and education sessions for schools, libraries and community organisations, with all work delivered with welfare, safeguarding and safety at the centre.

Uk dog behaviour & training charter chartered member 2025 badge

International institute for canine ethics, registered ethical canine professional badge 2025

Therapy dog trainer trusted trainer badge

KAD Kids around dogs School Dog Specialist

Canine reactivity specialist dog trainer badge

Children and dogs specialist dog training badge

Canine body language specialist dog trainer badge

In-Person Dog Training Areas

I’m based in Wordsley Stourbridge and cover surrounding areas including Kinver, Hagley, Wollaston, Norton, Pedmore, Enville, Wombourne, Clent, Dudley, and Kidderminster.

I also work with clients in nearby parts of the West Midlands, South Staffordshire, and North Worcestershire, within roughly a 10-mile radius of Stourbridge.

If you’re unsure whether I cover your area, just get in touch — if you’re just outside my travel range, I may still be able to help via video sessions or local hall-based training (a £15 hire fee applies to each session for hall use & is subject to hall availability).

Service area map showing The Paw-sitive Experience’s coverage around Stourbridge, Kingswinford, Dudley, and surrounding areas

Customer reviews

Discover what our clients think about our service

Sharon & Evie

Chocolate Labrador & handler smiling after passing their KC puppy foundation dog training class

“We booked onto Nikki’s 1-1 training sessions with our 12-week-old cavapoo. Whilst we had had family dogs before this was our first dog together and we wanted help to set the foundations with our new puppy. Nikki was so so helpful in being able to do this, we learnt so many new tips and tricks from putting the harness on without any nipping to a great recall technique that we still use and practice everyday.
Nikki helped us feel so much more confident in ourselves which helped the bond with the puppy and most of all we had such fun along the way. We would highly recommend Nikki’s sessions to anyone with a new pup!”

Young Cockerpoo puppy sitting in the sunshine at dog training

Sophi, Dan & Winston

★★★★★

“ Evie first joined Nikki's class when she was 6 months old. We were having problems with her recall as she used to get so excited off lead and would not listen to us at all. Nikki's puppy class helped us understand how to get Evie's attention, instruct her clearly and rewards (VERY IMPORTANT)! Nikki also took time to get to know all the pups and their families so that she could understand where we needed extra tips/advice. The classes were so informative as we as dog parents got to understand why Evie was the way she was and how to correct that behaviour in an always positive way! The pups and families also got to know each other which made classes so fun and enjoyable and we still continue to keep in touch over our class whatsapp group that started in March! This was started so that we could ask Nikki any questions between classes and also to share our training experiences through the week, all the good and the nearly good :)

As soon as Evie graduated from her puppy class, we enrolled her into Nikki's Loose Lead & Recall Training class as well as the Gun Dog Training Sessions. Again, Nikki's classes have been so informative and fun, with the whatsapp groups support as well! Evie's recall, loose lead work, retrieval and obedience have all improved drastically, even to the point where class members are telling me how well she is doing! We could not have asked for a better experience for Evie's training and Nikki as always is amazing!

Noise Phobia & Sound Sensitivity Support

Sensitivity to sounds like fireworks, thunder, household noises, or children playing can have a huge impact on a dog’s wellbeing. Research suggests that 25–50% of dogs experience some level of noise sensitivity — but with the right support, progress is absolutely possible.

I’ve completed a specialist, evidence-based noise sensitivity course with Dr Else Verbeek, an animal welfare scientist specialising in behaviour, physiology, anxiety, and stress. This allows me to support both you and your dog through structured, compassionate sound training that’s tailored to your dog’s emotional needs.

1:1 Noise Phobia Package

£265 — Initial consultation + 4 tailored sessions (5 total)

• In person or online

• Ongoing WhatsApp/phone support included

• Additional sessions: £55 per session

This is a gentle, dog-led programme that often runs over several months. Together, we’ll work on reducing fear responses, building coping strategies, and helping your dog feel safer and more in control. In severe cases, I may recommend working alongside your vet to support your dog’s wellbeing.

While some fears may never disappear completely, we can help your dog feel calmer, more confident, and far better equipped to cope with the sounds that worry them.

Coping with fireworks and noise phobias book cover

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Alternatively… If you’d prefer to work through this yourself

I also offer a two-part downloadable guide bundle that you can follow at home, at your dog’s pace.

Did your dog struggle through fireworks season?

It’s not too late to help them feel safe and confident — not just for New Year’s Eve, but for all future fireworks seasons.

What’s included in the bundle:

Coping with Fireworks & Noise Phobias

A clear, supportive guide explaining why noise fears develop and how to create a calm, secure environment for your dog.

The Desensitisation Workbook

A structured, step-by-step plan with sound exposure guides, printable progress logs, and trackers to help your dog gradually and safely overcome their fears.

Therapy Dog Training UK

I am a trusted trainer & assessor for Therapy Dog Training UK who offer training and assessment for dog and handler teams who wish to visit establishments such as schools, care homes, universities and workplaces as visiting therapy dogs or for individuals who would like to train their own dog as an assistance dog