Hello

My name is Helen Merrett, I am a qualified veterinary nurse. In 2008 I decided to leave veterinary practice and set up a business of my own from home, where I could do what I love to do best, play with dogs and I have been lucky enough to be doing that ever since!

I live on a dairy farm in the beautiful Severn Vale, and am able to share it with your dogs!

I have 18 years of practical handling and training experience, and wanted to give people that alternative to kennels that we all want. A home from home, which is a holiday for the dogs, not just for us.

I take my Job very seriously and work to the highest standards.

Boarding and Daycare activities at Just Paws is licenced at  5* standard by Stroud District Council. Licence No 08/01242/AWACT

All staff and family adults at Just Paws hold current Canine First Aid certificates

I am a Qualified Veterinary Nurse (RCVS, GNVQ level 3)

I have a Diploma in Canine Behaviour Training, and am constantly keeping my knowledge current and updated through CPD

I am a member of the Pet Industry Federation  http://www.petcare.org.uk/

For your peace of mind I work closely with Woods Animal Hospital in Gloucester, in years gone by I worked there as a veterinary nurse, including until 2017 running their weekly puppy parties for them, as well as undertaking a lot of their training clients. I have a close relationship with the practice should your dog need urgent medical attention whilst your dog is in my care.

My training methods are based on my years of practical handling experience, I am literally surrounded by dogs day in day out, and this gives me a unique opportunity to study them. They are all so different in so many ways, and often need different approaches to both their daily handling and their training, whether they be problem doggies or well rounded happy pups just here for their holidays.

I base my training around the simple principle of teaching the dog how to be calm, so they can use their brains for useful fun things, and I do this in easy to understand ways, no tricks, or devices necessary. My one to one sessions focus on this, alongside making sure the hander understands how to follow up what I am teaching when they get home. There is no point in your dog being good for me, and not for you!!

I don’t offer classes, or group tuition as all dogs are different and things that work well for one dog, will be completely irrelevant for others. I offer value for money, practical skills and advice and if you follow my lead, I know we can make a difference to you and your dogs relationship in as little as 1 session.

I explain the reasons behind my techniques, in terms of how the dog thinks about things, so you can go out into the real world and start understanding what they are thinking of getting up to, and helping them control their instincts and unwanted behaviours without them even noticing you do it!

Thanks for finding us, 
Helen