Dog Reactive vs. Dog Aggressive
There’s a BIG difference between dog reactivity & dog aggression, & understanding this is key to helping dogs like Jewels.
Jewels is a Chihuahua mix who struggles with reactivity, not aggression. Her reactions are rooted in insecurity & a lack of coping skills. When she sees another dog, her instinct is to “scare” them away before they can come closer, which might look aggressive, but is actually a fear response.
Last week, I worked with Jewels using a method I call Cycling. Bo, one of our Day Train dogs, played an important role in the process. We started at a safe distance, with the dogs on the outside & us in the middle. Why? Because position can matter.
Gradually, we closed the gap between Jewels & Bo, taking small steps & ensuring we didn’t push Jewels too far, too fast. By taking our time, we helped Jewels feel more confident & relaxed. By the end of the session, she & Bo were walking side by side. She wasn't thrilled, but she was working through it.
The result? Jewels experienced what calm, positive interactions with another dog feels like, & her humans now have a foundation to build on for continued success.
Reactivity isn’t the end of the world, & it doesn’t define a dog. With patience, structure, & the right tools, we can help reactive dogs learn healthier ways to respond to their world ❤️
🎄 Holiday Special! 🎄
This December, take advantage of our shop rental for just $15/hour (regularly $30/hour)!
Use the space to:
✔️ Play fetch, Frisbee, or tug
✔️ Let your pup run & burn off energy
✔️ Sharpen your training skills
✔️ Practice dog sports like Rally or Scent Detection
Whether you're working on specific goals or just want a safe space to have fun with your dog during these cold winter days, we’ve got you covered. Without breaking the bank 💸 😘
📅 Book your time now & make December a month full of progress & play!
📍 Please contact the page or text 403-741-4153 for details or to book.
🌟 Building Confidence, One Step at a Time 🌟
Meet Vinny—an incredibly sweet but insecure dog who struggles to trust people. During Vinny's Day Train, we worked on the carpet mill, not just as a tool for a little physical exercise, but as a powerful confidence builder.
With each careful step, Vinny pushed through his fears & grew a little braver. These small physical steps were huge metaphorical leaps for him—& for our relationship.
To further his progress, we also worked on positive exposure by stopping in at Wag's Holistic Pet Nutrition. It was another great opportunity to help him build confidence in new environments. Big thank you to Wag's for having us.
Watching Vinny take these steps, no matter how small, is a reminder of how resilience & trust can grow when given the chance. He may not know it yet, but he’s on his way to discovering his inner strength—& I’m so honored to be part of that journey.
Way to go, Vinny! 🐾💪
#DogTrainingJourney #BuildingConfidence #PositiveExposure #TrustAndTeamwork #PassionatePaws
Meet Zoey! 💖
This was her first time on the Carpet Mill from Doggo Treadmills during our Structured Daycare Program yesterday, & she rocked it like a pro 👏
The Carpet Mill is an amazing tool for building confidence, focus, & great mental & physical exercise in dogs - & Zoey’s enthusiasm shows how much she’s thriving with structure & positive challenges 🌟
Way to go Zoey! 🐕💥
#DogTraining #StructuredDaycare #ConfidentCanines #ShepherdLife
Big thanks to all our amazing clients who joined us for Passionate Paws' first annual Client Halloween Party! 🎃 It was amazing to see our community come together—creative costumes, laughter, & new connections everywhere. We're so grateful for each of you! We love our community 🧡
If you have taken a lesson or a group class with us, or if your dog has attended our daycare, please feel free to join our client page - Passionate Paws Training Forum 🤗
Enjoy these highlights from an unforgettable night of fun, friends, & festive spirit!
What an unforgettable day out in the mountains for our Canine Mountain Adventure day! We took the crew out to the mountains near Nordegg last week for a day filled with fresh air, scenic views, & skill-building challenges. From recall & impulse control to sharpening social skills, our furry friends rocked every step of the way! Check out the highlights, & keep an eye out for the dates of our next adventure 🌄🐕
#PassionatePaws #HappyTrails #CanineMountainAdventure #DogTrainingJourney #Mountains #ImpulseControl #Recall #SocialSkills #FreshAir
🐾 Red Deer Pack Walk Recap! 🐾
Big thanks to everyone who joined our last Pack Walk—it was a beautifulevening! There is nothing better than building confidence, focus, & friendships alongside all of you & your amazing pups.
☆👇☆ Heads Up! ☆👇☆
With those early sunsets, our next Red Deer Pack Walk will be at Bower Ponds. Mark your calendar for November 13th so you don’t miss it!
Next Pack Walk Coming Up is in Lacombe:
📅 November 6 at 6pm
📍 Meet at Lacombe Memorial Centre Parking Lot
$15
Looking forward to more pack time with you all—can’t wait! 🐶💪
