Pawsitive Tails Behavior Solutions

19/01/2025

Hi all! Ashley has purchased Pets Behave Dog Training, come follow us over there for all the awesome training tips, classes, etc! Want the newsletter? Message that page to be added to list!

Pawsitive Tails is going away for now so there will not be posts on this page anymore.

16/09/2023

We had a great time working with Tootsie in Pier Park this week. Tootsie has come so far already in her training. When she first started with us, Tootsie was reactive to strangers as well as other dogs. She also was struggling with anxiety. We implemented a program with her family to really build her confidence (and theirs), as well as reduce the anxiety we were seeing.

Tootsie and her family are doing amazing in the program and we can not wait to see where they can go!

Are you interested in building your dogs confidence and reducing reactivity? Ask us how!

13/09/2023

13/09/2023

TOOL TIME TUESDAY......Clickers!

Clickers, simply put, are markers. They are used to mark the moment in time your dog has done the correct behavior. This also, after training your dog what the clicker means, tells your dog reinforcement is coming. For many dogs the click noise itself becomes the reward.

The beauty of the clicker is that it is not likely a noise you will make outside of training. When using marker words you run the risk of confusing your dog when you use those words in normal conversation. It also allows you to be precise in your timing of communicating to your dog what they are being rewarded for.

Clickers come in many types. Some even have whistles or targets attached! Others can be worn like rings to stay hands free. A few even have softer noises that can be useful when working with dogs that are noise sensitive. It is best to find what works well for you and your dog.

06/09/2023

Tool Time Tuesday!

Today's tool is a training pouch. When training it is important to have reinforcement at the ready so you can quickly reward desired behavior. Pouches also allow you to operate hands free, which can be very helpful in a variety of training scenarios. Pouches come in a variety of styles/types, such as hinged, magnetic, drawstring, silicone, f***y pack style, and more! In my case I have a variety of pouches in many styles so I always have what I need.

Need help picking a pouch? Let me know your needs and I can help you pick what style will best fit your needs.

29/08/2023

Tool Time Tuesday......let's talk about muzzles!

There are many reasons a dog may be wearing a muzzle and it is important to remember that just because a dog has one on, does not mean the dog is aggressive.

Reasons a dog may wear a muzzle:
1) They eat everything (also known as PICA) and the muzzle protects them from eating harmful things.
2) They have anxiety and both the human and dog feel more comfortable with it on.
3) They are at the vet/practicing for their next vet visit or it is an emergency and one is necessary.
4) They are in an area where a muzzle is required on public transport.
5) They have a history of biting when strangers (dog or human) approach and the muzzle is for safety of all.

Just like there are many reasons a dog is in a muzzle there are also many types of muzzles on the market. Each has their pros and cons. It is also important to remember not all muzzles are bite proof.

Types:
1) Basket muzzles: Can be made of a variety of materials. The most readily available is the Baskerville muzzle, which is a rubber type material. This material is not bite proof, though it helps minimize damage. You also can get a metal basket muzzle. These are bite proof and have a wider size range to ensure it fits correctly.
2) Vinyl muzzles: Typically bite proof and clear ones can allow you to easily see the full face of the dog. This assists in proper body language reading and often helps the dog look less intimidating.
3) Biothane Muzzle: Often the most colorful and customizable! These are not always bite proof (depends on brand) but will help minimize damage in a bite scenario.
4) Soft Mesh Muzzles: Often used on dogs with PICA. These are not bite proof but prevent swallowing of harmful objects.
5) Vet/Groomer Muzzle: Bite proof when fitted well. Best suited for short time periods as they do not allow the dog to pant.

Important Notes:
- Always train your dog to wear a muzzle with positive reinforcement techniques. Do not expect your dog to accept a muzzle right away, especially for long periods.
- Proper muzzle fit is very important to ensure the muzzle is comfortable and allows your dog to pant if it is intended to be used for longer periods.

26/08/2023

Happy National Dog Day! My 2 are being lazy and napping but let's see your dogs! Introduce yourselves below!

24/08/2023

Let's talk about the three D's of training.... Duration, Distance, and Distraction! These three factors are so important when it comes to having a truly well trained dog. Ask yourself these questions. . .How long will my dog hold a stay or place command? How far away from my dog can I be and they will still respond to signals I give them? Will my dog still follow my commands when distractions like the neighborhood cat are around? These are all important factors with a number of ways to work on them. Need help with any or all of these factors? Ask me how!

22/08/2023

Tool Time Tuesday! This week lets talk about harnesses! There are so many types on the market so lets break it down!

1st, what are the benefits of using a harness vs a regular collar?
-Can help reduce pulling on leash when combined with good positive reinforcement based training.
-Less pressure on the dogs neck.
-When properly fitted, offer more security as dogs are less likely to be able to slip out.
-Models with handles offer something additional to grab in event of emergency.

Now lets get into types. There are many kinds on the market, and many styles/brands within each type. If you are unsure what type is best for you and your dog feel free to reach out!

Types:
1) Step in harness: This type does not need to go over a dogs head which can be very helpful in some cases. Often this is used most commonly with small dogs.

2) Y shaped harness: These harnesses fit in a y shape on the chest and allow some of the most natural movement for the dog.

3) Back clip harness: One of the most common ones seen. Will not help with pulling, sometimes will make it worse. Awesome when combined with good training for a loose leash walk. Also a good choice if the dog already has good manners or for some dog sports.

4) Front clip harness: Good option for helping with pulling. Downside is many models affect the gait of the dog. They also can easily get tangled.

5) Dual clip harness: Allows a dual clip leash or 2 leashes to be used. Gives more control. (My personal favorite kind)

6) Harness lead: all in one piece, no clips.

All of these harnesses have positive and negatives. It is best to do research and ask questions for what may be best for you.

15/08/2023

ANNOUNCEMENT! After a number of requests for education on different tools we have decided to launch a new mini series.....Tool Time Tuesdays! Every Tuesday for a bit we will post about a tool that can be used when training dogs. We will discuss their uses as well as draw backs.

First up, Long Lines! These awesome tools come in a variety of lengths and materials, so there is something out there for everyone. Or you can be like us and have multiple.

1st photo: Our favorite way to use a long line! These tools are amazingly useful to let shy/scared dogs have a bit of freedom and go on "sniffari's" or sniff walks. Smelling their environment as a way to investigate it is one of the many ways dogs self regulate emotions and decompress. Take Tootsie here. This is her first time on a long line AND her first time to this park. When she first got out of the car she was tail tucked, ears pinned, super nervous. Once we got her set up and on the trail she started to investigate and get more confidence. Within a few mins she was showing looser body language and checking everything out. After 25mins of sniff walk we encountered some things that would normally trigger reactivity for Tootsie (other dogs, people on bikes, etc), yet Tootsie did amazing at observing and being calm.

2nd photo: Another awesome way to use your long line, as added security when working on recall. Fergus had been doing very well at his recall training (stay tuned for a future post on recall and how to train it). In the session you see here we let him drag the line so we had something to grab if necessary. The line gives you a way to practice recall in various environemnts without having to worry about "failure".

Have you used a long line? Tell us your stories!

Curious if long line work can help you and your dog? Send us a message!

03/08/2023

Luka wants to know what kind of training content you all would like to see? What tips and tricks are you most interested in?

02/08/2023

Let's talk reinforcement! So many people think that reinforcement is just treats, however it is so much more than that! Reinforcement is whatever your dog finds rewarding. For some that is treats but it also can be a number of other things.

Some dogs may be motivated by new high energy skills, like Sawyer on the agility "A" frame.
Some may find things like the water hose rewarding like Cordelia.
And for some its a game of tug like Maci.
Or maybe its a good cuddle session like Tonka!
Even strict verbal rewards are increadibly rewarding for some animals.

It is also important to remember that there are high and low value reinforcers, and that is determined by the dog in front of you. It is not about what you think is most reinforcing, it is what your dog finds most rewarding. For example, Bella likes treats, but will do ANYTHING for a ball.

The important thing is be flexible and willing to try new things. You never know what your dog may LOVE!