ABOUT US

Kind. Science-Led. Rooted in Connection.
At Pawsitive Tribe, we're not just dog trainers—we're behaviour nerds, lifelong learners, and passionate advocates for dogs and their humans. Based in West London, we offer ethical, science-based training designed to empower both ends of the lead. Our journey has taken us across borders, through career pivots, and deep into the world of canine communication—and we're honoured to share that journey with you.

Meet the Team

Gonçalo

Head Trainer & Behaviour Specialist

Gonçalo has spent his life around dogs—his first word was “cão” (Portuguese for “dog”) and he’s been working with them ever since. After exploring paths in veterinary medicine and military K9 units, he found his calling in force-free, science-based dog training. Gonçalo has trained and worked with some of the best in the industry and is now a certified IMDT trainer with merit, with vast experience in everything from puppy foundations to complex behavioural cases. His calm energy, deep understanding of canine psychology, and love for education make him a natural at guiding dogs and their people toward better communication and trust.

Sara

Co-Founder & Dog Training Specialist

Growing up surrounded by animals, Sara always knew she wanted to work with them. Her journey into dog training started with a desire to contribute to a kinder world, and that purpose came to life after co-founding DogSummit in Portugal—a landmark event focused on ethical training and species-appropriate diets. Since moving to the UK, Sara has managed dog daycares, studied techniques like Tellington TTouch, and helped create a space where dogs can learn, grow, and feel understood. She brings warmth, empathy, and creative problem-solving to every training journey.

Nuna

The Real Boss

Nuna is our 8-year-old Golden Cocker Retriever and the heart of our Tribe. Whether she’s playing stooge dog for reactive cases, modelling calm behaviour for shy puppies, or just soaking up cuddles between sessions, Nuna plays a vital role in helping other dogs feel safe and supported. She also has strong opinions about food and rivers.





Meet the Team

Gonçalo

Head Trainer & Behaviour Specialist

Gonçalo has spent his life around dogs—his first word was “cão” (Portuguese for “dog”) and he’s been working with them ever since. After exploring paths in veterinary medicine and military K9 units, he found his calling in force-free, science-based dog training. Gonçalo has trained and worked with some of the best in the industry and is now a certified IMDT trainer with merit, with vast experience in everything from puppy foundations to complex behavioural cases. His calm energy, deep understanding of canine psychology, and love for education make him a natural at guiding dogs and their people toward better communication and trust.

Sara

Co-Founder & Dog Training Specialist

Growing up surrounded by animals, Sara always knew she wanted to work with them. Her journey into dog training started with a desire to contribute to a kinder world, and that purpose came to life after co-founding DogSummit in Portugal—a landmark event focused on ethical training and species-appropriate diets. Since moving to the UK, Sara has managed dog daycares, studied techniques like Tellington TTouch, and helped create a space where dogs can learn, grow, and feel understood. She brings warmth, empathy, and creative problem-solving to every training journey.

Nuna

The Real Boss

Nuna is our 8-year-old Golden Cocker Retriever and the heart of our Tribe. Whether she’s playing stooge dog for reactive cases, modelling calm behaviour for shy puppies, or just soaking up cuddles between sessions, Nuna plays a vital role in helping other dogs feel safe and supported. She also has strong opinions about food and rivers.





Our Story & Mission

Pawsitive Tribe was founded by Sara and Gonçalo, two passionate dog lovers from Portugal who moved to London to continue their education and expand their vision for ethical dog training. What started as a dream became a movement—from organising Portugal’s first-ever DogSummit to building a training practice in one of the busiest cities in the world.

Our mission is simple:

To help every dog reach their full potential through kindness, understanding, and modern science.

We believe training should feel good—for dogs and humans alike. That’s why we’re committed to staying at the forefront of behavioural science, continuously learning through CPD courses, and offering services rooted in empathy, education, and trust.

Pawsitive Tribe Mission

Ongoing Education & Credentials

We take continuing professional development seriously. We regularly attend workshops, seminars, and courses with leading industry professionals covering topics like:

Canine aggression and reactivity

Understanding the roots of aggressive or reactive behaviour and using positive, science-led strategies to create safer, more confident responses.

Nutrition and behaviour

Exploring how diet affects mood, focus, and overall behaviour—because a healthy gut supports a healthy mind.

Separation anxiety

Helping dogs feel secure when home alone through gradual desensitisation, trust-building, and personalised support plans.

Fear and noise sensitivity

Gentle, structured guidance for dogs who struggle with loud sounds, sudden changes, or specific fears—turning stress into resilience.

Resource guarding

Teaching dogs to feel safe and supported around valued items while reducing the need to guard through trust and communication.

Cognitive bias and enrichment

Using enrichment and choice-based training to shift mindset, build optimism, and reduce frustration in everyday life.

Our Learning Journey

2021

IMDT Assessment

Deconstructing Resource Guarding with Karen Wild by ICB

Canine Intelligence with Nando Brown by The School of Canine Science

2020

Animal Crystal Healing (Animal Magic Training)

Tellington Ttouch Rocks Course

Tellington Ttouch Introduction Workshop

Cognitive Bias and Fad Susceptibility by APDT

Both Ends of the Lead with Danielle Beck by APBC

Zoospenseful Xmas Workshop

CAT (Tratamiento Constructivo de Agresión) with Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz

The School of Canine Science – Nutrition and Behaviour

The School of Canine Science – Separation Anxiety

The School of Canine Science – 30Days of Canine Science

Raw Food Myths: Benefits & Balance with Dr. Nick Thompson

2019

IMDTB Helping Dogs with Noise Sensitivities and Phobias

IMDTB The Behaviourist Consultation and Follow-Up Report – 2 Day Course

IMDT Funk Up Your Classes

Dunbar Academy – Behaviour Problems Crash Course

Dunbar Academy – Dog-Dog Reactivity IMDT Career as a Dog Trainer

IMDT Perfect Puppy Foundations

IMDT Canine Aggression and Rehabilitation IMDT Practical Instructor

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Science backed Dog Training in West London.