Led by BSc(Hons) Qualified Martha Sahota

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rated 5 Stars from satisfied dog guardians

Specialist Dog Walking Services in Lapworth

Hello, I’m Martha, and I run FAF Free Pets, specialising in walks and sensory visits for complex and sensitive dogs.

I specialise in supporting complex, sensitive, and anxious dogs who need more than just a walk, dogs who benefit from calm structure, skilled handling, and genuine understanding.

Every walk and visit is built around choice, safety, and connection, using kind, evidence-based methods that help dogs feel confident, relaxed, and understood. My approach is modern, ethical, and always tailored to the individual, because no two dogs are the same.

About FAF Free Dog Training & Walking

Specialist in Complex Dogs
Certified Dog Trainer (Dog Training College)
BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour & Welfare
Ethical, kind, and evidence-based approach
Knowledgeable and approachable support

My Journey

After earning a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, my focus initially centred on improving the welfare of commercial cattle. Following a personal loss, I shifted my work toward dogs, inspired by my own dog, Floki, who struggled with anxiety and complex behaviours. This experience led me to build a dog walking business focused on supporting sensitive and complex dogs.

My experience in dog training is enriched through assisting at Lakeside Dog Training and my passion for ACE Freework.

Learn More About Our Walks

Building Trust Through Compassionate Care

At FAF Free Dog Training & Walking, our goal is to provide compassionate, skilled support for both you and your dog. FAF Free stands for Force and Fear Free — the foundation of everything we do.

We meet each dog where they are, creating calm, positive experiences that build confidence, trust, and genuine connection.

Whether your dog needs a calm one-to-one walks, quiet sensory visits, or structured socialisation, we’re here to help them feel safe, understood, and supported every step of the way.

Learn More About Our Sensory Visits

Choice

Our training sessions and training walks are designed to give your dog as much independence and choice as possible (within reason, of course!). By allowing your dog to make decisions, we help build their confidence, reduce stress, and enhance the connection between you and your dog, creating a more rewarding experience for both guardian and canine.

Connection

We take the time to build a strong bond with both you and your dog, earning trust through understanding and connection. By recognising your dog's unique quirks, personality, and perspective, we tailor each training session to their individual needs, creating a positive learning experience for you both.

Compassion

We are dedicated to treating both you and your dog with empathy and kindness, meeting you where you are and supporting you both on the journey toward your future goals. By understanding and valuing each of you as individuals, we create a compassionate and tailored experience that builds trust, strengthens bonds, and fosters meaningful progress for you and your dog.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Complex Dogs?

We use the term Complex Dogs to describe those who find parts of everyday life challenging — whether that’s other dogs, people, new environments, or changes in routine. These dogs may be anxious, easily frustrated, overexcitable, or simply need more space and understanding.

Our job is to meet them where they are, using calm, ethical handling to help them feel safe and supported.

How do you handle Complex Dogs?

We work with reactive, anxious, or excitable dogs using kind, ethical, and force-free handling. All walks are one-to-one and completely dog-led, focusing on safety, decompression, and choice. We never use punishment or coercion.

If a dog needs extra support, they’re placed in the appropriate service tier after a trial walk, ensuring every dog gets the time, structure, and management they need to feel safe and thrive.

Do you take on dogs who have bitten?

Yes, we can work with dogs who have a bite history, provided it’s safe and appropriate to do so. Each case is assessed individually during the intake process and trial walk. These dogs are required to wear a muzzle on our walks and will remain on lead.

Dogs with a known bite history are placed in our Tier C – High Support category, which includes specific handling and management measures to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

How do service tiers work?

Dogs are assigned a support tier after their intake form, meet and greet and trial walk. This ensures they get the right level of care, structure, and management.

Tier A – Low Support: Dogs who regulate easily and need minimal intervention.

Tier B – Mid Support: Dogs who need some help managing excitement, frustration, or mild reactivity.

Tier C – High Support: Dogs who need significant behavioural or environmental management, including reactivity or safety concerns.

Each tier reflects the level of skill and time required, not judgement of the dog. Every dog receives the same kind, ethical handling.

Can you help with muzzling?

Yes. We can advise on which muzzle best suits your dog, and as an affiliate with The Muzzle Movement, we can offer a discount for their excellent, welfare-led designs.

We also support the initial muzzle training process to help your dog feel comfortable and relaxed wearing it for the duration of their walk.

Do you offer training?

We offer a limited number of Training & Socialisation Walks and 1:1 Training Sessions for puppies and dogs who need a little extra guidance. These sessions blend structured learning with real-world practice, helping dogs develop life skills such as focus, calm engagement, confidence, managing arousal and recall.

All training is force-free and ACE-informed, using kind, ethical methods tailored to each dog’s needs. For more complex behavioural cases, we can refer you to trusted behaviourists for additional support.

Contact us for more information.

Why should I choose FAF Free Dog Training & Walking?

We specialise in one-to-one walks for complex, sensitive, and excitable dogs who need skilled, ethical handling. Every walk is tailored to your dog’s individual needs, focusing on safety, decompression, and genuine choice.

As certified, force-free professionals (BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare & Certified Dog Trainer with the Dog Training College), we bring experience, empathy, and structure to every session. Guardians can relax knowing their dog is understood, supported, and cared for as an individual, never rushed, never forced, always respected.

Do you walk dogs from the same household?

Yes, as long as it’s safe, the dogs are comfortable with each other, and there’s no conflict between their individual needs. Multi-dog walks are assessed case by case. Dogs in Tier C cannot be walked with companions, as they require full focus and management during their sessions.