Positively Pets

Positively Pets Offers animal behaviour & training sessions for the Exeter & Devon community via reward-based methods Most of all we have fun and enjoy your dog together.
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My name is Hannah Miell and I created Positively Pets back in 2012. I have a strong belief in using only the kindest positive reinforcement techniques which work with your pet, not against. I have a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, as well as practical qualifications as a Dog Trainer from the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) and I have been working with rescue pets for the past 7 yea

rs. I adhere to the highest animal welfare standards in all aspects of my work.

1-2-1 DOG TRAINING
I offer dog training sessions to help you and your dog achieve your goals. I will give you useful tools for the future and open up a strong line of communication between you and your dog. Basic training is £30 per 45 minutes

1-2-1 BEHAVIOUR SESSIONS
I offer behaviour sessions which are especially recommended for dogs with complex issues such as dog/people-based aggression. I will endeavour to help you and your dog overcome any behavioural issues in an understanding way, using a holistic approach. For 1 hour it costs £50

I also offer behaviour sessions for Cats and Rabbits

PLEASE PHONE OR MESSAGE TO BOOK
07772354857

01/03/2022

If you’re happy and you know it… Roll Around! ❤️🐾

He is such a fun boy, he would love an experienced Devon home ❤️🐾
30/01/2022

He is such a fun boy, he would love an experienced Devon home ❤️🐾

20/01/2022

We are going on holiday to Cornwall next week, sessions will resume from Monday 31st January

Megan takes great care of my dogs on their walks and look at these stunning pictures 😍 if you need a dog walker I highly...
18/01/2022

Megan takes great care of my dogs on their walks and look at these stunning pictures 😍 if you need a dog walker I highly recommend her

I know we are all dog lovers but it’s always better to ask an owner before touching someone’s dog, same as you wouldn’t ...
14/01/2022

I know we are all dog lovers but it’s always better to ask an owner before touching someone’s dog, same as you wouldn’t randomly touch someone’s child!

NO MEANS NO!

No means I do not consent. It means do not approach me or my dog and do not touch my dog.

Nobody is entitled to touch a dog that is not their own.

If we ask permission to say hello to a dog and we are told, 'no thank you' we are not being insulted, disrespected or rude.

If we are told, 'no thank you' the person saying no is entitled to say no, without reason, justification or explanation.

The person saying no is not being anti social, unreasonable, unfair or mean.

When a person say's no, they are not saying it because they are being selfish or because they have a bad dog or a dog that is naughty. They are saying no because they do not want their dog to be approached or touched by an unfamiliar person.

Why can't we touch a dog we have never met before?

Because we don't know the dog, because the dog may not want to be touched by a stranger, because the owner said no.

Why do we feel we are entitled to touch a dog or use a dog as an experience for a child that also may not want to go near the dog or may be unpredictable and make an inappropriate approach and become insulted or defensive when we are told no?

People that say no have been sworn at, shouted at, laughed at and ignored when having to either stop strangers approaching their dogs or when declining a request.

Dogs are sentient beings, they rely on their humans to be their advocate and to protect them.

It can take time for guardian and dog to devolp a relationship based on trust and confidence.

A dog may be on their first walk out after being adopted or fostered.

They may be recovering from an injury or an incident.

They may be shy, anxious or fearful about touch at that moment in time, the owner may have experienced a trauma or situation and prefer not to have their dog approached.

Some dogs simply prefer not to be touched.
A common response is 'You shouldn't have a dog like that in public' or You shouldn't have a dog like that or you should have that dog PTS.

When we walk our dogs in a quiet space, when we choose a pub table that is away from other people at a quiet time, when we walk out of usual hours or choose to sit on a bench in a public space we do not waive the right for strangers to approach and or try to touch our dogs.

I have the utmost respect for people that are kind and empathetic.

I appreciate people that are able to look at a dog and not approach and not ask if they can touch because they are content to simply observe a dog.

I am grateful to people that have empathy when they see a dog and are happy to walk on by. It's a wonderful exchange, sometimes a kind look, a smile and no attempt to encroach on our space.

When I work with dogs that are lacking in confidence, feel anxious or fearful and we are supporting them to build trust and confidence it is a gift for people to have the grace and generosity to respect and support that dog.

Working with a young, overseas dog recently, we were able to introduce him to a pub garden. We were able to sit in a space where the dog felt comfortable.

Like anything new, our dogs can find it a little challenging but with the support and kindness of all of the staff this dog had a very positive learning experience.

The dog was able to observe the surroundings, take in the scent and look at different people, process the movement and direction of travel of the people and nobody made an inappopriate approach or asked to touch him.

Good planning, effective communication and the right place at the right time ensured it was a successful and positive experience for the dog and the care giver.

So, a huge thank you to every person that doesn't approach an unfamiliar dog, that does ask permission before an approach and isn't offended or abusive when declined.

Kindness costs nothing and can shine a light when things may feel a little dark.

I have reposted this original post which is my own work. I like the illustration I found and appreciate the feedback ref crediting Lili Chin which I did do. I believe there has been some confusion about the author of the above post which is me.

I was unable to delete the illustration so I deleted the whole post and have reposted as it is such a popular post.

Thank you to everone that shared and contributed. It is never my intention to pass off anyone else's work as my own or to not credit others. I regularly share other professionals posts on my page.

I think, by deleting the previous post the shares and contributions have also disappeared.

I appreciate the time people take to read my posts and share experiences.

Thank you and I have posted one of my own pictures to prevent any further or potential concerns.

Please feel free to share more of your experiences and contributions.

Love and light.

How lucky are my dogs to have Megan as their dog walker!? They are still fast asleep on the sofa after their morning adv...
12/01/2022

How lucky are my dogs to have Megan as their dog walker!? They are still fast asleep on the sofa after their morning adventure. Highly recommend her 🐶🐾❤️

27/05/2015

We are coming up to Puppy season so here are 10 tips to getting ready for and selecting puppies:

1. Get loads of advice, be open to anyone and everyone's input, then narrow it down to the useful and applicable information. If you are set on a breed, research all the health issues associated, check insurance and ask good breeders about the breed. You can even go to events like Crufts or discover dogs to learn more.

2. Ask a dog behaviourist for advice and if they offer to help you choose one, take the opportunity! It's so valuable to have the right dog, not the prettiest dog. A behaviourist can see past all the emotional fixation and can help select a puppy with the best personality traits.

3. Be patient, choosing a puppy should be a slow well thought-out process not a knee-jerk, desperate quest for possession or to rescue a dog.

4. Read lots of books about puppy socialisation and training. Really familiarise yourself with the process.

5. Choose a nice vet to health check, microchip, vaccinate and neuter your dog.

6. House proof, make sure your home is suitable, if you are worried about the carpet or the wallpaper etc a puppy isn't a good idea. Always get landlord permission if you are renting.

7. Choose a great food, shop around find one you like and be firm, don't allow pickiness.

8. Make sure you see the whole family, pets and all. You need to see what environment your puppy was being raised in, how it's parents are and how the people view the animals.

9. Get a crate, if you crate train your puppy it will learn to be happy when left and will increase its success at toilet training.

10. Be firm, stick to your training. If you start firm when they are young you can relax the boundaries when they are a few years old. You need commitment to follow through sometimes when things get tough, your dog is being stubborn or you are short on time.

Remember everywhere you go with your puppy is a training session. Make the most of every opportunity to promote recall, introduce new things and practice basic obedience.

13/03/2015
Is Your Dog Getting Too Much 'Me Time'?

Is Your Dog Getting Too Much 'Me Time'? http://t.co/KuCGIp3p5t

Although we can't change the fact that dogs want to spend most of their time with us (and why would we as this is what makes them fantastic companions!), we can at least help them by preparing them well for spending a bit of time on their own, should...

13/03/2015

Really enjoyed meeting Rachel and Emma with their lovable beagles Jinx and Bentley. Looking forward to monitoring their progress 🐶🐾

12/03/2015

It was great to meet Lindsey and Roxy last week and lovely to now see Roxy in her new home with Vince 🐶🐾

25/10/2013

Hey doggie people! There will no longer be group classes at Saltram House as the weather is too changeable, but we look forward to re-starting in spring :-)

Address

Rush Meadow Road
Exeter
EX57

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