Positive Reinforcement Dog Training & Walking, Nurturing Your Pet, One Paw At A Time
In The Rutland And Northamptonshire Countryside
Our Products and Services
Welcome to our dog walking services! We offer personalised dog walking experiences including small group walks that allow your furry friends to socialise and enjoy the outdoors. Our dedicated team ensures that each walk is fun, safe, and tailored to your dog's needs. Let us take care of your pets while you enjoy peace of mind!
Training your puppy or dog is essential for a happy and harmonious home. With consistent practice and positive reinforcement, you can teach your canine companion essential commands and good behaviour. Whether you're starting with basic obedience or tackling specific issues, patience and love are key to successful training. Let's embark on this rewarding journey together!
Welcome to our pet sitting service! We provide loving and attentive care for your furry friends right in the comfort of their own home. Whether it's daily visits or overnight stays, you can trust us to keep your pets happy and safe while you're away. Experience peace of mind knowing your pets are receiving the best care.
Welcome to our shop, new for 2025!
We are carefully selecting natural treats and products for your pets.
We believe in providing only the best for your beloved companions, so you'll find a variety of wholesome snacks and essential supplies. Browse our growing collection and discover something special for your pets!
(More and more products will be added over time, so be sure to come back to discover more!)
About us
Karen Ann's - Paws for Thought: Your Trusted Pet Care Provider in Corby, Uppingham, Oakham and surrounding areas.
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Karen Ann's - Paws for Thought began in 2016 as a part-time passion project, quickly earning a loyal following in Corby for its exceptional dog walking services. A moment of reflection in 2019 inspired Karen Ann to pursue her dream full-time, expanding into surrounding villages and parts of Rutland. Since then, our service area has blossomed, now encompassing Corby, Oakham, Stamford, and the charming towns and villages in between.
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What started with dog walking has grown into a comprehensive pet care service. We're proud of our dedicated team of experienced dog walkers, and fully qualified dog trainers – all united by a deep love for animals and a commitment to their well-being. We treat every pet in our care as one of our own, ensuring they receive the love, attention, and exercise they deserve.
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Karen Ann's lifelong connection with animals began in childhood, surrounded by her beloved German Shepherd, Sophie; Springer Spaniel, Sally; King Charles Spaniel, Brandy; and her ginger cat companion, Tom. These early experiences ignited a passion that continues to fuel her work today. Each new pet she meets brings joy and a fresh adventure.
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Prior to dedicating herself fully to animal care, Karen Ann spent 18 years in the care sector. During this time, her creative spirit found expression in animal-themed embroidery art, particularly dogs. This hobby-business, also called Karen Ann's, laid the foundation for her future career. In 2019, driven by her love of animals and the outdoors, Karen Ann took the leap and embraced her true calling. She hasn't looked back since!
At Karen Ann's - Paws for Thought, we're more than just dog walkers; we're the friendly pet care experts you can rely on.
Meet Our Team!
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James (Jim)
Pet care and welfare walker
Dog Trainer
​ Please meet James, a dedicated member of our team who offers
dog walking and dog training and pet sitting services.
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From his roots in Stamford and later settling in Corby, James has had a varied and interesting journey. After 14 years working at the steelworks, a move to Cornwall for a couple of years sparked a new passion for swimming, particularly in open water.
​Upon returning to Corby, he spent 7 years at Aluminium Shapes. A significant back injury unfortunately led to a four-year break, which ultimately paved the way for a fulfilling new career path.
​Returning from his injury, James is now happily dedicated to working with animals. Has retrained as a professional Dog Walker and Dog Trainer.
​Qualifications and Training:
​James is committed to providing the best care and expertise for your dogs:
​IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers): Currently progressing through his formal dog training qualifications journey.
​DWSA (Dog Walkers & Sitters Association) Course:
Actively completing this professional course.
​Animal First Aid Trained.
​Hobbies
​ When he's not walking dogs or open water swimming, James enjoys wood carving.
Dean
Pet care and welfare walker
Trainee Dog Trainer
Please meet Dean, a dedicated member of our team who offers
dog walking and pet sitting services and poosibly dog training in the future!
​For over 35 years, I worked in the demanding field of plant hire, specializing as a reliable paint sprayer and welder. While that chapter came to a close in 2024 due to a back injury, it paved the way for a change I'm genuinely passionate about.
​My home is currently ruled by three amazing companions: our energetic Labradoodle and two sweet, charismatic Shih Tzus.
I know firsthand how much dogs are part of the family, and that experience drives me to provide the safest, happiest, and most dependable care for your pet.
​Originally from Milton Keynes, I'm now a proud Northamptonshire resident and excited to bring my lifelong love for dogs and a strong work ethic to dog walking in the Northamptonshire community.
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Qualifications and Training:
​Dean is committed to providing the best care and expertise for your dogs:
​DWSA (Dog Walkers & Sitters Association) Course:
Actively completing this professional course.
​Animal First Aid Trained.
Cerys
Work experience student
Trainee Pet care and welfare walker
Dog Trainer
Please meet Cerys. She's currently gaining experience with us as both a work experience student and a dedicated member of our team, who offers both dog training and pet sitting services.
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She's also focused on her education, studying a T-Level in Management and Administration.
​Though she was born in Corby and spent some time in Cornwall, Cerys is back in Corby now, where she calls home.
​When she's not working or studying, Cerys enjoys expressing her creativity through drawing, unwinding by listening to music, and actively spending time training her dog.
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Qualifications and Training:​
Cerys is committed to providing the best care and expertise for your dogs:​IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers): Currently progressing through her formal dog training qualifications journey.​
DWSA (Dog Walkers & Sitters Association) Course:
Actively completing this professional course.​
Animal First Aid Trained.
Juliet
Pet care and welfare walker
Dog Trainer
​Please meet Juliet, a dedicated member of our team who offers both dog training and pet sitting services.
A Kettering resident with roots in Easton-On-The-Hill, Juliet's life-long love for animals is obvious. She shares her home with three beloved cats, Frank, Misty, and Splitz, and is excitedly awaiting the arrival of a new puppy!
For over 35 years, Juliet has served as an Adult Instructor in the Army Cadet Force, an experience that speaks for her reliability, leadership, and calm demeanor—all excellent traits for training and sitting.
When she's not looking after pets, you can find her challenging herself with Bootcamp, hitting the gym, or swimming.
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Qualifications and Training:​
Juliet is committed to providing the best care and expertise for your dogs:​IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers): Currently progressing through her formal dog training qualifications journey.​
DWSA (Dog Walkers & Sitters Association) Course:
Actively completing this professional course.​
Animal First Aid Trained.
Tom
Pet care and welfare walker
Trainee Dog Trainer
Meet Tom: Experienced Animal Carer & Wildlife Enthusiast
Born and raised in Leicestershire, Tom is a dedicated animal professional based in Kibworth with a lifelong passion for the welfare and happiness of all creatures.
For over a decade, Tom has been actively involved in caring for a wide variety of animals, combining formal training with extensive hands-on experience in both domestic and wildlife settings.
Key Experience:
Dog Behaviour & Socialisation (8 Years): Tom spent eight years working at a dog daycare centre, where he expertly cared for and managed play sessions for different breeds, ensuring they could safely socialise and thrive in a group environment.
Wildlife Care Specialist: Tom has been a committed volunteer at the Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital in Kibworth since 2013, providing vital care and support for local native species.
Qualifications & Commitment.
Tom backs up his practical experience with a dedication to professional knowledge and safety:
Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Animal Management – Brooksby Melton College.
Animal First Aid Trained.
Currently completing the professional DWSA (Dog Walkers & Sitters Association) Course to ensure the highest standards in pet care.
In His Free Time.
When he's not working with animals, Tom enjoys connecting with nature right here in Leicestershire. You can often find him walking and birdwatching in beautiful locations like Rutland Water and Foxton Locks, keeping his appreciation for the natural world strong.
Tom looks forward to providing professional, compassionate care for your animal companions.
Karen Ann
The Crazy dog lady that started
all of this in 2016!
Karen Ann loves animals and the great outdoors, and what better way to
enjoy these two things than working with dogs every day, no matter the weather!
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Her hobbys are long distance walking, camping, bike riding, and spending time with her border collie, Gem.
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Karen Ann is an "Easy Peasy Puppy Instructor" and is registered on the "Steve Mann dog Training,website".
She has also started her IMDT dog training qualifications journey, and has also begun her Level 4 in behaviour studies.
Karen Ann gained distinction with the DWAS certification course in Dog Walking, and is also Animal first Aid Trained
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