What training methods does Potter Paws use?

Potter Paws is committed to ethical, reward-based training methods. You won't find any aversive, fear-based, or dominance techniques here. The focus is on clear communication, positive reinforcement, and understanding your dog's motivations to build a strong, trusting partnership.

Where is Potter Paws based?

Potter Paws is located in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, and primarily serves the local and surrounding counties with in-person training. However, they also offer a great range of online courses and programmes, so you can access their expertise from anywhere in the country.

Is the training only for puppies?

Not at all. While they offer fantastic puppy classes, their philosophy is that training is a lifelong journey. Potter Paws provides support for dogs of all ages, including those with more challenging behavioural issues, ensuring you have guidance as your dog matures.

What kind of support is available after a class finishes?

Potter Paws provides lifelong support to ensure you never feel abandoned after a course ends. You'll have access to a rich resource library, online forums, email support, and even a podcast to help you continue learning and growing with your dog between sessions.

Potter Paws: Reward-Based Dog Training in Aylesbury with Debbie Potter

Q: Do you offer more than just group classes?

Yes, they provide a flexible range of services to suit different needs and learning styles. You can choose from group classes, one-to-one coaching, walk and train programmes, specialised workshops, and comprehensive online courses to find the perfect fit for you and your dog.

I'm Debbie Potter, founder and Head Trainer of Potter Paws, an independent dog training school based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. We provide ethical, reward-based puppy and dog training through group classes, one-to-one coaching, walk and train programs, workshops, online courses, and support for pet professionals. Our philosophy is that training is for life, not just for puppies. I work alongside a team of trainers, such as Tash McCue, Sam Potter, Leaf Hawkins, Louise Rodda, and Sue North, who share our approach to dog behavior, reward methods, clear communication, and ongoing support.

Building a Place Where Trust and Partnership Matter

Over time I saw how many dog owners struggle with misunderstandings, inconsistent signals and genuine frustration. Dogs don't come with manuals, but many training methods feel contradictory or harsh. I wanted to build a place where owners can learn:

How dogs communicate
How to build trust and partnership
How to avoid fear-based methods

The aim: happier dogs, less stress for owners, stronger relationships.

I also wanted to combine in-field training (on outdoor fields) with behavioural education, ongoing support, resources and community, so people don't feel abandoned after a class ends.

Starting Local and Building Gradually

When Potter Paws launched, I first focused on the local area of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, and surrounding counties. We held puppy and dog classes in outdoor settings, ensuring plenty of room, relaxed environments, and small group sizes. Over time, as demand grew, we added one-to-one coaching, walk and train, workshops, online programs, and support for pet professionals. We built credibility by making sure every client sees progress, offering clear explanations of dog behavior, and maintaining ongoing access through forums, resources, and email support. That differentiates us from "one-and-done" class models.

Overcoming Scepticism and Scaling Support

One challenge was getting people to trust a training style that avoids intimidation or dominance methods. Some owners expected more "quick fix" methods. We addressed that by sharing real stories, videos, testimonials, and showing behavior change over weeks rather than overnight. Another issue was scaling support. As more clients joined, questions off class times about behavior and setbacks grew. To handle this, we built a resource library, FAQs, podcasts (The Dynamic Dog Owner), and structured follow-ups to support clients between classes. Additionally, scheduling outdoors is subject to weather and availability of fields. We established backup options and flexible booking windows to avoid disruption.

Growing Impact Across Dog Owners and Professionals

Today we serve families, new puppy owners, and clients with more challenging behavioral issues. We also provide training and CPD (continuing professional development) for pet professionals, including trainers, walkers, and groomers. We offer courses in canine body language, first aid, workshops, and events.

Building Through Word of Mouth and Educational Content

To grow, we emphasise word of mouth, client referrals, and online visibility. Our social media (Facebook, Instagram) shares:

Tips
Success stories
Behind-the-scenes training moments
Educational content

This engages dog lovers.

We also run a Harness Loan Scheme, walk and train programmes, and online training options for those who prefer or need remote access.

What Makes Potter Paws Different

Ethical, reward-based methods: We do not use aversive or dominance techniques. We coach owners in communication, reinforcement, and understanding underlying motivations.
Lifelong support: Our philosophy is that training is not a finite course, but an evolving partnership. We provide follow-ups, resources, and guidance as dogs mature.
Blend of in-field, group, one-to-one and online: Flexibility allows us to support different learning styles, locations and needs.
Focus on education: We teach owners why behaviours happen, not just what to do. This helps confidence and long-term change.
Service for professionals: We help pet professionals deepen their knowledge, skills and credentials via CPD and specialist training.

Lessons for Other Founders in Service-Based Businesses

Start with your values, as when clients know you are committed to ethical, transparent practice, trust builds. Build your resource backbone early with FAQs, guides, and videos so growth doesn't swamp your time. Use storytelling and real transformations to show credibility. Don't overpromise, as behavior change takes time and setbacks happen, so manage expectations with honesty. Stay accessible, because the more you show you're a partner rather than a distant expert, the more clients will stick with you.

What I'd Invest In and Track from Day One

If I started again today, I'd invest earlier in scalable digital content:

Video courses
Membership portals

These complement live training. I would also develop structured maintenance programmes (for advanced behavioural support) earlier. Finally, I'd set up data tracking from day one:

Client retention
Behaviour improvement metrics
Feedback loops

This helps monitor and iterate faster.

Expanding Online Training and Community Building

Plans include expanding our online training catalogue so owners nationwide can access our approach, even if not local, and hosting more educational workshops and webinars for behavior topics, advanced training, trick and scentwork. We aim to grow partnerships with veterinary clinics, groomers, and pet care services to embed training and behavior support in pet health, and increase visibility via content, podcast expansion, local media, and community outreach. Additionally, we plan to build a community of graduated clients who mentor newcomers or run refresher groups.