Hello! I'm Vicki.

My Story

I’ve lived in the Ilkley area for over 25 years and have shared my life with dogs for as long as I can remember. Border Collies, Spaniels, Poodles and, most recently, Golden Doodles have all been part of our family, each with their own personality, sensitivities and needs.

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Dottie PAWS grew out of real life rather than theory. Living with Dottie, a really clever but extremely sensitive dog who experiences the world very deeply, completely changed the way I think about walking, behaviour and care. Supporting her meant spending time with experienced behaviour specialists, learning how to read body language, understand reactivity, recognise early signs of stress and adapt environments rather than push through them.

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Wanting to deepen that understanding, I’ve studied with the British College of Canine Studies, focusing on canine behaviour, body language and the theory around reactive dogs, alongside completing canine first aid training. I continue to learn because every dog teaches you something new.

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Alongside life with dogs, I’ve spent many years supporting my two young adult sons, both of whom are autistic. That experience shaped my instinctive approach to behaviour and emotional regulation. It taught me how to recognise overwhelm early, de-escalate calmly, respect sensory needs and create routines that feel safe and predictable. Those skills translate naturally into working with dogs who find the world intense or unpredictable.

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I also understand, first-hand, how emotionally demanding it can be to walk a reactive or sensitive dog. The planning, the vigilance, the constant awareness -  and the relief of knowing someone else truly understands what your dog needs. Dottie PAWS exists to gently share that responsibility, offering reassurance as well as practical care.

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Our home has always been very dog-friendly. My husband Steve is the resident soft touch, particularly when treats are involved, and yes, dogs are allowed on the sofa here. 

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Dottie PAWS is intentionally small and personal. I work one-to-one, always at a pace that suits the individual dog, with close attention to body language and wellbeing. I am fully insured and DBS checked, and I care for every dog as if they were my own.

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If your dog needs understanding, space and thoughtful care, and if you’d value a little breathing room yourself, I’d love to meet you both and see whether Dottie PAWS feels like the right fit.