Positive Rewards Dog Training/MV

10/18/2026

Being a trainer is not only about changing the dog's behavior.
It is also about education for the owners.

I am always reviewing the variety, type and particularly the size of toys I see arrayed around the home. I am especially vigilant for toys which have the potential to become a choking hazard. Yes, the dog's play style can be a factor, but being proactive can save your dog's life.

This is a great infographic about how to choose the right ball size for your dog.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C4quwuiBT/

Today for National Fetch Day, we wanted to highlight ball-safety. One of the biggest risks during play is using a ball that's too small for your dog, which poses a serious choking hazard! Check out the infographic to help you determine the correct ball size for your dog and keep fetch safe!

10/17/2026

Folks! - we all love our dogs, but knowingly passing your dog off as a Service Dog is ethically and morally wrong.

Falsely identifing your dog as a Service Dog, makes life for those who rely on their dogs to help them navigate life that much harder.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1J4Mv1rZAf/

10/10/2026

Spay and neuter - this is a complicated subject which goes far beyond the standard answer of preventing litters or possibly reducing a cancer risk- take a few moments to read and consider the broader implications of these surgeries.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DgTmngYVV/

Send a message to learn more

10/07/2026

I love her posts - they are informative and illustrate what you should look for in an ethical breeder for your next dog.
She also has posts that point out what the red flags are about a breeder and their breeding program.

Everyone wants a 'good dog'. But what goes into that perfect puppy?

Better education = better choices.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FhjrVTaGR/

07/15/2026

Last Saturday in puppy class, I spoke about how everything is new and novel for your very young puppies. Things we take for granted- i.e., the world around us- we have had years to observe in all its myriad forms and variations.

Our puppies, on the other hand, are just being introduced to our chaotic, hectic, non-stop world and, not surprisingly, are frequently overwhelmed by the literal avalanche of sensory information they are absorbing and trying to process.

When the inflow exceeds the processing rate, you are likely to see your puppy become stressed. What does this look like?
Some dogs stress 'up ', i.e., they become frantic, rapid-moving, and overexcited.
Some dogs stress 'down ', i.e., they become withdrawn, clingy, quiet, and shut down.

Ideally, we need to present situations to our puppies a bit like Goldilocks -
not too hot (over-saturated with information) or
not too cold (not noticing, complete non-interest, total focus on you)
but just right ( a balance where the puppy has a strong awareness of you, but also curiosity about the environment.

In this video, you will see Alan and I doing some in-town socialization. Notice that we are not walking in town; rather, we've taken up an observation post and are simply absorbing the flow of information of sights, sounds, smells, & tactile sensations while having the experience paired with receiving food.

https://youtu.be/lF5TvdlledE

I call this Stage 1 socialization.
We are simply observing, not interacting.
Position set-ups are determined by the puppy's response to the world. As you will see, Alan is interested in the world, but calm and processing his data flow.

This puts 'right association' books into his library, which allowed us, after other Stage 1 outings, to move into Stage 2 - moving through the environment.

Take a moment to study the video and think about how you might set up similar experiences for your puppy :)

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

06/14/2026

Have you recently added a puppy to your family?
Pondering training options?
We offer both private in-home and (occasional) group classes - wondering what the differences are between these choices?

First: what how do we define a puppy in our training?
We define the Puppy stage as being from 8 to 20 weeks of age.

Did you know that the mental, emotional, and physical needs of puppies aged 8 to 12 weeks are different from those of puppies aged 12 to 20 weeks?
Our Puppy group classes are age-restricted to 12-18 weeks so the content is geared towards this group.

Group
* Limited size - Maximum 4 teams/ class
* age defination for group class - 12-18 weeks
* Meets weekly on a set day and time 6 week commitment
* Makeup classes not available for personal scheduling conflicts
* Established content with weekly handouts, but limited exploration of individual topics.
* Outside instruction so classes are weather- dependent,
* Limited ability to customize to meet individual educational needs due to class content

Private
* Flexible scheduling
* Age definition: 8-20 weeks
* Education and training custom-tailored to the puppy's individual needs, weekly handouts on training as well as educational topics
* Training can be in-home and out in the real world
* Rescheduling availability
* Video recording of training available for review and study
* Greater in-depth educational experience for all

What's your preference?

If you are interested in getting into a Puppy Group class, the next class begins on July 11 at 8:30 am. Space is limited and several teams have already registered. Registration closes on July 9th, so if you are interested, or have questions, contact us today!

Private sessions are a great way to learn and do more with your puppy. Learn more, do more and have a great time learning alongside your puppy. We offer weekday, and Saturday appointment times and the occasional early evening appointment.

No matter which experience you choose, be ready for an amazing educational journey.

Our instruction goes far beyond teaching sit, so contact us to embark on the most amazing educational and fun-filled journey with your dog!

Questions? check us out at

Offering reinforcement based dog training on Martha's Vineyard Island since 2005. Certified dog trainer.

05/14/2026

Don't forget!

The dates for preregistering for our Puppy Class and the Beginning Obedience with Rally Fun, are rapidly approaching.

Preregister deadlines:
Puppy Class May 20th
Beginning Obedience with Rally Fun May 23rd

Don't miss out on the excitement and fun!

05/06/2026

Looking for a group class?
Join in the fun and learn why everything runs on reinforcement!

Reinforcement-based training is more than having 'cookies' for your dog. Step into the science of why behavior works, learn new skills and have a lot of fun along the way.

Both these classes require pre-registration and since the class size is small, sign up soon.

You can learn more about the classes at https://www.posrewardsk9.com/new-classes

03/30/2026

And we're off!

The World Walking class had its first meeting yesterday, and everyone had a great time learning about leashes, harnesses, and handling techniques. During this initial class, participants not only learned how to safely handle longlines, but they also practiced their newly acquired skills with Hannah.

You might be curious why Hannah is walking the 'Runway' with two leads. My leash serves as a safety line, which allows students to practice their handling skills while focusing on both the physical manipulation of the lead and their observations of the dog. This way, they don't have to worry about what might happen if they accidentally drop the leash!

Between now and next class, students can practice skills with their own dogs. Class 2 will feature the class coming together with all learners - canine and human. The second class will feature practicing these skills + adding in the distraction of other teams in class without adding on all the distractions of a full World Walk.
It's all about small steps to greater success.

03/24/2026

TIme is ticking down!

Our first World Walking class begins on Sunday, March 29th.
There are still two spaces open, so if you are considering joining us, don't delay.

Class details and the registration link can be found here:
https://www.posrewardsk9.com/new-classes