Pawsitive Solutions

11/04/2024

Hello to all my Facebook Community.

I know I have been a bit quiet on Facebook the past year but that is because I have been busy working on a long held passion of mine….to produce an online behavioural training resource, available to a wider audience of dog lovers.

I decided to team up with friend and fellow dog behaviourist Sonia Ann Dombroski and after many zoom meetings, long days of filming and obligatory coffees, The Natural Dog Training Academy is finally yours.

Our online Academy packages everything we stand for and deliver through our individual one to one businesses BUT in an online format, making our training more accessible and flexible for you all! The Natural Dog Training Academy does also stand alongside our existing dog behavioural businesses.

We provide a series of comprehensive courses using a wide range of different dogs types and energy levels to demonstrate our techniques.

All courses are accompanied by step by step instructions and comprehensive training resources.

Our website is now live and our first 2 courses - “Lead Work Training” and “Recall” are now available!

We would love any support you would like to give us on this new venture, so please have a look at what we have been doing over on our page and check out the recall trailer here ⬇️

In our upcoming video course, we’ll guide you on how to master the art of recall, ensuring your dog is safe, responsive, and having fun while off the lead.Is...

14/01/2023

There could be a variety of reasons why some dogs don't like the rain. Some possible explanations could include:

Sensitivity to sound: Some dogs may be sensitive to the sound of rain, especially if it's particularly loud or if they're already anxious or scared.

Discomfort: Some dogs may simply find the sensation of being wet uncomfortable, especially if they don't have a thick or waterproof coat.

Negative experiences: Some dogs may have had negative experiences with rain in the past, such as getting lost or injured in bad weather, which could cause them to associate rain with negative feelings.

Lack of exposure: Some dogs may simply not have been exposed to rain much, so they're not used to it and may be hesitant or fearful when they do encounter it.

Overall, it's important to pay attention to your dog's body language and behaviour when it's raining, and to try to make them feel as comfortable as possible. If your dog is especially fearful or anxious, it may be helpful to work with a professional dog behaviourist to address their concerns.

13/01/2023

According to Dr. Justine A. Lee, DVM, DACVECC, writing for the Pet Health Network, mushrooms sold in large and chain supermarkets are generally safe for dogs to eat.

However, It's generally not a good idea for dogs to eat wild mushrooms, as some types of mushrooms can be toxic to dogs. If your dog has eaten a mushroom, it is important to monitor them closely and seek veterinary care if you notice any unusual symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or changes in behaviour.

Mushrooms contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs, and some types of mushrooms are more toxic than others. Some symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs may include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and changes in urine color. In severe cases, mushroom poisoning can cause liver damage, kidney failure, or even death.

If you suspect that your dog has eaten a mushroom, it is important to remove any remaining mushrooms and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the situation and provide treatment based on the type of mushroom your dog has eaten and the symptoms they are experiencing.

It's also a good idea to keep an eye on your dog when they are outside to make sure they do not eat any mushrooms that may be growing in your yard. If you find mushrooms growing in your garden, it is best to remove them to prevent your dog from accidentally ingesting them.

12/01/2023

Yes, it is possible for older dogs to learn new tricks and behaviours. While it is true that older dogs may be less receptive to training than younger dogs, with patience it is still possible to teach them new things. Here are some tips for training an older dog:

Start with simple commands: Begin with commands that are easy for your dog to understand, such as "sit," "stay," and "come."

Reward your dog with praise when they successfully complete a new trick or behaviour. This will help to reinforce the desired behaviour.

Be patient: Older dogs may take longer to learn new things, so it is important to be patient and not get frustrated.

Keep training sessions short: Older dogs may have shorter attention spans, so it is important to keep training sessions short and engaging.

Consult with a professional: If you are having trouble training your older dog, consider consulting with a professional dog trainer for advice.

Overall, with patience and a little bit of effort, it is possible to teach an older dog new tricks.

07/01/2023

Dog training is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, they help to establish clear boundaries for your dog, which can help them to feel more secure in their environment.

Training also provide an opportunity for you to bond with your dog and strengthen your relationship.

In addition, training can help to prevent behaviour problems from developing, as they provide your dog with the mental and physical stimulation they need.

Training can also help to improve your dog's overall obedience which helps make them a more enjoyable companion.

Overall, incorporating regular training into your dog's life can have numerous benefits for both you and your dog.

05/01/2023

Like any food, the nutritional value of processed dog treats depends on the ingredients used. Some processed treats can be a healthy part of a dog's diet while others may not provide much nutritional value.

It's important to read the label and ingredient list on processed dog treats to determine their nutritional value. Look for treats made with whole ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, and grains, rather than those made with a lot of fillers and additives. Avoid treats with artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors, as these can be harmful to your dog's health.

It's also important to keep in mind that treats should only make up a small portion of your dog's diet. Even healthy treats should not be fed to your dog in large quantities, as they can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. Instead, use treats as a way to reward good behavior or as a training tool, and make sure to balance them with a nutritionally complete and balanced diet.

04/01/2023

Are you tired of your dog's unruly behaviour? Is your furry friend causing chaos in your home? Our dog behaviour training program can help!

We have years of experience working with all breeds and can help you and your dog achieve a harmonious and well-behaved household. Our training techniques are positive so your dog will learn to behave through praise reward rather than fear or punishment.

Our training program covers a wide range of behaviours, including:

Basic obedience (sit, stay, come, etc.)
Lead training and walking manners
House training and crate training
Chewing and destructive behavior
Aggression towards people or other animals

We offer both in-person and virtual training options to fit your schedule and needs. Our trainers will work with you one-on-one to tailor a training plan to your specific goals and needs.

Don't let your dog's behaviour stress you out any longer. Contact us today to learn more about our dog behaviour training program and start seeing results in no time!

02/01/2023

02/01/2023

Good stuff here from Dr. Karen Becker.

It’s Walk Your Dog Month! 🦮

It’s harder to find ways to exercise your pup physically and mentally during snowy weather, but that’s still our daily responsibility, as guardians (and it stimulates creativity! 😅❄️).

Learn more about the importance of regular dog walking in today’s free pet health article linked in the comments.

01/01/2023

Happy New Year to all from the team here at Pawsitive Solutions. Here's some hints for New Year resolutions you can set alongside your pooch.

If you have a need for help with ANY behavioural issue drop us a mail and we'll call you back to discuss how we can help.

Some fun New Year's Resolutions to help guide you and your dog to your happiest and healthiest this 2015!

01/01/2023

Happy New Year from all the team here at Pawsitive Solutions!

Here's to another year filled with wagging tails, playful paws, and endless love from our furry friends. May our dogs bring us joy and happiness in the year to come, and may we continue to be the best possible pet parents to them. Happy New Year!

31/12/2022

A few hints and tips to help your dog with fireworks tonight.

There are many things we can do help get your dog ready for fireworks at any time of year but you need time to prepare. If you've missed this opportunity or perhaps your new dog is experiencing stress and anxiety as a result of this for the first time follow these simple rules to try and keep them calm.

Feed and get toilet breaks done early - Give your dog enough time to finish their dinner, digest and toilet before the noise begins so that they're not forced to hold it during an already stressful period.

Provide fun distractions during fireworks
Entice them to focus on a toy, play, food, mental simulation toys during firework to keep their mind off the noise outside

Close the curtains or blinds
The noise for them is bad enough, try to minimise the stressful situation by closing out the bright explosive lights

Muffle the Noise
Unpredictable booming sounds can be perceived as an impending threat and make a dog feel vulnerable, plug in a white noise machine or turn on some calming music loud enough so that the fireworks are camouflaged

Safe Zone
If your dog’s “safe zone” is their crate, you can also cover the top, sides, and back with a thick blanket and play music or sounds. Ensure your dog can leave the crate if they wants to. If you don't use a crate you should allow them to find a safe place in the house (they'll choose where this is).

Comfort Your Dog
Comforting your dog in times of stress can reinforce his fears. However, your dog’s reactions to fireworks are based on a legitimate fear. Providing comfort during this time is appropriate and often very helpful. Doing this will help your dog understand that you’re his partner and that he can always turn to you when feeling scared.

More info on preventing stress in this situation will follow in a future blog on our website.