No pain, no fear, no shortcuts
Dogs learn faster when they feel safe. We reward what we want and manage the environment so mistakes are rare and cheap.
About the school
A dog school built by someone who sat in the back row
Marguerite Tallis started Steady Paws after years of working at a shelter, where she watched good dogs return because nobody had shown their families what to do. The school opened in 2016 with one class and a borrowed hall.
Three promises to every handler
They appear on the first page of the course handbook, and we read them aloud at the start of each term.
Teach the human first
Handlers are the other half of the team. Lessons give you clear body language, timing and routines you can run in five minutes a day.
Honest progress reports
Trainers write a short note after every class on what worked and what to practise, so you always know where you stand.
Ten years of classes
From a borrowed hall to a heated arena with two rings and a quiet room.
- 2016
First class
Six dogs, one trainer and a church hall in Inglewood on Tuesday evenings.
- 2018
Puppy foundations
A dedicated puppy course launches after demand from local vets and breeders.
- 2021
The Ramsay arena
The school moves into a converted warehouse with rubber flooring and underfloor heating.
- 2024
Reactive dog workshops
Priya Sandhu joins and builds a quiet-room programme for dogs who find crowds hard.
The people with the treat pouches
All trainers complete continuing education every year and volunteer at a local shelter.
- Marguerite TallisHead trainer and founder
- Devon Okonkwo-ReidPuppy and family classes
- Priya SandhuReactive dog specialist
- Tomasz WierzbickiAgility and sport coach
Come and watch a class first.
Observers are welcome at any session. Bring a coffee and ask the trainers anything you like.