“Away from obedience and towards welfare and care”

Today's Pawsome Human: Barking Up the Right Tree: Julia Hawkins and Barbara Paterson on Solutions for Reactive Dogs

Author

Anke Herrmann
January 20, 2025

Some things are simply better with a partner - someone to share the load, someone to bounce ideas off, someone to create with.

Barbara knew she didn’t want to create Barking up the Right Tree by herself.

And she knew it was Julia she wanted to take along for the ride, even though the two don’t even live in the same country.

In this week’s podcast episode, the two of them share their journey and their work.

This week’s Pawsome Human: Barking Up the Right Tree: Julia Hawkins and Barbara Paterson on Solutions for Reactive Dogs

In this episode, I chat with Julia Hawkins and Barbara Paterson, co-founders of 'Barking Up the Right Tree.'

We discuss their journey in the world of dog training, especially focusing on reactive dogs.

From their free festival featuring top experts to their innovative training programs, Julia and Barbara share invaluable insights on understanding and managing dog reactivity. We also explore the differences in dog training cultures across countries and the importance of a supportive community for both dogs and their owners. Join us to learn more about their comprehensive courses and how they aim to help dog owners worldwide.

Grab a cuppa and join us (and yes, please like and subscribe to help the baby YouTube channel grow 🙏)

To find out more and connect with Julia and Barbara:

Bios:

Julia Hawkins, Msc, AdvDip (AAB Canine)

From mastering numbers to mastering positive dog training, Julia Hawkins has transitioned from being a math teacher to a guiding light for dog owners.

With her unique blend of skills as a trained educator for both humans and canines, Julia specialises in assisting families, particularly those with rescue dogs and children, navigate their dog training challenges.

Julia’s approach is all about support that is both educational and fun. Her primary goal is to foster happy, stress-free relationships between you and your dog, using the power of play. Julia believes that when the dynamics of play are perfectly balanced, not only will you and your dog feel great, but behaviour challenges will be easier to overcome. Join Julia in this journey of joyful learning and discover the transformative power of positive reinforcement and play.

Julia has an Advanced Diploma in Animal Behaviour (Canine), she is a full member of the International Society of Animal Professionals and is an approved trainer by the Dog Training Council. She is also an approved Family Dog Trainer as well as being a qualified teacher with 15 years experience

Barbara Paterson, PhD

Dr. Barbara's journey from conservation scientist to professional dog trainer took her from one form of care for animals to another. Barbara is dedicated to helping dog owners forge a profound connection with their high energy and reactive companions, guiding them towards a harmonious, fun-filled life together.

About a decade ago, she was desperately seeking help for her reactive agility dog. That's when she found Susan Garrett, who quickly became her mentor for all things dog-related. Barbara was so determined to learn from the best that she dragged her husband and dogs across the Atlantic to live in Canada, where she had the chance to train with Susan in person and rub shoulders with world-class dog handlers. Fast forward to today, and as well as being a Coach in Susan's online programs, she love inspiring her students to bring out the absolute best in their dogs.

As a Buddhist practitioner, Barbara infuses her training with principles of joy and compassion. Central to her philosophy is the idea that compassion is the cornerstone of deep connection, and that understanding our dogs’ needs by carefully listening to what dogs are communicating, is essential. Barbara firmly believes that this kind of thoughtful dialogue makes training effective and equally fun for dogs and their human counterparts.

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If you’re not using Apple podcasts, GoodPods is a great app that makes that easy.

This week’s pick: “Easily distracted by dogs” .. ha, true that 🐾🙌

Let’s face it—dogs are way more interesting than anything else going on! Whether it’s a wagging tail in the park or a cute pup passing by, this hoodie perfectly sums up your dog-loving personality. Designed for those who proudly pause conversations just to admire a dog, this cozy hoodie is the ultimate blend of comfort and canine charm.

Grab yours here.

FREE worldwide shipping for ALL products.

15% off your first order (enter coupon code STBD15 during checkout) as an exclusive thank you for being a Soul Touched by Dogs subscriber.

Since we’re an international bunch with me in Spain and you most likely in the US, UK or somewhere else, I chose a supplier that produces in different places around the world so you won’t have to wait weeks to receive your order.

And yes, 25% of the profits will be donated to a Pawsome human or non-profit (details to be announced).

If you love to improve your dog’s life with simple and fun activities ..

You’ll love the Dog Enrichment Summit (starting tomorrow)

DES Summit Sign up

www.enrichdogs.com/optin

Are you a canine professional?

A trainer, coach, behaviorist, nutritionist, holistic vet, or other canine expert with a holistic, kindness-first approach?

Would you like to be a guest on the podcast? Do you know someone you think would make a great guest?

Is your business ready for an upgrade to lift the limits on how much you can earn, without working even more, or hiring a big team?

And as always ..

If you know another Soul Touched by Dogs, please send them to https://soultouchedbydogs.com 🙏🙏🐾🐾

Until next week,

Anke