.png)
Training, Behaviour and AAT
Paws and Connect was established by qualified specialist SEN Teacher and IMDT qualified dog trainer and behaviourist Lucy Marks to bring together her two passions, teaching and helping people and dogs live their best lives!
We use force-free, reward-based training to build a relationship of trust and respect between you and your pet.
In addition to dog training and behaviour support, Paws and Connect also offer Animal Assisted Therapeutic (AAT) Interventions for children and young people. Lucy uses her extensive experience and expertise as a specialist SEN teacher and Licensed Thrive practitioner to offer Animal Assisted Therapeutic Interventions with the help of her amazing Cockapoo companion Aya.
Read on to find out more about how we can support you or get in touch to schedule a consultation or make a referral.​
About us
Experienced. Empathic. Effective.
Paws and Connect believes that building positive relationships is the key to success and this belief underpins every aspect of our work. Our tailor-made training services are designed with you and your pet in mind to ensure results. We believe in working as much with you as with your pet. Our goal is to provide long-lasting impact through expert training. As a qualified teacher and SLE for Behaviour, Lucy has many years of experience in not only supporting children but also delivering training and CPD to schools across East London and Essex.
As a licensed Thrive Practitioner and specialist Consultant Teacher for SEN including SEMH, Lucy has extensive expertise in using evidence based, therapeutic interventions to improve emotional well-being. She began using her PAT certified dog Aya to support this work 5 years ago and set up Paws and Connect so that the transformative power of such interventions could gain a wider impact.
Meet the team
Lucy Marks
Lucy is a qualified dog trainer and behaviourist with the IMDT and a qualified teacher, SLE for Behaviour and Licensed Thrive Practitioner. She has extensive experience working with children with complex special educational needs and particular expertise supporting those with additional SEMH needs. She has worked in various mainstream schools and Enhanced Provisions and currently works within an Enhanced Provision for SEMH in Essex.
Aya
Aya is a very friendly and optimistic Cockapoo who is PAT certified and has been visiting schools and supporting children for 5 years. She loves learning new tricks, snuggles, listening to children read, playing hide and seek and going for walks on the beach!