Pawsitive Change Dog Training

31/07/2025

What is an under recognized skill that you find useful in your daily life with your dog?

I actually can think of several: settle, mat, and hand target.

Here are two scenarios where Arry is demonstrating the value of 'settle' in the real world. In her younger years I would have even used a mat in these situations (or at least for the beginner steps of teaching her to get on the SUP on dry land).

What skill do you find you use all the time?

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29/07/2025

Tuesday Tips: Boating Safety

A few reminders if you are heading to lake to pack in every last moment of summer fun!

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28/07/2025

Yesterday I mentioned my own criteria for an every day leash. I use a 6 ft leash for walks, most training, and safety in public. For hiking, a dragline or recall practice I refer a 15' leash. Some people use a 20 or 30 ft leash. That certainly gives you more room for recall practice. Personally, I find more than 15' cumbersome to handle and can work on more distance by letting my dog drag the 15' leash (when ready and safe to do so) or adding another leash if needed.

Here is an example of a dragline I like: https://amzn.to/452EcKv (Ad)

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We offer easy, convenient returns with at least one free return option: no shipping charges. All returns must comply with our returns policy.

26/07/2025

What do you look for in a leash? My preferences are:

1. 6 ft long (unless using for hiking, dragline or recall practice and then I like 15 ft)
2. Rope
3. Lightweight standard snap hook
4. Green

The leash on the left is my favorite. Some people prefer a flat nylon leash like the one in the middle or biothane material. Biothane does clean up more easily but I still prefer the feel of a rounded rope leash in my hands.

What are your preferences? Post in the comments.

Boxer for scale (accidentally). My dogs think if I'm trying to take a picture that they should clearly be in it.

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While not exactly the same, this is very similar to my favorite leash in case your preferences match mine. It comes in multiple choices for color, length and rope diameter:
https://amzn.to/455gCgv (Ad)

24/07/2025

Great tips on introducing dogs to one another from ABC Dogs NZ.

There is a way to build acceptance.
It starts outside of the home.
Two bits to this....and both of those areas can go very wrong.

Introducing a new dog into your own home.👈
Maybe you have just adopted and have concerns already because of other dogs that have entered your home.
It is a big deal for dogs and many won't take kindly to another dog just waltzing in, especially if they have never met them before.

Some have criticised these tried and true methods....that is ok.
You do you.
However, these are approaches that have worked, they are safe and they are not based on "individual highly social dogs" but looking at a much bigger picture.

Meeting a dog out and about?👈
Different again.
Try the 3 second "rule".
The meet and retreat is a great way to encourage everyone (dogs and humans alike) to read what is happening.

Do dogs "need" to meet all other dogs when out and about?
No.
They don't.
If you have a highly social dog....that may be difficult to hear.
You likely don't have the same challenges as others.
Your dog can easily socialise and read signals.
Others need a helping hand.

If you do struggle with helping your dog meet others....try this.
It also give dogs confidence.

Everyone can benefit from those little "I can do this" moments.

23/07/2025

This is so important! Clients often express confusion when they report their dog was wagging despite other signs that they were anything but happy. I’m so glad that Bark Vader Dog School put this together.

20/07/2025

Great reminders from ABC Dogs NZ!

That "forever home" feeling?
It can come with some surprises.... and not the good kind.
You've got that new food all ready to go.
You know what you prefer to feed
Great!
Transition needs to be really slow.
One teaspoon swap per day or even less for puppies or small dogs.

There will be accidents.
It can be more that just "nerves".
Urinary tract infections and colitis can be common with newly adopted dogs.
Their system can be under an enormous amount of stress.
Vet visits aren't unusual for newly adopted dogs.

Don't rely on them to signal they may need to toilet.
Opening a door and letting them out often isn't enough as they are easily distracted in a new environment.
By a leaf.
A bird.
Or even just being in the new yard may be overwhelming for them.
They forget what they even needed to do and yup.....another wee surprise on the rug when they trot back inside.

It will get better.

Even if you are ankle deep in carpet shampoos and cleaning cloths.....this does pass.

17/07/2025

Thank you SpiritDog Training for this important reminder!

Socialization is one of the core concepts covered in my 4 or 6 lesson puppy program. Proper socialization greatly reduces the risk of many problems later on.

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15/07/2025

Tuesday Tips: Enrichment Plan for Petsitter

Summer means packing in as much fun and get aways as we can! I recommend leaving stuffed food toys, puzzle games and a variety of enrichment activities pre-prepped and clearly explained for your pet sitter. It gives them something good to do and chewing/licking/sniffing is good stress relief if your pup is missing you.

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14/07/2025

Clients often express concern when their former 'social butterfly' starts to display more... selective... behavior towards other dogs. This change usually starts to occur in canine adolescence (6 months to 1 1/2 years). Certainly a bad experience can color a dog's opinion of other dogs. More often it's more about your dog maturing and learning more about what they like, and don't, in their friends. I often say, "Do you like every person?", why should we expect our dog to like every dog? By managing or expectations and recognizing that the full grown adult dogs who really LOVE dog parks, daycare and other doggie free-for-all experiences are a fraction of the population at large, we can better set our individual dog up for success in social interactions.

ABC Dogs NZ created this great graphic to show the potential range in preferences. Where does your dog fall on this scale? (Perhaps even in a category not listed?).

12/07/2025

With high temps and lower water levels it's extremely important to know what to watch for when it comes to harmful algae blooms. In Montana you can check out this page for a map of reported blooms and more information on what to watch out for.

Keep your kids and pets safe as you play in the water!
https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/Epidemiology/hab/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLdKSpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnT2hrcnpiMzhETEZRRFBtAR7DbXG2WzyeSPdKtfsCvGsPv6jXie9VAFejPpUJa8H2Z0Ed_vGSHbm_6ljbbg_aem_ZIMI0tFlhtJUPNC4ZNp_aA

DPHHS is offering one-time incentive payments to recruit employees at Montana’s state-run health care facilities. For more information go to Work4DPHHS.com