Meet Tom, the trainer behind Paws Academy
I’m Tom. I’ve spent years training working dogs, and now I train and look after a small number of dogs at a time from my home in Ashford, Kent.
- Search dogFormer handler
- PositiveReward-based only
- 5.0 ★10 Google reviews
It all began with Jake
My journey started with my black Labrador, Jake. Training him is what got me hooked, and he went on to win best in class at local obedience shows.
From there I became a search dog handler, training dogs in scent recognition and operational searches. Working dogs teach you a lot: how they think, what motivates them, and how much they can achieve when training is clear, consistent and fun.
Paws Academy brings all of that home. One person, one home and a routine your dog can settle into, whether they’re here for a holiday or for training.
Positive, reward-based, always
I believe in building trust and confidence through positive reinforcement. It’s evidence-based, it’s kind, and it creates lasting changes in behaviour while strengthening the bond between you and your dog.
No harsh corrections and no shortcuts. Just patient, consistent training that your dog enjoys, and that you can carry on at home. I log every session in the app with notes and short videos, so you can see exactly what we’ve worked on.
What I can help with
Through Board & Training, or during a boarding stay.
- Puppy trainingSit, stay and the basics, plus socialisation so they grow up confident.
- RecallComing back when called, even when there’s something more interesting nearby.
- Lead walkingCalmer walks without the pulling.
- Crate trainingA crate that feels like a safe den, not a punishment.
- Separation anxietyHelping dogs cope calmly with time on their own.
- Nervous and reactive dogsPatient confidence building for dogs who find the world a bit much.
The facts
The things worth checking before you trust anyone with your dog.
- Background
- Former search dog handler
- Methods
- Positive reinforcement only
- Licence
- Licensed home boarder
- Insurance
- Fully insured
- Based in
- Ashford, Kent
- Covering
- Kent and London
Meet before you book
Every new dog has a free meet and greet before their first stay. No pressure and no commitment, just a chance for you, your dog and Tom to get to know each other.
- See where they’ll stayCome to Tom’s home in Ashford, meet him and see the space your dog will be spending their time in.
- Talk through their routineFeeding, walks, allergies, medication, quirks and worries. Everything that makes your dog who they are.
- A trial stay if it helpsIf your dog would settle better with a little more time, a short trial stay can be arranged before the real thing.
What owners say about Tom
“Our golden retriever, Maverick, absolutely loves boarding with Tom – he greets Tom with pure joy every time he sees him! Tom always does such a good job taking care of Maverick and keeping him engaged, and we always come back to a happy and tired dog.”
“We met Tom through dog training and he was honestly the best trainer ever. He would send us 5-minute videos showing exactly what he was doing with Bisous, whether it was lead pulling, recall, or even things like sit and stay, and coached us through everything.”
Ready to meet?
Sign up in a couple of minutes and Tom will arrange a free meet and greet.