About us
Hi! I’m Susie and I’m the trainer behind Best Paw Forward, located in North Essex.
Best Paw Forward started to become a vision in September of 2017, when I brought home my first dog – a Miniature Schnauzer puppy called Murray. I was 21, had never owned a dog before, but I’d been working as a dog walker for just over a year and I’d been obsessing over dogs since I was 17, so I was determined to have the perfect dog – a well-trained one. And so, I went to dog training classes.
While perfection didn’t exactly work out (Murray is a very vocal and independently-minded dog!), I became obsessed with our puppy classes. For us, it was the highlight of the week and, eventually, I started volunteering as a class assistant.
I wasn’t at this training class for too long (schedule changes and personal life got in the way of things, unfortunately), I’d caught a bug for learning as much as possible about dogs, the way they work, and the way they learn. But it wasn’t until late 2020 that things really got into motion.
My dog walking business was starting to slow down thanks to the pandemic, and I figured that this would be a good time to make a change. So, I took my first steps towards being a qualified dog trainer, with the Victoria Stilwell Academy.
Victoria Stilwell has always been a role model to me, especially in her techniques and her attitude with dogs. Unlike other television dog trainers, her knowledge has evolved over the years and she’s been able to adapt her style towards the latest scientific research in order to understand dogs better.
My ultimate aim is to build and open my own dog school, a space I own that I can use to teach both group classes and one-to-one lessons. I also aim to become a member of both the IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers) and the APDT UK (Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK).
From agility and obedience to dog shows and rescue pups, my love for dogs is endless and I want to work with them for as long as I can, as best as I can.
Best Paw Forward is the product of five years of dreaming, learning and hard work.
I hope you’ll let me into your lives and let me help you and your dog on your training journey.
