I’m Michelle Harris, a professional dog trainer in West Berkshire and the founder of Paws to Train. My passion for dogs and their behaviour has been a constant throughout my life, and helping owners truly understand their dogs is at the heart of everything I do.

Before becoming a dog trainer, I spent 35 years working in the corporate world of sales and marketing. While that career gave me strong skills in communication, motivation, and teaching, the boardroom politics were never my passion. Eventually, I followed my lifelong dream and moved into the world of dog training—where those people skills now play a vital role in helping owners succeed.

I am a proud member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), and my work is grounded in ethical, evidence-based, positive dog training methods.

Dogs have always been part of my family. I previously shared my life with two black Labradors who were my soulmates and shaped my understanding of canine behaviour in countless ways. Today, I live with Clyde, a six-year-old Saluki x Whippet, and Beryl, a long-haired Chihuahua—both of whom are daily reminders that every dog is an individual with their own personality, preferences, and quirks.

My training philosophy is simple: dog training should not be about constant control or creating a robotic dog. It’s about building understanding, trust, and reliable behaviours that allow dogs to be calm, confident, and well-mannered, while still being themselves.

Effective dog training is as much about supporting owners as it is about working with dogs. A good trainer needs not only knowledge of dog behaviour, but also the ability to teach, demonstrate, motivate, and communicate clearly. When owners understand how and why training works, progress is faster, more consistent, and far more enjoyable.

At Paws to Train, I help owners across West Berkshire develop happy, well-behaved dogs through training that is practical, positive, and built to last—so you can enjoy more freedom, confidence, and fun together.