Positive Changes

01/09/2024

Sometimes you get lucky, and actually CATCH your tail, on a training break 😅

01/09/2024

Frankie spent 10 days with me, and did terrific! She mastered heel, sit, down, come, place, as well as basic manners.

01/09/2024

Stella, is another pup learning basic obedience skills, as well as house and leash manners! Look at that little face!

01/09/2024

This little lady is Lucy! Lucy did in home private lessons with me, to boost her confidence, learn basic obedience, and conquer going up, and down the stairs (scary stuff when you're 8 pounds).

01/09/2024

Sweet little Monte! Monte did in home private lessons, and learned basic skills like sit, down, and leash manners, as well as place. I love getting awesome updates from owners! Way to go Monte!!

07/17/2023

This handsome guy is Kang! Kang is 5-6 years old, and was recently adopted from a local shelter. His Mom reached out to me for help with leash reactivity, and fearful behaviour. We both noticed that Kang did a lot of squinting, especially on sunny days, at our usual noon training sessions. After being evaluated by a Veterinary Opthalmologist, it was determined that Kang has a genetic disorder that causes his pupils to remain dilated, even on bright, sunny days, which is why the poor guy was forever squinting. He was fitted with some canine sunglasses, and it was awesome to see him not squinting, and so much more comfortable! Kang can now see on those sunny days, and his training is coming along great as well! So glad you feel better sweet boy 💙

07/17/2023

And this is the royal treatment, breakfast in bed for these two sweet girls ❤️❤️

07/13/2023

I got to see my sweet little Jenga yesterday! Jenga did a 10 day board and train program in April, and yesterday was a follow up session. As you can see, she has been working hard on her place command, and does it like a pro for her Dad. Great job Jenga! Keep up all the hard work!

06/27/2023

This little cutie, Bianca, went home yesterday after spending 2 weeks with us! She is a Great Pyrenees/Lab mix, that her family adopted from a local rescue. She is as sassy as she is cute, and made training a lot of fun! Bianca learned heel, sit, down, wait, touch, come, and place, as well as general leash manners, and how to properly meet and greet people. While she was here, I was lucky enough to find, and keep, one of her baby teeth for her family. I have no doubt her two little people at home left it out for the tooth fairy!

06/20/2023

What's better than one herding dog? These 2, Mabel and Knox, thank you for a fun couple of months, training, playing, and everything in between! See you back in August, for round 2 of obedience fun ❤️💙

06/19/2023

The best dog place on 🌎, for my own dogs, kiddo, and my client's dogs, is my home! I have spent the last several months turning 75% of my home into an enrichment filled, ridiculously clean, spot to train, foster, and play! There is an exuberant play group, a quiet corner, and everything in-between, because every dog flourishes in a different environment. I've been very fortunate to be so busy, and recently added a wait list. This said, I have been receiving more, and more phone calls regarding issues with other facilities. I am making this post to let clients, and potential clients know, that I am ONLY working from home, or from client's homes, and have not been doing any kind of independent contractor work, at any facility, for many months. I am unfortunately unable to help with these matters, and wish you, and your pups, the very best.

06/18/2023

So many great pups over the last 2 months! Busier than I've ever thought possible, in fact, too busy to post, so here's just a few pups to make you smile!

04/13/2023

This little lady is 1 year old Jenga! Jenga was a feral puppy, living in the streets of Kosovo, just a few months ago! After a long flight, and loads of paperwork, she is now living with a wonderful couple here in Columbus!
Jenga's dad did his research on Certified Professional Dog Trainers, and I was the fortunate one chosen to work with this wonderful pup! We are working on decreasing anxiety in her crate, proper interactions with other dogs, and basic obedience, including the "place" command. She is doing great, and has integrated into my pack very well. I look forward to watching her continue to learn over the next several days with me, as well as when she returns home! Great job so far little Jenga!!

04/12/2023

PSA! Please research your trainers, especially if you are considering a board and train program, where you will not be present. I get several messages weekly, with no questions, except "how much do you charge for a 7 day board and train"? When choosing a trainer for your best friend, please ask the following questions, at a minimum.

1. What is your educational background, and how many years of experience do you have?

2. What method of training is used?

3. Where will my dog be kept, and may I see it for myself?

4. Do you require all dogs to be up to date on vaccines and flea/tick prevention?

5. Get as many references as you can.

04/04/2023

Meet Mozzie, possibly the cutest taco ever! Mozzie is a 3 year old pitbull mix, that like many dogs, is leash reactive. Today was our first day working together, and she made huge strides, just in an hour's time! I look forward to watching her progress! Good job sweet girl!

03/29/2023

“IT’S OKAY! MY DOG IS FRIENDLY!” 🙈

It’s a phrase you might have heard once or twice before - it’s possible you’ve heard this phrase on almost every walk you take with your dog. You might have even used this phrase yourself in the past as your off-leash dog barrels happily across the field to an on-leash dog and their owner. 🤭

No matter the situation, it's important for any pet parent to recognise there are situations where a dog may need space and may not want or need another dog rushing up to say hello. 👋

Whatever the reason for a dog needing more space, it is always a good idea whenever you see an approaching dog on lead to give them plenty of breathing room and respect their space. ✅

Do you want to arm 💪 yourself with some super strategies for successful walks 🚶‍♀️ and set your dog up for real-life results success when there's a dog coming in hot - or even just distractions in the environment?

Check our 21 Days to Stress Free Walks course! https://absolute-dogs.com/product/21-days-to-stress-free-walks/

03/28/2023

Clintonville Small Business Owners and Supporters

03/28/2023

And this is why I love what I do! Bella not only learned manners, but is now able to assist her Mom on safe walks, and is able to help her Mom get up should she fall, or just need a little extra help!

"We had gotten Bella a little over a year ago. A couple of months later I had ankle surgery. Towards the end of my recovery, I ended up with a pulling injury on my ankle due to Bella.
My relationship with this dog has been one of fear. Afraid of getting hurt. I have not been able to handle, let alone bond with Bella. As time went by she got bigger and developed some difficult behavior issues, like dog reactivity. I became very aware that we may need to rehome her for my safety. I felt I had failed Bella. Here I am, with all these years of veterinary experience and I can’t train my own dog. I am physically unable.

That’s where Dara Fox with Positive Changes comes in. Dara has been a very dear friend to me and my family for many years. I quickly realized after meeting her that she was extremely passionate about animals. She is very knowledgeable and educated, provided high level nursing care as a Registered Veterinary Technician, and now doing something she loves full time. Changing the lives of owners and their pets through Positive Changes.
Dara trained Bella at her home for two weeks.
Today, I walked Bella. Last night, I walked Bella. Here I am, with Dara, walking Bella ONE HOUR after she came home. Around the block with all of the distractions possible, such as people, cars, kids on bikes and DOGS but I was able to walk her, at my own pace. I felt safe and for the first time in almost a year I felt hope that we can form a bond that will be life changing.
Dara’s dedication to training my hard-headed Pyrenees has already changed my life. She even trained her to help me up off the ground. This brought tears of joy. Never had I thought Bella would be able to do “work” for me in a positive way. Gave me hope for our future as well as my own. This level of training has been absolutely priceless.
If you or anyone you know needs a Positive Change in your life with your pet, Dara Fox can help!"

03/22/2023

Clintonville Small Business Owners and Supporters

This photo illustrates one of my biggest concerns I receive from owners. Leash reactivity, is very common, and can be resolved, with proper training. Lunging, barking, and even showing teeth, does not necessarily mean your dog has an issue with aggression. What many people don't know, is there is a HUGE difference in reactivity versus aggression, especially when on a leash, where your dog feels confined, and is often guarding their person. If you have a dog like this, I can help! Redirecting the bad behaviour, not allowing your stress to travel down the leash, to your dog, and rewarding the wanted behaviour, is all it takes! Let me, help you, and your favorite walking buddy, learn to enjoy walks!

03/22/2023

This photo illustrates one of my biggest concerns I receive from owners. Leash reactivity, is very common, and can be resolved, with proper training. Lunging, barking, and even showing teeth, does not necessarily mean your dog has an issue with aggression. What many people don't know, is there is a HUGE difference in reactivity versus aggression, especially when on a leash, where your dog feels confined, and is often guarding their person. If you have a dog like this, I can help! Redirecting the bad behaviour, not allowing your stress to travel down the leash, to your dog, and rewarding the wanted behaviour, is all it takes! Let me, help you, and your favorite walking buddy, learn to enjoy walks!

03/15/2023

Spring is around the corner! If this photo resembles your walks with your pup, I can help! No one, including other walkers, you, or your dog, can enjoy the beautiful spring weather, being pulled behind your dog. In as few as 4 private lessons, we can turn your walks into an enjoyable time for everyone involved!

03/15/2023

This young Gordon Setter, Branch, recently spent 2 weeks with me. Branch, although a very sweet boy, had zero boundaries. He quickly caught on to sitting and waiting at doorways, no counter surfing, and walking nicely on a leash. A little bit of training goes a long way, for the out of control teenage puppy phase!

03/15/2023

What's better than training 1 dog, training 2! These sweet girls learned leash manners, and basic obedience, one on one, with me. Once they mastered their new skills, we were able to work with both, simultaneously, to provide a pleasant walking experience, for the girls, and their owner!

03/15/2023

Kendall, hard at "work" helping a resident pup feel at home during her 2 week training. Train hard. Play hard.

02/24/2023

We have moved to a new, and improved location! Here are just a few of the pups that have stayed with us, over the last 3 months, either for training, or just a fun sleep over!

12/11/2022

Happy 2nd Birthday Kendall!! The sweetest girl on the planet, who has never met a stranger (unless it's dark outside 😉)

10/26/2022

♥️

09/27/2022

❤️

07/14/2022

Congratulations to these pups, and their owners! They are the most recent graduates of Basic Obedience 1 and 2. If you enjoy bonding with your pup, while learning to better communicate with them, all while having loads of fun, these classes are for you! New classes will be starting soon! Great job to each, and every pup, and owner! ,🎉🎊🐶
The Dog Stop