Paw In Hand

If you're making some of these training mistakes, you're not alone 💚

Most dog owners aren't struggling because they don't care enough. In fact, it's usually the opposite. You're watching social media videos, asking advice from friends, trying different techniques, and doing everything you can to help your dog succeed.

The challenge is that every dog is DIFFERENT, and what works for one dog can completely miss the mark for another.

That's why professional guidance can make such a difference ⬇️

At Paw In Hand, I've spent more than 30 years helping dogs and their people build stronger relationships through positive, science-based training. I've worked with puppies, rescues, adolescent dogs, giant breeds, tiny breeds, and everything in between.

More importantly, I understand both ends of the leash. I know what it's like to love your dog deeply and still feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next.

You don't have to figure it all out on your own.

If you're ready for training that is tailored to your dog, your goals, and your lifestyle, send us a message - I'd love to help 🐾💚

Reasons camping is better with your dog:⁠
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✔️ Built-in adventure buddy ⁠
✔️ The view is always better⁠
✔️ They never complain about how long it took to get there⁠
✔️ Great snuggle buddy ⁠
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What’s your favourite reason to take your dog camping? 🏕️🐕⁠
⁠

One of my favourite parts of dog training is watching things click—not just for the dog, but for their people too. 💚

Honeybee and her humans came into training willing to keep an open mind and try some different approaches. Once they did, everything started coming together, and the progress we saw in just a handful of sessions was incredible.

Successful dog training isn't about forcing results. It's about finding what works for the dog in front of you, making learning enjoyable, and building skills through positive experiences.

When learning is fun, it's the kind that sticks—for everyone. 🐕✨

And yes, Honeybee's expressive faces definitely made every session even more entertaining! 😍

Dog training isn’t about perfection—it’s about patience, repetition, and meeting the dog where they’re at.

Stella and I headed out for a confidence-building training walk. Holding a stay with the distraction of a person standing at the front door proved to be a little too much the first time around. Instead of pushing through, I adjusted, gave her the support she needed, and tried again.

The result? Success on the retest 🙌

Don’t forget to celebrate the small wins!

Hi, I’m Maren - and I thought it was time to reintroduce myself! 👋🏼

Most of you know me as the owner of Paw in Hand, dog trainer and adventure lover, but at the core of all of this, I'm passionate about helping dogs and their humans build a better relationship.

My training approach is modern, science-based, and focused on creating real-life results without fear, force, or intimidation. I believe dogs learn best when they feel safe, understood, and motivated — and that training should strengthen your bond, not damage it.

Every dog is different, and whether you’re navigating puppy life, reactivity, overexcitement, anxiety, or simply wanting a dog you can confidently include in everyday adventures, my goal is to help you better understand your dog and create a calmer, more connected life together.

Training isn’t about perfection — it’s about building trust and giving both you and your dog the tools to succeed.

Fun Fact: I am often called a 'dog whisperer', but I prefer the term 'dog listener'! 😍💚

If you’re looking for supportive, relationship-based training that works in the real world, I’d love to help. Send me a message and let’s chat about your dog 🐾

https://pawinhand.com/

Does your dog LOVE the water? 💦

Living in Powell River, we are lucky to be surrounded by 50+ lakes, so ensuring confidence around water, rivers, docks, paddleboards, or even just splashing at the shoreline is key for our joint happiness. However, this takes time, trust, and positive experiences. So while some dogs love the water, naturally, others prefer to just wander the shorelines as their human admires the beautiful Bog Laurel in bloom - and that's okay, too 🌸

Summer adventures are better when your dog feels calm, capable, and connected with you every step of the way.

If you’re looking to build your dog’s confidence for hiking, camping, paddling, road trips, or everyday outings, our training programs are designed for real-life adventure dogs and their humans.

Send us a message to get started 💬

Isn't it the best when a dog gives you the ultimate nose BoooOOooOoOop 🥺

Gizmo’s very first bike training session, complete ✅️

It didn't start as a “let’s go for a huge ride” kind of day… but more of a “let’s see how you feel about this weird moving bicycle beside you” kind of day 😅

And honestly? He did great.

First sessions are never about perfection… they’re about observation. Learning who your dog is, what feels easy for them, and where they need support.

Our first ride was all about keeping things simple, successful, and positive:
✨ quiet environment
✨ short session
✨ lots of praise
✨ ending on a win (with him still feeling good about it all!)

The best training plans start with knowing your dog, knowing yourself, and setting the environment up for success 💚

Wishing all the dog moms a Happy Mother’s Day 💕🐾😍