Pawsitive Communication - Dog Training & Obedience

09/29/2023

MULTIPLE sets of classes are starting soon!
On Wednesday 10/11/23 and Saturday 10/14/23, Fairview Animal Hospital will be hosting our group classes again.

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, AKC Canine Good Citizen, as well as the Advanced class will all be available on Saturdays (starting 10/14/23)!
These will have their own separate hour-long slots, and can hold 6 dogs per class.

Wednesday class (starting 10/11/23) is a combination class that is also more limited in slots.
This is for both S.TA.R. Puppy & CGC in the same hour!
If this day of the week works best for you, sign up QUICK because there are only 4 spaces total!

****These are the LAST group classes for 2023!!****

Each runs for 6 weeks total, and the cost is $200.
You can call (770-389-9757) or visit FAH to make your payment, and that will secure your spot.
FAH can also give you information on the required vaccines for your furbaby to attend.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to message me here on FB, or send an email to [email protected].

09/29/2023

ELLENWOOD CANINES BECOME AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPIES
-- Puppy Grads Earn Gold Medals --

Kaellen Brown, along with Fairview Animal Hospital, is proud to celebrate the graduation of this Pomeranian pup and her owner from the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training class. The program rewards responsible owners who take the time to train and socialize their new furbabies! This is the puppy level of the AKC’s well-known Canine Good Citizen® program. “S.T.A.R.” stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and a Responsible owner, all of the things a puppy needs to have a good life. As new S.T.A.R. graduates, this family has taken the important first steps in becoming responsible members of the community. We are proud to see dog owners actively seeking ways to help their puppies start life on the right paw like this!

To earn the gold Olympics style AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy medal and white ribbon, participants need to enroll their puppies in FAH’s group training class instructed by AKC Approved CGC Evaluator, Kaellen. Classes included valuable training tips for puppy owners, such as how to housetrain; as well as lessons on practical skills for puppies, such as coming when called. The program is open to all breeds of dogs. Puppies can begin training as soon as they have the necessary vaccines (around 3 months old), all the way up to 12 months old.

At the end of the training course, the instructor will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test. Upon passing, owners and their puppies will receive an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy package (after mailing in their form), which includes:
• A frameable certificate
• AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy medal
• AKC Puppy Handbook
• Discount enrollment in AKC Companion Animal Recovery
• Subscription to monthly e-mail newsletter that includes training tips

For more information on AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, see www.akc.org/starpuppy
Next stop is the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program!

P.S. Feel free to tag yourself if you see this and tell us how your sweetheart is doing now!

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There is information on each picture. There are also captions for those who use caption readers!

08/07/2023

Soon soon soon, y'all! 😻

School is back in session for our humans, and our fur babies. Pawsitive Communication has more puppy, and good citizen classes upcoming with Wednesday and Saturday classes.
Wednesdays
1st class - 10/11
Skip - 10/18
2nd class - 10/25
3rd class - 11/1
4th class - 11/8
5th class - 11/15
Skip - 11/22
6th class - 11/29 (Graduation!)
-----
Saturday
1st class - 10/14
Skip - 10/21
2nd class - 10/28
3rd class - 11/4
4th class - 11/11
5th class - 11/18
Skip - 11/25
6th class - 12/2 (Graduation!)

07/24/2023

Another set of classes is starting soon!
On Saturday 8/5/23, Fairview Animal Hospital will be hosting our group classes again.
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, AKC Canine Good Citizen, as well as the Advanced class will all be available!
Each runs for 6 weeks total, and the cost is $200.
You can call (770-389-9757) or visit FAH to make your payment, and that will secure your spot because each class fills up at 6 dogs.
FAH can also give you information on the required vaccines for your furbaby to attend.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to message me here on FB, or send an email to [email protected].

07/24/2023

ELLENWOOD CANINES BECOME AKC GOOD CITIZENS
-- Adult Grads Earn Gold Medals --

Kaellen Brown, along with Fairview Animal Hospital, is proud to celebrate the graduation of these adult dogs and their owners from the AKC Canine Good Citizen training class! The program rewards responsible owners who take the time to train and socialize their dog to become a polite member of society. The CGC program is based on the belief that with love, praise, and the right training, all dogs can be good dogs. And with a little guidance, all owners can be great owners. CGC training will make your dog a welcome and pleasant visitor in the homes of friends and family. Trips to the vet or groomer will be easier with CGC skills under your dog’s belt. CGC can also help your dog fit in at the office if you take your dog to work with you. The benefits also go beyond you and your dog. The CGC program helps spread the word about responsible dog ownership across the country, ensuring dogs will always be welcome members of society. In fact, many state governments have started to recognize the CGC program as a way to advocate for responsible dog ownership, and 48 states have CGC resolutions that endorse the program on a statewide level.

To earn their gold Olympics style AKC CGC medals and blue ribbons, the participants enrolled their furbabies in FAH’s group training class instructed by AKC Approved CGC Evaluator, Kaellen. CGC helps with the basics like sit and stay, but it also builds confidence through socialization and positive association, helping dogs feel calm when meeting strangers and in busy, crowded situations. The program is open to all breeds of dogs. Dogs can attend a CGC class as young as 6 months old; however, they typically do best by starting around 1 year old. There is no maximum age limit for CGC. Yes, even old dogs can learn new tricks!

At the end of the training course, the instructor will administer the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. Upon passing, owners and their furbabies will receive a CGC certificate (after mailing in their paperwork), and can even get the CGC title added to their dog’s AKC registry. To earn CGC as an official title, dogs must have one of the 3 types of registration: 1) AKC number, 2) Purebred Alternative Listing number [PAL], or 3) AKC Canine Partners number (for mix-breeds).

For more information on AKC Canine Good Citizen, see www.akc.org/cgc
After your dog earns a CGC award, you’re both ready to pursue other fun and fulfilling activities. Examples include:
• Therapy dog work
• Dog sports
• AKC Community Canine (ensuring you have a well-mannered dog while you’re out in the community)
• AKC Urban CGC (a test of your dog’s skills in an active city or town setting)
• AKC Trick Dog™ (After earning your CGC title, you and your dog only have to perform five tricks form the Novice checklist to earn your AKC Novice Trick Dog title)

P.S. Feel free to tag yourself if you see this and tell us how your sweethearts are doing now!

~~~~~~~~~~

There is information on each picture. There are also captions for those who use caption readers!

07/24/2023

ELLENWOOD CANINES BECOME AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPIES
-- Puppy Grads Earn Gold Medals --

Kaellen Brown, along with Fairview Animal Hospital, is proud to celebrate the graduation of these puppies and owners from the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training class. The program rewards responsible owners who take the time to train and socialize their new furbabies! This is the puppy level of the AKC’s well-known Canine Good Citizen® program. “S.T.A.R.” stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and a Responsible owner, all of the things a puppy needs to have a good life. As new S.T.A.R. graduates, these dogs and owners have taken the important first step in becoming responsible members of the community. We are proud to see dog owners actively seeking ways to help their puppies start life on the right paw.

To earn their gold Olympics style AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy medals and white ribbons, the participants enrolled their puppies in FAH’s group training class instructed by AKC Approved CGC Evaluator, Kaellen. Classes included valuable training tips for puppy owners, such as how to housetrain; as well as lessons on practical skills for puppies, such as coming when called. The program is open to all breeds of dogs. Puppies can begin training as soon as they have the necessary vaccines (around 3 months old), all the way up to 12 months old.

At the end of the training course, the instructor will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test. Upon passing, owners and their puppies will receive an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy package (after mailing in their form), which includes:
• A frameable certificate
• AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy medal
• AKC Puppy Handbook
• Discount enrollment in AKC Companion Animal Recovery
• Subscription to monthly e-mail newsletter that includes training tips

For more information on AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, see www.akc.org/starpuppy
Next stop is the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program!

P.S. Feel free to tag yourself if you see this and tell us how your sweethearts are doing now!

~~~~~~~~~~

There is information on each picture. There are also captions for those who use caption readers!

03/09/2023

Reminder to all: Saturday 4/1 is the next set of group classes at Fairview! This is for S.T.A.R. Puppy (3-11 months old), Canine Good Citizen (12+ months old), and even Advanced (any dog who has passed CGC).

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to send a message here on FB, or email me at [email protected].

Aspen is officially a graduate of the Star Puppy program and will be participating in the Canine Good Citizen classes next. 🐶🐕👩‍🎓👨‍🎓
We have several new dates for these classes, and a new one to add. Each class in $200. Each class can fit 6 dogs.

If you are interested in the advanced class, and you did not complete your CGC at Fairview Animal Hospital, we will need proof of completion.
Advanced classes will learn tricks, rally, and agility-type training.

January/February Saturdays: 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4,2/11 and graduation is on 2/24. No class on 2/18.
Puppies are at 2pm, Adults are at 3 pm and Advanced is at 4pm.

April/May Saturdays: 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, graduation on 5/13. No class 5/6.
Puppies at 2pm, Adults at 3pm, and Advanced at 4pm.

May/June Wednesdays: 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, Graduate on 7/12. No class 7/5.
Puppies and adults at 5pm.

03/09/2023

12/16/2022

Aspen is officially a graduate of the Star Puppy program and will be participating in the Canine Good Citizen classes next. 🐶🐕👩‍🎓👨‍🎓
We have several new dates for these classes, and a new one to add. Each class in $200. Each class can fit 6 dogs.

If you are interested in the advanced class, and you did not complete your CGC at Fairview Animal Hospital, we will need proof of completion.
Advanced classes will learn tricks, rally, and agility-type training.

January/February Saturdays: 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4,2/11 and graduation is on 2/24. No class on 2/18.
Puppies are at 2pm, Adults are at 3 pm and Advanced is at 4pm.

April/May Saturdays: 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, graduation on 5/13. No class 5/6.
Puppies at 2pm, Adults at 3pm, and Advanced at 4pm.

May/June Wednesdays: 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, Graduate on 7/12. No class 7/5.
Puppies and adults at 5pm.

10/12/2022

🍁Holiday Special for Private Classes🍁
Starting in November, I'll be offering a discount through the end of the year! This special offer is $160 for four classes, whereas the normal price is $200 for four classes. Each session is for one hour, one day a week. There's still a free 30 minute consultation to discuss behavior or tricks you'd like to work on with your furbaby of course!

After the consultation and you've determined I'm a good fit, we also then figure out the best setting for these lessons, whether it's at your home or somewhere pet-safe in public. I'm able to meet you anywhere within 15 miles of Lithonia. We can work together on obedience, tricks, some behavioral issues, Rally, Agility, etc! All breeds, all ages, all sizes!

If you're interested or have any questions or concerns, send me a message here on FB or email me at [email protected]. I look forward to teaming up with you and your furbaby!! 🐾❤️

09/07/2022

Fairview has extended the deadline to reserve your spot.
You now have until 9/22 to call them and sign up!

These are group classes for S.T.A.R. Puppy & Canine Good Citizen (CGC).

I look forward to seeing you soon! 🐾

08/10/2022

Interested in group classes for dog training this fall? Fairview is hosting our AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy & AKC CGC classes again! The start date is 9/24, and it runs for six weeks total.

To sign up, please call Fairview Animal Hospital at 770-389-9757 no later than 9/1! They will give you more info on the dates and times, as well as the necessary vaccines for your furbaby to attend.

In the mean time, there are still private classes available, for those who are looking for more than what the group classes offer. I can give you details on each group class & their lessons so you can see what fits best for you!

Feel free to send a message here on FB, or send an email to [email protected]!

07/28/2022

Fall date is set! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions regarding the classes.

In the mean time, private sessions are available!

06/25/2022

At the 2022 Westminster Dog Show, winners were announced for the herding, hound, non-sporting, sporting, terrier, toy, and working groups.

06/15/2022

Classes are baaaaack! 🤩😻
Call FAH to join us!

10/14/2021

By shifting your approach to grooming, you can make it an activity that your dog actively participates in — and even enjoys.

10/12/2021

Clever Border Collies have their word learning skills tested in new research from the Genius Dog Challenge.

10/12/2021

Congratulations to Purina Pro Plan-fed dog, Wasabi, for winning Best In Show at the 2021 Morris and Essex Kennel Club Dog Show! He also took home the Best In Show crown at the 2021 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the 2019 AKC National Championship, a rare feat in the world of conformation.

10/12/2021

You can watch the Flyball CanAm Classic championships on Sunday, October 17 at 4 p.m. EST. by tuning in to ESPN2 on your TV or by signing in on any device.

10/12/2021

The Power of Training with Food

Throughout this course, Michael Ellis covers the basis of food rewards as a motivational training method. This is applicable to any dog breed and age, and highlights important engagement techniques including a brief review of the marker system in regards to training behaviors, as well as the luring technique.

Ellis approaches the power of training with food as a game between trainer and dog. The relationship should be fun, motivating, and engaging. Why should you begin with food rewards over toy rewards? There are two reasons for which you should start training with food:
1.) Puppies have a stronger food drive than toy drive. Using food allows trainers to jackpot food rewards (give multiple rewards).
2.) Ellis will also discuss the deliverance (injury prevention) and value of a food reward, as well as fading food rewards.

The goal of this video is to increase your dog’s engagement. With these skills, you can ensure your dog wants to be with you and what you have to give. This process allows you to hold your dog’s focus, and eliminate problems with external distractions.

Shop Now: https://leerburg.com/training-with-food.htm

📸 This photo is from the 2021 Michael Ellis seminar at Leerburg. Here he is working on engagement with food rewards.

10/12/2021

Puppy power on the low platform balance training K9FITbone! 💙🐾
..
🐕 Simba travail sa proprioception.

10/11/2021

How do you feel when your dog does this? 😂

10/11/2021

Luring is the most common technique of eliciting a new behavior. Try luring your dog in a circle to teach the "spin" trick.
https://domorewithyourdog.com/DogTricks/product/the-joy-of-dog-training-new/

10/11/2021

New on YouTube: Michael Ellis on Keeping a Training Journal

Watch Now: https://youtu.be/XJpad89vJE8

10/11/2021

Do you dread someone ringing your doorbell because it sends your dog into fits of barking or jumping? You aren't alone. Many dogs get overly excited when t

10/11/2021

Tips for Keeping a Training Journal

One of the most powerful tools to have whether you are a dog trainer or just a simple pet owner is keeping a training journal. With this simple tool you can plan and keep track of your training goals. This tool is especially helpful as your puppy develops and if any problems like reactivity arise.

Tip 1: Get a notebook you can dedicate to your dog. Consider using a planner if you are looking for a more structured feel.

Tip 2: Set your training goal. Are you training a service dog, a sport dog, or just looking for basic obedience? Your training strategy for each one of these will look different, so its important going in to know what you want from your dog.

Tip 3: Plan your cue words. There are 5 main words we recommend in marker training. They are Ready, Yes, Good, No, & Done. These are just some of the words you should plan on using. Take time to study up on marker training and planning what words you want to use and when. Practice saying and using the words without your dog too because in order for your dog to be successful you do too. (Need help with markers? Check out our article or course on the Power of Training Dogs with Markers)

Tip 4: Plan your sessions but be prepared to change your plans. Not every session goes the way we want and that is okay. Always note down what was done during a session and what you might need to work on more in the future. Always refer back to your notes.

Tip 5: Remember to keep sessions fun and energetic. Sometimes we can really suck the fun out of training when we spend too much time planning. While we do recommend having some goals in mind, keeping a training journal is really about tracking progress towards those goals. Not every dog is the same, so not every training technique and strategy is going to work. At the end of the day, the journal is there to store information you might otherwise forget about. It's also a really great reference point and source of information about your dog, their health, and any behaviors they exhibit. This can be especially useful for your vet or a trainer if you need to hire one.

Learn more about Raising Your Puppy with Michael Ellis: https://leerburg.com/sale-details.php

Photo Credit: Kai//Chloe Adam | Leerburg 2021 Photo Contest