Pawsitive Perspective Animal Training

06/13/2025

A groundbreaking study from Sweden’s Linköping University has confirmed what dog lovers have long suspected: the bond between dogs and humans is deeply biological. The key? Oxytocin — the hormone responsible for love and trust.

As wolves evolved into domesticated companions over thousands of years, dogs became genetically tuned to this hormone. Those with specific oxytocin receptor variants are more likely to seek human help, show affection, and thrive in modern environments.

But today, scientists say we’re entering a third wave of domestication — one shaped not by survival or status, but by empathy and adaptability.

Modern service dogs are at the forefront of this transformation. Unlike their ancestors bred for guarding or herding, these dogs are biologically and behaviorally wired to be calm, social, and deeply attuned to humans — even from puppyhood.

This new evolution is reshaping canine genetics in real time. As our cities grow and lifestyles change, so too must our dogs — not just in behavior, but in biology.

➡️ The future of dogs isn’t just about how they look. It’s about how they feel.

06/06/2025

Wondering who's walking who?

Art of Heel: 2 week walking seminar starts this Saturday! Still have plenty of spots...

Tired of wondering who is walking whom?? Take this 2 week seminar and brush up on your leash skills!!

06/02/2025

Absolutely agree! Makes me so sad for the doggo that undoubtedly suffered because his owner did not have common sense 😭
Always advocate for your dogs people!

06/02/2025

Summer school for doggies is getting ready to start.
Come join the Pawsitive Pack! here's a listing of all of our great summer classes:

Schedule for all the classes that will be offered this Summer season!

05/31/2025

Love this!!

05/31/2025

☺️

05/14/2025

Love this!

05/08/2025

05/06/2025

Always good info to have

04/26/2025

Love this!! All of it...

If you are going to have a dog, you are going to have to make sacrifices. You cannot expect to have an animal that was designed to live primarily outside and bring it into your house and not have to make changes or adjustments. A dog is not an ornament, a commodity or a display. A dog is an animal. You are sharing your life with another species. This is life with a dog.

Your yard will not be pristine. The grass will get burned from their p*e. Holes will be dug, bushes shredded, mud will come in the house. You cannot ask them to not p*e in your house and then also try to control even their outside bathroom. Please see how unfair this is. This is life with a dog.

You house will need management. Your counters will need to be clear. Shoes will need to be put away. Laundry room blocked. Kids toys picked up. Some things will get destroyed anyway. This is life with a dog.

They will bark at noises. They will protect their territory. Sometimes fiercely. They will not welcome strange people into the home easily even if you “know them” because this is in their genetic DNA. They don’t understand family gatherings and they don’t always see things the way we do. They won’t love playing with every dog they meet. This is life with a dog.

They will need enrichment and work and productivity. They will need training that is kind and fair and consistent and then maintenance to maintain that training. They will need guidance and coaching and lots of reinforcement to help them perform unnatural behaviors against their natural phenotypes. This is life with a dog.

They will mature and change and modify in their likes, behaviors and preferences as they age. Their behaviors aren’t guaranteed. They are not robots and they can be mercurial as they grow into their own personalities. They are allowed to change their mind and shift naturally just as we do. They need to be seen for what and who they are, not what and who YOU want. This is life with a dog.

Life with a dog is not a human right. It is a privilege and a responsibility and an education. They are animals and should be treated and expected to behave as such. That doesn’t make them any less loved or family members and it doesn’t make them any less deserving of respect, in fact it makes them more so.

Enjoy your life with a dog, and help them enjoy life with a human.

- Helen St. Pierre

04/23/2025

Hi guys, I have a friend who needs to rehome his dog. No judgment please... The family has been trying for a while but Rabbit needs to live in a home with no other children or pets. If you think you are a good fit for this special dog, let me know...

This is Rabbit

She was born February, 2022. About 14lbs.

She has some unknown allergies. Prefers to eliminate onto a pad.

Not friendly with other dogs or new people.

VERY intelligent and athletic. Extremely food-motivated fast learner. Spectacular jumper.

She can be loving but she needs a lot of love and attention for her good side to come out. Needs a home with a human who will be around most of the time, and no other pets.