Pawsitive Pup Training and Delights

01/11/2022

As niche pet food markets continue to grow, veterinarians are worried they could cause more problems than they could help.

01/11/2022

Myth Busting Monday: “If your plumber showed up with just a single tool to fix your broken toilet, wouldn’t you be a little suspicious”

Alright, full disclosure: this is a rant/vent post in response to an awful tik Tok I saw the other day. In that video a trainer (a stereotypical alpha, macho guy who’s “been training for decades”) has his dog, a cane corso, next to him wearing a martingale collar, a shock collar, a prong collar, a “dominant dog” collar (read: basically a garrote for training I guess?), and a slip lead. He proceeds to make the above analogy about plumbers and electricians, comparing them to dog trainers, and how if they don’t know how to use all of their different tools than that’s a professional failing on their part, and a “red flag”. Basically alluding to what he calls “purely positive trainers” (side note, I’ve NEVER seen a positive reinforcement dog trainer call themselves purely positive, that alone is a sign he’s talking nonsense) and that because positive reinforcement trainers won’t intentionally use tools that cause pain, fear or discomfort we don’t know what we’re doing.

Believe me when I tell you I wanted to comment back SO BADLY about all of the misinformation he was spreading. But if there’s one thing the last few years have taught me it’s this: strangers don’t change their minds over internet arguments. PLUS all that commenting would have done was boost his video and cause it to reach more people (thanks, algorithm!)

And thus, this post was born. I can’t risk boosting the video by arguing in the comments section, but I can say my two cents here.

Dogs are not kitchen sinks, or toilets, or electrical outlets. Sinks, toilets, outlets, they don’t have emotional lives, they don’t have trauma, and if you break one you can just run out and get another.

If a plumber uses the wrong tool for the job with a kitchen sink, you might break the sink. It might stink, might even ruin your day, but you just go out and buy another sink. Sad for our bank account, but not world ending.

If you use the wrong “tool” for the job with a dog you can traumatize the dog. You may get to the point where the dog can never recover from what they’ve been put through. You may end up with a dog who is chronically stressed, fearful, or even dangerous because they’ve been taught that they are not safe.

Comparing dogs and inanimate objects in training should be considered a red flag. Kitchen appliances don’t have the potential for trauma; our dogs do.

01/08/2022

12/28/2021

And we now have heat! Insulation soon to be put up. Two group classes for January being offered. Puppy class and beginner obedience. Dm for more info.

12/16/2021

A little practice while setting up for group training tonight at 6:30pm. Send us a message if interested in future group classes.

12/16/2021

Who loves chocolate? I know I am a big fan and today is

Discover the dangerous implications of feeding your dog chocolate and what to do if you discover that they have consumed chocolate.

12/11/2021

One open spot for our beginner obedience class starting December 16th at 6:30pm. Please fill out the form attached and in the comment be sure to express that you are interested in this class.

Please tell us about you and your pup.

12/06/2021

What is your dog's motivation to learn?
Positive reinforcement is a great way to assist our dogs in learning new cues and behaviors. By rewarding our dogs for doing a specific behavior we increase the likelihood of them repeating that behavior.
Here is a great read to help explain more about how our dogs most effectively learn:
https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2017/02/what-is-positive-reinforcement-in-dog.html

12/04/2021

Its national cookie day! Who else is giving their pup an extra cookie today? Drop a pic of your pup and their cookies!

12/02/2021

I have one more spot open for a 6 week beginner obedience class. Class will start on December 16th at 6:30pm and meet that se day and time for 6 weeks. Please message me with questions or if interested. Spot for this class and future classes will be filled on a first come basis. Training will be located in Gerry.

11/28/2021

Going to be offering a group training Saturdays starting in January. This will be a beginner obedience class. If anyone is interested in a intro puppy class dm me.