Be Positive Dog Training

24/11/2023

Practicing standing on Christmas presents for Santa Paws photos. Jerry and Rex doing a great job.

22/11/2023

Having some fun at class tonight getting the dogs to work on paws up on different items.

21/11/2023

Nyla using her nose to find her food, and using her feet to get the balls out the tin to get to the food. A great way to keep the dog occupied and also slow down eating their food.

17/11/2023

2 hours of classes really takes it out of Piper. It’s a hard life.

15/11/2023

If anyone local interested in learning about dog reactivity. Please contact Paws and Minds directly if your wanting to go.

15/11/2023

For people who haven’t been in my classes before, this is my right hand woman. Piper is 16 months old and comes along to some of my classes to help me demonstrate some behaviours and tasks.
After the new year I’m hoping to start some new puppy and beginner classes.

15/11/2023

Working with Fearful, Nervous, or Anxious dogs.

-Give them time to adjust to a new environment.
-Give them Reassurance.
-Set up an environment where they can feel safe.
-Give them information and feedback on their behaviour.
-Give them predictable patterns in their life.
-Rebuild their confidence.
-Gentle guidance.

Every dog is different so you need to get to know why they are doing the behaviours that you see. Once you know what is going on, then you can figure out a plan to change these behaviours. The beauty of using positive methods is that all the members of the family can do it.

14/11/2023

True leaders don’t command. They motivate, build bonds, train through positive methods and understand the needs of their dogs.

05/11/2023

Had a great walk this afternoon nice people and dogs. A new group has been set up for getting out with the dogs for socialisation and fun. Hopefully more will join us in the future.

31/10/2023

The XL Bully officially being banned in England and Wales. Scotland will be next.

Ministers said £200 in compensation would be offered to owners who decide to have their pets put to sleep by a vet. It comes following a spate of recent attacks and deaths involving the breed.

31/10/2023

Just completed the 4 day workshop on dog aggression. Thoroughly enjoyed it and learned so much on how to work with dogs and owners with aggression issues.

27/10/2023

On day 1 of 4 doing a dog aggression behaviour course with the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training. This is phase two of the course. Lots to learn.

25/10/2023

Even when you see them do it, you spend 5 minutes trying to find it. Role on the snow lol.

24/10/2023

Firework season almost upon us. Here is some tips to help our furry friends.

21/10/2023

Recall part 2. Getting your dog to want to play with you is a huge part of recall. Go have fun.

20/10/2023

Simple recall exercises. Part 1.

20/10/2023

Just getting ready to do some work and videos with Piper.

20/10/2023

Playing tug is one of the best rewards you can give to your dog. Most absolutely love it, but there are rules to the game. You can build in attention, focus, confidence and self control. Easy to carry a tug toy in your pocket when out on walks.

15/10/2023

Such a hard life.

14/10/2023

Emotions are what drive behaviours in our dogs. Simple.

13/10/2023

Loose lead walking exercise. This is my favourite method.

13/10/2023

Got new signs for the car. Come say hello if see me around town.

12/10/2023

Fun times at class. Simple games are a great way to engage with dogs and owners.

06/10/2023

I was asked if I could make some short videos for my page to let people see me and how I teach. My sister, who is in Canada, can’t get to my classes so this is for her too.
My first video is on Markers. This is how we let the dog know it has done a behaviour that we like. i.e. sitting instead of jumping on us. We will use positive reinforcement to get the behaviour more constant.
If anyone has any questions please ask. Plus if anyone has a suggestion for a video, let me know.

05/10/2023

Recently I was asked why I called my business Be Positive Dog Training. Instead of saying it was a play one words between positive training methods and your outlook on life and training, I said it sounded better than Old Fat Man Training lol.
One of these days my lack of filter will get me into more trouble.

04/10/2023

DOG INSURANCE.

I was getting asked about dog insurance and whether owners should have it or not. So I thought I would give my opinion.
It is really up to the owners, but for the first 2 years of your dogs life I personally would have my dog insured. This is mainly due to your young dog will get into all sorts of predicaments from eating the wrong stuff around the house and garden, to getting injured while out on walks and even tangling with cars etc. these problems can cause an expensive trip to the vets for surgery.
There are some good policies out there, and I’m not going to advise on any in particular. This is very much a personal choice if you want to have insurance or not. But have a think about it.

04/10/2023

Bringing a new puppy home when you already have a dog. This is part of a paper I have written for a behavioral course I am doing. If you are planning on bringing home a new puppy, please have a read.

This is an exciting time for the new owners, but not always for the dogs they have at home. It is very important they take their time and don’t rush the process. There are a lot of preparations to be made for a successful introduction.
Prior to bringing the new puppy home, there are several things to do.
• Put away all the older dog's toys, chews, etc. to avoid any resource guarding.
• Create a safe space for both dogs to go so they can get away from each other when needed.
• Have separate food bowls for each dog. I would also feed them at separate times and let the older dog eat in peace so as not to create any food issues.
• Make sure the older dog's vaccinations are up to date for the safety of the new puppy.
• Set up a crate or pen where the puppy will sleep. Ideally get a towel, blanket, etc. from the breeder to have some smells from the previous home to help relax and reassure the puppy.
Now we are ready for the big day. We must avoid any territorial aggression by having the dogs meet for the first time in neutral territory. I would advise meeting off-property which is a short walk from the house. That way each owner has a dog to make sure interaction goes well with sniffing etc. and don’t hold the puppy in your hands to introduce them.
Then a walk back to the property where, if the owners have a garden, have the pup on a long puppy line to allow plenty of movement to explore without feeling restricted. This is where toilet training will commence. Ideally, don’t bring the puppy inside until has gone to the toilet outside.
It is important to stay calm during all this.
Once they are ready to go inside, keep the puppy on a training lead for safety reasons. Once the pup has had a good sniff around and seems settled, I would separate both dogs by introducing the pup to its crate with the blanket there already. This will be the beginning of establishing a routine for the puppy of going outside to p*e before playtime etc.
It is important the older dog's routine doesn’t get altered for the first couple of weeks while beginning to establish a routine for the puppy. It is also very important that both dogs are not left alone without supervision. A close eye be placed on the body language of the older dog. It may take a little time for the puppy to understand the body language of the older dog.
Specific body language to watch out for is-
• Stiffness around food or toys.
• Raised fur down the back of the neck and back.
• Lip curls, snarling, and growling (even low growls).
• Hunched back.
• Whale eye, where you see the whites of the eye.
• Tension in the face and ears pinned back.
When you see any of these going on, step in and remove the puppy to a safe place. These behaviours can be given by either dog, not just an old dog to a puppy. Don’t give them a row for these behaviours. This is important communication for each dog to “talk to each other”.
Some Do’s and Don’ts.
Do allow them to go at their own pace. Just always think about safety.
Don’t allow the older dog to bully the puppy.
Do have an escape route for “both” dogs. Sometimes the older dog needs time away from the mayhem a pup can bring.
Don’t force them to be together.
Do spend quality time with each dog separately.
Do allow play together, but with supervision.

Following some of these simple rules will make an easier transition for the whole family unit. That way both will or should become more comfortable with each other to have a nice peaceful home for everyone concerned.

01/10/2023

I would like to ask since I have finally gotten around to making my website, if anyone that has been through training with me, would like to leave a review. I would be very grateful.

Plus I would like to take this time to thank everyone for their support.

01/10/2023

Proudly presenting bepositivedogtraining.com. Check it out and let me know what you think! via

Professional dog training services for a happy, healthy dog.

30/09/2023

UPADTE; classes are now full.

NEW CLASSES.

I have the availability to run classes in Lockerbie town hall on Tuesday evenings. I am planning on holding 2 classes 6-7pm and 7-8pm. Each class would be for only 4 dogs to give each other plenty room. If anyone is interested please message me some info about your dogs such as age and breed, and also if a particular time suits better so I can work out class dynamics.
The classes are are 6 week block for £60. Hopefully starting 10th October

17/09/2023

This is so true. We have to learn to listen to our dogs. Everyone that works with me knows I use the word Choice all the time. We make choices and so do our dogs.

❤️

Check out our collection of dog sport decals and tees at shopcanineaesthete.com 🛒

16/09/2023

Please find this link useful to anyone that want good quality tug toys for training. Following the link below will give you 15% off these items.

Invitation only access to a very special offer on the world’s #1 tug toys. Power up your play and grab an exclusive discount you won’t find anywhere else.

11/09/2023

I’m busy this weekend but would love to go to this. If anyone else is free this Saturday 16th September click on the link below. Currently 2 places left. £100 for the day.

We still have some spectator places (£20 for a Spectator place) for our upcoming….

⭐️ Get connected to your collie, Carlisle ⭐️

See link to book!

https://bookwhen.com/theurbanherder/e/ev-s75e-20230916093000

This workshop is perfect for any collie owner or enthusiast!

08/09/2023

The local Dandie Dinmont Terrier club is hosting a lunch and speaker event in Johnstonebridge.

07/09/2023

Got a nice write up in the local paper about the “dogs day out”.

10/08/2023

New puppy classes. 6 week block for £60.

08/08/2023

The 2nd annual Dogs Day Out is on 3rd September at the Johnstonebridge centre. This is a great fun event for pet dogs and their owners. Come along and have some fun.
Puppies are up to 1 year old and our Golden Oldies are 7 years and up.

03/08/2023

This is a brilliant idea to keep your pup and dog occupied and stop shredding up your shoes etc. you can even mix in some kibble to encourage them to pull out the pieces.
This must be done under supervision so once they have pulled everything out, pick up all the pieces so they don’t start chewing them and possibly swallow them.

03/08/2023

2 years ago I lost my best friend. The phrase “man’s best friend” was so true for him and I. So much so I got his paw print tattooed on my arm, so he’s always with me. Never forget you buddy.

02/08/2023

Well done to everyone passing their level 1 for the small dog hoopers class. A lot of fun with this class. Pity the weather has been so bad this month. The joys of doing an outdoor class in Scotland.