Pawsitive Change Dog Training

30/12/2025

Tuesday Tips: Hand Target

As much as I may enjoy hiking in the snow, maybe that's not your (or your dog's) jam. Did you know that 15 minutes of problem solving mental stimulation can be as tiring as an hour of exercise? While it won't provide the physical benefits of cardio, a brain game WILL tire your dogs mind. For a lot of dogs that goes a long way to keeping them happy if you are stuck indoors. Hand target is a fun and easy trick. Try it today!

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28/12/2025

Yesterday I shared an article with good winter hiking safety reminders. One extra I use in the winter is paw wax. It helps to protect your dogs paws.

This is one very popular brand: https://amzn.to/4j2ot4N

This post contains affiliate links.

Musher's Secret Paw Protector Wax was created in Canada for sled dogs (hence the name "mushers"!). It became recognised worldwide in the 1990s and has remained a firm favourite of dog lovers since due to the safe, 100% natural food-grade waxes that effectively soothe and condition dog paws.

27/12/2025

I think I may enjoy winter hiking even more than summer! Something about getting out into the woods in the snow... it really is magical.

But it does come with some extra considerations and cautions. Especially for the pups who can't speak up when they are cold or may not recognize their own limits (what?!? Getting in the river in January in Montana is a bad idea?)

Check out these safety tips from Golden Dog Adventure Company

Also, if your dog needs to learn some skills for more enjoyable and safer hikes, reach out! www.PawsitiveChangeMT.com

https://goldendognh.com/blog/winter-hiking-with-dogs-what-youre-forgetting-could-be-dangerous/

Winter hiking with your dog can be a fun experience, filled with breathtaking snowy landscapes and the joy of watching your furry friend bound through the

25/12/2025

Merry Christmas from Arry and Lupine of the Pawsitive Change Dog Training family!

Did you do any holiday themed photoshoots with your pets? If so, please share in the comments!

www.PawsitiveChangeMT.com

23/12/2025

Tuesday Tips: Have a plan for the howlidays!

While you are wrapping those last minute gifts, running to get special groceries and deep cleaning the house before guests... be sure to take some time to plan for your pets! If they are experiencing new people, special food out, a different routine, less exercise, etc. etc. they may exhibit new concerning behaviors or get overwhelmed. I prep food toys and chews and use my dogs' crates as a safe space. The younger/mischievous cats get restricted to a bedroom once food is left out (kitten print with your charcuterie? No thank you).

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21/12/2025

A lot of decorations can be dangerous if chewed or ingested as well. Watch out for tinsel or ribbon type decor with both dogs and cats.

Have a safe and fun holiday season!

20/12/2025

Do you have any holiday traditions that include your pets?

Our critters always get gifts and a special meal. The dogs love to unwrap their toys themselves! We also do both a Christmas Day and New Year's Day snow shoe (hopefully - weather dependent) outing that includes the dogs.

What are your traditions? Do your dogs (or cats or ferrets or...) unwrap gifts too?

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18/12/2025

When you learn to see the subtle communications, you can help your dog out before they need to 'yell' (bark, lune, bite, etc.). With extra holiday activities, novel decorations and guests be sure to keep an extra eye on your dog and what they are telling you.

Thanks to Doggone Safe for the important tips.

16/12/2025

Tuesday Tips: Enrichment for Petsitter

If you plan to travel this holiday season and leave your pets in the care of another, take some time to create some extra activities for them to do around the house. Check out the enrichment handout for ideas.

www.PawsitiveChangeMT.com

14/12/2025

Not training related...

Let's all just take a moment and think snow... I'm DONE with rain and 40-50 degree weather around here. My doggies want to frolic!

Pic from December 2022

13/12/2025

Holiday safety tips from the ASPCA

Did you know that a lot of plants used in holiday decoration can be harmful to pets? Also, be cautious about where you leave wrapped gifts. Our first year having a dog we put gifts out as usual. Our dog showed us that some of them were food, including chocolate! Lesson learned. Ever since then wrapped gifts have either gone up high or the entire tree has an ex pen around it.

As you gear up for the holidays, it is important to keep your pet's health and safety top of mind. To help you, we’ve put together a list of toxic treats, plants and decorations that often appear during this time of year. Better check it twice!

11/12/2025

Holiday get togethers can mean that dogs that usually aren't around kids or crowds, now are. It is crucial to provide separation options and directly supervise your dog's interactions with guests to your home, especially children. Not all dogs will give obvious signals or discomfort like fleeing, tucked tail or growling. Learn to recognize the subtle signs as illustrated and help your dog when they are 'whispering' so they do not need to 'yell'.

Thanks to Pooch Parenting for the great reminder and the late great Dr Sophia Yin for the body language handout.

www.PawsitiveChangeMT.com