About Us
Learn About Us:
NUNA
Nuna is the princess of the Tribe. She’s an 8y/o Golden Cocker Retriever. She is also our sidekick, she helps us sometimes with training, either by being an example to other dogs on how to behave in certain situations, being a stooge dog for reactive dogs, or just by staying calm and relaxed around wary puppies. She loves FOOD (has been on BARF for 5 years); playing with her pals; swimming in rivers, lakes and the sea; learning new tricks; hiking; long grass; the sun; and of course, lots of cuddles!
Gonçalo
Gonçalo grew up his whole life around dogs. Because both his parents are dog lovers, when he was born he had a xGerman Shepperd for company next to his crib 24/7. He ate, slept and travelled side by side with him. His first word was “cão”, the Portuguese word for “dog”. He has been in love with dogs since he was born.
Growing up, his dream was always to work with dogs which led him to pursue a career as a vet, but when he finished his 1year internship in a Vet Clinic he realised that wasn’t his purpose. Still wanting to work with dogs, he applied to the Portuguese military with the idea to work in the K9 Unit but soon realized the methods used were very harsh and against his morals and values. That’s when an opportunity to work in a Dog Academy for Training and Behaviour Modification emerged, where he first learned about force-free, science-based dog training.
His devotion made him start studying about positive reinforcement and dog behaviour. In 2018, together with his partner Sara and a couple of friends, they created the first ever event in Portugal focused on teaching dog tutors all over the country about force-free, science-based dog training and species appropriated diet – DogSummit – there, he had the chance to work, befriend and learn with some of the best force-free, reward-based dog trainers in Portugal and the world.
In January 2019, Gonçalo and Sara decided to continue pursuing their dream for knowledge, they moved to London to study and learn even more about dogs, they got on a plane to London without a return ticket and has lived here ever since.
He quickly got a job at one of the biggest Doggy Daycares in London, where he was responsible for training, managing the dogs during the day and where he keeps providing dog behaviour education to the other dog carers. He has spent his time helping as many dogs and their tutors as he can, whilst doing courses and seminars to keep learning even more.
Gonçalo is now a certified dog trainer with merit by The IMDT, which is the leading education provider for Dog Trainers and Behaviourists and is a Registered Learning Centre for The Open College Network.
Sara
– “Our love for dogs made us come all the way from Portugal to the UK to study more about them, to understand their behaviour and to learn how to communicate with them clearly using only positive reinforcement.” – Sara
Sara grew up with a lot of animals around her as her dad was from the countryside. From dogs to rabbits, chickens, cows, cats, horses and sheep, the amount of animal friends she had as a kid was countless. Despite her love for dogs, she never got the chance to have one as her mom was allergic.
Since she was a little girl, she wanted to be a dolphin trainer. What she never knew, but soon found out was that they are trained with positive reinforcement! (YAY!!)
When Sara met Gonçalo, she wasn’t sure what her vocation was, she only knew that she wanted to contribute to a better world.
DogSummit had a huge impact in her life and helped her realized she wanted to help dogs no matter what, that’s when she put all her focus on dog training and Tellington TTouch.
When they moved to London she got a job as the manager of a Doggy Daycare which eventually closed due to Covid. Together with Gonçalo, they founded Pawsitive Tribe and she is now focused on dog training and socialisation.
The path has been long but they now are both helping owners improve their dogs’ lives!
CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
Dunbar Academy – Behaviour Problems Crash Course – 2019
Dunbar Academy – Dog-Dog Reactivity – 2019
IMDT Career as a Dog Trainer – 2019
IMDT Perfect Puppy Foundations– 2019
IMDT Canine Aggression and Rehabilitation – 2019
IMDT Practical Instructor – 2019
IMDT Funk Up Your Classes – 2019
IMDTB The Behaviourist Consultation and Follow-Up Report – 2 Day Course – 2019
IMDTB Helping Dogs with Noise Sensitivities and Phobias – 2019
“Raw Food Myths: Benefits & Balance” with Dr. Nick Thompson – 2020
The School of Canine Science – 30Days of Canine Science -2020
The School of Canine Science – Separation Anxiety – 2020
The School of Canine Science – Nutrition and Behaviour – 2020
CAT (Tratamiento Constructivo de Agresión) with Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz – 2020
Zoospenseful Xmas Workshop – 2020
Both Ends of the Lead with Danielle Beck by APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Consellors)– 2020
Cognitive Bias and Fad Susceptibility by APDT – 2020
Tellington Ttouch Introduction Workshop (Xtra Dog Training) – 2020
Tellington Ttouch Rocks Course (Xtra Dog Training) – 2020
Animal Crystal Healing (Animal Magic Training) – 2020
Deconstructing Resource Guarding with Karen Wild by ICB (International Canine Behaviourists) – 2021
Canine Intelligence with Nando Brown by The School of Canine Science – 2021
IMDT Assessment – 2021
We do our absolute best to keep up with current research by attending seminars, workshops, conferences and training courses based on up-to-date, researched methods that are in keeping with modern learning theory.