Having previously worked for a large UK animal welfare charity, Nicole regularly saw dogs brought into rescue that lacked basic manners or were poorly socialised and exhibiting behavioural problems. Many of these issues would have been prevented with proper training and socialisation at an early age so Nicole set up Paws Off to provide easy, fun and effective training for pet dog owners of Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.
Guaranteed use of scientifically-sound, humane training techniques
Nicole holds a First-class honours degree in Animal Behaviour Management and a Postgraduate diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling (obtained with Distinction). This extensive academic background, combined with her continuing professional development, enables Nicole to provide positive and effective training that can be adjusted to suit each individual dog.
Fully accredited and assessed by leading industry bodies
In 2002 the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB), the UK’s leading professional society for the study of animal behaviour, set up an independent certification scheme for animal behaviourists. In 2019 Nicole became an ASAB accredited Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (a certification recognised by both the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Psychological Society).
The Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians is a professional body promoting the highest standard of practice in clinical animal behaviour, supporting independent accreditation of clinical animal behaviourists conforming to standards set by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Nicole became a certificated member of the FABC in 2020.
Founded in 1989, the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors is an international network of experienced and qualified pet behaviour counsellors who work on referral from veterinary surgeons. Nicole joined the APBC in 2007 and became a full member since 2016. Nicole is now Company Secretary and a committee member, working to develop education and mentoring opportunities for members and other individuals new to the industry of pet behaviour counselling.
Puppy School is an established UK network of highly trained professional puppy tutors, founded by director Gwen Bailey in 2002. Nicole became a certified tutor in 2009. She is currently the Regional Manager for Surrey, North Hampshire and Wiltshire and also provides CPD and training opportunities for the network of tutors across the UK.
The Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK was founded in 1995 by John Fisher to offer pet dog owners a guarantee of quality when looking for a puppy and dog training class. Nicole is APDT member no. 01043 and is also a part of the team that assesses candidates suitability for membership within the organisation.
Talking Dogs is the go-to pet dog scentwork training provider in Britain, founded in 2011 by Pam McKinnon. Nicole became an accredited trainer in 2018 and transferred to the new trainer scheme in 2020 to become the Talking Dogs’ first Elite trainer. Nicole offers workshops and classes teaching the TD Scentwork system to pet dog owners across the South East of the UK.
Formed in 2010, the Animal Behaviour and Training Council is the regulatory body that represents animal behaviour therapists to both the public and legislative bodies. Nicole is a Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the ABTC.
Formed in 2010, the Animal Behaviour and Training Council is the regulatory body that represents animal trainers to both the public and legislative bodies. Nicole is a Registered Animal Training Instructor with the ABTC.
Nicole is first aid trained with First Aid for Dogs.
These accreditations mean that Nicole is recommended by local veterinary practices and some of her services are covered by pet insurance policies.
Passionate and dedicated to her work
Nicole strives to provide high quality training to help prevent behaviour problems from developing and to teach basic manners and skills so that living with your canine companion is a pleasure and not a chore.