Paws & Celebrate: 20 years of Pooch Paws Dog Training

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

It’s hard to believe that Pooch Paws is celebrating its 20th anniversary. When we started this journey two decades ago, it was driven by a simple but powerful dream: to help dogs and their families build stronger, happier relationships through training and understanding. Back then, it was just an idea, a leap of faith, and a whole lot of love for our furry companions combined with dog walking

Today, looking back on 20 incredible years, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude and pride. This milestone is so much more than a number it’s a celebration of every wagging tail, every success story, and every bond we’ve had the privilege to nurture. It’s a testament to the trust you’ve placed in us, the memories we’ve shared, and the impact we’ve made together.

The Early Days: How it All Began

Pooch Paws first began for one simple reason, a love of dogs! Growing up with animals throughout childhood there was only one thing that I ever wanted to do and that was to work with animals. Wherever I went I would be sure to make friends with whatever animals were there Attending dog training with the family dog triggered the bug for dog training. Back then it was very ‘Barabara Woodhouse’ which never sat right with me. From very early on I questioned the methods we were using whilst watching every dog flinch and cower, surely there were better ways of doing things, so the critical thinking was also triggered! With some knowledge under my belt and a loath of being confined to the restraints of the ‘normal’ jobs I tried, it was time to do something enjoyable. After some jobs at other animal businesses which included a veterinary practice, hydrotherapy, and dog walking along with lots of shadowing of other dog trainers it was time to launch my own thing and Pooch Paws was born in 2005.

Growing Pains and Lessons Learned

The initial launch was messy and took a while to get off the ground. Pre-social media and digital marketing we relied on posters in shops and adverts in the back of newspapers. A decent client base was obtained to keep ticking over. The first hurdle was when we decided to move to Norfolk, this meant starting the process again. It was again messy, so Pooch Paws became part-time alongside part-time employment. On top of this a lot of study on the way to keep learning as much as my brain could handle on the practical and theory elements. All this is to do the best that is possible for the dogs and their caregivers, it is all about helping them.

As luck would have it a steady job was found at a dog kennels. From there a job at a local veterinary practice to train as a veterinary nurse which became a full-time job for a few years. Pooch Paws was living alongside these offering one-to-one training before expanding into puppy and dog training classes at St.Olaves in approximately 2007.

There have been hurdles along the way from balancing study and work hours, to having the business cloned by a third party in the area (which didn’t last long thankfully). The toughest time which is echoed by many was the effect of COVID which halted all our in-person services. This led to a huge adaption and test of skill converting to online services. This opened the ability to work with people from Europe and America creating more connections on an international level. During this time, I was invited to join The Grisha Stewart Academy (an international behaviour trainer) as part of the team as well as a presenter. Lots of lessons were learned during this time, how to survive, how to thrive, how to set boundaries and how to use technology even more!

A Look Back: Favourite Memories Over the Years

Over the past two decades, Pooch Paws has been blessed with so many unforgettable moments. It’s nearly impossible to pick favourites, but here are a few that truly stand out and hold a special place in our hearts.

Our First Graduating Class

There’s nothing quite like the pride we felt watching our very first group of pups and their owners complete training. Seeing those wagging tails and confident strides was a reminder that we were on the right path. That day marked the beginning of what would become countless success stories.

The "Impossible" Cases That Proved Us Wrong

We’ll never forget the dogs that came to us with behaviour challenges so tough that their owners almost gave up hope. From shy rescues who found their confidence to overly enthusiastic pups learning self-control, these transformations remind us why we love what we do. One of our favourites was a puppy we ended up helping to rehome due to problem behaviour that went on to thrive in his new home. More recently we worked with a puppy that had bitten a few times that dramatically improved within the first two weeks going on to live in harmony with the family.

Unexpected and Heartwarming Moments

There was that time when a training session turned into an impromptu birthday party for a Bull Mastiff, complete with a dog-friendly cake bought in by the owner for all the other puppies. The times that dogs have avoided invasive veterinary measures because the owner has done a lot of training, then been complemented by the staff.  Moments like these remind us of the ripple effects of the work we do.

Watching Generations Grow

One of the most touching parts of being in business for 20 years is seeing families return with new puppies, often after training their first dog with us years ago. It’s incredible to be a part of their journey from one four-legged family member to the next, growing with them over time. Even better is when other family members join with their own dogs, and you get to know the entire clan including welcoming their own children.

Celebrating Community: The Heart of Pooch Paws

At Pooch Paws, we’ve always believed that our journey isn’t just about training dogs it’s about building a community. Over the past 20 years, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with an incredible network of people who share our love for dogs. From loyal clients and their pups to local businesses and animal welfare organisations, our community is truly the heart of everything we do.

Every wagging tail, every proud owner, and every success story has been part of this shared journey. It’s been amazing to see how the relationships we’ve built have grown stronger over the years. Some of you have been with us since the very beginning, and others have joined along the way but each of you has left a pawprint on our hearts.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of our work has been fostering connections between people who love their dogs as much as we do. From the friendships formed during puppy classes to the shared laughs at our community events, we’ve witnessed the magic of people coming together through their shared bond with their furry companions.

The Impact: Training Dogs, Changing Lives

When we started Pooch Paws 20 years ago, our mission was simple: to help dogs and their families live happier, more harmonious lives. What we’ve realised over the years is that dog training goes far beyond teaching cues it’s about transforming relationships, fostering trust, and making a lasting impact on both ends of the lead.

Every dog we’ve trained has a unique story. Some came to us as rambunctious puppies, eager to learn but full of energy. Others were rescues, carrying the weight of past trauma and needing patience and love to find their confidence. Through our training programs, we’ve seen incredible transformations not just in the dogs but in their families too.

We’ve watched shy and anxious dogs blossom into confident companions. We’ve seen unruly pups turn into well-mannered family members, making everyday life easier and more enjoyable for their owners. We’ve even had the honour of helping dogs become therapy animals, bringing comfort and joy to people in hospitals, schools, and care homes.

The ripple effect of this work is humbling. A well-trained dog means less stress and more joy for families. It means a rescue dog gets a second chance at a happy life. It means a child has a safe and loving furry friend to grow up with. These are the moments that remind us why we do what we do.

One of the most rewarding aspects of our work has been empowering owners. Training isn’t just about the dog; it’s about teaching people how to read then communicate with their pets effectively and compassionately. The bonds that form as a result are nothing short of magical.

Over the years, we’ve trained thousands of dogs and touched countless lives, but the impact goes both ways. Every wagging tail, every excited bark, and every breakthrough moment has left an indelible mark on our hearts.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Pooch Paws

As we celebrate 20 incredible years of Pooch Paws, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the journey so far and excitement for what lies ahead. While this milestone is a time to reflect on our past, it’s also an opportunity to dream big and plan for an even brighter future.

The world of dog training is constantly evolving, and we’re committed to staying at the forefront of innovation and excellence. In the coming years, we’re excited to introduce new programs and services designed to meet the ever-changing needs of our clients and their furry companions. From advanced obedience classes to specialised workshops, we’re looking forward to helping more dogs and their families thrive. We have already launched some such as the new Pro Paws Academy, a class which occurs every third week focusing on different topics.

We’re also exploring ways to make dog training more accessible. Whether it’s through online courses, virtual consultations, or community-based programs, we’re determined to help more families build strong, positive relationships with their pets no matter where they are.

Another exciting chapter in our journey includes expanding our team of trainers. We’re passionate about mentoring the next generation of dog training professionals, sharing our expertise, and ensuring that the values of Pooch Paws continue to shine in everything we do.

At the heart of it all, our mission remains the same: to help dogs and their families live happier, healthier lives together.

20^th Anniversary events: Join the Celebrations

As Pooch Paws turns 20 we’re pulling out all the stops to celebrate this incredible milestone with the community that made it all possible. We couldn’t have reached this point without you, and now it’s time to honour the journey we’ve shared with a day (x2) full of fun, laughter, and tail wags!

Save the Date February!

📅 Date: 16^th February
📍 Location: St.Olaves Village Hall, St.Olaves, Herringfleet Road
⏰ Time: 10am – 4pm

Save the Date June! Details TBC

We’re hosting an unforgettable event for dogs, dog lovers, and families alike! Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are new to the Pooch Paws family, we’d love to see you there.

What to Expect

We’ve planned a lineup of activities and attractions to make this day truly special:

• Dog Contests: Let your pup shine in categories like Best Trick, Best Costume, and Most Adorable Tail Wag.
• Training Demos: Watch our talented trainers in action as they showcase some amazing dog training techniques.
• Puppy Training Zone: Free training is on offer for pups of all shapes, sizes and ages
• Raffle Prizes: Enter to win exciting prizes, including training packages, pet supplies, and more.
• Photo Booth: Capture the moment with your pup in our anniversary-themed photo setup.
• Food & Treats: Enjoy delicious snacks for humans and dogs alike from a local vendor.

Special Highlights

• Throwback Moments: A walk down memory lane featuring photos, stories, and milestones from the past 20 years of Pooch Paws.
• Thank You Ceremony: A heartfelt acknowledgement of our incredible clients, team, and community who’ve supported us every step of the way.

How to Join the Fun

Attendance is FREE for everyone who wants to attend, we can’t wait to see you there!

Why Celebrate With Us?

This event isn’t just about us, it’s about celebrating the incredible relationships we’ve built over the years with you and your furry friends. It’s a day to honour the dogs that have brought us so much joy and the community that has supported us through it all.

Thank You

This journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth every step. From those first hesitant days to the vibrant, thriving community we have today, we’ve learned, grown, and celebrated countless victories big and small. And through it all, one thing has remained constant, the joy of seeing dogs and their families connect in ways that change their lives forever.

These memories and so many more make up the fabric of who we are. Each dog we’ve worked with, each family we’ve met, and each moment of joy we’ve shared have been stepping stones on this amazing 20-year journey. We want to take a moment to honour you, our Pooch Paws family. Your trust, encouragement, and loyalty have been the foundation of our success. This milestone isn’t just ours; it belongs to all of us. Thank you for being part of this journey, for believing in our mission, and for sharing your love of dogs with us. This is about so much more than training, it’s about building connections, creating memories, and changing lives, one dog and one family at a time.

As we mark this special occasion, we’re reminded of the thousands of furry faces that have walked through our doors, each one leaving a paw print on our hearts. We’re reminded of the incredible community that’s stood by us, cheered us on, and grown with us. This isn’t just our celebration, it’s yours too. Here’s to 20 amazing years of Pooch Paws, and to many more to come!

Here’s to the amazing community we’ve built together we can’t wait to see familiar faces and meet new ones as we mark this incredible milestone together and make many more memories, connections, and tail wags to come!