Pawsitive Steps

01/15/2025

Send a message to learn more

01/12/2025

Understanding the ethology of dogs offers a glimpse into the world through their eyes. Knowing this, there is no need or place for aversive tools such as prong collars, choke chains or shock collars.

Science has proven over and over again there is no need for these obsolete tools that are designed to cause pain. If it wasn’t painful, it wouldn’t work, period.

Not only is it immoral to hurt your dog while training, it’s extremely unethical and dangerous to your relationship.

Think deeply before you decide to go the route of using aversive tools and techniques to train your dog.

We have come a long way from using shock treatment in humans and dogs. Shock therapy was used for hyper children 50 years ago. Today, a hyper child is labeled with ADHD. Imagine all these children being treated with shock today. It would never happen. However, shocking dogs is still being used in dog training, despite all the science debunking it.

When we know better we can do better.

This page is about positive reinforcement and there is no debate on the use of shock collars so refrain from debating it.

01/12/2025

Pups learn fast and as they move into adolescence they will continue to need your guidance by practicing everything you taught in real life situations or you might find you lack of follow through, consistency and patience will lead to unwanted behaviors and a dog who won’t listen to you any more. It’s not their fault. They aren’t trying to dominate you or test you, you just stopped practicing.

The good news is getting back on track is easy once you start up again.

Have fun and your dog will too.

01/12/2025

The first thing we should focus on when it comes to the relationship with our dogs is making them feel safe. Showing them we are their safe space, their escape, their security.

When working with dogs who haven’t had the best start, often first we see behaviour escalate when they start feel safe to express their needs and stop fearing consequences. Then they seem to relax, play, show you parts of their personality they haven’t been brave enough to reveal before.

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the little signs our dogs share with us, to say they feel safe.

01/03/2025

Despite my strong stance against aversive dog training methods, I understand their appeal. They can often get quick results, and punishment for the dog’s behaviour, may be reinforcing for the human. However, my concerns are twofold: Firstly, for me dog training/behaviour isn’t just about getting the behaviour I want; It’s about seeking the dog’s willing participation. This means they actively want to engage, rather than being compelled to go along with it. Secondly, no behaviour occurs in a vacuum; there is always a plethora of other effects. Everything that happens to them changes how their mind works and their emotional responses to the world around them.

An example: I saw a trainer recently shocking a dog to teach them to leave food on cue. It’s an instant result and people find that impressive. For me, I’d like to teach it in a way the dog finds pleasant. If that’s possible, why not do it? Leaving ethical arguments aside, the shock training is probably faster, but how might it affect how their dog sees the world? Might they be more anxious while eating? Might they be more likely to act aggressively if somebody (possibly a child) brushes past them while eating?

Because of the vast number of different scenarios, there are no certainties here, but do we want dogs acting through fear and discomfort, or do we want to increase optimism and reduce fear?

12/21/2024

New Intermediate Class Starting Wednesday, January 8th.

Send a message to learn more

12/21/2024

New Beginner Class starting Monday, January 6th.

Send a message to learn more

12/07/2024

Why, oh why are we STILL choking our dogs! Make it stop. Learn to walk a dog on a leash and harness. Stop the abuse of "slip leads" (we make exceptions for rescues and veterinarians who need to quickly and efficiently move dogs). Slip lead choking ropes and leashes are no way to treat our best friends. There is medical fallout, some bit of it is shown below...what more do you know? Learn to train without pain or fear here ~
https://amzn.to/3Ptt14g

11/29/2024

11/26/2024

🤍

10/30/2024

Please!!!!
Say no to shock, prong, choke chains, slip leads and gentle leaders, in fact not truly gentle at all.
Last night I was at a fundraising event.
A lady said to me :
You never like the e collars ? Even when they are used in a good way and appropriately?
I replied that there is never a good way to inflict pain knowingly on another.
💔
Be their advocates people. 
Their humans are all that they have to keep them safe.

Kindness always for the win! 🐾

10/01/2024

Latest statement from The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior clearly says no shock, choke chains or physical punishment.

Be a voice!!!!
🐾❤️