Your Trusted Partner in Assistance Dog Training

Trusted Paws UK: Service Update

We are currently focused on delivering training and support for clients who already have active programmes with us. All existing clients continue to receive full, uninterrupted service.

To maintain the quality and attention our current dogs and handlers deserve, we are temporarily pausing new applications. This allows us to complete ongoing training commitments to a high standard. We expect to reopen for new enquiries after Christmas, once our schedule clears.

Thank you for your patience and for trusting us with your dogs’ training.

Our Trainers

Niko Mattews

Assistance Dog Trainer

7+ Years of Professional Experience

Niko Matthews is a hands-on dog trainer with over seven years of experience helping dogs and their owners build strong, reliable routines — especially when it comes to public access and everyday behaviour. With a background in veterinary work, Niko brings a calm, no-nonsense approach to training that focuses on real-life results and canine wellbeing.

He specialises in preparing dogs for public environments, working step by step to build focus, calmness, and confidence in busy or unpredictable situations. Whether it’s walking through a supermarket, navigating public transport, or staying settled in a café, Niko helps each team get there through clear structure and consistent practice.

Trained assistance dog beside a calm adult handler, representing Trusted Paws UK professional dog training for mental health

At Trusted Paws UK, we believe the bond between a person and their dog can be life-changing — especially when supported with the right training and trust.

We help adults with diagnosed mental health conditions train their own assistance dogs through ethical, structured programmes that meet UK-recognised standards.

Our work follows Assistance Dogs International guidelines and the Equality Act 2010 — not just for compliance, but to protect the dignity and independence of every client.

This is more than training. It’s building partnerships that change lives.

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Our Mission Story

Testimonials

Before training, my dog struggled to stay calm in busy places – I couldn’t take her into shops without feeling overwhelmed. After working with Trusted Paws UK, everything changed. She’s focused, responsive, and helps me manage my anxiety in public. I finally feel confident going out on my own.

Jennifer M.

My dog used to get distracted or shut down in noisy places. The training at Trusted Paws UK helped us build a clear routine – now he stays calm, listens, and even interrupts me when I start to spiral. It’s made a massive difference to how I handle daily life.

Tom H.

The training helped me teach my dog real tasks I rely on every day – from grounding me during panic attacks to alerting me before I start to shut down. The trainers didn’t just teach the dog, they taught me. I feel more independent now than I have in years.

Sarah J.