Calm Your Dog
Reclaim Your Life
Meet Lex!
My journey into dog training started back in 2011 with my own dog, Freckles. I enrolled her in training, fell in love with the process, and by the end of the course the trainer asked me what shirt size I wore. That was the start of my career. I worked there for five years, learning the foundations of training and working hands-on with dogs and their people every day.
In 2016, I rescued Jed. He started coming to work with me and that’s when I began to really understand the challenges many owners face. Jed struggled with significant separation anxiety and later developed reactivity. Living with him meant constant learning, adjusting, and advocating for what he needed.
Jed changed everything. Wanting to support him properly pushed me to learn more, do more, and question a lot of the advice owners are often given. It was also when I started hearing story after story from clients who felt judged, dismissed, or worse, blamed by trainers when things didn’t improve. That combination is what led me to start Paws, Claws & Whiskers, which has now evolved into Lead the Way QLD.
Since then, I’ve gone on to own two reactive dogs, with my current dog Pickles coming to me reactive as well. I’ve also worked with countless reactive and anxious dogs over the years. I know the stress of walks that feel impossible, the constant management, the worry about doing the wrong thing, and the emotional weight that comes with loving a dog who struggles.
That lived experience shapes how I work. My goal is to help calm reactive dogs and give owners the tools, confidence, and understanding they need to reclaim their lives together. Training should feel supportive, practical, and achievable, not overwhelming or intimidating. You deserve guidance that makes sense for your dog and your real life.
If you’re feeling stuck, exhausted, or unsure where to turn, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I’m here to help.
