Pawsitively Canine Dog Training Services

09/08/2025

Do you have a growly dog that barks and lunges at other dogs, people, cars or other things in the environment?
Our very popular Growly Hounds Class is back!!
6-1 hour classes
Beginning sept 21st at 9:30am
Vernon
$499 plus gst
Only 4 spots
We work on the underlying emotions causing the reactivity instead of correcting the behavior using positive, force free methods always!!
Registration on our brand new website at www.pawsitivelycanine.ca

09/06/2025

Just a friendly reminder that our website is down while we finish getting our new one up! So exciting! Not too long! If you need anything or have questions, please don’t hesitate to message through here or text 604-836-5948.
We are also part of the evacuation of noble canyon so we may not be able to answer you as promptly as usual!!

09/04/2025

Growly Hounds Club begins again this Sunday Sept 7th, 9-9:30am.
There are two spots for this Sunday!

This is for anyone that has a reactive dog and has done privates or the growly hounds class with us!

This is a crucial part of continuing to improve your dog’s behaviour, practise makes perfect!!!

*****Our website is down due to getting a new site so please message if you want to grab a spot!!!

09/04/2025

Big things are brewing behind the scenes!!! We are working on a new website to serve you better and I am personally VERY excited!!!
As a result, our website will be down for a couple of days.
Get in touch here or through text or email. (604-836-5948 or [email protected])
We apologize for the inconvenience but promise it will be well worth the wait!!!

09/02/2025

New Classes starting soon!
These classes fill quickly so don't miss out!
See you there :)

08/28/2025

08/22/2025

VELCRO DOGS
Dogs that follow us everywhere and always want to be with us.

When I say "I'M JUST GOING TO THE BATHROOM." My dogs hear: “FAMILY MEETING, ASSEMBLE NOW!" – I’m not sure where this saying originates from, but it’s so true.

Should we be concerned because by allowing dogs to do this, we might be encouraging separation distress (signs of stress and / or panic either when a dog thinks we are about to leave or what they do after we leave?
Are we encouraging neediness, clinginess or demanding behaviour, or is this behaviour a normal, natural need of a social being that is actually a compliment as to the way our dogs feel about us?

It can be a fine line and it’s always a good idea to encourage some independence and alone time to build self-confidence and resilience, especially in puppies, younger dogs or rescues.

It’s also a subject that like so many others, depends on the individual dog, history and circumstances.

This post is about recognising and accepting that the need to be with us and follow us around is a very normal and natural behaviour.

It’s a compliment that says “I feel safe with you, you are so important to me, I feel connected to you, I trust you, have a bond with you, being with you makes me happy!”

That’s not to say that dogs that don’t follow us around don’t feel that way about us!

Each dog is an individual with different social preferences.

Some dogs are loners, more independent and enjoy spending time alone.

Older dogs and seniors that are secure and confident in their environment may just not feel the need to be with us all the time.

If you have a Velcro dog that isn’t stressed or panicked when you leave home, accept the compliment, you’ve clearly earned it!

08/21/2025

So much learning for baby Bronco’s first day of day training!!! We did enrichment, play and lots of learning!
We had so much fun 😍😍😍

08/21/2025

Very cool!

Did you know that the tiny vertical groove between a dog’s nose and upper lip actually has a purpose? It’s called the vegetal groove (or philtrum), and it’s not there by accident!

Each time a dog licks its lips, a bit of saliva collects in that groove. Through a process called capillarization, the moisture travels up to the nose — helping keep it damp.

And why does that matter? Because a moist nose is much better at capturing and holding scents from the air. 🌬️✨ That’s part of what makes a dog’s sense of smell so incredibly powerful!

Nature’s design is always so clever, isn’t it? 🐕💛

08/15/2025

WHAT THE F? –
Stress responses in dogs

Fight or flight are well known reactions to fear or stress, but these other “F” words are also important to understand and be aware of as they may not always look obvious.

Freeze, Fawn, Fidget and Fool around are also responses to stress or fear and are also commonly seen in people.

Some dogs may have a genetic predisposition to one type of response while some react based on previous or a learnt experience - what has worked before or what hasn’t.

Some dogs will have different reactions depending on the specific context.

Recognising and taking note of situations or circumstances where these responses are seen is important to understand how our dogs are feeling.
Take note and be aware of what an individual dog’s signs of stress look like and try to avoid exposing them to situations where they feel stuck or trapped.

Try to give dogs as much appropriate choice as possible. Look at using positive reinforcement to help dogs form new, neutral or positive associations.

When we take the time to recognise a fear or a stress response, we are able to intervene and advocate for our dogs before the situation escalates or becomes a learnt pattern.