http://www.pawspositivedogtraining.co.uk/

Paws Positive Dog Training, Pontefract Road, Brampton (2025)

02/04/2025

There’s a big ol’ debate bouncing🎾around social media at the moment amongst dog trainers — all about whether playing fetch with your dog is a good or a bad thing.

Some are saying never play fetch. Others are all for it. Me? I sit somewhere in the middle — and this is my take on it.

Fetch can be brilliant — for some dogs, in some situations. It can be a great way to reward behaviour (like after a loose lead walk), burn off energy, or simply build connection and fun between you and your dog. Some dogs live for a good game of fetch — and it can feel like the best thing in the world to them.

But… it can also come with downsides.
•Some dogs become so obsessed with the ball that the walk becomes only about fetch. They ignore their environment, other dogs, and even you.

. They can become guardy over the ball and show aggression to whoever tries to come near it. ( Person Child Dog )

•They miss out on all the other joys of a walk — sniffing, exploring, engaging, relaxing.

•Physically, repetitive chasing, skidding, and twisting can cause injuries — particularly to joints and ligaments.

•And let’s not forget safety: some balls are too small for certain dogs and can be a choking hazard. Tragically, dogs have died from swallowing balls that became lodged in the throat. That’s why I always recommend using the right size ball — or even better, safety balls with air holes that allow the dog to breathe if the worst happens.

So that’s why I’ve made this post — to say that fetch isn’t bad, but like anything in dog training, it’s about how we use it, why, and whether it’s right for your dog.

Let’s drop the drama and bring back the balance.

And if you want help finding the right enrichment or reward for your dog — fetch fan or not — that’s what we’re here for at Paws Positive Dog Training.

02/04/2025

April 2nd — National Don’t Walk Your Dog Day
Let’s talk training, thresholds… and the power of doing less.

At Paws Positive Dog Training, we often remind our clients that progress doesn’t always come from doing more — sometimes, it comes from knowing when to pause.

Today is National Don’t Walk Your Dog Day, and while it might sound a bit backward, the aim is spot on: to raise awareness that not all dogs benefit from daily walks, especially if those walks are leaving them overwhelmed, frustrated, or fearful.

Why?
Because when dogs are pushed over their threshold — whether that’s due to:
• Seeing other dogs
• Facing their fear of traffic
• Encountering joggers or cyclists
• Being pulled along while they’re trying to process the world
…their stress hormone, cortisol, spikes. And that doesn’t just disappear the moment you get home. It can linger in the body for days, keeping your dog in a state of heightened arousal, making them more likely to bark, lunge, whine, pace, or struggle to settle.

Sometimes, what your dog needs isn’t more exposure — it’s a walk holiday.

A day to reset.
To regulate.
To just breathe.

Here’s what you can do instead:
• Play some scent games or scatter feed in the garden
• Offer a stuffed Kong, LickiMat, or snuffle mat
• Capture calm behaviours and reward them
• Teach a new trick or cue using fun, force-free methods
• Simply hang out with your dog — no expectations, no pressure

Dogs aren’t machines. They need downtime just like we do.
And just as you wouldn’t send a frazzled toddler into a noisy classroom to “build resilience,” we shouldn’t force anxious or reactive dogs out on walks they’re not ready for.

So today, we’re saying: less is more.
Let them decompress. Let their brains and bodies catch up. Let calmness grow.

And when they’re ready to venture out again — we’ll be right there to help them navigate the world, one positive step at a time.
~ Jane

29/03/2025

Tick Prevention Week: 25th–31st March 2025
Its the season for those ticks from Spring to Summer. It’s time to start checking our dogs again.

Ticks are more than just pesky parasites—they can carry serious diseases like Lyme disease that affect both dogs and humans. Here’s what every dog owner needs to know:

Preventing ticks:
• Regularly check your dog, especially after walks in long grass or woodland
• Use a vet-recommended tick prevention product

Removing ticks:
• Use a tick remover or fine-tipped tweezers
• Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull steadily—no twisting!
. No squashing the tick whilst its still in the dog
• Never burn or smother a tick

If your dog doesn’t have ticks:
• Great! But don’t let your guard down. Keep up regular checks and preventative treatments

Watch for symptoms of tick-borne disease:
• Tiredness, lameness, fever, loss of appetite—see your vet if in doubt

At Paws 4 A Break, Paws 4 A Day, and Paws Positive Dog Training, your dog’s wellbeing is always our top priority—sniffari season is better tick-free!

www.paws4adayschool.co.uk
www.pawspositivedogtraining.co.uk
www.paws4abreak.co.uk

29/03/2025

Spring Forward… But Don’t Forget the Dogs (and the Bunnies)!

Don’t forget, the clocks go forward this weekend — Sunday 30th March — and while we might moan about losing an hour’s sleep, it can throw our dogs’ routines completely out of sync too.

Dogs thrive on routine. Breakfast, walks, sleeps, dinner — they’ve got the schedule down to a fine art. So suddenly shifting everything an hour earlier can cause a bit of confusion. You might notice:
• Your dog seeming extra sleepy in the morning
• A delay in appetite (breakfast bowl snubbed until “normal time”)
• Confused toilet routines or restlessness

The best approach? Gently adjust things over a few days if you can. Keep things calm and predictable, and give them time to catch up with the change. Just like us, they’ll soon settle into the new rhythm.

And it’s not just dogs that feel the shift…

Nature gets a wobble too! Many of the UK’s wild critters – rabbits, rodents, and other small furries – aren’t quite expecting you and your dog to be stomping through their patch an hour earlier. That can leave sleepy wildlife vulnerable, especially in the early morning.

So here’s a little kindness we can offer:
If you’re heading into countryside areas, especially fields or woodland, consider keeping your dog on lead for the first few days after the time change. It gives the bunnies a chance to wake up properly (without becoming breakfast!), and helps your dog practise lovely lead manners at the same time. Win-win.

Let’s all spring forward gently and kindly – for the sake of our dogs and the wildlife we share the world with.

From all of us at Paws 4 A Day Paws 4 A Break and Paws Positive Dog Training – happy, waggy walks this spring!

16/03/2025

Rare Spaces Now Available at Paws 4 A Day! 🐾

Looking for a doggy daycare that offers more than just playtime? Welcome to Paws 4 A Day School, where structured learning, positive socialisation, and enrichment create the perfect balance for your dog’s daycare experience!

If you’ve heard of Paws 4 A Break or Paws Positive Dog Training, you’ll know that Paws 4 A Day is part of the same ethical, force-free, and positive training family. That means your dog will receive expert care, handling, and training from fully qualified professionals in a safe and structured environment.

Rare Availability – Don’t Miss Your Chance!

It’s not often that spaces open up at Paws 4 A Day, but we have a few rare spots available!

We’ve made a small increase in our daily capacity, and with a couple of our regular dogs moving out of the area, we now have limited availability for new daycare members. If you’ve been thinking about daycare for your dog, now’s your chance – these spots won’t be available for long!

What Makes Paws 4 A Day Different?

We’re not your average large-scale daycare. At Paws 4 A Day, we offer much more than just a space for dogs to burn off energy – we provide a structured learning environment to help dogs become well-rounded, confident, and happy.

🐾 Structured Days – A balance of training, play, socialisation, and rest.
🐾 One-to-One & Group Training – Helping dogs build confidence and essential life skills.
🐾 Expert Behavioural Support – One of our owners is a fully qualified and accredited dog trainer & behavioural consultant, so if any challenges arise, we can address them professionally and positively.
🐾 Highly Trained Staff – Our team is qualified in canine body language, animal care, animal welfare legislation, and canine first aid, ensuring your dog’s safety and well-being at all times.
🐾 Fully Licensed & Insured – We hold a 5-star licence with Rotherham Council and are fully insured for your peace of mind.
🐾 Proper Socialisation – Exposure to dogs, people, sounds, snells and objects in a safe and controlled way.
🐾 Fun Dog Sports – A mix of agility, hoopers, scent work, obstacle and more!
🐾 Handling & Grooming Prep – Helping dogs feel comfortable with vet checks, grooming, and general handling.
🐾 The Right Amount of Rest – We ensure every dog gets the downtime they need to prevent overstimulation, so they go home happy and relaxed.

Daycare Events – Making Every Day Special!

At Paws 4 A Day, daycare isn’t just a routine – it’s an experience! Our dogs get to take part in exciting themed daycare events throughout the year, including:

🎃 Halloween Fun – Spooky-themed activities and enrichment.
🌺 Poppy Day Remembrance – Honouring service dogs and soldiers.
🥞 Pancake Day Fun – Interactive treat-based activities.
💖 Valentine’s Day Celebrations – Love-filled enrichment and play.
🐣 Easter Egg Hunts (Dog-Safe, Of Course!) – Fun-filled activities for your pup.
🎂 Birthday Celebrations for Every Daycare Dog! – Your pup’s special day won’t go unnoticed.
🌊 Beach Day Adventures – Sand, paddling pools, and seaside fun.
… and so much more!

We love making daycare exciting and enriching so that your dog always has something to look forward to!

Daycare Membership Options

🐾 Regular Membership Plan – Your dog secures set days each week, paid four weeks in advance. A rolling four-week contract means you can leave at any time with four weeks’ notice.

🐾 Flexible Membership Plan – Choose your daycare days month by month. Spaces are first-come, first-served and must be booked at least once per month to stay on the list.

⚠️ Flexible spaces are limited and tend to fill quickly!

Our normal daycare hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm

Need Longer Hours? We’ve Got You Covered!

We understand that work schedules can be unpredictable, so we offer extras :

🍽️ Breakfast Club – Drop off from 7 AM
🎒 After School Club – Pick up until 6 PM

These add-ons are perfect if you need a little extra time due to work commitments.

How Can Your Dog Join?

All new dogs must complete a daycare assessment to ensure they’re a good fit. If successful, they’ll move on to a four-session trial before becoming a full-fledged member of Paws 4 A Day School!

Why Choose Us?

🏆 5-star licensed by Rotherham Council
👩‍🏫 One of our owners is a fully qualified & accredited dog trainer & behavioural consultant – Providing expert support for your dog
🐶 Highly qualified staff – Trained in canine body language, animal care, animal welfare legislation, and canine first aid
🔒 Fully insured – Giving you peace of mind
🐾 Excellent staff-to-dog ratio – Ensuring every dog gets the attention they deserve

📩 These rare spots won’t last long!
📞 Call Jane on 07885 520818 to ask any questions or book an assessment.
🌐 Visit our website: www.paws4adayschool.co.uk

📍 Paws 4 A Day – where learning meets play!
Take a tiny peek into a day at Paws ⬇️

16/03/2025

Let Dogs Be Dogs: Why Giving Your Dog More Choice Matters

We adore our dogs. We take care of them, train them, and make sure they’re safe. But in doing all of that, we often forget one big thing—they don’t get much say in their own lives.

Think about it. We decide when they eat, what they eat, when they go out, where they walk, how long they walk for, who they meet, when they sleep, and where they’re allowed to rest. That’s a lot of control, isn’t it? Imagine if someone dictated your entire day, right down to when you could grab a snack or sit on the sofa. You’d feel a bit frustrated too!

Now, of course, some structure is necessary—dogs live in a human world, and we have responsibilities to keep them safe. But that doesn’t mean they should have zero choice. In fact, giving your dog more opportunities to make decisions can have a huge impact on their confidence, behaviour, and overall happiness.

Let Your Dog Lead the Way (Literally!)

One really simple way to offer your dog more choice is on walks. If you always follow the same route, in the same direction, at the same pace—switch it up! Next time you come to a crossroads, pause and let your dog decide. Left? Right? Straight on? Let them take the lead (within reason, of course—if you’ve only got 30 minutes, you might not want them dragging you on a two-hour adventure!).

It’s amazing what happens when we let dogs explore instead of just walking them. You’ll see them become more engaged, more interested, and more in tune with their environment. Their tail wags more, they sniff more, and they come home mentally satisfied, not just physically tired.

Rest Where They Choose

We often expect our dogs to settle where we decide—on a dog bed, in a crate, or a specific corner of the room. And yes, sometimes that’s necessary (like in place training or when teaching door manners). But for the most part, does it really matter where they choose to lie down? If they’re comfortable on the floor, let them rest there. If they want to snuggle on the sofa and it’s allowed in your home, why not?

Similarly, if you have a secure garden, why not leave the door open now and then (weather permitting!) and let them choose when they want to pop outside? Instead of waiting for you to decide when it’s ‘toilet time,’ give them the freedom to move between spaces when possible.

The Small Things Make a Big Difference

Giving dogs more autonomy doesn’t mean letting them run the household—it just means finding small ways to let them be dogs. Remember dog’s do not want to take over the world.

✅ Let them sniff more on walks – Sniffing is how dogs process the world. It’s their version of scrolling social media!
✅ Offer choices at mealtime – Try scatter feeding or food puzzles instead of always using a bowl.
✅ Give them the choice to engage (or not) – Not all dogs want to say hello to strangers or other dogs, and that’s okay. Respect their choice.
✅ Allow variety in daily routines – Not every walk has to be the same, not every interaction has to be controlled. Let them have moments of spontaneity.
✅ Give them a choice of treats and let them choose their own.

The Happier, More Confident Dog

When we give our dogs even small choices, we empower them. We help them feel in control of their own lives, reducing stress and frustration. A dog who gets to make choices is a dog who is more engaged, relaxed, and happy.

So next time you head out on a walk, or you tell your dog where to lie down, pause for a second. Does this really need to be controlled? Or can you let your dog decide? You might be surprised at how much their happiness—and their relationship with you—improves when they have a little more say in their world.

🐾 Happy training, from Jane, your dog trainer! 🐾

09/03/2025

🦷 The Truth About Dog Dental Health – Do Dental Chews Really Work? 🦷

Most of us wouldn’t dream of skipping brushing our teeth twice a day—because we know what happens if we don’t. Gum disease, cavities, tooth decay, and let’s not forget the agony of toothache! Now, imagine if you had a raging tooth infection but couldn’t tell anyone… that’s exactly what happens to dogs when their dental health is neglected.

Dogs feel the same level of pain we do when they have dental disease, but they can’t pop to the dentist or complain about it. Instead, they suffer in silence—until the pain becomes unbearable and starts affecting their eating, drinking, and even their behaviour.

And the worst part? By the time we notice something is wrong, the damage is often severe—sometimes requiring tooth extractions or expensive veterinary treatment costing thousands of pounds.

💰 And here’s something many owners don’t realise—most pet insurance policies don’t cover dental treatment!
If your dog ever needs dental surgery, you could be footing the bill yourself. Check your policy carefully so you’re not caught off guard! Two of my own family members have had to pay out-of-pocket for their dogs’ dental surgeries because their insurance didn’t cover it. Prevention is always cheaper than treatment!

Brushing: The Best Way to Prevent Dental Disease 🪥

While dental chews can be useful, brushing your dog’s teeth is by far the best way to keep their mouth healthy.

✔ If your dog will allow it, brushing should always be your first port of call.
✔ Start young! If you’ve got a puppy, get them used to brushing early so it becomes part of their routine.
✔ Use dog-specific toothpaste – Human toothpaste contains xylitol and fluoride, which are toxic to dogs! Always use a pet-safe version.

If your dog won’t tolerate brushing, work on building a positive association with it. At Paws Positive Dog Training, we can help train your dog to accept (or even enjoy!) toothbrushing—because a stress-free brush is a game-changer!

🚨 Signs of Dental Disease or Gum Problems 🚨

If your dog shows any of these signs, it’s time for a vet check-up:

🔹 Bad breath (worse than usual!)
🔹 Yellow or brown plaque build-up on teeth
🔹 Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
🔹 Drooling excessively
🔹 Difficulty eating or favouring one side
🔹 Pawing at the mouth or rubbing their face

Do Dental Chews Really Work?

While dental chews won’t reverse existing dental disease, they can be a great addition to your dog’s dental hygiene routine—if used properly!

But here’s something to watch for: If your dog snaps a dental stick in half and swallows it without chewing, it’s doing absolutely nothing for their teeth! For a chew to be effective, they need to actually chew it, not just gulp it down.

⚠️ If your dog already has dental decay or advanced gum disease, no dental chew will fix it. At that point, you need to see a veterinary surgeon for proper treatment. Dental sticks are a preventative tool, not a cure.

How to Pick the Right Dental Chew

✔ Look for beneficial ingredients – Some dental chews contain ingredients that help teeth, gums, and overall health. Look for ones with natural enzymes, seaweed, or added vitamins.
✔ Turmeric is a great addition – If you’re choosing a dental stick, look for one with turmeric! Not only can it support oral health, but it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, making it a great addition to your dog’s diet.
✔ Avoid artificial additives and sugars – Some dental chews are basically flavoured junk food with no real benefit. Check the ingredients carefully.
✔ Make sure it’s long-lasting enough to be chewed – If your dog eats it in two seconds flat, it’s not helping!

Natural Alternatives to Dental Sticks 🦴

While dental sticks can be helpful, there are natural alternatives that might be even better for your dog:

🥩 Raw meaty bones – Nature’s toothbrush! Always size-appropriate and supervised.
🦷 Yak chews – Long-lasting and great for plaque removal.
🌱 Dried seaweed-based chews – Some contain natural enzymes that help reduce plaque.
🍖 Air-dried tendons or skin chews – Natural and great for strengthening jaw muscles while cleaning teeth.
🥕 Frozen raw carrots – A simple, low-calorie chew that can help clean teeth!

How to Use Dental Chews Safely

✔ Check the calorie content – Some are high in calories, so they should be factored into your dog’s diet.
✔ Supervise chewing – Always watch your dog when they try a new chew to ensure they don’t swallow large pieces.

Remember: Dental chews work best for dogs without existing dental disease. They’re fantastic for preventing oral health issues and helping to reduce plaque and tartar, but they don’t replace brushing!

Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth Healthy with Paws!

🐾 At Paws 4 a Day, we see plenty of dogs who love a good chew—but we always remind owners that dental chews alone aren’t enough! We also do body checks every day which include looking in the dog’s mouth so we can make you aware if there are any visible changes.

🐶 At Paws 4 A Break, we use natural chews like yak bars Tracheas and veggie chews in our enrichment sessions to support dental health. We also do body checks so can advise if theres any concerns. If your dog is in home boarding and your dog is use to having his/her teeth brushed, pop them in their travel bag and we will make sure they are cleaned.

🎓 At Paws Positive Dog Training, we can help train your dog to enjoy toothbrushing—because a stress-free brush is a game-changer!

💬 How does your dog handle toothbrushing? A willing participant or a toothbrush ninja? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️

07/03/2025

🐣🐾 Easter Safety Tips for Your Dog! 🐾🐣

The sunshine we are having reminds me that Easter is not far away.
Easter is a time for family, fun, and (let’s be honest) a lot of chocolate! But while we’re tucking into our Easter treats, it’s important to remember that some of our favourite seasonal goodies can be dangerous for our dogs.

From chocolate eggs and hot cross buns to those tempting little foil wrappers that dogs love to gobble up, there are plenty of hazards to be aware of. That’s why we’ve put together these handy slides to help you keep your pup safe this Easter!

Swipe through to learn more about:
🐾 Toxic foods to keep out of reach
🐾 Easter egg hunts – fun for kids, but risky for dogs!
🐾 Safe alternatives for treating your dog
🐾 Springtime hazards beyond the Easter weekend

Let’s make sure our furry friends have a happy and safe Easter! 🐶💛

📢 If you found this helpful, feel free to share with fellow dog owners!

04/02/2025

🐕🌿 Outdoor Training = Real-Life Learning! 🌿🐕

It’s National Play Outside Day, and we’re here to remind you that training doesn’t have to happen indoors! In fact, the great outdoors is the perfect classroom for your dog. Practising cues in different environments helps build real-world reliability, plus outdoor play is fantastic for motivation, confidence, and general well-being.

Need ideas? Try:
✅ Practising recall on a long line in a secure field.
✅ Adding a ‘find it’ game to your walks—scatter some treats in the grass and let your dog sniff them out.
✅ One-to-one training in the park to work on engagement around distractions.
✅ Playing structured games like ‘Giving in to Lead Pressure’ to improve loose-lead walking.
✅ An exciting game with the flirt pole—perfect for teaching impulse control and safe chase play.

Dogs learn best when training is fun, so get outside and make it part of your adventures! What outdoor training games do you love? Tell us in the comments!

03/02/2025

Beginners Life skills Training Classes Now Open for enrolment

Our beginners course are for those dogs aged 20 weeks of age or over who may have missed their puppy classes or have done a traditional puppy class and would like to try something different to get your dog thinking for themselves or maybe you have rescued an older dog and not sure what training the dog has had or to build the relationship between you both.

Our Beginners Life skills course is now open for registration with a start date of Saturday the 1st of March 25 at 10.15am It is a 8 week course full of fun, games and strategies to give your dog all the foundation skills on which to build upon and give you real life results. We also work on building great relationships between the dog and yourselves.

You and your dog will learn many skills for example

Calmness

Focus

Self Control

Confidence

How to socialize correctly

Handling

Vehicle Management

Door and gate control

Boundaries

Recall

Loose Lead Walking foundation skills

and more ....

Each class is 1 hour long

Your instructor is a fully qualified force free dog trainer with many accredited organisations as well as being a puppy specialist and a reactivity specialist.

As well as an instructor there will be plenty of support in class from assistant trainers with the same training ethics as the main instructor.

Class sizes are kept small to enable plenty of support to each member of the group

An assessment is undertaken at the end with a certificate rosette and goody bag for anyone who passes.

You get access to a private Facebook group where you can get 24/7 support throughout the course and you keep access to this group for life.

leave us a message to book or contact us for further information on 07885520818

01/02/2025

Scruffing Dogs – What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever scruffed your dog, you’re certainly not alone. Many people do it, often because it’s something they’ve seen others do or because they believe it’s the right way to correct or move a dog. The truth is, there are a lot of myths around scruffing, and if you’ve used this method before, it’s likely because you didn’t know any different.

That’s exactly why we’re writing this post—not to judge, but to educate and offer a more effective, science-backed approach to handling and training your dog.

What is Scruffing?

Scruffing is when a person grabs the loose skin at the back of a dog’s neck to hold, lift, shake, or even drag them. Some people do it as a way to discipline a dog, while others do it simply to move them from one place to another.

It’s a common belief that scruffing is natural because mother dogs do it. But is that really true?

Myth: “Mother Dogs Scruff Their Puppies, So It Must Be Okay”

✔️ It’s true that mother dogs carry their tiny newborn puppies by the scruff—but this is not the same as what humans do to adult dogs. It’s not punishment, and it’s not about control.

✔️ Mother dogs stop scruffing once their puppies are big enough to move on their own. They don’t scruff older puppies or adult dogs, because at that stage, it would be uncomfortable and unnatural.

❌ So when we scruff an older puppy or an adult dog, we’re not mimicking natural behaviour—we’re doing something they don’t actually experience in a normal canine relationship.

Why Shouldn’t We Scruff Dogs?

Now that we know scruffing isn’t natural, let’s look at what science tells us about why it’s best avoided.

1. It’s Uncomfortable and Can Be Painful

Dogs have nerves, blood vessels, and muscle under the skin on their neck. In larger puppies and adult dogs, scruffing can put unnecessary strain on these tissues, causing discomfort or even pain.
• Lifting or dragging a dog by the scruff can cause tension in the spine, neck, and shoulders, leading to soreness or injury.
• Scruffing too hard or too often can make a dog flinch or avoid touch around their neck.

Dogs are not designed to be lifted or controlled by their scruff—it’s not how they interact with each other, and it’s not how their bodies are built to be handled.

2. It Can Cause Fear, Stress & Defensive Reactions

Scruffing is a form of restraint, and for many dogs, it can feel intimidating or even scary. If a dog doesn’t understand why it’s happening, they may react in a few different ways:
• Freeze (shutting down or becoming fearful of being touched)
• Try to escape (pulling away or avoiding hands near their neck)
• Defend themselves (growling, snapping, or even biting)

Some dogs will tolerate scruffing, but that doesn’t mean they’re comfortable—it may just mean they’re too scared to react.

3. It Can Damage Your Relationship with Your Dog

Dogs learn through associations. If hands near their neck mean discomfort or restraint, they may start avoiding touch altogether. This can make things like:
✔️ Vet visits
✔️ Grooming
✔️ Putting on a collar or lead
… much more stressful for both of you.

Trust is the foundation of a good relationship with your dog. Scruffing can make your dog unsure about whether they can trust you, even if you don’t mean to cause harm.

4. There Are Better, More Effective Ways to Move or Train Your Dog

Some people scruff their dogs simply to move them from one place to another—for example, if the dog isn’t coming inside or needs to be taken away from something.

The problem? It doesn’t teach them what to do instead.

🚫 If a dog doesn’t want to move, scruffing won’t help them understand what you want.
🚫 If a dog is hesitant or nervous, scruffing can make them more anxious.
🚫 If a dog is resisting, scruffing can cause them to panic, making things worse.

Instead, try using:
✅ Positive reinforcement – Encourage your dog with treats, toys, or a happy voice.
✅ Gentle guidance – Use a lead to guide them instead of physically moving them.
✅ Training – Teach a reliable cue like “this way” or “come” so they move willingly.

Dogs respond much better when they feel safe, supported, and motivated rather than forced.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

If you’ve ever scruffed your dog, please don’t feel guilty. Many people do it because it’s what they were taught or because it seems like a natural way to handle a dog.

The good news is, there’s a better way—one that’s based on science, trust, and positive communication. By using force-free techniques, you’ll not only avoid causing stress or discomfort, but you’ll also build a stronger, more cooperative relationship with your dog.

Need Help? We’re Here for You!

If you’re unsure about how to guide your dog without force, Paws Positive Dog Training is here to help! We focus on kind, effective training methods that work.

Got questions? Heard any myths about scruffing? Drop them in the comments below 👇🏼

28/01/2025

🔍 The Difference Between a Command and a Cue: Why We Choose Cues 🔍

I’ve had a few questions lately about why we use the word “cue” rather than “command” in our training at Paws 4 A Break, Paws 4 A Day School, and Paws Positive Dog Training. It might seem like just a choice of words, but it’s more than that—it’s about the entire mindset behind how we communicate with our dogs.

Commands are often seen as orders that must be followed. They imply an expectation of immediate compliance, often delivered in a firmer tone. Think about how it feels when a boss commands you to do something. It’s authoritative, and you might feel pressured or stressed. You do it because you have to, not necessarily because you want to.

Cues, on the other hand, are requests or signals. They’re more like a polite invitation for your dog to perform a behaviour. When we use a cue, it’s like asking a friend to help out—we’re encouraging cooperation rather than enforcing control. Just like when someone nicely asks you to do something, you’re more likely to feel motivated and positive about it.

Now, how does this affect your dog? Well, if your mindset is focused on giving a command, your tone, expectation, and delivery might come across as more demanding. Your dog may sense that pressure, which can affect how they respond. With cues, you’re creating a partnership. You’re asking, not ordering, and the tone of voice changes naturally. This subtle shift can make a big difference in how your dog feels about training and how willing they are to engage with you.

At the end of the day, it’s about building a relationship based on trust, choice, and mutual respect. By understanding the difference, you can choose the approach that best suits you and your dog. After all, it’s not just about getting the behaviour—it’s about how we get there!

Happy Training

Jane ~

Paws Positive Dog Training

02/04/2025

02/04/2025

29/03/2025

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