Pawsitive Canine Academy

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Colbert, WA
Pawsitive Canine Academy

We love your dogs. Communication + Education = Results! Specializing in all breeds and problems

09/15/2025

Outdoor Scenic Adventures

Manito Park Botanical Gardens
A stunning 90-acre park with themed gardens, serene paths, and picnic spaces. It’s leash-required, except for the Japanese Gardens, and a favorite for fall strolls among rose bushes and vibrant foliage.

Riverfront Park Spokane River Centennial Trail
Riverfront Park: Ideal for relaxed walks with lawns, impressive river views, and iconic sights like the falls and red wagon.

Centennial Trail: A breathtaking 37‑mile paved trail along the river—perfect for long autumn walks or gentle jogs with your pup.

Riverside State Park
Head to the Bowl Pitcher area for dramatic river scenery and forested trails—especially magical with fall colors.

Other Great Hiking Spots
Iller Creek Conservation Area: A 5.8-mile loop with crisp fall foliage in a peaceful forest setting.

Dishman Hills Natural Area: A 530-acre preserve with moderate trails and quiet beauty

Liberty Lake Loop: A scenic, mostly shaded trail (about 9 miles), great for fall adventures.

Iller Creek, Black Bay, Upper Falls Loop, Stevens Creek, and Corbin Park Trails: Ideal for varied distances, beautiful fall views, paddleboarding, or quick hikes.

Cozy Eats Relaxation
The Park Bench Café Rockwood Bakery: Outdoor seating, café treats, and dog ice cream make them perfect for fall pit stops after a walk in Manito Park.

Perry Street Brewing Barrister Winery: Enjoy a pint or wine tasting on their dog-friendly patios amid the crisp autumn air.

Caterina Winery: A charming downtown winery where dogs are welcome to relax beside you—and even get treats and water!

09/12/2025

Kennel cough (also known as canine infectious respiratory disease complex – CIRDC) is a highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs, similar to a cold or mild flu in humans.

What Causes It?
Kennel cough is usually caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses, the most common being:
Bordetella bronchiseptica (a bacterium)
Canine parainfluenza virus
Canine adenovirus
Other viruses or bacteria involved in respiratory infections

How Is It Spread?
Kennel cough spreads through:
Airborne droplets (from coughing or sneezing)
Direct contact (dog-to-dog nose sniffing or licking)
Shared surfaces (toys, bowls, water dishes, bedding)
That’s why it often spreads in places like:
Boarding facilities
Dog daycares
Training classes
Dog parks
Shelters or grooming salons

Symptoms of Kennel Cough:
Persistent, honking or hacking cough
Gagging or retching (often mistaken for something stuck in the throat)
Sneezing
Runny nose or eyes
Mild lethargy
Slight loss of appetite or fever (in more severe cases)
In otherwise healthy dogs, kennel cough is typically mild and self-limiting, lasting 1–3 weeks. Puppies, seniors, or immune-compromised dogs may be at higher risk for complications.

Treatment:
Most dogs recover with rest and supportive care
Your vet might prescribe:
Cough suppressants
Anti-inflammatories
Antibiotics (if a bacterial infection is confirmed)
Keep your dog away from other dogs during recovery

Prevention:
Vaccinate against Bordetella and canine influenza (especially if your dog goes to daycare, boarding, or training)
Avoid exposing your dog to high-risk environments if unvaccinated
Ensure facilities (like training centers or boarding) follow proper cleaning and ventilation protocols

09/11/2025

Traveling With Your Dog? Here’s Where to Stop for Safe, Low-Key Breaks!

Long car rides can be stressful for your pup, and while stopping is a must, sometimes dog parks and busy rest stops aren’t the safest choice — especially if you want to keep your dog away from other dogs or crowded areas.

Here are some great places to safely let your dog stretch and potty during your trip, with fewer dogs and less chaos:

Quiet Church Lawns
Most churches have well-kept grassy areas that are usually empty during the day—perfect for a peaceful potty break or a quick stroll.

Bank Parking Lots or Sidewalks
Banks often have green strips or sidewalks that are low traffic, making them ideal spots for a leash walk and bathroom break.

Residential Neighborhoods
Stopping briefly in calm neighborhoods can give your dog a chance to sniff and stretch in a quiet environment away from crowds.

Business Parks or Office Complexes (After Hours)
These areas tend to be empty early mornings, evenings, or weekends and usually have grassy patches to explore.

Don’t Forget Your Essentials!
Always bring p**p bags, water, a bowl, and a leash for every stop. Keep your dog close and safe, especially near roads and parking lots. Always clean up after your dog.

Tip: Try to plan stops every 2–3 hours to keep your dog comfortable without overwhelming them with busy places.
Travel safe and keep those tails wagging! 🐾
— The team at Pawsitive Canine Academy

TravelWithDogs

09/09/2025

Need a Crate You Can Count On?

We’ve got great news — Pawsitive Canine Academy is an official RuffLand Crate dealer! 🙌

RuffLand crates are our #1 recommended crate for safety, durability, and comfort — and now you can get yours directly through us.

Why we love RuffLand Crates:
One-piece, heavy-duty construction
Easy to clean and nearly indestructible
Great for home, car travel, and working dogs
Built for safety — no sharp edges or flimsy parts

Trusted by trainers, hunters, and dog pros across the country
Whether you’re crate training a puppy or need a secure crate for travel, we’ll help you choose the right size and model for your dog.

Need one? Message us — we’ll get you set up with a RuffLand Crate that fits your dog and your lifestyle.

We do have a selection of used crates available..Call us

RuffLandCrates

09/05/2025

What is Giardia?

Giardia is a microscopic parasite that infects the intestines. Dogs (and other animals, including humans) can become infected by ingesting the parasite’s cysts, which are found in contaminated:
Water (puddles, lakes, shared bowls)
Soil
F***s
Surfaces or objects (like paws, toys, or shared areas)

Symptoms in Dogs:
Some dogs show no symptoms, but those who do may experience:
Soft or watery diarrhea (sometimes with mucus or a strong smell)
Gas or bloating
Weight loss
Dehydration
Lethargy
Puppies and immunocompromised dogs are at higher risk of more severe illness.

How Does It Spread?
Giardia spreads through the fecal-oral route, meaning dogs get infected when they lick or ingest anything contaminated with infected p**p — including their own paws after walking in it.
Cysts can survive in the environment for weeks, especially in moist areas.

How to Prevent the Spread of Giardia:
For Dog Owners:
Clean up p**p immediately — even in your own yard
Avoid letting dogs drink from puddles, ponds, or communal water bowls
Wipe paws and rear after walks, especially if diarrhea is present
Wash bedding, bowls, and toys frequently with hot water and disinfectant
Bathe your dog if they’ve had diarrhea or may have rolled in something questionable

Cleaning
Use disinfectants effective against Giardia (not all cleaners work — bleach is best for hard surfaces)
Sanitize shared areas daily, including floors, crates, leashes, and water bowls
Separate infected dogs during treatment and for a few days after symptoms resolve
Limit dog-to-dog contact in outbreak situations
Require owners to keep dogs home if they have diarrhea or have been recently diagnosed

Treatment:
Giardia is typically treated with prescription meds like metronidazole or fenbendazole
Most dogs recover well, but retesting is often needed to confirm it’s gone
Dogs can still shed cysts after symptoms stop, so hygiene is key

Quick Takeaway:
Giardia spreads fast, but it’s manageable with awareness, cleanliness, and quick action.

At Pawsitive Canine Academy, maintaining a clean, safe environment is a top priority — and we work with owners to stop the spread if any pup gets sick.

09/03/2025

Back to School Schedule Changes: What They Mean for Your Dog

As kids head back to class and routines shift, your dog may feel confused, stressed, or even a little lonely — and it’s completely normal.

Here’s why schedule changes matter:
Your dog’s entire day has changed
Summer often means extra attention, playtime, and noise. Now, the house is quiet… and their humans are suddenly gone for hours.

Common behavior changes we see:
• Barking or whining when left alone
• Destructive chewing
• Accidents inside
• Clinginess or overexcitement when everyone gets home
• Lack of stimulation = boredom and anxiety

How to Help Your Dog Adjust:
Ease into the new routine
Start practicing the school schedule before it fully kicks in — walk them, feed them, and leave the house at the times you will during the school year.

Provide mental stimulation
Puzzle toys, frozen Kongs, sniff walks, or short training sessions help fight boredom while you’re away.

Create a calm “alone zone”
Set up a safe, comfy space where your dog can rest without too many distractions or triggers.

Add enrichment to mornings evenings
A short walk or quick training game before you leave can burn energy and help them settle.
Consider training or day enrichment

At Pawsitive Canine Academy, we offer programs that support your dog’s mental and emotional well-being during times of change.

If your dog is struggling with the transition, we’re here to help. Let’s create a plan that fits your pup’s needs and supports your household’s new routine.

BackToSchoolDogs

09/02/2025

Happy Labor Day from All of Us at PCA - We have some very hard working pups here! They love to help us out!

08/25/2025

Back to School Isn’t Just for Kids — It’s for Dogs Too!
As summer winds down and the kids head back to school, it’s time for your pup to return to their own routine too — Dog Day School!

Just like children, dogs thrive on structure, mental stimulation, and social time with friends. After a summer full of beach days, family trips, and lazy mornings, the change in household routine can feel confusing (and a little lonely) for your four-legged family member.

Here’s how Dog Day School helps make the transition easier:

Structure Routine — Predictable days reduce anxiety and help dogs feel secure.

Exercise Mental Stimulation — Keeps those paws moving and minds engaged while you’re at work or managing the school shuffle.

Socialization — Time with their furry friends helps prevent boredom and unwanted behaviors at home.

Reinforced Training — Keeps good manners sharp and minds focused as schedules shift.

Whether your pup is a seasoned student or just getting started, now is the perfect time to ease them back into their school groove! Think of it as their own version of back-to-school, complete with tail wags, snack breaks, and playtime!

Book their spot today at Pawsitive Canine academy and give them a fresh start to the fall season!

BackToSchool

08/21/2025

Insect Bites on Dogs: What to Watch For and How to Help

Just like us, dogs can get bitten or stung by insects, especially during the warmer months. While many bites are harmless and go away quickly, some can cause discomfort or even serious reactions.

Common Insect Offenders:
Mosquitoes
Fleas and ticks
Ants
Bees and wasps
Spiders
🔍 Signs Your Dog May Have Been Bitten:
Redness or swelling (especially on the face, paws, or belly)
Itching or constant licking
Bumps or hives
Whining or restlessness

What You Can Do:
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Prevent licking or scratching with distraction or a cone if needed.
Use vet-approved topical creams
Watch for signs of infection like pus, increased redness, or worsening swelling.

Call Your Vet If:
Swelling is near the eyes, mouth, or throat
Your dog is struggling to breathe
The bite becomes infected or doesn’t improve in 24–48 hours
Your dog has multiple bites or a history of allergic reactions

At Pawsitive Canine Academy, we keep your dog’s comfort and safety in mind—whether it’s training outside or managing distractions like bugs and bites. If your dog has a reaction that affects their behavior, we’re here to help you support them with care and confidence.

08/19/2025

Backyard Behavior Fixes for Your Dog

Is your dog treating the backyard like their personal wild kingdom?
You’re not alone — backyard behavior issues are super common, especially during summer when dogs spend more time outside.

Here are a few things we hear from dog owners all the time:

“My dog barks at every little noise.”
“They dig up the garden like it’s a treasure hunt.”
“They fence-fight with the neighbor’s dog.”
“They won’t come when I call them back inside!”

Sound familiar?

Here’s how we fix backyard chaos:
Set Boundaries – Use training to teach your dog where they can go and what’s off-limits (goodbye, flower beds!).

Teach a Solid Recall – So you’re not stuck outside begging them to come in.

Manage Barking Triggers – With redirection, desensitization, and enrichment, we reduce reactive barking.

Provide Mental Stimulation – Digging often means your dog is bored. Training, scent games, or a digging box can redirect that energy.

Supervised Freedom – Training helps you move from constant supervision to safe, independent backyard time.

Pro Tip: The backyard should be a place to unwind — not a place to unlearn training! If your dog’s behavior regresses outside, we can help reinforce good manners even in the yard.

Book a session with us at Pawsitive Canine Academy to bring peace back to your backyard.

DogTrainingTips

08/15/2025

ASK ME ANYTHING: DOG TRAINING EDITION

Got a dog behavior you’re struggling with?

Not sure if you’re rewarding the right thing?

Or just wondering why your pup does that one weird thing?

Now’s your chance to ask!

Drop your dog training or behavior questions below (or in my DMs) and I’ll answer them in stories this week!

No question is too small or too silly — if you’re wondering, someone else probably is too.

What’s your dog question?

DogTrainingTips

08/13/2025

Dogs need plenty of sleep to stay healthy and happy. Puppies can sleep 18–20 hours a day, adults about 12–14 hours, and seniors often sleep more.

Sleep helps your dog process what they’ve learned and stay calm. A well-rested dog is easier to train and less likely to act out.

Give your dog a quiet, cozy spot to rest and keep a consistent routine to support healthy sleep habits. Sleeping in a crate is the best place for your puppy and your dog to get the best rest they need. Similar to us sleeping in our bed vs. the couch. Where they sleep is just as important as how much they sleep.

At Pawsitive Canine Academy, we know that good training starts with understanding your dog’s needs—including plenty of quality sleep!

Address

25119 N Aspen Grove Lane
Colbert, WA
99005

Telephone

(509) 389-8269

Website

http://pawsitivecanineacademy.com/

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Training With A Purpose

We are Dog Trainers that use Communication and Education to create life changing Results for Dogs and their Owners.

We offer Doggie Day School which is an educational and training program for your Dog unlike your typical Doggy Daycare!

Our 10 Acre Facility in Colbert, WA is only 15 minutes north of Spokane, WA and houses a beautiful kennel and training room, full agility course, tracking field, tons of room to run, play and train, beautiful views and is a working vineyard.

We are able to offer fully customizable dog obedience classes, boarding, board and trains, and lots of fun drop in education classes!