Pawsitive Pathways with Lexie

Pawsitive Pathways with Lexie Train dogs, teach humans, grow together🐾 Balanced dog training and other pet care services in CNY🍁

✨Wednesday Wisdom✨Let’s talk about toys! We all want to give our dogs toys that they'll actually play with, but oftentim...
10/02/2024

✨Wednesday Wisdom✨

Let’s talk about toys! We all want to give our dogs toys that they'll actually play with, but oftentimes we'll give them free access to every toy we buy them at the same time.
What happens is that the dog gets bored of one, because it's always available, so they move onto the next, and then the next, until eventually, they're not really interested in any of them.

BUT, if we rotate the toys and only give them a couple at a time, and then switch them out for others, the dog won't have time to get bored. Each time you switch them out, it's as if the dog is getting a brand new toy, which makes it very exciting. This will keep them interested in all of their toys, and ensures that they get maximum enrichment from each one.

This also applies to toys that you're using for interactive play, like flirt poles or tugs. Maybe the dog is bored of that particular toy, because it's always available, even if you're not around. So ensure that certain interactive toys are put away until you're ready to play.
This will ensure that the novelty of the toy is maintained, while also making the association in the dog's mind that this particular toy is for a different type of play (not solitary play, but fun interactions between dog and human). ❤️🐾

This photo shows our Jolly Ball, which the dogs know is for outdoor fetch & play sessions(it’s taken quite a beating😆)

✨Wednesday Wisdom✨There's a common, yet archaic, phrase that says, "It's all in how you raise your dog..." This is a dan...
09/25/2024

✨Wednesday Wisdom✨

There's a common, yet archaic, phrase that says, "It's all in how you raise your dog..." This is a dangerous statement, because so many factors go into behavior. One of those factors is genetics, and another one is maintenance.

I've come across a number of people who mistakenly believe that the trainer will teach the dog, and then the dog is fixed.❌
This is a false and sometimes dangerous mindset to have!
We, as the trainers, can teach your dog to do almost anything you want, but that doesn't mean it's going to automatically transfer to the owner or to all environments. A big portion of the trainer's job is to teach THE HUMAN to replicate what we're doing, physically and mentally, so you can maintain what we've taught the dog.💡

So I think a better phrase than "It's all about how you raise them" is really, "It's all about how you maintain them." Because that's what dog training is: It's maintaining the parameters that allow the dog to successfully continue and build certain behaviors.
Without maintenance, everything breaks down.

Many people tend to treat big dogs and little dogs differently, which is understandable. Small dogs can't do as much dam...
09/19/2024

Many people tend to treat big dogs and little dogs differently, which is understandable. Small dogs can't do as much damage, and they're easier to physically control. While big dogs can be intimidating to many people, and can cause damage (to people and property) without much effort.
Because of these differences, it can be easy to forget that they're not "small dogs" and "big dogs," but rather they're all just "dogs."
They have the same needs, the same communication styles, and can develop the same behavioral issues.
Yes, a small dog can do less damage to people and property, but they can still experience the same mental and emotional damage to themselves, which can often lead to health and behavioral issues.❌

Just because one is small and one is big doesn't mean I don't expect the same capabilities from both of them. Yes, I may have to go about the training process slightly differently for a small dog versus a big dog, but the same can be said about two different big dogs, or two different small dogs, because each one is an individual with individual requirements.
So don't deprive your small dog of the joy of being a dog simply because they're small. 🐾💕

Stella’s excited because she’s officially a graduate of the Level 1 obedience program!🎉💗 Congratulations to both Stella ...
09/18/2024

Stella’s excited because she’s officially a graduate of the Level 1 obedience program!🎉💗

Congratulations to both Stella and her mom, they’ve put so much work in over the last 2 months, and I’m very proud of the progress they’ve made together! You’ll see more of her here in the future, as she’ll be back for the Level 2 program! ☺️

While it would be easier if every dog loved every kid, and no kids were afraid of dogs, sadly, this isn't usually the ca...
09/12/2024

While it would be easier if every dog loved every kid, and no kids were afraid of dogs, sadly, this isn't usually the case.
Therefore, it is important that we don't just take the time to help our dogs be okay with kids, but teach our kids how to be respectful to our dogs.

If your dog has a crate or pen area, children should be taught that it’s the dogs safe space, and not to be invaded. This next one is SO important, especially if you have a new puppy. ❌Do not mess with them and their food/high value chews while they’re consuming it❌
This can actually increase a dogs chances of resource guarding.
Another good piece of advice, a dog is not a jungle gym or a babysitter. They can’t communicate with words and, all too often the early warning signs are ignored resulting in a bite to a child.

If this is something you or someone you know is struggling with, please reach out and I will be happy to help! 😊

✨Wednesday Wisdom✨It’s important to remember, naps are just as important for dogs (especially puppies) as they are for h...
09/11/2024

✨Wednesday Wisdom✨

It’s important to remember, naps are just as important for dogs (especially puppies) as they are for human children. And for the same reasons!

Puppies need more sleep than many people realize for optimum development. It's roughly 16-18 hours per day, and once they hit adulthood it's about 10-12 hours per day.
And that's deep, REM sleep, so those 10 or 15 minute naps here and there aren't enough.
And if they don't get it, then, just like with human toddlers, they tend to get cranky, whiny, lose some of their impulse control, and can sometimes get destructive. 💣

So we want to ensure that, just like with toddlers, we're giving them scheduled nap times. We also want to be able to block out distractions so they can get into that really deep sleep(this is where crates and x-pens can come in handy!)
Puppyhood can be challenging for everyone, but an overtired puppy can make it that much harder!

Hello from Milo & Otis, they’re new here at Pawsitive Pathways! 🥰Their parents had to go out of town for the day and rea...
09/07/2024

Hello from Milo & Otis, they’re new here at Pawsitive Pathways! 🥰

Their parents had to go out of town for the day and reached out to me needing a quality sitter for these 2 very special boys! I love these meatheads so much already. Be on the lookout for more content of this dynamic duo, as I’ll be doing visits again with them in the future🫶🏼

DID YOU KNOW that muzzle training has many benefits that aren't just for aggressive or bite-risk dogs? ✓ Muzzles can be ...
09/05/2024

DID YOU KNOW that muzzle training has many benefits that aren't just for aggressive or bite-risk dogs?
✓ Muzzles can be used to aid in training and socialization when dealing with problem behaviors, such as reactivity, anxiety/fear, eating things that shouldn't, etc.

✓ Muzzles can be used as a management tool for health issues that can make eating things a life and death situations, such as PICA and ME.

✓ Muzzles can be used to give nervous, fearful and reactive dogs the space they need to build the confidence around strange people.

✓ It can also be used to safely introduce new dogs to each other, especially if you don't know how well they will get along.

✓ and much more!

If properly introduced to a muzzle, a dog will not only be comfortable and confident while wearing it, but will generally have a positive association with the muzzle and get excited to see it!
You need to introduce it properly, which means training and patience. It also means LOTS of opportunities to make that muzzle a party hat and treat dispenser! When it comes out, good things are happening. 🎊

❗️A muzzle is not a substitute for training. It is a tool to be used as part of training.

❗️A properly sized basket muzzle allows your dog to pant fully, drink water, play, and even accept treats (unless modified to prevent scavenging/eating things). They cause no hindrance to breathing, even during exercise, and only prevent the ability to bite.

☆ MUZZLED DOGS ARE NOT BAD DOGS, BUT THEY MAY NEED SOME EXTRA SPACE. OWNERS OF MUZZLED DOGS ARE RESPONSIBLE OWNERS, REGARDLESS OF WHY THEY MUZZLE.☆

✨Wednesday Wisdom✨Don't forget to breathe! That's another one of the first things that I tell my clients. Dogs communica...
09/04/2024

✨Wednesday Wisdom✨

Don't forget to breathe! That's another one of the first things that I tell my clients. Dogs communicate primarily through body language, so any changes, even small ones, WILL BE noticed by your dog!

The tensing of your shoulders, how tightly you're holding the leash, a change in your speed, etc. Your dog will notice these things, and, depending on the situation, may react in the exact OPPOSITE way that you want them to, because your body language is saying something different than your words or intentions. ❌

If we want our dog to calm down, we must first show them what that looks like. So don't forget to start every training exercise and every interaction by breathing and relaxing your body, even if you don't think you're tense. 💚

It’s been awhile but my girl Gigi is back! 😍The happy whines when I came through the door were so delightful, this is wh...
09/01/2024

It’s been awhile but my girl Gigi is back! 😍

The happy whines when I came through the door were so delightful, this is why I love my job so much! These animals become like family to me and are treated like my own dogs, so seeing them get excited to see me tells me I made the right decision with my career path 🥰

Dukes morning walk was very eventful today! He sniffed just about every tree in the neighborhood, and got bamboozled by ...
08/31/2024

Dukes morning walk was very eventful today!
He sniffed just about every tree in the neighborhood, and got bamboozled by squirrels one too many times…Poor boy 🤣

Welcome to Pawsitive Pathways, Duke! 🐾💙Duke is an APBT mix thats owned by a friend of mine. I’ll be doing some drop-in v...
08/31/2024

Welcome to Pawsitive Pathways, Duke! 🐾💙

Duke is an APBT mix thats owned by a friend of mine. I’ll be doing some drop-in visits and walks with him while she’s out of town for a couple of days. He’s the sweetest bonehead, I’m enjoying the time I get with him!☺️

What is "structure" when we’re talking about dog training? It's the rules and boundaries that you set up in your dog's l...
08/29/2024

What is "structure" when we’re talking about dog training?
It's the rules and boundaries that you set up in your dog's life that let you both know exactly what's expected in any given situation. It can be as loose or strict as you want, but keep in mind that behavioral issues have a hard time setting in if the dog's daily routine is predictable, which is what structure provides.‼️

For example: Having them wait at the doorway with you before going out, waiting to be released for meals, or having them go to ‘Place’ when guests come over. For the multi-dog households, letting them play rough in certain areas of the house, or outside only.
All of these are examples of household structure.✔️🟢

And, again, structure provides predictability, which teaches the dog what to do in any given situation. This prevents them from having to figure it out for themselves, which can easily lead to bad habits. So, for those puppies, and dogs with behavioral issues, we want to ensure that their life is as structured as possible!
Later on, after certain things become habits, then we can ease off on the strictness of it and start bending rules and boundaries, because they will no longer need to be told how to behave, and we can trust that they'll make good decisions. But, even at that point, going back to that structure while you train them will be very beneficial to prevent undesirable behaviors from redeveloping!

✨Wednesday Wisdom✨Oftentimes people will put their dog or puppy in a crate, they start crying/whining, the person infers...
08/28/2024

✨Wednesday Wisdom✨

Oftentimes people will put their dog or puppy in a crate, they start crying/whining, the person infers that the dog doesn't like it, and so they let them out. They may try again, but since the dog has already learned that crying/whining will get them out, they're even faster to start next time.
So this confirms in the person's mind that the crate is a negative thing. ❌

What we want to do, however, is to condition them to feeling like the crate is a GOOD thing. Exercises like crate games can help with that!

As the dog becomes more comfortable, we can do the same exercises except with closing and opening the door, then we start working on leaving the room for short periods, and build up from there. That's how we change the crate from an empty room into a bedroom! 😁

My final visit with Cheeko was today, and he was such a pleasure to watch over the weekend! You’ll see more of him here ...
08/26/2024

My final visit with Cheeko was today, and he was such a pleasure to watch over the weekend!

You’ll see more of him here in the future as his owners will be continuing to use my services😊

Happy National Dog Day from my pups to yours! It’s a beautiful day for it🥰🐶Feel free to share your own photos in the com...
08/26/2024

Happy National Dog Day from my pups to yours! It’s a beautiful day for it🥰🐶

Feel free to share your own photos in the comments, let’s see all those cute doggos! ✨

Cheeko says YIPPEE ITS FRIDAY! ☀️Cheeko’s owners are utilizing my drop-in pet sitting service for him and his kitty sist...
08/23/2024

Cheeko says YIPPEE ITS FRIDAY! ☀️

Cheeko’s owners are utilizing my drop-in pet sitting service for him and his kitty sister while they enjoy their anniversary over the weekend!
They told me I may not even see the cat because she was a feral and doesn’t usually come out for strangers, but look who came to say hello and get some loving 🥰

When it comes to behavioral issues in the house, one of the things that I often tell my clients is to put a leash on the...
08/22/2024

When it comes to behavioral issues in the house, one of the things that I often tell my clients is to put a leash on the dog while inside and let them drag it around or tether it to themselves. In this way, you're able to offer quick and clear communication to the dog in any situation. That's one way that we'll be able to shape their indoor behaviors. You'd be surprised how many household issues can be solved simply by having a leash on in the house and supervising/managing what they're doing while they build new habits and skills.
Dogs are quick to pick up on things. The leash gives us the opportunity to offer immediate feedback on which of those things are appropriate or inappropriate, so we can develop the habits that we want and avoid the ones that we don't want. Then, later on, we won't need the leash, because the dog already knows what's expected.

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East Herkimer, NY
13350

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Monday 7am - 10pm
Tuesday 7am - 10pm
Wednesday 7am - 10pm
Thursday 7am - 10pm
Friday 7am - 10pm
Saturday 10am - 10pm
Sunday 10am - 10pm

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+13155258166

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As the weather starts to slowly get nicer here in Central NY, consider booking me for your pet sitting needs! Your pet can stay in your home where they’re most comfortable, but still get the human affection they crave. You can also add extras like hikes or training packages! 🐾💜

Mr Odin enjoying his time out in the snow during his drop-in visit today 🥰 Do you need care for your pets during the New Year? Contact us today for a quote! Specials currently running on training and pet care packages 🎄🐾
Mr Odin enjoying his time out in the snow during his drop-in visit today 🥰 Do you need care for your pets during the New Year? Contact us today for a quote! Specials currently running on training and pet care packages 🎄🐾

Mr. Odin enjoying his time out in the snow during his drop in visit today🥰 Do you need care for your pets for the New Year? Send a message for a list of our services and quotes! Holiday specials currently running on training and pet care packages🎄🐾

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