The Philosophy behind Angels with Paws

Angels with Paws is more than simply a dog training business. It was born out of my belief that dogs have an important role in our lives - not just as family companions but also often as teachers and helpers. When we really stop and think about all of the things dogs bring to our lives - compassion, unconditional love, complete acceptance - I believe that they really are Angels with Paws.

We expect our dogs to live in harmony with us - we want them to behave calmly, be polite with visitors, know what we want them to do - and yet often we do not guide them and teach them appropriately. Our dogs do not come into our lives with an innate understanding of what our standards of appropriate behaviour are. We do not want them to beg for or steal our food, jump on us or our visitors, bark incessantly or dig up our gardens. Despite this, humans are often not very good at communicating what we DO want from our dogs in ways that they can understand. When I work with a dog and their human guardian, this is often our starting point - how can we show our dogs what we would like them to do in ways that they understand?

Most of us truly love our dogs. Yet sadly many people still use inappropriate and inhumane methods to teach their dogs what they want them to do. People yell, rant, rave, shake, stand over, growl, jerk and even hit or smack their dogs in an attempt to get them to 'behave' in ways that we require them to. Putting aside for a moment the fact that these 'training methods' are ineffective - why would we want to treat the companions we love in such a way - especially when we can achieve better results in a way that is kind, compassionate AND effective. I hope through Angels with Paws to help educate and teach dog guardians that there are better ways to communicate with your dog and at the same time help them learn what we need to teach them. Hopefully we can also learn some of the things that they are here to teach us!

 My Background and Qualifications

I have a BA (Social Science) and in 1996 I graduated with 1st Class Honours and went on to win a scholarship to undertake my Ph D. From 1997 to 2004 I worked as a lecturer and research consultant, teaching in the areas of Sociology, Social Gerontology and Research Methods. During this time I was awarded a number of teaching awards, culminating in both the Faculty and University Awards for outstanding student centred teaching in 2004.

  Although I had regrets about leaving my teaching position at the end of 2004, I had increasingly felt that I was meant to be doing something quite different - something that could make a difference in the lives of canine companions and their guardians. As I had been involved in training and instructing for several years, I decided to leave my position and undertake the Delta Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (formerly Behavioural Dog Training) to pursue what I had learned through my dogs was the course my life should take. After having my 2nd baby in 2005 I completed the course in 2006/07.

I have been incredibly fortunate that I have found a wonderful way to combine my passion for teaching with my deep love of dogs through my business, Angels with Paws. I am exceptionally fortunate to have another wonderful instructor, Kate, working with me and promoting the Angels with Paws philosophy. Our love for and understanding of dogs and dog behaviour, combined with my extensive teaching background means that I can offer you the best of both worlds. To talk to me about your needs for your canine companion, please contact me.   

About Kate Renouf

Kate Renouf is currently completing the Delta Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services and began working with Angels with Paws in August 2009, assisting with both puppy pre-schools and our older dog classes. Kate is an extremely talented trainer and is entirely committed to the philosophy of Angels with Paws. Clients have consistently commented on her gentle and compassionate approach when helping them with their dogs. Below is a little of Kate's background.

Kate started working with Angels With Paws in 2009. A qualified photographer, she got her start with animals through volunteering with the Melbourne animal shelter, Pets Haven. She has since undertaken a Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services with the Delta Society Australia, and only practices positive, reward-based methods in her training. In her spare time she enjoys animal photography, and maintains the websites for several animal welfare organisations. She is the proud co-owner of two Whippets, a Whippet / Italian Greyhound blend, two very cheeky cats, and a three-legged lizard.