A Pawsitive Start Dog Training

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A Pawsitive Start Dog Training

A well behaved dog in your home is not unreasonable. Nor is it unattainable. With a little directi Owner/Trainer Myra Horner began training her first dog in 1985.
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Since that time, several different training method styles have sprung up from authoritative to dominance to passive. As training suggestions changed, Myra became increasingly frustrated as she was finding not all of her dogs responded the way trainers stated they should. Each of Myra's dogs have been rescues, which usually means they have some baggage that other pups may not. That baggage was the

obstacle in how they responded to training. In an attempt to be able to reach all of her pups, Myra has researched many different training styles and implemented them with her canines or a clients. From this she has created her own hybrid training program which is focused on positive, fun, and easy to learn techniques. Her goal is to make dog training fun for both the owner and the pup, as it has been proven dogs learn faster and retain the information longer if they are having fun. If it's true for the dogs, it must be true for the humans as well, right?? :) Myra resides in Little Falls, Minnesota but services the Brainerd Lakes Area as well. She and her K9's Harley & Koda are volunteers with the Central Lakes Area Search and Rescue unit. Like most people, in her spare time she loves drinking her coffee, pretending to study wind theory, sneaking pastries from her favorite local bakery, and trying to convince people that most of what she says is hilarious.

06/30/2022

And just because your dog “looks” happy doesn’t mean that it is.

06/17/2022

I wanna know … if you have taken a class or had lessons with me, what did you enjoy the most?

A. Information regarding dog behavior
B. Understanding what my dog was telling me
C. How easy and FUN it is to combine training and games
D. Ideas and suggestions for dealing with different “bad” behaviors
E. Other (please explain - I’d love to hear!)

05/27/2022

Friday's Fact:
"You might expect your dog’s mouth to smell like, well, dog. But persistent bad breath can actually be a sign of dental disease or other health problems. If you don’t already, have your dog’s teeth examined by a veterinarian every year."

Source: RD

05/27/2022

Wow. What a story!

Judy, a purebred pointer, was the mascot of several ships in the Pacific, and was captured by the Japanese in 1942 and taken to a prison camp. There she met Aircraftsman Frank Williams, who shared his small portion of rice with her.
Judy raised morale in the POW camp, and also barked when poisonous snakes, crocodiles or even tigers approached the prisoners. When the prisoners were shipped back to Singapore, she was smuggled out in a rice sack, never whimpering or betraying her presence to the guards.
The next day, that ship was torpedoed. Williams pushed Judy out of a porthole in an attempt to save her life, even though there was a 15-foot drop to the sea. He made his own escape from the ship, but was then recaptured and sent to a new POW camp.
He didn't know if Judy had survived, but soon he began hearing stories about a dog helping drowning men reach pieces of debris after the shipwreck. And when Williams arrived at the new camp, he said: "I couldn’t believe my eyes! As I walked through the gate, a scraggly dog hit me square between the shoulders and knocked me over. I’d never been so glad to see the old girl!"
They spent a year together at that camp in Sumatra. "Judy saved my life in so many ways," said Williams. "But the greatest of all was giving me a reason to live. All I had to do was look into those weary, bloodshot eyes and ask myself: 'What would happen to her if I died?' I had to keep going."
Once hostilities ceased, Judy was then smuggled aboard a troopship heading back to Liverpool. In England, she was awarded the Dickin Medal (the "Victoria Cross" for animals) in May 1946. Her citation reads: "For magnificent courage and endurance in Japanese prison camps, which helped to maintain morale among her fellow prisoners, and also for saving many lives through her intelligence and watchfulness".
At the same time, Frank Williams was awarded the PDSA's White Cross of St. Giles for his devotion to Judy. Frank and Judy spent a year after the war visiting the relatives of English POWs who had not survived, and Frank said that Judy "always provided a comforting presence to the families."
When Judy finally died at the age of 13, Frank spent two months building a granite and marble memorial in her memory, which included a plaque describing her life story.

05/27/2022

Unfortunately all Bark in the Park Saturday classes are CANCELLED.

Thank you.

05/12/2022

✔️Tomorrow is the last day to pre-register for this Saturday morning's Bark in the Park!

🐕‍🦺Puppies aged 2-7 months will meet at 9 a.m. and Pups aged 8 months & older will meet at 10:15 a.m.

💲Pre-registration cost is $15.
Day of event cost is $20.

🏞Location is North End Park, Little Falls (across the street from the Humane Society).

To register visit www.apawsitivestart.com or call/text +1 218-330-8155.

A well behaved dog in your home is not unreasonable. Nor is it unattainable. With a little directi

05/10/2022

LAST CALL FOR REGISTRATION.

If you would like to participate in the Bark in the Park Wednesday night group classes that start tomorrow, registrations are required by end of day!

To register, click on 'events' up above, or copy and paste this web address into your browser: https://apawsitivestartscheduling.as.me/barkinthepark

Hope to see you there!

05/07/2022

Just a reminder that if you would like to participate in the Bark in the Park Wednesday night group classes, registrations are required by May 10th!

To register, click on 'events' up above, or copy and paste this web address into your browser: https://apawsitivestartscheduling.as.me/barkinthepark

Hope to see you there!

05/05/2022

Can anyone relate??

05/05/2022

A dogs behavior is not ”just” a behavior and finding a way to modify or change the behavior will result in a happier, calmer dog. ❤️

What if I told you obedience doesn't matter?

Hold your horses.

I’m not saying “obedience” is bad…

Although personally, I’m not a fan of the word.

It always drums up thoughts of school days back when rulers across knuckles were a thing (I didn’t experience this, but I’ve seen it in enough movies to have a vivid image in my mind).

But that’s beside the point.

Truth is, I used to believe that the way to fixing behavior was through control.

And the easiest way to control a dog was through obedience.

Don’t want your dog to pull?

Teach a formal heel, and then make them do it.

Don’t want your dog to be rude in public?

Make them sit…

Or down-stay instead.

Don’t want them to be naughty in the house?

Make them lay on a dog bed and stay there.

And listen…

I’m not saying that teaching these things can’t help at times.

But back when I had my first dog…

I believed that obedience was the solution to everything.

In fact, the very first thing I did when I brought him home was enrolled him in a group obedience class.

And boy let me tell you…

That was one of the most frustrating and embarrassing endeavors of my life.

My dog alligator rolling at the end of his leash, straining against his collar and spitting out the hot dogs we were trying to use to get him to sit as he gasped and piulled to get to the other dogs.

I went through countless trainers, all with different methods, learning about obedience as a solution to my many problems.

But none of the sits…

The downs…

The begged…

And later forced heel…

Dealt with the emotions driving my dog’s behavior.

And they sure as heck never dealt with my relationship with my dog…

Which was sorely out of whack.
 My dog didn’t need obedience…

He needed confidence…

He needed coping skills…

He needed an outlet for his energy and drive…

And he needed someone on the other end of his leash who he could trust…

And who he understood.

Because had he had those things…

That hard fought obedience would have been a breeze.
 And the problems we experienced wouldn’t have been problems at all.

05/05/2022

Very interesting information… I wasn’t aware of this until now.

05/04/2022

Today's 'how' is something I believe many people forget when adopting a dog.

Dogs are working breeds!

Check out the graphic below for more information on this 'how'.

And feel free to contact me at [email protected] or message me through Facebook if you would like more information on modifying and changing your pups behavior!

Or if you just want to start your pup off right!

Group classes start Wednesday, May 11th at 6 & 7:15 p.m. Register by May 10th!

Saturday morning Bark in the Park starts May 14th at 9 & 10:15 a.m. Register by Friday, May 13th!

Join us!!

05/03/2022

Today's 'how' on changing your pups bad and/or inappropriate behaviors is:

Take advantage of your pups natural desire to play!!

Check it out and then come back tomorrow for 'how' #3!

05/02/2022

Last week we talked about why our pups may be making bad choices, and displaying inappropriate and bad behavior.

This week, let's take a look at HOW we can help our pups to overcome that behavior and become pawsome house companions.

Up first is TPP!!

TIME
PATIENCE
PRACTICE (work/training)

Check back tomorrow for 'how' #2!!

In the meantime, if you would like more information on lessons or when group classes are available, please shoot an email to [email protected] or message through the page.

04/28/2022

Today's concept is a hard one to believe that I expect my pups to do. They aren't great at it yet, not by a long shot. But when I am consistent with training them regarding calmness, I do see a difference. And I know you will too!

If you'd like to start learning games that strengthen your pups concepts (thinking brain), email me at [email protected] or you can visit my website, www.apawsitivestart.com, and send a message via the contact form.

I look forward to hearing from you!

04/27/2022

Today let's talk Arousal Up & Arousal Down. This concept is the culprit of many unwanted behaviors like dashing out of doors and cars, jumping up on visitors and children, not listening when called and more.

04/26/2022

Below are four of the most common things I hear dog owners say about their pups when looking in to training. Over the next few days I'll be sharing concepts as to why your pup may be acting this way. But don't worry - I'll also be sharing some ways you can alter or modify these behaviors as well!

04/25/2022

This is intended to be funny, but you truly would be helping me out by liking, commenting, and maybe even sharing?

Thank you so much!!

04/24/2022

Hello to all my pup friends & their humans! I hope this finds you all well and getting ready for the pawsome weather I know is coming soon! Although as I type this there are some pretty black clouds rolling in, so tonight’s weather may not be quite so pawsome. ;)

04/19/2022

Schedule for this summer's Bark in the Park. Please note there is no class on May 21st!

Any questions? Text me at +1 218-330-8155 or email to [email protected].

04/07/2022

Sometimes the only thing you can do with your pups behavior is learn to let it go. This culprit knows very well he is not supposed to chew on my shoes, socks, or clothes.

But that doesn’t stop him from doing the naughty behavior, especially when he’s bored and wants to play. If that’s why your pup is misbehaving, the best way to handle that is to turn it into a game - which I know is affirmative or positive attention.

I have found though when my culprit gets that desperate for my attention - there’s usually a good reason - like I haven’t been paying attention to them?

If you’d like individual assistance with modifying your pups behavior, send me a message today and let’s set up a Zoom session for $30. Sessions last an hour minimum, and is a great way for me to see how you and your pup work together.

Call/message me today!

04/05/2022

If you’ve taken classes with me, you know how much I love my biothane leashes. This is where I buy mine from as they are a small woman owned business in the US. Plus, she is also a search & rescue volunteer. ❤️

04/04/2022

Luckily this does not happen to me. However, I do wake up to a nose in my face.

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Telephone

+12183308155

Website

http://www.apawsitivestart.com/

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Videos

Setting up for Saturday’s Bark in the Park!

The case of who took my sock - solved!

Sometimes the only thing you can do with your pups behavior is learn to let it go. This culprit knows very well he is not supposed to chew on my shoes, socks, or clothes. But that doesn’t stop him from doing the naughty behavior, especially when he’s bored and wants to play. If that’s why your pup is misbehaving, the best way to handle that is to turn it into a game - which I know is affirmative or positive attention. I have found though when my culprit gets that desperate for my attention - there’s usually a good reason - like I haven’t been paying attention to them? If you’d like individual assistance with modifying your pups behavior, send me a message today and let’s set up a Zoom session for $30. Sessions last an hour minimum, and is a great way for me to see how you and your pup work together. Call/message me today!

Did you know the answer to the video regarding the dog jumping at the door? Find out ....

Take a guess as to what to do on this dogs behavior. And come back tomorrow to find out the answer!! a. Open the door and yell at him for getting your for all muddy b. Open the door and let him in scolding him for being so loud and rude c. Open the door, grab his leash and make him sit - then take his leash off and let him in d. Wait until he stops barking, open the door, grab his leash and make him sit - then take his leash off and let him in e. Wait until he stops barking and sits and doesn’t bark or barge towards the opening door

Does your dog know where to go if he needs to calm down? ‘Place’ is a great game to play which has sooo many benefits. Can you think of any other ones? #apawsitivestart #dogtrainingisfun #dogtrainerlife #dogtraining #fundogtraining #nomorepulling #dogbehaviormodification #dogbehaviortraining #dogs #mndog #mndogsofinstagram #mndogtraining #mndogtrainer #mndogtrainers #dog #dogsofminnesota #puppytraining #raisingpuppies #gamesbaseddogtraining #trainingisfun #ihaveagameforthat #dogtrainermyraperson

Last night at class we worked on confidence builders! The dogs were challenged to climb, sit, place, and go under! For dogs who struggle with anxiety, building their confidence can assist in alleviating or reducing said anxiety. #apawsitivestart #dogtrainingisfun #dogtrainerlife #dogtraining #fundogtraining #nomorepulling #dogbehaviormodification #dogbehaviortraining #dogs #mndog #mndogsofinstagram #mndogtraining #mndogtrainer #mndogtrainers #dog #dogsofminnesota #puppytraining #raisingpuppies #gamesbaseddogtraining #trainingisfun #ihaveagameforthat #dogtrainermyraperson #shilohthebeagle #beaglesofinstagram #beagle #beaglepuppy

Learning how to ‘Place’

🐾 Three weeks ago this young pup could barely walk into the classroom. Her hooman adopted her so Lola has had some past history we don’t know about. 🐶 Last night Lola was wandering around the room and coming up to sniff the other hoomans in the room. Such a change in 3 weeks time. 🦴 Sometimes bringing your dog to a training class is not so much about the training, but about how much confidence your pup gains. 🐕 Confidence in a dog reduces fear, which reduces potential aggression and reactivity. 🐾 Dogs with low confidence will act confident - which in my opinion is of higher concern. They are more apt to have a lower tolerance of events happening around them and they lash out first, oftentimes when your back is turned, in an attempt to “win” the fight. 🐶 For more information on individual or group lessons, send me a message and let’s talk!

Puppy playtime before we start the serious stuff. 😉 There are four puppies in this class so this time for them to socialize is very important. Shosanna, is about two months old, and is using the antics and play of the older three as a way to learn appropriate dog behavior. Last week we were lucky if she came out from under the bench. This week, by the end of the hour, she was antagonizing Harley, the other black lab in class, to play with her. It’s so fun and amazing to see the changes happening. Without this type of appropriate playing, puppies miss out on a very important aspect of being a dog - learning how to communicate. Dogs use body language as their main form of communication, especially during play which then evolves in to working together to hunt or be part of the pack. It’s been hard with COVID to get puppies together for socialization so I’m so excited to be able to offer these classes with The Babinski Foundation. If you are interested in being put on a waiting list for Spring classes, please message me. Well my hope is to have classes again anyway!! 😉

Airplane Game aka taking treats nicely

Now this young man is Lexi’s brother Bear. Bear is a theee month old German Shepherd and here I am teaching some manners in how to take a treat nicely.

Training session with Winston

🐾🐾Winston, a King Charles Spaniel, and I had a great training session today. We have been working on come, sit, place, break, and introducing him to different things like the balance board. 🐶🐶 🐶🐶 Winston’s human dad purchased a 8 lesson package where once a week I come to his home and work with Winston for 30-45 minutes (this depends on pup’s attention span and interest in working. 🐾🐾 🐾🐾 Are you looking for some training for your pup? Contact me today to schedule your lessons! 🐶🐶

Announcing the Friday Trivia Winner!!!

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there ... whether they have four legs and lick you with bad breath or two legs and beg for money ... may your day be as special as you are! <3