Cherene
Canine Behaviour and Welfare Educator
Helping sensitive dogs feel safe and confident through emotional safety, trust, and welfare-led support.
Making behaviour easier to understand through emotional safety, trust, and welfare-led support.
Why I Created Steady Paws
My journey into canine behaviour and welfare began with a simple question:
What is my dog finding difficult?
In August 2022, I rehomed Heidi, a long-haired Chihuahua cross who had received limited social exposure during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Like many sensitive dogs, Heidi found parts of the world overwhelming.
New people, unfamiliar dogs, and everyday situations could feel difficult for her to navigate.
Living alongside Heidi changed the way I viewed behaviour.
I began to realise that lasting confidence cannot be rushed or forced.
It grows through emotional safety, trust, predictable experiences, and patient support.
The lessons Heidi taught me continue to shape everything I do today.
My Philosophy
The Steady Paws Approach
Over time, I developed what became known as The Steady Paws Approach.
This approach is built on a simple belief:
Behaviour makes more sense when we understand what a dog is experiencing.
Rather than focusing solely on changing behaviour, I look at the factors that may be influencing it.
Including:
- 💚 Emotional safety
- 💚 Stress and recovery
- 💚 Confidence and resilience
- 💚 Communication
- 💚 Welfare and quality of life
- 💚 The relationship between dog and owner
Before behaviour change can occur, dogs often need to feel safe, understood, and supported.
Professional Background
Looking Beyond The Behaviour
I began my professional career working as a veterinary receptionist and animal handler, where I gained valuable experience in animal welfare, behaviour, handling, and client support.
In 2024, I established Wholesome Walks, providing welfare-focused dog walking and companion animal care.
Alongside practical experience, I have continued to study canine behaviour, welfare, psychology, and learning theory through ongoing professional development and independent study.
Today, I combine practical experience, behaviour support, education, and writing to help owners better understand the dogs they live alongside.
My interest in behaviour is strongly influenced by a long-standing passion for psychology, emotional wellbeing, and understanding how experiences shape behaviour. T
he more I learned, the more I realised that behaviour is rarely random.
Whether human or canine, behaviour often tells us something important about how an individual is experiencing the world.
This perspective continues to influence my work with sensitive dogs and their owners.
Author of The Steady Paws Approach
In 2026, I published:
The Steady Paws Approach
Supporting Sensitive Dogs and the People Who Love Them
The book brings together many of the principles that guide my work, including emotional safety, confidence building, stress, recovery, welfare, and understanding behaviour beneath the surface.
It was written to help owners better understand sensitive dogs and provide practical, compassionate guidance that supports both dogs and the people who care for them.
My Goal
My goal is not to create perfect dogs.
My goal is to help owners better understand the dog in front of them.
Through behaviour support, welfare-led education, and compassionate guidance, I aim to help sensitive dogs and their people move forward together with confidence.
Ready To Learn More?
Whether you're looking for behaviour support, educational resources, or simply want to learn more about The Steady Paws Approach, I'd love to hear from you.