Positive Paws Dog Training

04/12/2025

I'm done!

Do you stop and give your dog time to gather and sort through all the information coming to them through their senses?

Barry is walking in a new area near his home - new sights, sounds and activity. There's lots of information to process; his senses are working overtime. What's important? What's not? What's familiar? What's new?

And when he 'is done' he is ready to move on.

On a long line, Barry is able to make some choices that better meet his needs:

What to investigate?
How long to hang here - a quick sniff or an intensive investigation?
Where to next?
When to move on?
How quickly (or otherwise) you'll get there?

And when I'M done, let's move on!

Look for signs of 'doneness' in your dog - turn of head, shift in weight, raising head a little, refocusing from close up to further afield, check in, stepping away...

04/12/2025

Somewhat less hectic than some of the city centres we might be familiar with here, but the advice is very good. Let's bring joy - at both ends of the lead - back into walking. Get in touch if you aren't having fun or you find walking a necessary chore!

Walking your dog in the center of the City should not be a test of control and obedience.
- loose leash for freedom of movement
- slowing your pace to fit your dog's leg length and he can walk relaxed and at ease
- be free to look and sniff and enjoy the environment, not being hurried on at a stressful and uncomfortable speed
- not heeling. - that has nothing to do at a walk.
- No commands, no treats, Just be a good walking partner for your dog.
The chance is so much higher that your dog behaves politely and lovely, because he does not need to stress.
No particular training, Just a relaxed attitude and respect for the dog's natural speed. And let him have a little space till he feels he can cope with everything.

I have done it with more than 60 000 dogs of all sizes, so maybe it could work with your dog too.

Observe your dog and enjoy his curiosity and pleasure. No walk can be better than that.

03/12/2025

Twelve months ago Team Paddy had significant 'grooming struggles' and reached out for help.

Today we celebrate wins 👏👏👏

What an absolute joy it is to be part of this team's journey. No quick fixes here - just slow, tiny steps that has built trust and confidence in both human and canine members. It has been a journey involving lots of conditioning, an investment of time and patience, and a clear commitment to the end goals.

Today this has resulted in the removal of many prickles, checking paws and pads and finally (drum roll) clipping nails and dew claws.

As a young dog, Paddy has a life time of grooms to look forward to.

02/12/2025

Sweet Lily:

For some dogs, the world away from the safety and security of home can be scary.

I'm looking forward the working with Lily and her support team in helping her navigate her world, and find other options when she encounters things she perceives as scary.

01/12/2025

Great opportunity for those considering an animal training career.

PPGA Scholarship program - OPEN FOR 2026 APPLICATIONS

We are very proud to announce that the Scholarship Program is back for 2026 - and now open for applications.

The program helps three new, potential, or emerging trainers with the costs of gaining recognised qualification and aid their career as a pet training professional.

Find out more, and apply now, via our website: https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/PPGA-Sponsorship-Program

08/11/2025

I'm just resurfacing after a wonderful immersion in Tellington Ttouch last (long) weekend.

My heartfelt thanks, as always, to Robyn Hood Senior International Ttouch Instructor for again coming to Victoria to inspire us and sharing her passion, extensive knowledge and experience with those new and not-so-new to this approach of working with companion animals.

While we were disappointed Andy Robertson Australia's Tellington Ttouch Instructor was a late withdrawal, it was lovely to have Meg Hannan help out.
Thanks, too, to Laura Mundy for helping with the venue and possibly rescheduling some of her plans to accommodate us.

And finally thank you to those who brought along your dog - our teachers - for some or all of the three days. We understand this takes alot of planning and a bit of angst; bringing dogs along to a novel environment for a novel experience can feel like a plunge of faith!

Ejoy a few snaps of some of the sessions. If you'd like to find out more about Tellington Ttouch feel free to get in touch.

27/10/2025

Let's hope this gets traction, not only in NSW but nation-wide.

Animal welfare experts are calling for mandatory qualifications and regulation of dog day care, walking and training services in NSW, as the industry booms.

27/10/2025

For Melbourne Sniffers...

Is your dog ready to find birch?
The last Odour course in Murrumbeena for this year! DM or email me to book or for more information

25/10/2025

It was Session 2 for these scent work beginner teams in Romsey today.

Fabulous work from Teams Paddy, Tilly Eeveee, Basil, Blue and Marla.

Apologies for the poor quality pics; sadly no pics of Paddy this session.