Positively Best Friends

08/25/2025

Interested in getting your dog’s AKC Farm Dog Certification? Not only do we have an event on Sunday, October 5th where you can do that – we are also offering 2 familiarization lessons in preparation for the test!

Get your dogs some exposure to livestock and have a mock test run through! Sunday Sept 14th and Sept 28th at noon. $45 per lesson at Mill Farm, Edgecomb.

To register, email: [email protected]

To enter the Farm Dog Certification test(s), you can find the premium here:

08/11/2025

Farm Dog Certification Event
Sunday, October 5th @ The Mill Farm, Edgecomb

Link to premium:

08/07/2025

Teach your pup that you are the best thing in the world! ❤️

I hear pet parents say to puppies-

Go do something else! Move! Go play!
Trying to get puppy to get away from them and go get some energy out.
They hand strangers treats to feed their puppy.

Then around 6 months old I hear them say to the dog, Come here! And say that everyone and everything in the environment is more reinforcing to the dog than they are.

Start teaching puppies that you are:
Their rock, their safe space.
That you can play and engage!
That being with you is reinforcing - have food, toys, engagement.
That being with you can be quiet and calm as well as fun.

08/03/2025

We’re looking for new rally enthusiasts! Rally curious? Rally veteran but have a dog that’s not? Foundation/Novice Rally class starts Tuesday, August 12th @ 5pm.

Questions? Want to register? Email the instructor:
[email protected]

07/30/2025

Behavior change takes effort—especially from pet guardians. 🐾

It’s easy to wish our pets would “just stop” barking, jumping, or pulling on leash—but real change starts with the humans.

That means:
✅ Being consistent with positive reinforcement training
✅ Meeting their physical & emotional needs
✅ Reinforcing the behaviors we want and being clear in our communication
✅ Teaching alternative behaviors
✅ Practicing patience and compassion

Behavior doesn’t shift overnight. Your pet isn't being stubborn - they may be confused and trying to learn and understand what you want. And you're also learning about your pet's needs while strengthening your bond.

Just like you, they need guidance, support, and time. It takes work - you gotta put in the work.

07/24/2025

Great info!

🐶 Enrichment for Dogs on Strict Rest 🐾
(such as heart worm treatment, post surgery, fractures)

🩺 When your dog is on strict rest, that doesn't mean enrichment has to stop!
Here are 5 enrichment ideas to keep their mind busy while their body rests:

🧴 Scent Games – Hide treats in a snuffle mat or under cups. Nose work is low-energy but mentally satisfying.
🧠 Puzzle Feeders – Use slow feeders or treat-dispensing toys that don’t require too much movement. Freezing moistened dry food or canned food in Toppls can be especially soothing.
🦴 Chew Options – Offer safe, vet-approved chews to meet their natural chewing needs without overexertion.
🎧 Calming Sounds – Play classical music, dog-calming playlists, or nature sounds to reduce stress.
👃 Novel Scents – Introduce new smells (lavender, vanilla on a towel) for gentle sensory stimulation.

➡️ Always follow your vet’s restrictions on movement and activity.
💚 Healing doesn’t have to be boring — enrichment helps your dog feel calm, safe, and engaged.

06/23/2025

There are a few spots left in our upcoming novice/foundation rally class - Tuesdays at 5pm, starting July 1st.

FMI or to register, email the instructor
[email protected]

06/23/2025

Stay cool!! 🔥🔥🫠🫠

Staying Cool in the Heat (Wave) of the Moment ☀️🐾

When the world outside feels like a giant hair dryer set to scorch, it’s more important than ever to stay cool—physically and emotionally.

For you and your dog.

💧 Physically Cool Tips:

Early mornings & late evenings are your best bet for walks.

Keep a fan blowing on both of you. Bonus if you add a cooling mat or damp towel for your pup.

Frozen lick mats, bone broth cubes, or water-rich treats like cucumber and watermelon (no seeds!) can help beat the heat.

Never leave your dog in a parked car. Not even for a minute.

Short-nosed dogs, seniors, and puppies are especially vulnerable—watch for heavy panting, drooling, or lethargy.

🧘 Emotionally Cool Tips:

Skip the training if everyone’s melting. Some days, success is just surviving with your relationship intact.

Dogs pick up on our stress—your calm is their calm.

Practice stillness. Lay on the floor together. Breathe. Drink some water. That’s enough.

Let your expectations melt a little, too.

This heat wave will pass—but the way you show up with empathy and awareness will leave a lasting imprint.

Stay cool, friends. Inside and out.
☀️💛🐶

04/30/2025

There is still room in two upcoming Rally classes!

Intro/Novice starts Tuesday, May 6th @ 5pm
Intermediate/Advanced starts Thursday, May 8th @ 9am

Please email the instructor to sign up!

[email protected]

04/12/2025

Reminder, no Saturday classes today 4/12/25. Good luck to all our friends competing at the Mid Coast Kennel Club of Maine - MCKC Obedience and Rally Trials this weekend.

04/06/2025

This Suzanne Clothier article again. It's good!

Useful quick read article on how to tell an expert from an imitator. Most common signals in my experience (at least among dog trainers): use of jargon and popular "recipes."

What are the tell-tale signs *you* see that tell you someone is an expert or merely an imitator? Link in comments too!

Picture of dog in truck just because. . . He was not going to let us drive off without him! This is his face when we asked him to get out of the vehicle. He won the negotiation.

https://fs.blog/experts-vs-imitators/

03/26/2025

Reminder that Saturday classes on 3/29/25 and Pam's Monday classes on 3/31/25 are cancelled. Homework is to take your dogs to a new location and practice handler focus activities or tricks. Remember to take lots of breaks and keep it short and fun.