Julie Morrison

 I’m a professional dog trainer with over 20 years’ experience supporting dogs and their people. I specialise in helping dogs with big emotions and coaching owners through real-life challenges—skills I developed during my 20 years at Dogs Trust.

Today, I run my own training service, grounded in kindness, clarity, and evidence-based methods, providing practical support tailored to each dog’s needs.

   

My journey started over 30 years ago when I found myself with a dog who had more opinions than manners—and her own ideas about how the world should work. She challenged me, taught me, and ultimately changed the course of my life. What began as a mission to help her became a passion for understanding behaviour and building better relationships between dogs and their people.

 

So, I knuckled down and studied canine psychology to deepen my understanding of how dogs think and learn. In 2004, I launched my own dog training classes, and not long after, I joined Dogs Trust—the UK’s largest dog welfare charity. Over the next two decades, I worked as a Training Behaviour Advisor at their West Calder Rehoming Centre and, most recently, as Head Coach for their prevention programmes.

 

During my first decade in this role, I worked closely with dogs facing some of the most difficult behavioural challenges, including severe fear and anxiety. My focus was on creating tailored training and enrichment programmes to help these dogs rebuild trust and prepare for successful rehoming.

 

In the following 10 years as Head Coach for Dogs Trust’s prevention programmes, my focus shifted to leading and developing the Dog School programme across Central Scotland. I helped launch the initiative from its pilot stage—setting up high-performing schools in both Glasgow and Edinburgh. I led a team of coaches, mentored new trainers, and delivered everything from puppy and adolescent classes to specialist support for dogs struggling with reactivity. It was a full-on, rewarding decade, and I loved every minute.

 

In 2025, after 20 incredible years with Dogs Trust, I decided it was time to focus fully on my own business: Paws For Thought Dog Training. I now offer personalised training support through small group classes, one-to-one sessions, and training walks—with a particular passion for helping rescue dogs and those who find everyday life a bit overwhelming.

 

Throughout my career, I’ve completed extensive professional development including:

 

Companion Animal Welfare and Behavioural Rehabilitation – University of Bristol 

Canine Behaviour – Natural Animal Centre

Puppy Life Skills – University of Lincoln 

Canine Psychology – Animal Care College

 

I am a Full Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT UK) – Member no. 01301 and a Registered Animal Training Instructor – Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)

 

I’m committed to positive, ethical training and continue to support local owners through practical guidance rooted in up-to-date behavioural science.