The Heart and Vision Behind 4 Peaceful Paws
Hi, I’m Kim
I’m a passionate dog lover, trainer, and separation anxiety specialist. I share my life with three delightful cocker spaniels who are just as loyal as they are clingy.
Dogs have always been at the heart of everything I do, inspiring my work and life.
Hi, I’m Kim…
A passionate dog lover, trainer, and separation anxiety specialist.
I share my life with three loyal cocker spaniels, who are as clingy as they are adorable.
Dogs are the heart of everything I do.
Hi, I’m Kim…
I’m a passionate dog lover, trainer, and separation anxiety specialist.
I share my life with three loyal Cocker Spaniels who are as clingy as they are adorable — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Dogs are the heart of everything I do.
And yes, they rule my heart…and my home.
My Story
“From Balancing Spreadsheets to Building Bonds”
My career began in the corporate world, working alongside my dad in his tax accountancy practice, an experience I truly cherished. But as the business evolved and my dad retired, the company grew into something very different from the organisation I once loved.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, I had the chance to pause and reflect. I realised this wasn’t the life I wanted to lead.
So, I made the life-changing decision to follow my true passion - helping dogs and their humans.
My Story
“From Balancing Spreadsheets to Building Bonds”
My career began in the corporate world, working alongside my dad in his Tax Accountancy Practice - a time I truly cherished.
As the business evolved and my dad retired, the company became very different from the organisation I once loved.
Then came the pandemic in 2020 — the pause I didn’t know I needed to realise my true passion: helping dogs and their humans.
My Story
“From Balancing Spreadsheets to Building Bonds”
My career began in the corporate world, working alongside my dad in his Tax Accountancy Practice, a time I truly cherished. As the business evolved and my dad retired, and the company grew into something very different from the organisation I once loved.
The pandemic in 2020 gave me the pause I needed to realise I wanted to follow my true passion: helping dogs and their humans.
My Story
“From Balancing Spreadsheets to Building Bonds”
My career began in the corporate world, working alongside my dad in his Tax Accountancy Practice, a time I truly cherished. As the business evolved and my dad retired, and the company grew into something very different from the organisation I once loved.
The pandemic of 2020 allowed me to pause and reflect. I realised that the fast-paced corporate grind did not align with my values and wasn’t the life I wanted to lead.
That’s when I made the life-changing decision to follow my passion and dedicate my time to helping dogs and their humans.
The Fire That Sparked It All
My love for dogs began long before my professional journey. In my 20s, I welcomed my first dog, Shadow, a laid-back Border Collie who quickly became the centre of my world.
Soon after, Spice, joined our family. Watching her struggle with anxiety changed everything for me.
It ignited a deep commitment to ensure that no dog or guardian has to face fear, confusion, or overwhelm alone.
My dogs are the reason why I do what I do. They are the heartbeat behind 4 Peaceful Paws.
The Fire That Sparked It All
My love for dogs began long before my professional journey. In my 20s, I welcomed my first dog, Shadow into my life. This laid-back Border Collie quickly became the centre of my world.
Soon after, Spice, my sister’s high-energy and anxious Collie, joined our family. Watching her struggle with anxiety changed everything for me.
It ignited a deep commitment to make to ensure no dog or guardian has to navigate fear, confusion, or overwhelm alone.
My dogs are the reason why I do what I do. They are the heartbeat behind 4 Peaceful Paws.
The Fire That Sparked It All
My love for dogs began long before my professional journey.
In my 20s, I welcomed my first dog, Shadow, into my life. This laid-back Border Collie quickly became the centre of my world.
Soon after, Spice, joined our family. Watching her struggle with anxiety changed everything — it opened my eyes to how deeply dogs can suffer in silence.
It ignited a deep commitment: to ensure no dog or guardian has to navigate fear, confusion, or overwhelm alone.
My dogs are the reason I do what I do.
They are the heartbeat behind 4 Peaceful Paws.
Supporting Anxious Dogs
Supporting anxious dogs takes more than love. It requires science, skill, and continuous education. I’ve trained with some of the most respected, evidence-based educators in the industry, specialising in separation anxiety and canine behaviour.
Key Qualifications
Certificate of Training and Counseling (CTC Honors) — The Academy for Dog Trainers
Certified SA Pro Behaviour Consultant — Julie Naismith
VSA-Certified Dog Trainer — Victoria Stilwell Academy
CAM Advocate (Level One) — Canine Arthritis Management
Dog Training Assistant — South West Dog Skills
Ongoing CPD — Committed to lifelong learning
My Training Journey
Science, Skill, and Ongoing Learning
Supporting anxious dogs takes more than love - it takes science, skill, and continuous learning.
That’s why I’ve trained with leading experts in separation anxiety and canine behaviour.
Key Qualifications
Certificate of Training and Counseling (CTC Honors)
The Academy for Dog Trainers
Certified SA Pro Behaviour Consultant
Julie Naismith
VSA-Certified Dog Trainer (Online)
Victoria Stilwell Academy
Dog Training Assistant
South West Dog Skills
Ongoing CPD
I’m committed to lifelong learning.
These qualifications reflect years of dedicated study — but more importantly, they ensure you and your dog receive support rooted in the most up‑to‑date behavioural science
The Learning That Guides Me
I’ve been fortunate to learn from some of the most respected organisations and educators in the dog‑training world. Their influence shapes every part of my work:
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I’ve recently completed Julie Naismith’s SA Pro programme in separation anxiety training.
This qualification focuses on evidence-based methods to help dogs overcome their fears when left alone.
I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to learn from Julie. It was an exciting and fulfilling step forward in my mission to support anxious dogs and their devoted owners.
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Studying at The Academy for Dog Trainers, under the guidance of the inspiring Jean Donaldson, was a transformative experience.
Over two years, I developed a profound understanding of canine behaviour and science-based training methods.
Jean’s dedication and expertise have had a lasting impact on me, shaping my approach and reinforcing my mission to improve the lives of dogs and their families.
Graduating with honours was a moment of immense pride.
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Kim is a graduate of the prestigious Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior as an online student and has been granted official status as a VSA-Certified Dog Trainer (VSA-CDT).
The Victoria Stilwell Academy is the world’s premier institution for professional dog trainer education founded by renowned dog behavior expert Victoria Stilwell, and graduates of VSA have been individually taught in-person by Stilwell and other VSA faculty.
All VSA graduates have been rigorously assessed at the highest level for both skills and knowledge in the areas of dog training, behavior modification, canine ethology,creative problem-solving and more.
Additionally, great emphasis is placed within VSA’s industry-leading curriculum upon effective and empathetic human communication skills. This unique focus results in professional dog trainers who are prepared not just to train dogs successfully using powerful force-free, positive reinforcement-based tools and techniques, but also to help dog owner clients to learn how to truly transform canine behavior and set their dogs up for success using the latest in modern behavioral science methods.
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My journey into dog training began with the privilege of assisting Matt Donavon and Tamara Getter at South West Dog Skills.
Their extensive knowledge and compassionate use of freework, a method that builds confidence and reduces stress, continues to inspire me.
Supporting their work has been a defining part of my journey, deepening my commitment to understanding and supporting each dog as a unique individual.
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My commitment to learning is unwavering - I truly love it!
I’ve explored a variety of topics, including Canine Arthritis Management, where I gained invaluable insights into improving the quality of life for dogs with arthritis and understanding how pain profoundly influences behaviour.
I regularly attend seminars, workshops, and courses to stay at the forefront of canine behaviour and welfare.
This continuous learning ensures that I can provide informed, compassionate care to every dog I have the privilege of working with.
4 Peaceful Paws: A Mission of Calm
My mission is simple and heartfelt: to guide anxious dogs and their owners on a step-by-step journey toward a peaceful, joyful life.
Using kind, science-backed methods with a proven track record of success, I help you support your dog in overcoming separation anxiety. Along the way, I provide tools and guidance to give you the confidence to help your furry companion thrive.
You and your dog deserve calm, and I’m here to walk with you on your pathway to peace.
4 Peaceful Paws:
A Mission of Calm
My mission is simple and heartfelt:
To guide anxious dogs and their owners step by step toward a peaceful, joyful, and happier life.
Using kind, science-backed methods with a proven track record, I help you support your dogs in overcoming separation anxiety.
Along the way, I provide tools and guidance to give you the confidence to help your furry companions thrive.
You and your dog deserve calm.
I’m here to walk with you on your pathway to peace.
Ready When You Are
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, hopeful, exhausted, or determined, you’re in the right place.
Your next step can be gentle, simple, and completely pressure‑free.
Take the quiz to find your perfect pathway to peace, or explore my training programmes:
Finding Freedom - Peace by Piece
Flying Solo