Pawsitive Relationship Training, L.L.C

Pawsitive Relationship Training, L.L.C Building relationships between dogs and their people
for lifetime training success

All of this!Be kind to your adolescent dogs!
04/04/2024

All of this!

Be kind to your adolescent dogs!

Ever wondered why a puppy's behavior seems erratic during adolescence, which occurs between six months and 18 months of age?

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, s*x hormones are changing which effects the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to modulate sensory processing and subsequent behavior.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control.

So what does this mean? This could mean that your dog, who used to come when called, suddenly cannot. This could mean that your dog, who didn't jump up on guests, suddenly does. Your dog that walked nicely on leash is now pulling. Or perhaps it seems like some days your dog responds to behaviors you ask of them, and some days they don't, without any rhyme or reason.

We also see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, frustration and impatience sometimes cause us to act unpredictably.

This adds to your puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for puppies to adjust.

By understanding this we can gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we can help create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best selves.

Happy National Puppy Day! One of my favorite days to celebrate!What's one thing that you love about the puppy stage? I l...
03/23/2024

Happy National Puppy Day! One of my favorite days to celebrate!

What's one thing that you love about the puppy stage?
I love that puppies are sponges and watching them learn about the world around them is so much fun!

Don't forget Puppy Kindergarten is starting again Monday Nights April 8th at 7 pm!

Puppy Kindergarten starting this Spring!Monday nights, April 8th - May 13th, 7-8 PM at Heritage Animal Hospital in Maple...
03/18/2024

Puppy Kindergarten starting this Spring!
Monday nights, April 8th - May 13th, 7-8 PM at Heritage Animal Hospital in Maple Grove!

Learn the basics, build your relationship with your puppy, socialize all with a certified dog trainer!

Reach out with questions!

www.pawsitiverelationships.com/signup

Did you know I have a drop off day training option? Training in my home. We can work on things like kennel training, cou...
03/07/2024

Did you know I have a drop off day training option?
Training in my home. We can work on things like kennel training, counter surfing, leash walking, basic obedience, and more. All ages are welcome! Check out the info and reach out if you are interested!

This is a great way for your dog to get more socialization, better manners, and get some energy out while you are at work!


Don't miss your chance to move your relationship with your puppy to the next level!This is not your typical obedience cl...
03/01/2024

Don't miss your chance to move your relationship with your puppy to the next level!

This is not your typical obedience class. Learn how to communicate with your dog and have a lasting relationship!

Monday nights
Starting March 11th
7-8 pm
Heritage Animal Hospital in Maple Grove

www.pawsitiverelationships.com/signup

Please reach out with questions!

At a training I was doing recently we were discussing having young kids and a puppy.That sparked some thoughts. Every do...
02/25/2024

At a training I was doing recently we were discussing having young kids and a puppy.

That sparked some thoughts. Every dog is different. Every child is different. Every family situation is different.

As your trainer my goal is not to stick you into my box. My situation is completely different from yours. My goals are to find solutions that work for your unique situation.

If I am teaching you something and it's not going to work for your situation, tell me! I am happy to find something that will work!

Dog training is fluid and ever changing and adapting. I love that and I love finding solutions that work! Bring on your challenges, if I can't help you personally, I bet I can find someone who can!

Find YOUR balance!

Reach out with questions. Puppy Kindergarten is also starting up again Monday March 11th 7-8 pm!!

Starting Monday, March 11th 7-8 PM at Heritage Animal Hospital in Maple Grove, MN!Bring your relationship with your new ...
02/18/2024

Starting Monday, March 11th 7-8 PM at Heritage Animal Hospital in Maple Grove, MN!

Bring your relationship with your new puppy to the next level! This puppy kindergarten class goes beyond just teaching basic obedience and dives into the HOW AND WHY of my training philosophy! My goal is to teach YOU how to effectively communicate with your dog!

If you've tried classes in the past and they didn't work for you, this one is different! Small class sizes, individual attention, no PASS or FAIL. And ABSOLUTELY NO JUDGEMENT!

Plus the class is affordable! 6 weeks of classes with a certified dog trainer, who is also a certified veterinary technician with 15+ years of experience, for $175!

My goal is to bring you and your dogs relationship beyond just playing fetch and into a true, quality friendship that will last for a lifetime!

www.pawsitiverelaionships.com/signup
For more information or to sign up!!



A very good article, going over some of the reasons it's so important to understand what kind of dog you have! As a trai...
02/16/2024

A very good article, going over some of the reasons it's so important to understand what kind of dog you have! As a trainer I cannot take your dog's genetics out of it, most behaviors that humans find undesireable in dogs are natural behaviors. If we suppress the behaviors they do not go away, they just get stuffed down and tend to become worse when they do show up again.

I will always try and help you under your dog from where your dog is. A guard dog is going to guard, a bird dog is going to chase birds, a dog bred to chase and kill small vermin is going to chase small fast things. There is NO getting around that, the best we can do is find appropriate outlets to allow them to express their natural desires!

https://aggressivedog.com/2024/02/13/big-fluffy-white-dogs-look-before-you-leap/?fbclid=IwAR3hA82QyPGMDoyEgZqXRk4d3jdCGEs2U_DpSaLBXr8fFcwD8afOMfa6j70

Since we are often in a position to educate and influence other humans, I thought I might talk livestock guarding dogs (LGD). Across the US, LGD are being surrendered and euthanized at an alarming rate [1]. The vast majority of these are big fluffy white dogs (Great Pyrenees > Maremma) which are the...

I got new enrichment toys today!!!Why do I stress mental enrichment?Over the years I have discovered some important aspe...
02/15/2024

I got new enrichment toys today!!!

Why do I stress mental enrichment?

Over the years I have discovered some important aspects of life with a dog, mainly how to live more harmoniously with our dogs.

We brought dogs into our homes, as much as they probably enjoy this, they did not ask for this. Dogs are creatures of curiosity, adventure, athletics, intelligence. Most dogs do not actually WANT to sit day in and day out staring at the same 4 walls. (I am not talking about every dog).

High energy dogs are my jam. I LOVE working breeds. I adore the hunting/bird/gun dogs. They are not for people who do not want to get up off the couch every once in a while, and even when you are active they usually always want MORE!

So, my solution to life with those active dogs that don't want to be couch potatoes? MENTAL ENRICHMENT!

My anecdotal observations on how mental enrichment helps dogs:
- Burns that mental energy
- Develops critical thinking skills
- Curbs anxiety (so much anxiety in dogs stems from unmet needs)
- Builds confidence
- Bonding, doing an enrichment activity gives both of you all those feel good chemicals
- A more well rounded dog

Start your dog off by just feeding 1 meal outside of a bowl. it can be anything! Throw the treats on the floor and make them sniff and search, do some training with their meal and teach them some new skills, make or buy a puzzle feeder and watch your dog use that brain (its soo fun to watch them figure things out!!).

What things do you do to add enrichment to your dogs day? What's your favorite puzzle feeder (I'm always looking for more)?

If you haven't started adding enrichment to your dogs day, try it this weekend and let me know if you notice a difference in your dog!

I have some puppies staying with me over the next couple weeks. So, today has been a whirlwind of making sure the house ...
01/14/2024

I have some puppies staying with me over the next couple weeks. So, today has been a whirlwind of making sure the house is puppy proofed and I have my enrichment box out and my stuff-able toys filled and in the freezer.

If I have all of this stuff ready, it's less mental load for me on the days where life has worn me out and I still have a puppy to take care of.

I love puppies and adolescent dogs, but I do not have unlimited energy. They wear me out just as much as any other person, mental enrichment is a great way to give these young dogs something good, keep them busy, and allow me to have some time to relax.

So, do you have your enrichment prepped for the next few days? If not, this might be a great time to do "future you" a huge favor!

Want a different puppy kindergarten experience?Do you want to know more about building up a good, solid relationship wit...
01/12/2024

Want a different puppy kindergarten experience?
Do you want to know more about building up a good, solid relationship with your dog that will last a lifetime?

Join us starting Wednesday January 24th for a 6 week puppy kindergarten! Learn all the things you need to know to have a well balanced dog and harmonious relationship!

Conveniently held in the lobby of Heritage Animal Hospital in Maple Grove, MN!

Sign up!
www.pawsitiverelationships.com/signup

Ready to bring your relationship with your new puppy to the next level!?Puppy Kindergarten starts again Wednesday, Janua...
01/08/2024

Ready to bring your relationship with your new puppy to the next level!?

Puppy Kindergarten starts again Wednesday, January 24th at 7 pm in the lobby of Heritage Animal Hospital in Maple Grove, MN for a 6 week course.

Learn all the basics! Learn how to teach your dog for long term success! We focus on the WHY, not just the HOW!

Sign up online
www.pawsitiverelationships.com/signup



Day  #7Last day (for now) posting things I enjoy about my dog. I hope I have inspired you to try and find the bright spo...
12/30/2023

Day #7
Last day (for now) posting things I enjoy about my dog.

I hope I have inspired you to try and find the bright spots in your relationship with your dog, no matter how small.

Qwerty has helped me come out of my shell and helps me with my social anxiety.

People who know me, know I am honest, almost to a flaw, so I don't mind sharing the fact that 8 have struggled for most of my late teenage years and all of my adult years with social anxiety. I let it turn me into a person that has a hard time putting myself "out there"

I have gone to events with Qwerty without one of my safe people with me. I have started conversations with complete strangers. And I have made new friends because of it.

Without him I would not be where I am today, and for that I am beyond grateful for this crazy, happy, wiggly dog.

If you're struggling with your dog, remember it's ok to go through rough patches, every relationship has it's struggles. But, when you are going through the hard times, try to write down one thing about your dog a day that is good, I promise it will help you through those tough times.

Day  #6Cuddles. I preface this with not all dogs enjoy cuddles. Qwerty enjoys them on his term, usually more in the cold...
12/29/2023

Day #6
Cuddles. I preface this with not all dogs enjoy cuddles. Qwerty enjoys them on his term, usually more in the colder winter months.

Because he doesn't just freely cuddle I enjoy the times he does that much more. I wanted a dog who could be independent, not always be in my space, but also one who could give a good snuggle.

Enjoying quiet moments on the couch is a wonderful thing.

Day  #5Almost every solution I give to owners struggling with their dog, I have used on mine. Qwerty has helped keep me ...
12/28/2023

Day #5
Almost every solution I give to owners struggling with their dog, I have used on mine.

Qwerty has helped keep me on my toes. He challenges me, in good ways. He's a huge reason I am the dog person I am now. And I love that

Day  #4Whether he is goofing off, snuggling with the kids, or just being a dog, Qwerty puts a smile on my face. Many tim...
12/27/2023

Day #4
Whether he is goofing off, snuggling with the kids, or just being a dog, Qwerty puts a smile on my face. Many times he gets me laughing as well.

There's just something about a dog that instantly improves my mood. Which is likely a huge reason we keep them around.

Day  #3Having an active dog who loves being outside, I have a reason to go out in nature. Living in the Northern Midwest...
12/26/2023

Day #3
Having an active dog who loves being outside, I have a reason to go out in nature.

Living in the Northern Midwest when you're a person that isn't fond of cold, snow, and dark can be really hard. Seasonal depression is real.

Having a dog who enjoys running full tilt from tree to tree with a huge "smile" on his face fills my cup. Watching my dog do what he loves to do is one of my favorite things.

Day  #2 A German shorthaired pointer was my dream breed. I adore them. I love dogs, all breeds, but German shorthaired p...
12/25/2023

Day #2
A German shorthaired pointer was my dream breed. I adore them. I love dogs, all breeds, but German shorthaired pointers are my heart breed and I will likely always have one in my life.

But this dog and I struggled, he turned 6 months old and I was in my 2nd trimester of pregnancy with my 2nd child. I almost thought about sending him back to the breeder.

Dog behavior was my interest, I thought I had studied enough, why was my dog so "naughty"?

He is the catalyst. I knew behavior was an interest, but I never realized how I could use my experiences to help others get through that dark teenage phase.

He's my inspiration for so much.

As we gather together in this season, remember that it's ok to take some time off and enjoy being together with those yo...
12/25/2023

As we gather together in this season, remember that it's ok to take some time off and enjoy being together with those you love.

Rest. Smile. Laugh.

Pet your dog. Give them a treat "just because". Go for a walk (even though it's damp and rainy here in Minnesota currently)

Over the next week, write down 1 thing a day that you enjoy about spending time with your dog.

I will try and post 1 thing a day about my dog. Feel free to share yours as well.

Starting with today:
I love that my dog enjoys the simple comforts of a warm blanket on cold days, when he's snoring all cuddled up I just stop and watch him for a few moments and he reminds me that even the most high energy beings require rest.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas friends.

Happy Solstice!It's the start of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere, tonight is the longest night. I use this time to ref...
12/21/2023

Happy Solstice!
It's the start of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere, tonight is the longest night.

I use this time to reflect and slow down, it's about renewed life.

So, take this time to slow down with your dog. Enjoy each other's company. Reflect on all the good things you did together this year. Start thinking of your plans for the new year. Set your intentions.

Don't take immediate action right now, just breathe and enjoy the slow down. We get so caught up in the modern day hustle, we forget to take time for rest. Without rest there can be no growth.

And remember to focus on your progress, and forget about perfection.

Photo by Leah Kelley on Pexels.com The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, and our four-legg...
12/20/2023

Photo by Leah Kelley on Pexels.com The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, and our four-legged friends are often an integral part of the festivities. While we're busy preparing for the holidays, it's crucial to keep in mind the safety and well-being of our beloved canine companions. In this blog post, we'll explore some essential tips to ensure your dog's safety during the holiday season....

https://pawsitiverelationships.com/2023/12/20/dog-safety-tips-for-the-holiday-season/

Photo by Leah Kelley on Pexels.com The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, and our four-legged friends are often an integral part of the festivities. While we’re b…

Have a new puppy this Holiday Season?Ready to start developing a strong relationship with them?Puppy Kindergarten is sta...
12/18/2023

Have a new puppy this Holiday Season?

Ready to start developing a strong relationship with them?

Puppy Kindergarten is starting in the new year!
Wednesday evenings
January 3rd-February 7th
7-8 pm
Heritage Animal Hospital
Maple Grove, MN

Sign up online
www.pawsitiverelationships.com/signup

Building relationships between dogs and their people for lifetime training success

New slogan, who's this?"Beyond Fetch, Into Friendship"Thoughts? I love how it embodies my love for being active WITH you...
12/15/2023

New slogan, who's this?

"Beyond Fetch, Into Friendship"

Thoughts? I love how it embodies my love for being active WITH your dog and bringing dog training into more relationship focus and less focused on "turning tricks"

Would you wear a shirt with this slogan on it?

Last Puppy Kindergarten of the year! This guy is going great places, hopefully going to hunt some pheasant next fall! He...
12/14/2023

Last Puppy Kindergarten of the year! This guy is going great places, hopefully going to hunt some pheasant next fall! He now has the basics for his continued training into hunting!

No matter how full my classes are I always enjoy seeing the growth of every dog and their people!

Anyone that has worked with me has heard me talk about the adolescent period in dogs. I am extremely passionate about th...
12/13/2023

Anyone that has worked with me has heard me talk about the adolescent period in dogs. I am extremely passionate about that stage because it's a common time for dogs to end up in the shelter system because of the challenges this phase presents.

This study makes me so excited about the potential for more research to be done about this phase, I think the more we can understand the struggles these teenage dogs are going through the less frustrated we will be and hopefully less dogs end up in shelters!

https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2020.0097?fbclid=IwAR3moXaedfCcXB6tIeGHmrE4_uRFlbSIeXJ9908y9RM8Qync8wlQRbpRtEw

The relationship between parent and child changes around adolescence, with children believed to have: (i) an earlier puberty if they have less secure attachments to their carer; (ii) a phase of increased conflict behaviour toward their carer; and (iii) ...

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Maple Grove, MN
55369

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 6:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 6:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 6:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 6:30pm

Telephone

+16126569330

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