Add Listing

Paws n The Paddock

Be the first to review

About Us

As a dog owner of more than 40 years, I’ve walked/fed/trained/played with/cleaned up after/nursed and groomed dogs for the majority of the last 14,500+ days.

Canine
Journalist

Canine Author and breeder of 2 Obedience Champions

Championship Class Competitor at Obedience Shows

College Lecturer and Course founder on Canine Subjects

Top Trainer With More Than 45 Years Experience

The Kennel Club Information Officer

Obedience Show Judge

Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Judge

I was a dog-mad kid who never grew out of it.

Following O levels, A levels and a degree, my career roles have included –

*Information Officer at The Kennel Club

*Reporter for The Kennel Gazette, Dog World, Our Dogs, The Northern Echo and The Weardale Gazette, with more than 300 articles published in my name

*Editor for TFH Publications, the world’s largest publisher of pet books

*Lecturer in Small Animal Care at South Downs College, Hampshire

*Founder and lecturer in a variety of canine courses at South Downs College
including Problem Dogs, Raising the Perfect Puppy, and Working with Dogs

*I’ve had a book published ‘All You Need to Know to Train Your Dog’ in my maiden name of Marisa Keophaithool

*Organiser of various competitive obedience dog training courses and companion dog shows to raise money for dog charities.

I was born in Southsea, Portsmouth in 1964. I got my first dog – an RSPCA Heinz 57 called Toby – when I was 13 years old, after years of begging my parents to be allowed one. I then saw a postcard in the local newsagents advertising dog obedience classes. I managed to get a lift there each week and soon became hooked on training and the psychology of dog behaviour. I became interested in obedience shows through admiring the lovely Border Collie of another handler at dog club who took part in these competitions.

I soon discovered that although Toby was very bright he really didn’t like to do stays at shows, which sadly put paid to any promising rounds. So a couple of years later, after more begging, Danny the Border Collie joined the family. His father was an Obedience Champion (Ob Ch Springfarm Myth) and his mum also competed too. However, as a young beginner handler who hadn’t even passed their driving test, my sights (and handling skills) were set a lot lower and we mostly took part in local exemption shows. When I went away to Liverpool University in 1984, Danny came too of course. He was my best friend in a completely new environment hundreds of miles away from home and, of course, a brilliant ice-breaker since everyone talks to you when you have a dog!

After graduating, I moved to London to find work. Unfortunately, Danny died soon after, under a routine anaesthetic to have a haematoma removed from his ear. More than 30 years later, I still remember that phone call from the vet so vividly. It was completely unexpected and devastating news.

Rallying my thoughts, I hired a car and took Danny on the heartbreaking journey to Wales so he could be buried in the land of sheepdogs. Afterwards, although I no longer had a dog, I carried on going to obedience clubs – sitting in on classes and watching what instructors and owners did and was then invited to handle other people’s dogs at shows, which also taught me a lot.

During this time, clicker training happily changed the traditional approach towards dog training. Many trainers and handlers changed from the old compulsive ways (think Barbara Woodhouse) to these insightful more motivational techniques, including me.

My instructing career began when I was asked to become a trainer at Petersfield and District Dog Training Club, which gave me invaluable experience in teaching pet dog handlers with a whole cross section of breeds.

I also became Chairman of the club for a year, which was another great honour. Although initially nerve-wracking (I was younger than most of the people I was teaching), being an instructor at other clubs gave me the confidence to eventually set up and run my own dog training club single-handed for 18 years.

Meanwhile, on the show front, I was very fortunate to see an advert for a Trajan litter bred by Lesley Deegan. I chose a beautiful spotty white bitch and so Misty became the first bitch to join my gang (consisting of Jed and Whizz, who were not amused at first to have a sparky little sister). She was a talented workaholic, my first dog to qualify Ticket and the mum of 2 Obedience Champions in her one and only litter. Her son Ludo – Obedience Champion Aramisty Double O Seven – won the Crufts Dog Obedience Championships in 2006, making me the breeder of a genuine Crufts Champion!

What a fantastic dog she was and oh how lucky I was to have her. Prior to moving to the North East in 2011, I lived and worked all over England, giving me the opportunity to join a variety of clubs with different trainers and therefore a variety of approaches to training. I watched, asked questions, and chose the methods that I felt would best suit my dogs. There is never a one-size fits all as, like us, they are all individuals with their own characters and likes/dislikes. Over the years I’ve competed up and down the country with my dogs under the Aramisty affix (Aramisty being a combination of the words Misty and Marisa) getting up at the crack of dawn and travelling long distances until a couple of years ago I realised that I now prefer training to competing. I no longer enter shows but I do still follow the sport closely and love attending Crufts. (I’ve been to every Crufts for the last consecutive 38 years.)

Although retired from competing, I’m still a qualified Kennel Club Obedience judge and enjoy attending seminars and training courses to continue learning and updating my skills. I’ve attended courses run by Di Martin, Linda Rutherford, Kathy Murphy, Mary Ray, Paul Anderson, Rod Roberts, Jane Moran, Jenny Gould, Michelle Newman, Neil Short, Jan Matthews, John Seal, Jenny Lunn, Kim Innes, Barbara Macknish, Kathy Russell, Jo Hill, Susan Jaffa, Kamal Fernandez, Kay Cutts, Lynn Green, Dot and Ian Watts, John Rogerson, Trevor Cooper (Dog Law) Dr Ian Dunbar, Phil Jeffries, Rob Bint, Carol Clack, Kathryn Gillard, Sylvia Bishop, Moe Edser, Julie Rowlands, Shirley Clowes, Jessica Lewis, Lorraine Bennett, Dave and Sue Howell, Herbie Watson and Sandy Wadhams – all experts in their field and hugely inspiring.

I have been very lucky to have owned all the wonderful dogs who have come into my life. In addition to them, I also have experience in looking after and training many different breeds, from Great Danes to Chihuahuas so please rest assured that your dog is in very capable hands and will be loved and cared for as dearly as one of my own.

I fostered my first rescue dog 20 years ago and since then have supported various dog charities through fostering, adopting, fundraising, performing home-checks for potential adopters and taking part in transport runs. Helping dogs who are less fortunate than our own is very rewarding and I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking of adding a new member to the family or who can spare a little time or money – it makes such a difference to these dogs and the wonderful angels who save them.

I have particular experience with rescue collies and Romanian rescues, through fostering and adopting some challenging and amazing dogs.

We’re here for all your canine requirements. Don’t hesitate to get in touch and reap the benefit of our experience and knowledge gained from years of loving, living with, and learning from man’s best friend.

PAWS N THE PADDOCK IS A 5 STAR LICENSED ESTABLISHMENT

Whether you are looking for doggy day care, an overnight stay, or the perfect holiday home-from-home environment for your dog we can help. Our services are available on a regular or occasional basis, to suit your requirements.

For your reassurance we are fully council inspected and licensed, insured, DBS checked, and trained in Canine
First Aid

(Using an unlicensed dog sitter will unfortunately invalidate any insurance either you or they may have in place, as it’s illegal to dog sit for money unless you have a council licence.)

Private and Exclusive use of our dog field, please contact us for further details

Our extensive facilities include –

A spacious home overlooking the countryside which is set up for the comfort of our dogs plus plenty of outside space and all-weather facilities.

A large, fully maintained dog field surrounded by 6ft solid wooden fencing where your dog will be exercised in complete safety. The field includes paddling pools, hay bales, log stumps and agility equipment – it’s a doggy paradise! You do not need to worry about your dog being transported in someone else’s vehicle to a public place where the other dogs they meet could be aggressive, boisterous or maybe even ill. And there is no danger that your dog could run off, go missing or be stolen on their walks. Our dog field is literally on our back doorstep and the dogs use it throughout the day – they would sleep on it too if they could!

A dedicated dog kitchen where your dog’s meals are prepared in hygienic controlled conditions, complete
with its own fridge, freezer and dishwasher. There is also a doggy medicine cupboard and canine first aid kit.

A large carpeted canine games room containing a variety of toys, flyball jumps, a fun ball pit, weave cones,
raised platforms, flirt poles etc. We also have a selection of other activities for dogs who have limited
mobility, are on restricted exercise or just prefer to take things a little bit easier.

A safe and secure environment. Our comprehensive security measures include: 24hr professionally
maintained cctv providing on-property surveillance, 6ft solid fencing all round, electronic entrance gates,
and 6ft internal sign-written gates with double bolts which are always kept locked.

Our doggy day care and home boarding services provide your dog with regular exercise and supervised, friendly canine companionship.

You will have complete peace of mind knowing that your dog is getting the care, stimulation and fun they need.

Above all else, we have something that money can’t buy: Experience. Marisa has spent more than 40 years
looking after dogs of all breeds and temperaments, making her one of the most experienced
sitters in the country.

Opening Times And Prices:

Doggy Day Care

Tuesday – Sunday £25

Open 8am to 7pm
(We are closed on Mondays)

Bank Holidays: Double Rate

We generally require male dogs over the age of 18 months to be neutered but reserve the right to trial uncastrated males on an individual basis.

Overnight Sleepovers & Holiday Stays

£30 per day (including overnight)

Bank holidays: double rate. If your dog is staying with us for 5 or more days, the Bank Holiday will be charged at normal rate.

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day: double rates

We generally require male dogs over the age of 18 months to be neutered but reserve the right to trial uncastrated males on an individual basis.

“Marisa runs a remarkable doggy boarding business! My Prima Donna dog, a Bedlington terrier aged 11 years, had the time of his life there…. a home from home like no other dog boarding I have used.
Marisa is very caring, spoilt him to make it feel like home from home, kept me informed with emails and videos/ photos and I would not hesitate to recommend Paws n the Paddock to anyone who wants their dog to have the best experience away from home.
Well done Marisa and thank you”

– Barbara F

“Marisa has been looking after our terrier, Jessie, for seven years. We take Jessie to the Paddock for day care when we are at work and she goes for weekly holidays once or twice a year. Jessie loves going, squeaking in the car with excitement when we pull up at the Paddock. We always know that Jessie is safe and well looked after, we highly recommend Paws n the Paddock.”

– Lauren W

“I bring my little dog Monty to Paws and The Paddock on a regular basis. I have come for years and totally trust Marisa with my pooch. He has the freedom to enjoy the safe field and is always settled when he has his holiday stay. I would recommend to anyone who wants peace of mind with leaving their dogs.”

– Julie H

“Grand place for my dog Daisy and my son-in law’s dog Patch. They love it there, plenty of playmates and room to run around. Daisy comes home, eats her tea and then falls asleep, as she always does after a day at Paws n The Paddock. Patch has been coming to day care with Marisa for around 7 years and Daisy for 2 years”

– David T

“We’ve been using Marisa’s services with our little pup, Freddie, for around 2 months now! She has helped him come on leaps & bounds, in every sense! From the training, to the day care, Marisa has been really helpful and accommodating to our needs and Freddie’s! Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her”

– Jack D

Paws n The Paddock is proud to offer dog training with Obedience handler, judge and author Marisa.

Latest feedback from some of the lovely owners of dogs who we have had the pleasure of working with recently. If you’d like help with your dog, for any aspect of canine behaviour, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

‘Attended a 1-2-1 with Marisa with two of our puppies to help with their behaviour whilst out in public, after 1 session and following Marisa’s guidance when on our own, our puppies are behaving much better. Would highly recommend Marisa and we will be returning for Puppy Club.’

-Ebony M

‘I was looking for a trainer to help me with a young reactive dog. Marisa was recommended and I’m absolutely delighted with the help and advice she has given us. The paddock is lovely it’s safe and secure and after a few sessions I feel confident to work on my own. I would definitely recommend Marisa.’

-Karen B

‘We have a 5 month old GSD who is quite nervous and barks at various things.
We have had a few sessions now and started the socialisation process with her lovely dogs.
She offered us a split session where we were at Paws n the paddock for half the session and then, at a time convenient to all, she came to our village to train Huxley here where there are lots of distractions.
That was so helpful and we could see how he could be with more practice from myself.
Marisa is calm and extremely good at what she does and we will continue to use her. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for some training for their dogs’

-Colin B

‘Marisa came for a 1-1 training session today with our 5 month old border collie. Wow! That’s all I can say! Amazing. Can’t wait to work with you and Tommy more in the future. Thank you so much.’

-Tracy F

‘Marisa came to our house for a 1-2-1 session with our 11 week old pup, she was absolutely amazing!! She taught us loads and the difference in our puppy already is unbelievable! Would highly recommend’

-Alice G

‘Thank you so so much for all your time and help today Marisa, you gave me the confidence I needed, so I can now pass that on to my boy hopefully . Thank you so very much for your advice for which I am so very grateful and appreciative.’

-Susan T

‘I had an hour 121 session with Marisa at the weekend with my dog to help him (and me) deal with meeting other dogs, following several negative incidents with other dogs when mine was on the lead. Marisa put us both straight at ease. We walked and talked as Marisa found out details about the problems. Marisa then gave me really useful, practical tools and techniques to try. We then practised those techniques, gradually building up as our confidence grew. I now feel so much more confident when out walking and have already seen a huge difference with my dog. I will definitely be booking in for further sessions in the future.’

-Lani T

Reactive dogs
We have recently seen a significant increase in the number of reactive dogs, something that has been exacerbated by Lockdown. Many pups/new dogs have missed out on acquiring vital socialisation skills – which are normally learned through meeting other dogs/ attending good puppy training classes – due to Covid-19 social distancing rules.

Marisa has particular interest in this area and has helped many dogs who had become over-excitable or highly fearful – which led to them reacting badly – when they saw another dog. Owners who despaired of being able to walk their pet in public have been relieved to see the change in them after training with Marisa.

Reactive dog training session – From £75

Separation Anxiety
Did you gain a new member of the family during Lockdown? A wonderful furry friend who you happily spent every moment with and who followed you faithfully round the house, shadowing your every move? Do you now have a dog who has never spent any time apart from you and who is anxious if you leave the room or go into another part of the house without them? Do you worry about how they will cope if you need to leave them for any reason? Separation anxiety can result in dogs who pace endlessly, bark and howl, chew, destroy furniture and belongings, and even soil in the house.

Don’t worry, we can help. You will learn how to settle your dog so that they stay calm and relaxed whilst apart from you – both within the home and when they are left by themselves.

Separation Anxiety training session – From £45

Do you need help with:

*Your dog’s behaviour whilst out on walks such as –

Coming back when they’re off the lead (recall)

Walking calmly on a loose lead

Meeting other dogs under control (without barking, lunging, growling, chasing after, jumping on other dogs etc)

Meeting people under control (without jumping up, hiding/ducking/cowering, growling, lunging etc)

Ignoring your commands (such as ‘come’, ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘off’ etc)

*Your dog’s behaviour in the house such as

House training

Separation Anxiety (being noisy and/or destructive when left)

Noisiness through excitement, fear, frustration etc

Chewing

Mouthing

Hyperactivity

Aggression

Then look no further! Marisa has 40 years’ experience of training dogs, including competing at the highest level (Championship C), running her own training club for 18 years and is also author of ‘All You Need to Know to Train Your Dog’. She has helped countless owners and a wide variety of breeds, from Airedales to Zwergschnauzers.

All training is positive and reward based, with the emphasis on reading the individual dog and identifying the reason for their behaviour so that the best and most effective solution can be reached.

From puppies to rescue dogs to adults with long-established problems, we can offer practical help and support. With our extensive experience, many behaviours can be resolved in just one visit.

For problems in the home, we prefer to visit the dog in that setting because it allows us the best opportunity of seeing the behaviour in action. The domestic routine can sometimes be a contributing factor, however unintentional, and we can advise on how to change this in simple ways that will work for both you and your dog.

Prices

*Training session/behavioural consultation: From £45

*New puppy/rescue dog/adult refresher: From £45

*Aggression sessions: from £120

All sessions last around 45 minutes to an hour, with no extra charge if they extend beyond this time beyond this time

Please remember, most breeds are bred for a particular job. If you don’t understand this they may become self employed – a digger, a chewer, a hunter, or a chaser! We can show you how to channel your dog’s instincts into more acceptable behaviour, resulting in a happy dog and happy owner.

Additional Details

Are you home full time during the week ?No
Do you accept puppies under 1 year old?No

FAQs

Q Email

marisathepaddock@outlook.com

Write a review

Your Rating

Select Images Browse

User Name*

Email*

Title*

Review*

Your review recommended to be at least 140 characters long :)

Own or work here? Claim Now! Claim Now!