Pawsitive Training Zone

08/28/2026

Next weekend I’ll be judging in Joliet, IL along with Kim Dykstra at a UKC scent work trial. Come join the fun - great host, great location and amazing judges. 😉

08/28/2026

A huge shoutout to our new teams who passed their Alliance of Therapy Dog Handling Tests recently

Additionally, they have to complete 3 additional observations and then they will be able to submit their paperwork to ATD to become cerified.

Congratulations Pam and Finn, Pam and Boone, Carrie and Wrecker, Theresa and Molly, Tara and Aggie and Tricia and Figment

08/26/2026

This week’s nose work “out and about” is focusing on the small vehicles we use at CPE trials.

I’m hosting it at the Chatham Square in Chatham.

Starting time for training time slots is 9 am. Participants will be given a specific training time a few days before.

The cost is $25 per dog

Use the google sheet to sign up 🌟

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pWvOn80GUtxxaE4lGwVRfaLpaJCgotiVMmPgVFZR1Wg/edit?usp=drivesdk

Photo credit: Jane Harris photography

08/25/2026

So proud of our Pawsitive Therapy Dog Teams who partnered with Compass for Kids this year to share the joy and love of their therapy dogs with the youngsters

Well done Teams. 🎖️

08/14/2026

We have a lot of Good Manners Graduates to celebrate today !

These dogs participated in a 6-week Good Manners session and built skills such a walking nicely on a leash, having a good recall, leave it, learning to settle, etc. They also leaned some new tricks too for fun.

Congratulations Daisy, Scruffy, Pepe, Zig, Murphy, Scout, Hazel, Raymond, Ellie Mae, Atlas, Ben, Hazel (yes we had 2 Hazels), Keno, Nigel, Penny, and Crue. 🎉🎉🎉

Our next Good Manners session is scheduled to start on Thursday, September 17 and we have class times at 2, 5:30 and 7 pm. Check out our Good Manners session info and you can also register to reserve your training spot using this link: https://pawsitivetrainingzone.com/good-manners-training

08/12/2026

We had several PTZ teams who earned new titles this weekend at the NACSW trial in Altamont, IL.

Congratulations to Lori, Archie and Freddie, Deb, Markie and Teller and
Sandra, Stuart and Pheelix.

NW3 celebrations:
🎉 Archie earned his first NW3 and Vehicle Element Title.

🎉 Stuart earned his second NW3, 1st Place in trial and Exterior Element Title.

NW2 celebrations:
🎉 Teller earned his NW2 Title.

NW1 celebrations:
🎉 Freddie, 🎉 Markie and 🎉 Pheelix earned their NW1 Titles.

Great work teams

08/06/2026

Here’s a fun video of the Intro to Nose Work teams last night (before the power went out)

These dogs are on 🔥. They have drive and excitement to search — ready to find their yummy treats in one of the eight boxes

Well done Abe, Rex, Gibbs, Dillon, Roxy and Maggie

Graduation Week for Intro to Nose Work Class

08/06/2026

Here’s a fun video of the Intro to Nose Work teams last night (before the power went out)

These dogs are on 🔥. They have drive and excitement to search — ready to find their yummy treats in one of the eight boxes

Well done Abe, Rex, Gibbs, Dillon, Roxy and Maggie

https://youtu.be/YuVvazWw0mo?is=JMS4BdhNdKk9S-yg

08/06/2026

Yesterday 6 dogs graduated from their Level 1 Intro to Nose Work Session 🎓

Congratulations to Sydney & Abe, Paula & Roxy, Mary & Gibbs, Mary & Dillon, Susan & Maggie and Carrie & Rex 🌟🌟

They are cruising into Level 2 session where they will be searching interesting areas such as interiors, exteriors and vehicles ~ looking for their extra yummy high value treats

Our next Intro to Nose Work Class starts on Wednesday, September 9th … find out more info here: https://pawsitivetrainingzone.com/nose-work-classes

08/05/2026

🔥 Time to get your training on 🔥

Kim Dykstra is hosting an "out and about" nose work training this Sunday, starting at 9 am:

Saturday, August 9 @ Lindbergh Park, Springfield

Cost is $25 per dog, per date (cash or venmo).

Dogs should be experienced in sourcing odor hides or she can also pair (your treat that you bring) with the odor hide. Let Kim know ahead of time if you will need the hides to be paired.

To sign up, use this online spreadsheet to enter your name and your dog's name on the preferred dates. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pWvOn80GUtxxaE4lGwVRfaLpaJCgotiVMmPgVFZR1Wg/edit?usp=sharing

Additional "Out and About" Dates scheduled:

Sunday, August 16 @ Southern View Park, Springfield ~ Kim Dykstra
Sunday, August 30 @ Chatham Square (little vehicles), Chatham ~ Sandra Carbonell
Saturday, September 5 @ Corbett Park, New Berlin ~ Kim Dykstra
Sunday, September 20 @ Sherman Park, Sherman ~ Kim Dykstra

📸 Judge, Miniature American Shepherd, doing container search at Lincoln Park