Paws2Connect

02/09/2026

The UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter has updated their website. ACE and the APDT are verified organisations and are listed on the Charter's pages

Raising standards in dog behaviour and training through ethical, wellbeing and welfare-led practice.

11/08/2026

24/04/2026

ACEing Car Travel

Join Sonia and Penny on this 4 week online workshop to take a deep dive into the reasons why dogs struggle with car travel.

We use ACE concepts, including Free Work to investigate what is happening for your dog so that we can help you to build a tailored Road Map for Success.

You will have a live Zoom session (7pm UK time each Wednesday) on 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th May, backup home study materials and an invitation to join a dedicated Facebook group where you can upload videos and connect with others on the course.

In addition you will be able to book an hour long 1-1 session with either Penny or Sonia to build your Road Map or discuss your dog's progress.

Cost of the workshop is £185 and will give ACE credits. The link to signup is in the comments.

We had some amazing feedback from the last time we ran this workshop:
“ACEing Car Travel has been nothing short of amazing. It has opened my eyes to just how creatively and compassionately Free Work can be implemented in real-life situations”
“It’s a game-changer for anyone wanting to meet their dog’s needs with empathy, creativity, and a deep respect for agency. Highly recommended!”
“Sonia and Penny are really helpful and have a lot of knowledge that they share in a very calm, fun and welcoming way”

29/03/2026

ACEing Car Travel

Are car journeys with your dog a source of stress and anxiety?
Is your dog barking, drooling, panting, shaking or trying to escape?
Do you find yourself dreading even the shortest trips because your dog is uncomfortable, anxious or fearful of travelling in the car?

You may feel you’re alone and struggling to know what to do. However many dog guardians experience this challenge which can affect not only the well-being of your dog but also your peace of mind.

Imagine being able to enjoy calm, peaceful car rides with your canine companion, knowing that they feel safe, comfortable and content during your journey together.

We can help! Join us on our ACEing Car Travel workshop.

This 4 week online workshop takes a deep dive into the reasons why dogs struggle with car travel. We use ACE concepts, including Free Work to investigate what is happening for your dog so that we can help you to build a tailored Road Map for Success.

The workshop is appropriate for all dogs regardless of their age, breed or background.

Whether you’re a dog guardian or a canine professional hoping to add ACE Free Work to your classes or training/behaviour plans, this workshop is designed for you.

This workshop will:

- Give you detailed information on why many dogs struggle with car travel
- Identify what is happening for your dog
- Guide you, step by step, to create a tailored Road Map for Success for you and your dog

You will have a live Zoom session (7pm UK time each Wednesday) on 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th May, backup home study materials and an invitation to join a dedicated Facebook group where you can upload videos and connect with others on the course.

In addition you will be able to book an hour long 1-1 session with either Penny or Sonia to build your Road Map or discuss your dog's progress.

Cost of the workshop is £185 and will give ACE credits. The link to signup is in the comments.

Penny Leedal is an ACE Associate Instructor, a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (mAPDT 01274) and a member of the Pet Professional Network.

Sonia Catherall is an ACE Advanced Tutor, Certified Canine Behaviourist and Professional Dog Trainer.

08/02/2026

ACEing Essentials
Our popular ACEing Essentials workshop is back next month! This will be it’s only date this year so don’t miss out!

Are you finding recall, loose-lead walking, teaching your dog to drop items, or helping them settle a challenge? Whether you’re a dog guardian or a canine professional hoping to add ACE Free Work to your classes or training/behaviour plans, this workshop is designed for you.

This 4 week online workshop runs from Monday 2nd March to Monday 23rd March 2026 and covers the following essential life skills:
- Loose Lead Walking
- Recall
- Settle
- Drop (leave)

This live workshop uses ACE Free Work to create a safe environment to support new learning.
It is appropriate for all dogs regardless of their age, breed or background.

The workshop is ideal for anyone who already has some experience of ACE Free Work but everyone is welcome as there is a FREE bonus module on how to get started which is available as soon as you sign up.

What’s included?
- Live Zoom sessions every Monday at 7 PM (GMT) with recordings available for later.
- Home study materials
- Access to a private Facebook group for support and feedback.

Get started today with immediate access to all Bonus content including:
- Why Educate using ACE Free Work
- Introduction to ACE Free Work
- Health and Wellbeing
- Canine Education

Cost of the workshop is £165 and will give ACE credits.

Penny Leedal is an ACE Associate Instructor, a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (mAPDT 01274) and a member of the Pet Professional Network.
Sonia Catherall is an ACE Advanced Tutor, Certified Canine Behaviourist and Professional Dog Trainer.

Click on the link in the comments below to sign up, or contact Penny for further information - penny@paws2connect com. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out!

Don't take our word for it, see what others have said about this special workshop:
"Brilliant workshop! Clear and comprehensive information, and Penny and Sonia are so supportive, encouraging and helpful"
"This course is absolutely amazing! Penny and Sonia are fantastic teachers, highly skilled and compassionate at the same time. You'll feel seen and understood with the dog in front of you and get individualized feedback and support. 5 stars! Highly recommend!"
"Loved this course! The practical implications in every day use are endless! Penny and Sonia are amazing tutors and very supportive. They make the course easy to understand and fun! A Huge thank you! I cant wait to do another course together soon"
"Sonia and Penny are amazing, they have so much knowledge, and is such a pleasure to learn from them. Every time we had a Zoom meeting, I left the call feeling energetic and eager to try out what we had learned. "

12/12/2025

ACEing Essentials

Our popular ACEing Essentials workshop is back next March. This will be it’s only date next year so don’t miss out!

Are you finding recall, loose-lead walking, teaching your dog to drop items, or helping them settle a challenge? Whether you’re a dog guardian or a canine professional hoping to add ACE Free Work to your classes or training/behaviour plans, this workshop is designed for you.

This 4 week online workshop runs from Monday 2nd March to Monday 23rd March 2026 and covers the following essential life skills:
- Loose Lead Walking
- Recall
- Settle
- Drop (leave)

This live workshop uses ACE Free Work to create a safe environment to support new learning.
It is appropriate for all dogs regardless of their age, breed or background.

The workshop is ideal for anyone who already has some experience of ACE Free Work but everyone is welcome as there is a FREE bonus module on how to get started which is available as soon as you sign up.

What’s included?
- Live Zoom sessions every Monday at 7 PM (GMT) with recordings available for later.
- Home study materials
- Access to a private Facebook group for support and feedback.

Get started today with immediate access to all Bonus content including:
- Why Educate using ACE Free Work
- Introduction to ACE Free Work
- Health and Wellbeing
- Canine Education

Cost of the workshop is £165 and will give ACE credits.

Penny Leedal is an ACE Associate Instructor, a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (mAPDT 01274) and a member of the Pet Professional Network.
Sonia Catherall is an ACE Advanced Tutor, Certified Canine Behaviourist and Professional Dog Trainer.

Click on the link in the comments below to sign up, or contact Penny for further information - penny@paws2connect com. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out!
Don't take our word for it, see what others have said about this special workshop:
"Brilliant workshop! Clear and comprehensive information, and Penny and Sonia are so supportive, encouraging and helpful"
"This course is absolutely amazing! Penny and Sonia are fantastic teachers, highly skilled and compassionate at the same time. You'll feel seen and understood with the dog in front of you and get individualized feedback and support. 5 stars! Highly recommend!"
"Loved this course! The practical implications in every day use are endless! Penny and Sonia are amazing tutors and very supportive. They make the course easy to understand and fun! A Huge thank you! I cant wait to do another course together soon"
"Sonia and Penny are amazing, they have so much knowledge, and is such a pleasure to learn from them. Every time we had a Zoom meeting, I left the call feeling energetic and eager to try out what we had learned. "

14/09/2025

Last chance to grab a place before we start on Saturday!

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲
𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑠 𝑆𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑑𝑎𝑦 4𝑡ℎ 𝑂𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑏𝑒𝑟 2025

If your dog barks, lunges or growls, walks can feel stressful and unpredictable. Imagine instead feeling calmer and more connected with your dog. That’s what this workshop will help you achieve.

Our 4 week Intro to ACE for Reactivity workshop offers a different way forward. Using ACE Free Work, we will help you and your dog slow things down, reset after stressful experiences and feel calmer in challenging situations, helping you both move forward with more confidence and trust.

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨:
• Help you to understand what causes your dog’s reactivity
• Help your dog to reset and re-balance using ACE Free Work
• Teach you observational skills that will help you to support your dog
• Build your dog’s confidence and resilience
• Strengthen your bond and build your relationship
• Help you and your dog to learn essential skills within Free Work
• Show you how to transition your training into real-world situations

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝:
• Four live Zoom sessions (Mondays at 7pm UK time)
• Home-study materials to use alongside the sessions
• Access to a private Facebook group to share videos and connect with others
• A 1:1 session with Penny or Sonia to explore Free Work together and focus on what your dog needs most right now.
• ACE credits on completion

This course is open to guardians as well as trainers, behaviourists and those supporting dogs in rescue.

• Course start: Saturday 4th October
• Cost: £195

Tutors:
Penny Leedal – ACE Associate Instructor, mAPDT, PPN member
Sonia Catherall – ACE Associate Tutor, Certified Canine Behaviourist & Professional Dog Trainer

Sign up here: https://www.paws2connect.com/courses/introduction-to-ace-for-reactivity-october-2025

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝:
"𝐼 ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑙𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑏𝑦 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑦 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑦𝑒𝑡 𝑠𝑜 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑖𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑔 𝑛𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑎 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑝𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡, 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑓𝑢𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑑𝑜𝑔."
"𝐼𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑝 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢. 𝐼𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒, 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑎 𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑃𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑦 & 𝑆𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑎. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒’𝑠 𝑛𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 𝑜𝑟 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑎𝑡𝑒, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜!"
"𝐼 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔, ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑦. 𝑆𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑦. 𝐿𝑜𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑃𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑎 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠. 𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡. 𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒, 𝑛𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒, 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑒𝑛𝑗𝑜𝑦𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒."

18/08/2025

Intro to ACE for Reactivity

This four week workshop runs from Monday 6th October to Monday 27th October 2025

The workshop is run by Penny Leedal and Sonia Catherall and will guide you week by week to:

• Help you to understand what causes your dog’s reactivity
• Help your dog to reset and re-balance using ACE Free Work
• Teach you observational skills that will help you to support your dog
• Build your dog's confidence and resilience
• Strengthen your bond and build your relationship
• Help you and your dog to learn essential skills in an ACE integrated manner
• How to transition your training to real world situations

This course is suitable for guardians, trainers, behaviourists and rescue workers. In fact it is relevant to anyone supporting or working with dogs.

You will have a live Zoom session (7pm UK time each Monday), backup home study materials and an invitation to join a dedicated Facebook group where you can upload videos and connect with others on the course.

In addition you will be able to book an hour long 1-1 session with either Penny or Sonia to kick start your Free Work or discuss your dog's progress.

Cost of the workshop is £195 and will give ACE credits.

Penny Leedal is an ACE Associate Instructor, a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (mAPDT 01274) and a member of the Pet Professional Network.

Sonia Catherall is an ACE Associate Tutor, Certified Canine Behaviourist and Professional Dog Trainer.

The link to sign up is in the comments.

Feedback from the previous workshop:
"I highly recommend doing this course, you will be mindblown by how easy but yet so clever and powerful it can be to help your reactive dog navigate the environment around them. And the beauty of this is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on expensive tools or equipment, most items can be found around the home to make the sessions fun with your dog."
"If you have a reactive dog then this workshop is a must for you. It is incredibly supportive, with a wide range of topics and access to a wealth of expertise from Penny & Sonia. There’s no pressure to speak or participate, but you’ll find yourself wanting to!"
"I really found this course interesting, helpful and friendly. So much content given in an easy to understand way. Lots of input from Penny and Sonia who were always there ready to help and answer questions. Great support. I would recommend this course, no pressure, very enjoyable."

05/04/2025

Update!
This workshop has developed into something more than we first imagined. There is loads of extra content and because of this we are giving early access so that you can get started immediately on making car travel feel less stressful for both you and your dog.
The live sessions start on Wednesday 11th June but you can start exploring today!

🚗 ACEing Car Travel – A 4-Week Online Workshop 🐾
With Penny Leedal & Sonia Catherall
🗓️ Starts Wednesday 11th June 2025

Are car journeys with your dog a source of stress and anxiety?
Is your dog barking, drooling, panting, shaking, or trying to escape?

Do you find yourself dreading even the shortest trips because your dog is uncomfortable, anxious, or fearful of traveling in the car?

You're not alone - many other dog guardians experience this challenge which can affect not only the well-being of your dog but also your peace of mind.

Whether you’re a guardian, trainer, or behaviourist, this workshop is for you.

What’s Included:
🔹 4 weeks of live Zoom teaching – 7pm BST on 11th, 18th, 25th June and 2nd July
🔹 One-to-one coaching session
🔹 Access to a private online community
🔹 Online course content you can revisit anytime
🔹 Feedback on your videos and photos
🔹 Immediate access to "Introduction to ACE Free Work" so you can get started straight away!

3 Free Bonus Modules
Bonus 1 - Canine Health & Wellbeing
Bonus 2 - Your End of the Lead
Bonus 3 - Introduction to ACE Free Work

💷 The full 4-week workshop is just £180 – including ACE credits and access to all the bonuses

About the Instructors

Penny Leedal - ACE Associate Instructor, a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (mAPDT 01274) and a member of the Pet Professional Network.

Sonia Catherall - ACE Advanced Tutor, a Certified Canine Behaviourist and Professional Dog Trainer.

Link to sign up is in the comments below