Meet your Padfoot team

James Davis

Animal Behaviourist & Founder

James is an animal behaviourist with postgraduate qualifications in animal science and behaviour. He specialises in domestic and working dogs, helping owners understand their dogs and take practical steps towards a better life together.

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. When she has a spare minute, loves spending time with her horse and her dogs.

Hannah Woods

Senior Trainer

Hannah has been training her own dogs for over six years, with a particular focus on positive reinforcement to build confidence and trust. Her own experiences have given her an understanding of the challenges that can come with herding breeds and reactive dogs, and she loves helping owners work through those challenges while building a stronger relationship with their dogs. Hannah is passionate about creating a positive and supportive training experience for both dogs and their owners.

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

Senior 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.

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 reaching Gold Level.

Kirra joined the Padfoot team as a trainer as soon as she turned 13. Kirra loves sharing her skills and experience with our classes, and is also helping her mum in training their young Cobberdog Peppa.

Don’t let Kirra’s tender years fool you - she really knows her stuff!

Emily Marshall

Trainer

Emily first got into Padfoot training after bringing home her second puppy. She decided to take both dogs along to training classes and quickly discovered just how much she loved it. What started as a way to help her own dogs has grown into a real passion, with Emily now continuing through advanced classes and enjoying helping other owners build a stronger bond with their dogs through training.

Charlotte Gale

Trainer

I’m Charlotte and this is Isla, an Irish Wolfhound mix. My family and I got Isla as a rescue puppy, and we’ve been coming to Padfoot since 2021. When Isla and I first started attending foundation classes, we had some challenging moments as she is a very independent-thinking dog. But the Padfoot team taught me how to balance excitability with firmness, so I could work with her personality rather than against it. We now make a great team, and from Padfoot’s ongoing support we made our way up to Gold level! From my journey with Isla, I am now inspired to help others reach their desired training goals. You will find me assisting our incredible Senior coaches in group classes, and giving out friendly tips and pointers.

Lloyd Steer

Trainee Trainer

After taking in a reactive rescue dog in early 2025, my wife and I found the Padfoot community. Without the training, guidance and support provided to us we would still be stuck and struggling.

I have now been a member for over a year and after working and training closely with Padfoot during that time I gained the confidence to make a change and try something new, becoming a trainer! I hope to help you achieve the same with your dog.

Stephanie Lane

Trainee Trainer

I have always absolutely loved dogs, for as long as I can remember! I grew up with two dogs who taught me so much about how dogs think, behave and communicate, and I’ve also gained experience through pet sitting.

Because of this, working with animals has always been something I’ve wanted to do. That passion led me to complete a Certificate IV in Animal Training and Behaviour.

I’m still relatively new to the dog training industry, but I’m learning so much every day working alongside the Padfoot team and gaining hands-on experience with dogs and their people.