Paw-sitive Way Dog Training

09/25/2026

A PSA FROM A GSD OWNER ~ ( author unknown)
On September 23rd, 2026 "Heart of the Beast" starring Brad Pitt will debut in theaters across America.
Whenever a movie features an incredible dog, something predictable happens:
People leave the theater thinking, “I want THAT dog.”
And when that dog is a German Shepherd, I understand why.
They’re beautiful. Powerful. Loyal. Intelligent. Protective.
On the big screen, they can look like the coolest, easiest, most amazing dogs in the world.
But before you run out and get a German Shepherd because you fell in love with one in a movie, please understand this:
A German Shepherd is work.
A LOT of work.
I know because I’ve owned and loved German Shepherds for over 30 years. Actually let me correct myself . . . You don't own a German Shepherd, they own you.
The well-behaved dog you admire didn’t come that way by accident. German Shepherds need training, structure, exercise, attention, socialization, patience and consistency.
They need an owner who is willing to put in the time—not just during the adorable puppy stage, but for years.
They start shedding the first week of January and stop the last week of December and if you listen closely you can hear all the GSD owners laughing.
They’re strong. They will study you. They will learn your every move, and be there before you ask.
They’re intelligent enough to figure out what you’re doing wrong before you do.
They need physical exercise and mental stimulation.
And when you don’t give a German Shepherd a job, don’t worry:
They’ll find one. You just might not like the job they choose.
A German Shepherd can be one of the most extraordinary companions you’ll ever have. Their loyalty is unmatched, and the bond can be incredible.
But that relationship is earned through time, commitment, training and responsibility.
So enjoy the movie. Fall in love with the dog on the screen.
But please don’t choose a breed simply because Hollywood made it look cool.
Research the breed. Talk to German Shepherd owners. Speak with trainers. Visit a rescue. Be brutally honest about your lifestyle and the next 10–12 years of your life.
Because six months after the movie leaves the theater, that beautiful German Shepherd puppy may be a 70–90-pound adolescent who still needs you to show up every single day.
Dogs aren’t movie souvenirs.
If you decide a German Shepherd truly fits your life, wonderful. You’ll understand why so many of us love this breed so deeply.
But if you’re not ready for the work, do the dog—and yourself—a favor.
Admire the German Shepherd on the big screen. Don’t bring one home until you’re ready for the responsibility that comes with the star.

(picture is my boys Kimber & C**t) 🐾

08/15/2026

UPDATE.. due to weather we are postponing the first class until September 21st. There is still a few spots available.
🌷FALL CLASSES 🌷Starting Monday, September 14th. We will be offering Puppy Kindergarten, Basic Obedience and Basic Obedience 2. All classes will be held in Warba, Mn. This is an OUTSIDE class so please plan for the weather. All dogs must be current on all vaccines including the bordetella vaccine. Classes meet 1 hour, once a week for the duration of the class. CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES.

‼️Classes START on September 14th ‼️

Puppy Kindergarten - 5:00 p.m.
- $110.00 for a 5 week session
For puppies up to six months of age

Basic Obedience - 6:00 p.m.
-$130.00 for 6 weeks
7 months and up

Basic Obedience 2 - 7:00 p.m.
-$130.00 for 6 weeks
Prerequisites - Must have completed basic obedience with us or another trainer.

Schedule your appointment online Paw-sitiveWay Dog Training

06/22/2026

06/11/2026

🌷SUMMER CLASSES 🌷Starting Monday, July 6th. We will be offering puppy kindergarten and basic obedience. All classes will be held in Warba, Mn. This is an OUTSIDE class so please plan for the weather. All dogs must be current on all vaccines including the bordetella vaccine. Classes meet 1 hour, once a week for the duration of the class. CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES.

‼️Classes START on July 6th ‼️ (No class July 27th )

Puppy Kindergarten - 5:30 p.m.
- $110.00 for a 5 week session

Basic Obedience - 6:45 p.m.
-$130.00 for 6 weeks

Schedule your appointment online Paw-sitiveWay Dog Training

06/05/2026

Please keep a look out!

This love is still lost around Hibbing MN. Please check outbuildings, window wells, under porches, etc. Please share this flyer! If you see her or know where she is, please do NOT call for her or follow her. Call the phone number as soon as you can. Thank you!!

04/29/2026

DAY 6 – ENGAGEMENT AROUND DISTRACTIONS

This is where it gets real.

A dog that’s engaged in the house means very little…
👉 the real test is the outside world.

Why dogs struggle outside:
Distractions don’t just pull attention, they change emotion.

Your dog might become:
• excited
• frustrated
• anxious
• fixated

And when that happens, thinking drops off.

This is called threshold.

👉 Under threshold: dog can think, respond, reconnect
👉 Over threshold: dog stares, pulls, ignores, loses focus

Most people train too close, too soon… then blame the dog.

It’s not stubbornness.
It’s the environment being too much.

Simple ways to build engagement outside:

🔹 Notice & return
Dog looks at distraction → looks back at you → mark & reward
(We want recovery, not blindness)

🔹 Move before you lose them
See fixation building? Move. Don’t stand there talking.

🔹 Engage, then release
Reconnect → reward → then allow sniff or move away
(Teaches: connection doesn’t end the fun)

🔹 Work your distance
Start where your dog can still think
Gradually close the gap over time

What success actually looks like:
• quicker check-ins
• less staring
• faster recovery
• more availability

Not perfection… progress.

Key takeaway:
👉 Engagement isn’t built by forcing dogs into situations they can’t handle.

It’s built by working at the right level…
and rewarding the moment they choose you over the world.

03/22/2026

🌷SPRING CLASSES 🌷Starting Monday, April 27th. We will be offering puppy kindergarten and basic obedience. All classes will be held in Warba, Mn. This is an OUTSIDE class so please plan for the weather. All dogs must be current on all vaccines including the bordetella vaccine. Classes meet 1 hour, once a week for the duration of the class. CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES.

‼️Classes START on April 27th, no class on Memorial Day‼️

Puppy Kindergarten - 5:00 p.m.
- $110.00 for a 5 week session

Basic Obedience - 6:15 p.m.
-$130.00 for 6 weeks

12/04/2025

Great day to do some training in Home Depot
Dogs Of Home Depot

11/26/2025

Please keep a look out!

10/26/2025

Hats off to these handlers and Basic obedience graduates!! 🐾