| Pawsome-Manners | Force Free Pet Dog Training in Co. Wicklow

Hi, I'm Nicole, founder of Pawsome Manners.

Originally from Germany, I now live in beautiful Wicklow and, like you, I'm passionate about dogs.

The reason I started Pawsome Manners was to help other owners avoid the confusion, frustration and heartache that I experienced when I first began my own journey with dogs.

That journey began when I adopted my first dog, Sweetie, from a rescue. At the time, I knew very little about dogs. I loved her dearly and wanted to give her the best life possible, but I soon realised that love alone wasn't enough. Sharing your life with another species brings challenges, and I found it difficult to understand how to communicate with her in a way that made sense to both of us.

Like many owners, I bought training books, searched the internet and tried to find answers wherever I could. Instead of helping, I found myself overwhelmed by conflicting advice and even more confused than when I started.

Eventually, I booked a session with a traditional dog trainer, hoping things would finally become clearer. Instead, I came home feeling devastated. The methods I was shown simply weren't the kind of relationship I wanted with my dog. I didn't want to rely on confrontation or intimidation. I wanted a relationship built on trust, understanding and mutual respect.

Thankfully, I later found a trainer who showed me another way. Suddenly training became enjoyable for both my dog and me, and I realised that understanding dogs was something I wanted to dedicate myself to.

That experience sparked a lifelong passion for learning. I completed professional qualifications, attended courses, seminars and workshops, volunteered in rescue organisations and worked alongside experienced trainers. The more I learned about canine behaviour and the science behind it, the more fascinated I became.

Since then, every dog I've shared my life with has taught me something new. My Dobermann, Dexter, challenged me in ways I never expected and helped me grow enormously as both a dog owner and a trainer. Then came my second Dobermann, Odin, who showed me just how rewarding that journey could be. The relationship we shared reflected everything I value today: taking the time to understand a dog, listening to them, building trust, and discovering just how much love can grow from that relationship. The dogs who have been part of my life continue to be my greatest teachers.

Today, as a qualified Canine Behaviour and Training Technician, I continue to learn because our understanding of dogs is always evolving.

I hope to help you understand your dog, build a relationship based on trust, and enjoy life together.

You won't be judged, lectured or pressured into doing something that doesn't feel right to you. I'll always work with kindness, patience and respect for both you and your dog. And if I ever feel someone else is better placed to help, I'll happily recommend another trusted professional.

I'd love to hear your story and help you and your dog enjoy life together.

Nicole

Professional qualifications and certifications

Some completed workshops, seminars & webinars

- Tools for Teaching Humans - TAGteach International
- AniEd Workshop - Achieving Precision
- Kay Laurence Seminar - Skills of a tomorrows trainer
- John Bradshaw Seminar - “The Dog’s Mind: They’re Not Dumb, They’re Different” and “How Dogs Changed the Course of Human Evolution”
- AniEd Workshop - Fitness for Pet Dogs
- AniEd Workshop - Dog - Human Play
- AniEd Workshop - Scent & Sniffing
- AniEd Workshop - Engagement

Click here to view a full list of completed continuing education events up to date.

The most important thing to us has been getting the basics right early on. Our primary goals were bite inhibition and toilet training, and with the guidance that was given we were able to resolve these within a matter of weeks of our first session.
The practical examples in our own home made a big difference, it’s a lot easier to relate concepts etc when you are there. I think some of the most useful things were not just the specific training exercises, but also tips, for example on feeding (around making it interesting through use of a Kong, hiding food etc). Being able to have you come to our house and focus on specific issues, before we could even take Dash to a training class meant we were able to nip negative behaviors in the bud.
Many thanks again,
James and Claire Chew

Dash

Was lucky to find Nicole when looking for a dog sitter for my Roxy while I was going to be away. Can’t recommend her enough! Have never seen Roxy so relaxed after I’ve been away, she settled down immediately into her routine with me again from the first day back. Nicole was excellent with her, and the picture update mailed each day meant I was totally relaxed that everything was going well while away and I could fully enjoy the holiday.
Will be very happy to have her look after Roxy next time I’m on hols, and it was an added bonus to have the house checked on, and the lights turned on/off as needed so the house didn’t look empty. Super service!

Scott McDonald

Roxy

Things have improved quite a bit between our two dogs and we have been able to use a number of your training tips with them both.
Many thanks,

Anne-marie O’Riordan

Yoshi & Ryuu

All going ok with Winter. Your expertise helped but Winter still a bit bitey, so we’re all working hard on that. He is definitely improving and tries to redirect himself when we say no and walk away. He grabs a few toys instead of our arms. So we are getting there slowly…its really us that has to work hard and be consistent.

The basic training and hand outs you gave us really helped, so I wouldn’t change that approach. I look through to remind myself often.
So a lot done more to do…Thanks for the follow up and giving us the confidence to begin with, with our new puppy.

Sharon Adderley

Winter

Your 3 second rule is genius as there’s been a total transformation in Daisy’s attitude towards me. She’s back to her old self and we’ve no issues with the harness. She’s such a relaxed dog now. Can’t thank you enough for your fantastic advice and will pass it on to my daughter and sister who have dogs.

Best wishes

Denise O’Connor

Daisy

Our goldendoodle can be trusted not to leave our property, come back when she is called, sit when asked, stay when asked and generally is a joy to have in our lives.The best exercise was to constantly reinforce positive behaviour. No matter when our puppy came in to the house either with us or on her own, she got a treat and this really worked when we called her to come home. That was our main aim – we really wanted to ensure that she was safe and always came when called and this is happening and happened very fast after the training.

Nicole was just super. She listened to us and geared the training to Gen and worked with her to show us how to get the best results in a very easy and positive way.

I would just like to say that Nicole was super, the positive reinforcement worked a treat and our puppy is just perfect.
Thanks a mil for all your help!

Maria Rafferty