Pawsitively Canine Dog Training Services

11/21/2025

11/19/2025

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11/19/2025

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DISTANCE ASSISTANCE

It’s not easy having a reactive dog. As much as we may feel frustrated, restricted, angry or even ashamed or embarrassed, our reactive dogs are also experiencing a range of negative emotions when they react to something that triggers them.
Reactive dogs have a nervous system issue not a training issue.

This nervous system reaction is usually caused by anxiety, fear, feeling threatened, frustrated or may even be pain related.

These emotions cause high levels of stress and stress prevents both us and our dogs from being able to process information, think clearly or learn a different, more acceptable way of reacting to whatever triggers us.

This is why creating enough distance is so important.

I’m really scared of snakes and even struggle to look at them. The only thing I want to do is run and create as much distance as possible.

If someone was restraining me, forcing me to sit and look at the snake while trying to feed me my favourite chocolate, telling me there was nothing to worry about or trying to educate me about the reptile, it would do nothing to alleviate my fear and would only increase my stress levels.

Doing this at a sufficient distance, where I felt safe would be far more effective and my stress levels would be much lower. In time, with patience and practice, I may even be able to get much closer to the snake without having a negative reaction.

The same principle applies to reactive dogs. Creating sufficient distance where they can see the trigger but still feel safe and don’t react is the best way of helping them to cope with their feelings.

Some dogs, or people, may never be able to decrease that distance and that’s also okay.

We need to accept our dogs for the unique individual they are, keep working on the things we can improve and change and accept the things we can’t.

11/16/2025

🐾 GIVEAWAY TIME!
I’ve decided it’s time for a giveaway ,because I absolutely love my clients (and their pups)! You’re all awesome, and this one’s for you 💛

Want to win a FREE spot in our Pawsitively Foundations Class?
✨ For pups 6 months and older ✨

Here’s how to enter 👇
1️⃣ Like this post
2️⃣ Tag a fellow puppy parent or friend in the comments
3️⃣ Make sure you’re following (here or on Instagram,or both!)
Bonus entry if you share this post to your page or story!

Our Puppy Foundations Class is perfect for building confidence, manners, and focus, while keeping things fun and positive!

Winner announced Monday!
The winner must be able to attend the November 17th set of classes.

Full terms and conditions: pawsitivelycanine.ca/contest

(This giveaway is not sponsored or endorsed by Facebook or Instagram.)

Good luck, I can’t wait to see you and your pups in training! For more information on the Puppy Foundations classes, please check out-https://www.pawsitivelycanine.ca/pawsitive-foundations

11/13/2025

Another article about the big court ruling.

Dozens of peer review studies have demonstrated the dangers, potential short- and long-term impact of using shock collars (e-collars) on dogs. And just now a $1.9 million consumer class action arising out of misrepresentations and omissions by parent company Radio Systems in connection with its manu...

11/11/2025

You asked and we listened!

Afternoon classes are here for busy puppy parents.
Build confidence, learn key manners, and set your pup up for success -in a fun, supportive environment.

Pawsitively Puppy & Pawsitive Foundations
New classes starting Jan 13th at 11 am and 12:15pm

Book your spot here : https://www.pawsitivelycanine.ca/group-classes

11/10/2025

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We are a group of Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and Doctorate level Animal Behaviorists dedicated to improving the lives of animals and people through an understanding of animal behavior. Join us and discover how insight into animal behavior can strengthen the human animal bond and enhance....

11/10/2025

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11/10/2025

This is great!!! Many dogs need space, so even if yours doesn’t, always try to give space when passing other pups!!! It can really decrease the stress if both the dog and human!! 💕🐾🥰

🌟 Let’s Talk About Space 🌟

Space and territory matter a lot in the animal kingdom. In wolf packs, crossing another pack’s territory can be dangerous, even fatal.

Fast-forward to our modern world, and many dogs live closely with us, sharing homes, parks, cafes and streets, but they often haven’t been taught how to navigate these shared spaces.

The result? Many dogs live isolated lives, limited to four walls and maybe a backyard. No walks. No exploration. No “life.” Some end up rehomed or surrendered to shelters - unfairly judged - simply because they weren’t equipped to understand social expectations.

Dogs don’t come pre-programmed

Even dogs who’ve experienced trauma or gaps in early socialization can learn. The skill we must develop is “appropriate space sharing”, a key subset of socialisation.

Every dog is an individual:

Some are introverts, some extroverts

Some are confident, others insecure

Some are dominant in nature, others softer

Many dogs with behavioral challenges are highly sensitive

Training must consider these individual traits, especially when helping dogs navigate both public and personal spaces.

Personal space matters

Imagine a stranger walking up to you, getting inches from your face, and touching you without permission. Uncomfortable, right?

Dogs feel the same. Excitement or playfulness doesn’t automatically make a dog socially skilled or comfortable sharing space. A dog rushing up to another dog (or a person) is not okay.

Our dogs rely on us to advocate for their boundaries. They shouldn’t have to defend themselves, because the “story” that follows a dog who reacts is often misunderstood.

How to build respectful space sharing

Access to personal space comes through trust, comfort, and familiarity

Relationships should never be forced

Expectations must be respectful, like teaching children manners in public

All dogs can learn to share space, but not all dogs have the ability yet. That’s where training comes in.

💡 Bottom line:
If we want dogs who can navigate life confidently, safely, and comfortably alongside us, we guide the way. We teach them, equip them, and advocate for their right to personal and social space.

Because this, is our social responsibility. 🐾

- Donna Williams,
Emerald Park Border Collies.

"My mission is to make life better for at least one dog today!"

11/09/2025

+ Does your dog bark, lunge or struggle with the world they live in? We know you are trying your best but it's hard...so hard.
You're not alone!

+ Pawsitively Support Circle is a weekly online meet up for pet guardians with reactive dogs-whether you're just starting your journey or looking for ongoing support.

+ We have over 20 years of experience helping guardians and their families with fearful, reactive and sensitive dogs.

+ Each week, you'll join a small, welcoming group to learn, share and grow together.

>Trainer-led sessions - build confidence in you and your dog
>Group support - connect with others who truly understand
>Education & Resources - learn about reactivity, training, stress signals, and make long term progress; everyone is welcome
>Monthly Guest Expert:
Emily Reilly, LPC - guidance and counselling for you, to strengthen your mindset and resilience

We have been planning this for many months and cannot wait to meet you!