James Davis
ANIMAL BEHAVIOURIST & FOUNDER
Jim is an animal behaviourist specialising in domestic and working dogs, wild canids and equids, and a human-wildlife conflict management specialist with postgraduate qualifications in Animal Behaviour, Wildlife Health, and Animal Science. He has a keen interest in anthrozoology and paleoanthrozoology, particularly relating to both canids and equids.
Jim is currently completing a higher research degree (HDR) through The University Of New England looking at the behaviour of muster dogs and livestock.
Melissa Davis
SENIOR trainer & DIRECTOR
Melissa has grown up with dogs her whole life and she learns something new from every dog she meets. She loves helping people with their pet dogs and expanding her knowledge with working dogs. She is a qualified canine myofunctional therapist and when she has a spare minute, loves spending time with her horse and her dogs.
ALYSSA JACKSON
SENIOR trainer
After adopting a very energetic, reactive dog Alyssa tried many different training styles before finding the Padfoot Way. Seeing her relationship with her dog continue to grow as they learnt new skills has inspired Alyssa to help others on their dog training journeys. By strengthening the connection between pet and person, the everyday becomes that much more fun.
SUZANNE THEW
trainer
I was always innately in service to animals and people throughout my professional and home life. These two (Tim and Millie) are a first for me, and since taking part in the Foundation Program in Padfoot classes my relationship with them has been transformed. I take great pleasure in assisting our Senior Coaches to enrich your potential as a pet owner in developing a relaxed and well-mannered pet that reflects the kind of relationship we all dream of having with our animals.
HANNAH WOODS
SENIOR trainer
Hannah has over four years of experience training her own dogs, Layla and Akela, using ethical and positive reinforcement methods that focus on building a dog’s confidence. She is deeply passionate about creating a safe and trusting environment for dogs.
Recently, Hannah has been working with Padfoot to address Akela’s dog reactivity with excellent progress. This journey has inspired her to extend her expertise to help other dog owners struggling with reactivity, aiming to empower them to uncover the confident companions hidden within their own pets. Hannah is committed to supporting pet owners in creating a positive and stress-free training experience, ensuring a happier life for both dogs and their families.
KIRRA THOMAS
trainer
Kirra first came to Padfoot in early 2020 to keep her mum company whilst seeking solutions for their reactive and energetic family dog. From the first session Kirra took over as the handler, gradually passing all of the levels at Padfoot. More than 4 years later Kirra still enjoys training on a Sunday morning. As for their dog, he is much happier and better behaved.
Don’t let Kirra’s tender years fool you - she really knows her stuff!