Hitting the mark in
canine assistance and training services
Your dedicated partner in achieving the best out of your canine friend.
Sophie Henshall BSc
Owner of Helping Paws Assistance & Training
My approach to training is grounded in science, guided by empathy, and tailored to each individual dog and owner. With a background in Animal Behaviour, I use positive reinforcement, fear-free/force-free training methods that prioritise clear communication, consistency, and positive learning experiences.
I understand that every dog is different, their temperament, history, environment, and learning style all matter. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I assess each dog as an individual and create practical, achievable training plans that suit both the dog and their owner’s lifestyle. Whether working on foundational skills, confidence building, or more complex behavioural challenges, I focus on setting dogs up for success in a way that builds trust and understanding.
For me, training is not just about teaching behaviours; it’s about strengthening the relationship between dog and owner. I aim to empower owners with the knowledge and skills they need to feel confident, while ensuring dogs feel safe, supported, and motivated to learn.
My goal is to create lasting change through positive experiences that allow both dogs and their people to thrive together.
Our Services
1:1 Dog Training Sessions
Our personalised one-on-one training sessions are designed to support dogs of every age, breed, and behaviour level. Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or managing complex behavioural concerns, we bring calm, structured, and compassionate training straight to your home.
Our personalised one-on-one training sessions are designed to support dogs of every age, breed, and behaviour level. Using only positive reinforcement and evidence-based methods, we help your dog build confidence, learn new skills, and replace unwanted behaviours with healthy, appropriate alternatives.
Every session is tailored to your dog’s unique personality, learning style, and needs, ensuring progress that is both effective and kind.
Perfect for:
✔ Puppies
✔ Rescue dogs
✔ Adolescent dogs
✔ Nervous or reactive dogs
✔ Dogs with established behavioural issues
Initial consult | 90 minutes - $100.00
Follow up appointment | 60 minutes - $70.00
for all behaviour levels
Behaviour Modification
for all behaviour levels
For dogs displaying challenging behaviours such as reactivity, anxiety, barking, resource guarding, or overexcitement
We provide structured behavioural modification plans grounded in modern science and force-free methods.
We work with you and your dog to understand triggers, reduce stress, and build new, desired behaviours through reinforcement, management strategies, and supportive guidance. No punishment, no fear, just ethical, compassionate training that prioritises your dog’s wellbeing.
Initial Consult | 90 minutes - $100.00
Follow up appointment | 60 minutes - $70.00
8 weeks old to 1 year old
Puppy Foundations Training
Give your puppy the best possible start with gentle, supportive training focused on building strong life skills. We cover socialisation, toilet training, basic manners, confidence building, and settling behaviours, all through reward-based, fear-free techniques.
Your puppy learns at their own pace, setting them up for a lifetime of good habits, trust, and calm behaviour.
Initial Consult | 60 minutes - $70.00
The Puppy School Package! $250.00
5 week course involving 1x 60 minute appointment each week
Initial Consult | 90 minutes - $100.00
Follow up appointment | 60 minutes - $70.00
Behaviour Modification
for all behaviour levels
For dogs displaying challenging behaviours such as reactivity, anxiety, barking, resource guarding, or overexcitement
We provide structured behavioural modification plans grounded in modern science and force-free methods.
We work with you and your dog to understand triggers, reduce stress, and build new, desired behaviours through reinforcement, management strategies, and supportive guidance. No punishment, no fear, just ethical, compassionate training that prioritises your dog’s wellbeing.
Initial Consult | 90 minutes - $100.00
Follow up appointment | 60 minutes - $70.00
Owner Trainined Pathway
Assistance Dog Training
We offer support for individuals training their own assistance dogs, guiding you through the foundation skills, public access behaviours, and task-specific training your dog needs. All training follows positive reinforcement principles, shaping confident, reliable behaviour without fear, force, or correction-based methods.
Whether you need your dog to perform alert tasks, mobility assistance, psychiatric support tasks, or general life skills, we provide structured, supportive coaching that builds a strong human–dog partnership.
Initial Consult | $70.00
Pawprentice Program | $250 (5 x 1 hour sessions) saves $100
Assistance Dog Scholars Program - $500 (10 x 1 hour sessions) saves $200
Contact us
Are you ready to advance your dog’s training & wellbeing?