Hi, I'm Menucha.
I'm Menucha Knebel, founder of Paw-sitive.
My approach is structured but personal, and when you work with Paw-sitive, you'll be working directly with me.
I believe that successful dog training begins with understanding: understanding the individual dog, the person at the other end of the lead, and the environment they share. Every dog is different, and my approach reflects that.
Communication, consistency & preparation
Before founding Paw-sitive, I served as a military dog handler and later as a British Army officer. That experience shaped my approach to communication, consistency, preparation and, above all, the relationship between a dog and their handler.
My military dog-handling experience included preparing and working with dogs across land, sea and air, often in complex and demanding operational environments. Developing the confidence, emotional steadiness and resilience required to perform reliably in these conditions reinforced the importance of progressive training, trust and clear communication between dog and handler.
In the latter stages of my military career, I also contributed to international capability development and the design of specialist equipment and operational solutions for military personnel and working dogs. This included considering dog safety, welfare and performance in challenging environments, from protected military vehicles to extreme climatic conditions.
These experiences strengthened my understanding that successful training and performance depend on considering the dog, their handler, their equipment and their environment together.
Today, I bring that same considered, practical approach to Paw-sitive, adapting the principles of preparation, communication and confidence-building to the individual needs of dogs and their owners.
Building confidence, emotional regulation & understanding
I particularly enjoy helping dogs develop emotional regulation, confidence and steadiness, while supporting their owners to better understand, communicate with and respond to them.
The world we ask our dogs to navigate is incredibly complex. From busy streets, unfamiliar people and other dogs to everyday household routines, travel and unexpected situations, there's an enormous amount for them to process. Even as humans, we can find the world overwhelming at times, so I think it's important that we recognise how challenging it can be for our dogs too.
I'm especially passionate about helping dogs learn to self-regulate, rather than simply expecting them to behave in a particular way. That means understanding what they might be experiencing, recognising early signs of stress, excitement or uncertainty, and giving them the skills, confidence and appropriate support to respond more calmly.
Just as importantly, I love working with owners. It's easy for us to make assumptions about what our dogs are thinking or feeling, and those assumptions can sometimes influence how we respond. When a dog is anxious, reactive or unsettled, it can understandably create worry and tension for the people around them too.
Helping owners recognise what's happening, feel more confident in their decisions and develop a calmer, more consistent approach can transform the experience for both ends of the lead.
My experience has shown me how carefully structured training, progressive exposure and a strong handler-dog relationship can develop remarkable levels of steadiness and resilience, even in exceptionally demanding environments.
I find it incredibly rewarding to bring that experience into everyday life, whether that's helping a dog settle in a busy café, remain composed around distractions, develop reliable recall or prepare for more specialised challenges.
For me, successful training isn't simply about obedience or teaching a dog what to do. It's about developing understanding, trust and emotional stability, and giving both dogs and their owners the confidence to navigate life together.
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing that weight lift from an owner's shoulders: when something that once felt stressful or overwhelming becomes manageable, and both dog and owner can begin to enjoy life together with greater confidence and freedom.
Based in Haslemere, Surrey
Paw-sitive is based in Haslemere, Surrey, offering personalised, one-to-one dog training and behavioural support.
Private-client services and training in other locations can also be considered by arrangement, including specialist preparation for travel, unfamiliar environments and more individual requirements.
Explore Private Client Services
My Golden Retriever & occasional assistant
Enso is my Golden Retriever and a frequent reminder that, even with years of experience, dog training is always a relationship rather than a finished product.
He's very much part of my everyday life and occasionally joins carefully planned training sessions where the presence of another suitable dog can help owners and their dogs practise new skills in a controlled, supportive environment.
Whether we're working on calm observation, managing distractions or building confidence around other dogs, Enso can sometimes play a helpful supporting role.
Most importantly, he reminds me that every dog has their own personality, preferences and moments of unpredictability, and that patience, understanding and a sense of humour are all part of the journey.
Every great training journey starts with a conversation
Not sure where to begin? Book a complimentary 30-minute discovery call to discuss your dog, your goals and how Paw-sitive may be able to help.