Pawsitive Paws Dog Training & Pet Care LLC

08/11/2023

PSA !!!!

08/03/2023

12/06/2022

Despite the many important differences between humans and dogs, the way dogs learn is basically the same as the way we learn; by association, and trial and error. They also feel many of the same
emotions we do, including love. When a dog looks at their owner, their brain gives off the same chemical that our brains give off when we look at someone that we love.
Our dogs truly are family & they deserve to be treated with love and compassion, just like we do. I always ask myself “how would you prefer to be trained if you were a dog?" Every time I saw a scared or frightened dog, never asked questions like "how do I get this dog to see me as the Alpha?" and started asking things like
"how can I help this dog?" Not only do I train dogs, train their owners.
Dogs don't come with an easy to follow instruction manual, they don't share our language or even our DNA, so you should expect to have some problems. I will never assume that if your dog has a behavioral
problem that it's your fault, and I will not judge you or criticize you if you are making some mistakes…because we all do. But if you give me a chance to with with you and your dog, I can promise you these 4 things:

1) I will help you solve problems you may be having with your pet.

2) I will help you to better understand and
strengthen your bond with your pet.

3) I will never advocate anything that will
intentionally hurt or frighten your dog.

4) I will treat you and your pet the same way I would like to be treated, with dignity and respect.

I would be honored if you give me an opportunity to work with you and your dog.

Contact me today
561-377-8843

- Maggie 🖤

11/13/2022

Your dog isn’t the problem, most of the time it’s something the owner isn’t doing correctly!

10/05/2022

Hurricane Ian destroyed many homes leaving many pets without shelter. I'm raising $2,500 until 10/31 to provide food, shelter and transport for animal victims from hurricane Ian. The devastation is something unimaginable, this is when we get to show what Florida Strong truly means. Anything helps! Even just a share.

Pawsitive Paws Dog Training & Pet Care

https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8NK8HwmgWx.

When I first heard that shelters in Florida could be impacted by this storm, we began reaching out to Network partner shelters and coordinating with potential receiving partners in order to move pets out ahead of the storm. We’re currently prioritizing needs and matching shelters with those close ...

10/01/2022

I'm raising $2,500 until 10/31/22 for Help feed and shelter animal victims from hurricane Ian . Can you help? https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8NK8HwmgWx.

When I first heard that shelters in Florida could be impacted by this storm, we began reaching out to Network partner shelters and coordinating with potential receiving partners in order to move pets out ahead of the storm. We’re currently prioritizing needs and matching shelters with those close ...

09/30/2022

09/30/2022

03/26/2022

Shalom loves to get baths but her favorite part is by far the zoomies when being dried off 😆

02/20/2022

01/07/2022

my training philosophy is all positive reinforcement. I use reward based methods and practice holistically. My motto is no pain, no fear, no force! EVER! I don’t know if you know of the LIMA method- least intrusive minimally aversive. I use no punishments. I use other effective strategies by focusing not just on the animals behavior but the environment & physical wellbeing of the dogs. I let the dogs learn at their own pace, so if they just aren’t getting something we will wrap up the session and end it with something they do know like a simple sit and then a reward (yummy treats). I’ll usually add some play time to ensure the furry children are in the best state of mind after the session, if I can keep the training fun then learning becomes a desired activity for your dog. I do not believe in aggressive, attention seeking, avoidance and fear tactics. It’s crucial to my practice to always have a happy learner.

I do private one on one training. my sessions price range from 40-60$ - 45 mins to a hour (depending on the dogs ability to remain focused and interested) some dogs can only handle so much in one session. I come to you and do in home training (backyard) and will gradually move the training to a more distracting environment like a park or the downtown area. I work one on one with your dog and then I’ll bring you out to practice what training was done and show you the techniques used.

I find it easier when the owners step away cause then the full attention is on me and what I’m implementing to your doggie. I use treat based positive reinforcement - redirect the bad & reward all good behavior. I don’t just try to suppress the old behaviors but replace the unwanted behavior with something more desirable.

Eventually the old behavior will fade away. I use a clicker and give you a couple of your own to keep handy. If the dog is unmotivated by treats then we go to something else of high value to the pup like a favorite toy or praises. I do use grain free, low calorie training treats and if you prefer your dog to use their food as *treats* that can be done also!

I’ve worked with aggression in many many cases and offer a board and train program for those who need the constant routine and behavior modifications. Board & Train is also great for puppy to learn routines, potty training, crate desensitization, etiquette and much more.

I have a homework packet I send to you to practice between sessions, it takes a village when it comes to training and practice needs to be apart of the daily routine at home with you between sessions. It is crucial to not inadvertently encourage the behaviors you are trying to change

12/30/2021

12/04/2021

Kane loves his new pajamas!!

11/28/2021

They dream of a better life; let’s give them one!!

COVID has effected more than just our lives but also our pet’s lives. Our hearts go out to pet guardians, who due to loss of all income find themselves unable to feed their beloved companions. Our animals need protection, good care, and treatment . With an even more challenging year ahead, we are anticipating to start our assistance by mid December. So thank you for your support and making this mission possible! ��This campaign is run entirely by volunteers and 100% of your donation will go directly to help the animals in need.��

https://gofund.me/5047740f

Pets and owners in need Sponsor or be sponsored, help is on the way! COVID h… Maggie LaCroix needs your support for Mission Possible: pets in need

11/26/2021

Paws & enjoy the moment 🐾

08/20/2021

Sweet Sandy Girl enjoying her stay while her parents are away 🖤🖤

08/11/2021

And they called it puppy love … 🐾🖤

08/11/2021

Pawfection 🥰 these two can hound me anytime 😉

08/01/2021

Are you curious about board and train programs? I’d be happy to tell you more about the training offered!! Your dog will be training on and off-site during their stay. ​Given the amount of time and personalization each dog receives, board and trains are expensive, but the truth is that you get what you pay for. And in most cases, I always offer follow up lessons, classes and encourage owners to keep in touch and I will work with you in the event of a life change. I send pictures and video updates daily so you can see what your dog is learning each day.

I am excited to be able to start offering board and train options at my home. My programs are listed below.

Meet and greets are encouraged to set up an evaluation so I can turn your “excitably Eddie” into an “extraordinary Eddie!”

During your dog’s board and train program I will focus on teaching your dog the skills you deemed as most important during the intake procedures. Your dog’s play and individual time will be managed and monitored by a trained pet care professional and dog trainer at all times.

7:00 – 7:30 am
Breakfast is served and morning potty breaks are completed.

8:00 – 11:30 am
Morning Activities
Your dog will enjoy their first 30 minute dog training session. If your dog’s age and personality allow then your dog will participate in ball-fetching, chasing games,, climbing, tunnel running and other special activities.

Yes, your dog will actually rest while they is here! Dogs rest in their crates with soft music and lights out. This is important quiet time as your dog has had a very active morning and will need to relax and recharge.

2:30 – 4:30 pm Afternoon Activities

In the afternoon, your dog will experience a slower pace of play, just as much fun but with less vigor. Your dog will enjoy their second 30 minute training session. Another play session. For dogs or puppies that have a hard time focusing in the 30 minutes sessions we break down the training hour into even smaller increments, setting your dog up for ideal learning.

6:00 pm Dinner time followed by a potty break and play time

8:00 pm Late night room service, final potty break and night time snack

Please note this schedule is changed to ensure the safety of our guests some dogs require more play and others may need less for health or medical reasons. Each day we check the heat index and take very strict safety precautions with outdoor play times. All outdoor activities allow dogs access to baby pools for cooling down.

Programs range from 1-6 weeks, with shorter stays being designed for dogs with minimal or no behavior problems, and longer programs intended for dogs with more serious issues. Your dog will work on their basic obedience here, but our primary focus is creating a happy, calm, independent dog that will fit in your home or anywhere else.



Board and Train – This is a 24/7 training experience with Maggie. Your dog will work on their basic obedience here, but our primary focus is creating a happy, calm, independent dog that will fit in your home or anywhere else.



In these 1-6 weeks, your dog will learn many things that make him or her much easier to live with:�

Walk politely with you (On- and Off-Leash)
Sit/Stay (On- and Off-Leash)
Down/Stay (On- and Off-Leash)
Waiting at Thresholds
Place Command (On- and Off-Leash)
Recall/Come (On- and Off-Leash)
Crate Training
Waiting for Food

Basic, age-appropriate, behavior problems are also included in this package:

Jumping, Nipping, Mouthing
Excessive Barking
Counter-Surfing
Serious behavior problems are covered in the 3 and 4 week programs:

Aggression
Leash Reactivity/Aggression
Anxiety
Fear
Poor Socialization
Any other problem that you are experiencing at home

At the end of the program, you will be expected to carry out instructions to make sure that you and your dog are successful. A board and train is the beginning of your training experience, not the end. Board and trains should be viewed as a partnership between us, you, and your dog for the life of the dog.

I hope this is something you would be interested in for your new furry child! I The two week training camp is $350 and also comes with a free training session at the end of the program with you and your family to teach you how to maintain the best behavior using positive reinforcement. I do not believe in aggression, avoidance or fear tactics to teach your dog how to behave. Everything is reward based and thus creates the trusting bond that we all desire to have with our pets.


If this is something you’re interested in please feel free to contact me and arrange a free evaluation.

Stay Pawsitive !!

I hope you have a wonderful day and I look forward to hopefully working with you in the future!!

Take care, Stay Pawsitive!!

08/01/2021

“Because they aren’t just pets... they’re family”

🖤🖤🖤🖤

08/01/2021

Board & Train play time

06/23/2021

Celebrating with Kane today! He got a pawmotion at his pawffice!!! He is now Branch Manager!!

05/15/2021

The summer is an exciting time for humans. Besides the warm weather, we get an entire season packed full of holidays, celebrations, and festivals, typically ending our nights with a bang. There is just something magical about throwing your head back and watching color burst into the night sky like confetti.

However, thinking like a dog, fireworks are terrifying. A dog’s survival instinct makes them naturally afraid of loud noises but fireworks are so much more than just noise to your pup. They come with no warning signs and are bright, erratic, and leave a burning smell in the air. It’s no wonder more dogs run away in the U.S. on the 4th of July than any other day of the year. They must think the world is exploding!

Now, not all dogs are scared of fireworks, but unless you 100% know otherwise, we recommend trying some of the following tips to make firework season less stressful for your dog.

Make alternate arrangements for your dog, especially if you plan on going out or live close to a fireworks display. A couple options would be dropping your pup off at a friend or relative’s house, a dog daycare, a boarding facility, or even hiring a pet sitter to stay with them. That way if your dog does get scared, they are somewhere safe with supervision.

Create a safe spot in your home. If you are unable to bring your dog somewhere away from the fireworks, giving them a spot they feel safe in can help. Maybe your dog already has a safe spot, like a crate, a puppy playpen, a kennel, or even under your bed. Make this spot is easily accessible for them during the main event so they can hide if they want to.
Remove the visual stimulation. There is no way to cover up the noise of fireworks, but you can still do your dog a favor by closing your windows, blinds, and curtains so they do not have to see the bright flashes of lights.

Reassure your dog. Speaking to your dog in a calm soothing voice while petting them will also help ease their anxiety. Getting mad or forcing your dog to “face their fears” will only make the experience harder for them.

Stay calm. Dogs are very in-tune with our emotions, body language, and tone of voice. If you make a big deal out of the fireworks by being scared or even just worried about your dog, they can pick up on this and will assume they have good reason to also be worried.
Consider anti-anxiety tools. Talk to your veterinarian or trainer about different ways to manage your dog’s anxiety during fireworks. There are many different options such as Thundershirts, calming pheromones, supplements, and medication that could help reduce your pup’s stress.

Be sure to feed and water your dog before the fireworks begin. If your dog is extra anxious about fireworks, they may not want to eat or drink once the noise begins. An empty stomach is one more stressor you can help your dog avoid. Also be sure to let them outside to go to the bathroom beforehand.

Tire your dog out. A tired dog is a calm dog, so be sure to get as much exercise in before the festivities begin. The goal is to have your dog as sleepy as possible when the fireworks begin. So a walk around the block may not cut it. Try going for a run or playing fetch at the park.

Give your dog something to do for the evening. A few minutes before the fireworks start, give your dog a special treat they can enjoy instead of paying attention to the loud noises. A Kong frozen with peanut butter, a bully stick, an antler, or any other type of long lasting chew, will be the perfect thing to help keep their mind occupied.

It is possible to train a dog not to mind fireworks, the same way a hunting dog doesn’t mind a gunshot. However, desensitizing your dog to noises does not happen overnight. The idea is to play your dog a quiet recording of fireworks paired with a tasty treat. Then slowly increasing the volume over months. Going too loud too fast can backfire making your dog more nervous of the sound.

Walk them during daylight hours to avoid times when fireworks are likely to be set off

Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks

Put on some music or tv to mask the firework sounds

Create a quiet space where your dog can feel in control

Create some hiding places around your home

05/15/2021

Oh em geeee! That face! 😍😍 You are the sweetest girl Lily!!!

04/23/2021

Hope you guys are having a TER-RUFF-IC Friday !!!

04/20/2021

KNOW YOUR BREED!!!
Don’t complain about your animal having too much energy or being destructive when you have them cooped up in the house 12 hours a day!! A Labrador is a working dog, HE NEEDS A JOB TO DO! A husky is a SNOW DOG!!! Don’t own one in FLORIDA!!! German Shepard’s shed a lot- don’t complain about the hairballs!! DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!!

If you see a stray cat with a cleanly clipped ear tip do not take it to a shelter. Either take it home to live with you or leave it on the street.