27/08/2024
Nova is turning into one of my best decoy dogs! This sweet pup, Rosie, became reactive to other dogs after being attacked. After several sessions during our Reactive to Relaxed program she can now walk side-by-side with Nova! ❤️🐶
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26/08/2024
I don't often use the word "correction" during my training sessions when coaching new clients. Instead, I prefer "guidance," "support," and "encourage."
Why? Because guiding your dog to do the right behavior is more important than correcting mistakes.
I teach you how to support your dog through learning, encourage the right choices, and gently guide them when they make mistakes.
This approach not only helps your dog learn faster but also builds their confidence and trust in you.
If you want to learn how to guide your dog positively, let’s talk.
Put a 🌟 in the comments if you prefer guidance!
25/08/2024
Did you know we train pet actors and pet models, and most of our own dogs AND cats have their own acting and modeling jobs? Here's our bullmastiff Sherman showing off the latest Chewy.com attire!
Interested in training your dog, cat, or other small pet as an actor or model? Shoot us a PM to learn more 🌟
20/08/2024
Holly is doing a reverse board and train with his to overcome fear and reactivity issues so she can find her forever home! A reverse board and train with us includes intensive one-on-one sessions with a trainer three to five days a week, but the dog doesn't board overnight. This allows Holly to decompress where she is comfortable and be ready for training again the next day ❤️
06/08/2024
I worked with a client who believed their dog’s breed was not trainable. They had heard stereotypes about certain breeds and felt hopeless about their dog's behavior.
The truth is that every breed has unique characteristics, but all dogs can be trained with the right approach.
🐶 Zak defied the breed stereotypes and made incredible progress.
🐶 The owners were amazed at how much their dog could learn and change.
🐶 They now have a well-behaved dog and a stronger bond than ever.
If you think your dog’s breed isn’t trainable, let’s chat. Every dog has potential.
Put a 🐕 in the comments if you’ve ever thought this!
04/08/2024
Is your dog driving you bonkers cooped up with you out of the heat? 🥵
Are you looking for ways to entertain them and burn off energy in the air conditioning? 🌞
In-home training sessions are the perfect solution! 💪
We come to you and work with you and your dog one-on-one, indoors, to teach new manners and skills or solve behavior problems. 🐶
Your dog will be mentally tired and ready to take a long nap after training, giving you a much needed break! 😴
By the time Fall arrives, you'll have a well-behaved dog ready to go out and about enjoying the cooler weather together 😎
New clients, enroll during the month of August and get $100 off any in-home training program! 💰
PM for more info ☝️
30/07/2024
We LOVE hearing from clients we've worked with in the past! This update about Speckles made our day 🐶♥️
"It's been a while since you've heard from us but I'd like you to know that we are forever grateful & thinking about you & all you've done for our girl. I just got surprised with two dogs coming up behind us & she did not freak out. She let out a whine & got a little stiff but did not lounge or go into beast mood like before. Instantly came back to me for assurance & we went on our way. We still practice clicking & small commands during our walks & play time. Thank you!!"
28/07/2024
We love waking up to messages like this from happy clients! 😊
"I just wanted to send this to you. Last night Harley and I went to EastSide with a group of friends. I got at least 20 compliments on how calm and well mannered she was. I seriously couldn't believe it. Thank you sooo much for everything you have taught us and continue to teach us. This has truly changed both of our lives."
28/07/2024
What did you do with your dogs to beat the heat today? 🌞
We did water bites with K9 Working Dogs of Dallas- Cancer BITES Fundraiser! 💦
This was Alex's first time biting in water, and he loved it! 🦈
26/07/2024
🥰 Here are the top 8 training tools I wouldn't be without. 🥰
Treats - My #1 training tool! Treats are a powerful tool not just to reward, but to build a precise communication system with my dogs.
Treat Pouch - Vitally important for carrying tasty rewards. I like a pouch that allows me to quickly and easily get my hand in to grab the treats.
Two-Handled Tug Toy - Another fantastic way to reward and build a relationship with my dogs. The two handles allow tugging games to be played safely for both human and pup.
Ball with Rope - A third reward option, especially for high-drive dogs. The rope is for safety in case the ball is accidentally swallowed when delivered as a reward, especially if using for heel training (ball is dropped to the dog from the armpit).
Yoga Mat - Cut to fit the dog I'm training, a yoga mat makes the perfect "place".
Martingale Collar - Martingale collars, also called greyhound collars, prevent a dog from slipping their head and escaping. I've seen too many dogs slip out of collars and harnesses over the years, so these are my go-to for both training and safety.
4-5ft Leather Leash - Leather won't give you rope burns like nylon, and just looks better too. Another great option is biothane.
Long Line - Long lines have many training applications, from come when called to tracking. They are great for "sniffy walks" and giving your dog more freedom while staying safe.
Every single one of these tools is important to make training a breeze.
We invest in the best to ensure your dog has a positive experience and meets your training goals.🐶
23/07/2024
Here's something a little different for our scaley pet owners: who would be interested in a seminar or webinar on snake training & body language?
We have a new guy who is still unsure about handling, and is very vocal about it, that would make a great example for those interested in learning how to read, tame, handle, & train snakes.
Let us know in the comments below, and share with your reptile loving friends! 👇
23/07/2024
Another happy client after completing my Reactive to Relaxed program made my day with this sweet review! ❤️🐶
"We are thrilled with the results from working with Elizabeth! My dog has leash reactivity, making walks stressful and unpredictable. Elizabeth used only positive reinforcement techniques and customized training plans to help us. The best part is she meets you at home and in parks to maximize training. She is kind, patient, knowledgeable, and always available to answer questions.
Within the first few sessions, we noticed a significant improvement. At the end of the 14 sessions, our walks are more enjoyable, less stressful and my dog's behavior has improved dramatically. I highly recommend Elizabeth to anyone needing dog training."
- Sherleen & Summer
Are you ready to transform YOUR dog from Reactive to Relaxed? Let's get started!
22/07/2024
What's your favorite spot for a dog walk in Denton? We've been loving South Lakes Park lately! 🐶❤️
20/07/2024
You know you're ready to get dog training support, when...
🐶 Day to day life with your dog is more stressful than it should be.
🐶 You're too embarrassed to take your dog for a walk or take them to a cafe because you know they'll act up.
🐶 You feel like you've tried everything already and nothing's worked.
🐶 Your dog's behavior is putting you at risk of shoulder and wrist injuries, falls, etc.
If you're nodding your head to any of the above up there, 👆 I hear you.
I've faced the very same challenges with the first dog I owned as an adult, Jake.
In fact, Jake's reactivity got us kicked out of a few training classes!
But since then, I learned and educated myself, and now a dog training expert of 14.5 years, my job is to help you overcome these challenges with your dog too. 💕
So if you're ready for that helping hand, you know where we are. Send us a quick PM to chat about it.
18/07/2024
🤔 What is it like working with us in one of our programs?
If you've been wondering, keep reading!
⭐️ How much time will I need? I'm worried I won't have the time to train my dog in between sessions...
It doesn't have to take over your life. We recommend that you practice with your dog at least once a day for 10-15 minutes, or 2-3 times a day for just 5 minutes each. If you do just that, your dog will make progress! You can easily fit the training exercises in and around your lifestyle.
⭐️ Do you follow a set curriculum? What if my biggest issue is something different than your lesson plan?
Every in-home program we do is just a little different from the last, because each client and dog has their own needs, wants, and goals. The beauty of private training is that we can customize your sessions to fit you and your dog's individual personalities!
⭐️ My dog is not food motivated. Can I still do positive training?
Food is just one tool in a positive trainer's toolbox. We also use toys, games, social play, and a variety of environmental reinforcers as rewards. Sometimes we just need to investigate special treat options too, like boiled chicken. My own dog's training foundation is actually built and reinforced mainly through play and games.
I hope that helps clarify a few things if you've been sitting on the fence about working with us.
If you have a question we haven't answered here, please pop them in the comments below. 👇
Or if you're ready to jump in, click here to book a free phone consultation: https://staypositive.as.me/discovery
12/07/2024
SUPER proud of my client Millie today (background). She is working through my Reactive to Relaxed program and today she confidently handled, not one but TWO decoy dogs hanging out near her with 0 barking and lunging! This is a HUGE transformation for her ❤️
10/07/2024
🐶 Nova bites. I have a nice little scar on my nose to show for it.
This is normal puppy behavior.
I keep a wide variety of soft tug toys handy to redirect (not just a single boring rope- we have sheepskin, faux fur, leather, fleece and bite suit material tugs).
🐶 Nova bites harder in the evenings when she is tired. She will latch on to your thigh after mad zoomies around the room. Her angry sounds make it clear she is overtired.
This is normal puppy behavior.
We put her in her crate with a Pupsicle for a nap when we see it coming. She crashes every time.
🐶 Nova chews things. Malinois style. Which means dragging a reclining chair across the room.
This is normal puppy behavior.
If she is honed in on a particular piece of furniture, she goes into her crate with a more appropriate chew. By the time she has finished the chew, 99% of the time she forgot about the furniture.
🐶 Nova gets excited and jumps on new people.
This is normal puppy behavior.
As she gets older we'll teach her a more appropriate sit for greeting. She is already learning this with us. For now I don't mind the jumping, because it is nice to see a friendly, forwardly social malinois.
🐶 Nova eats things she shouldn't eat.
This is (sort of) normal puppy behavior.
Actually, this is called pica, and is a fairly common behavior disorder. Once I realized she had pica (she threw up a sock that I had never even seen before, and pooped out a rag on the same day!) we are extra vigilant about her play area, and check it before she comes out of her crate.
🐶 Nova growls and snaps if she is chewing/eating something and you touch her.
This is normal puppy behavior.
Actually, she doesn't do it anymore, because we started trading games right away. When we brought Nova home, she was less than 12 weeks old, so we followed the resource guarding protocol from Puppy Culture. Now at almost 13 weeks old, this is no longer an issue. Had we punished her for the behavior, or took things without trading, it could have become a dangerous issue.
🐶 Nova will poop/pee in the house if not supervised and taken out frequently.
This is normal puppy behavior.
She actually has not had an accident on the floor in 5 days now. This is NOT because she is potty trained. This is because I have learned exactly when to take her outside, before she realizes that she needs to go. I also have an indoor "potty grass" for her to catch my mistakes.
🐶 Nova plays rough with other dogs, and will anger them if left to pester them too long.
This is normal puppy behavior.
I allow daily short, supervised playtimes with my adult dogs, but Nova is not just loose/free roam with them all the time. I watch my dogs when they are interacting and separate them when I can see they have had enough of her. I am lucky to have an excellent nanny dog, Heidi, that teaches Nova how to play, but even Heidi needs a break. If I let Nova relentlessly pester Heidi all day, she could lose the amazing teaching patience she has for puppies. Correcting a puppy gently is good, but over-corrections and aggression will only create issues for Nova's temperament.
Do you want to know what is normal for your puppy, and how to navigate this important time in your puppy's life with grace? PM me or visit www.staypositiveanimaltraining.com
09/07/2024
Setting Expectations
We live in a world of instant gratification and unrealistic Instagram videos. This is hugely affecting the expectations of what dog training looks like.
Combine that with all of these new suppression-based board & train companies popping up with "fully trained in 2 weeks" guarantees and multiple thousand-dollar marketing schemes and of course dog owners don't know what their expectations should realistically look like.
My dogs are not "fully trained". What does that even mean? I am never done practicing with them. I am never done setting goals for us and improving our communication, fluency, and precision. I am never done learning, even as a professional trainer of 14+ years.
Your puppy will not have perfect behavior after a puppy class. A puppy class is like kindergarten. Your puppy just learned their ABC's. Now you can continue practicing and they will put those ABC's together into words and stories. But only if you practice and have patience with them, and guide them rather than correct and nag them.
As the great Bob Bailey said, dog training fails when we expect too much of the dog, and too little of ourselves.
Learn how to lay a solid foundation with your puppy and understand what a beautiful dog training journey can look like, imperfections and all! Shoot us a message to get started 🐶
07/07/2024
What is the foundation of my dog's training?
A few years ago if you asked me, I would have said positive reinforcement, or kindness/mutual respect, or maybe clicker training.
Some trainers might say treats, or leadership, or dominance, or reinforcement contingencies, or consequences.
Now I'll say, it's play.
Yes, the foundation of the training I do with my dogs, and the relationship I build with them, is centered around PLAY. Play with toys, play with food, and play with nothing at all but our body language and movement. Play within structured games and play with no structure as well.
PLAY is the key I use to unlock my dog's engagement, enthusiasm, and drive. I have my dog's attention with any distraction because of the history of play and fun I've built. Not because of the treats. Not because of any equipment. Just simple, beautiful, cross-species PLAY.
Would you like to learn how to add play to your dog's training and unlock drive and engagement you never even thought possible?
Send me a message!
Do you already use play in your dog's training? Share in the comments below!
06/07/2024
How are you beating the heat with your dogs this weekend? ☀️
06/07/2024
Don't forget you have until tomorrow to take advantage of our 4th of July discount! Message me or email [email protected] to enroll 🐶🎆
05/07/2024
We hope you and your pups have a fun and safe 4th of July! Remember to put them inside before any fireworks start 🎆
02/07/2024
Did you know 💡
I've been training dogs professionally as my own business since 2010 (I was 20), but I was already getting paid to train horses AND I worked as a veterinary assistant since I was 16 years old (2006).
I also trained my personal dog, a border collie mix named Lucky, in competitive AKC obedience when I was 11 years old (2001).
How animals learn and how best to communicate with them truly is a lifelong passion!
01/07/2024
Does your dog trainer continually seek knowledge? How much does your dog trainer invest in learning and improving?
Dog training and animal behavior is my obsession, and I am always hungry for more. On a daily basis I listen to training and behavior podcasts by many different trainers of many different styles, read a variety of books on training, behavior and ecology, and I am almost always enrolled in an online dog training or animal behavior program of some sort. I also train my dogs in various different performance sports and am constantly putting myself out of my comfort zone to try new things and improve myself. I attend many seminars and webinars on various topics of animal training and behavior.
I don't follow just one "system" or "method". I combine the information, skills, and techniques I learn from many different sources to help the people and dogs in front of me learn to understand and communicate with one another.
Message me if you'd like to learn more about the many sources I've learned from and begin your training journey!
01/07/2024
Happy clients like this are why we do what we do! ❤️
"Elizabeth took my out-of-control Sheepadoodle and helped calm her. I own a dog grooming business and want to use her as the face of our salon. With Elizabeth's training, I can now take her to events, and she behaves like an angel. People are always so impressed with how calm and cool she is. She sits so the kids can come up and pet her (although, she may slip in a little kiss on the face when she can.) I get compliments from where I take her for day care several times a week at how well behaved she is. This is all due to what Elizabeth taught both Pepper and I about how to behave properly in public."
- Chris P. and Pepper
01/07/2024
Gen lunged and barked at anyone that came near, and even has a history of biting strangers. After completing our Reactive to Relaxed program, she is now able to enjoy regular weekly trail walks with Josh, and not only does she not react to him, but she is neutral to passers-by now too! ❤️🐶
30/06/2024
Celebrate Independence Day with man's best friend and achieve your dog training goals! We are offering $200 off all training programs enrolled between now and July 6th.
Shoot a message to get started on your journey to a well behaved dog! 🐶
25/06/2024
Are you bringing home a new puppy and want to make sure you foster a positive relationship between them and your current dog? 🐶
We can help you through either a "before puppy" zoom call/phone call or a "new puppy" in home session... or both! 🐕
Don't wait until they are having issues, have a plan the moment your puppy gets home for ultimate success ❤️
24/06/2024
A client once confided that they were embarrassed to seek help for their dog, Nixon. They felt they should be able to handle it on their own and were ashamed to admit they needed support.
It's important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Every dog and owner can benefit from expert guidance at some point.
🐶 Nixon and their owner overcame their challenges and built a stronger bond through training.
🐶 They learned that asking for help was the best decision they ever made.
🐶 Their home is now filled with joy and understanding, and a well behaved dog.
If you’re feeling embarrassed about needing help, let’s chat. There’s no shame in wanting the best for your dog.
Have you ever felt this way about your dog's behavior?
(Zeus the Doberman for tax!)
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Stay Positive Animal Training Programs for Manners & Obedience
Come when called work on the long line with Luna! "Come" is probably the most important cue you can teach your dog. Even if your dog really struggles with this, and is a runner, I can help! www.staypositiveanimaltraining.com
Crosby's newest trick! Crosby does continuing training sessions for enrichment and exercise 🐾
Choice is empowering and confidence building to any and all animal species. I am working on consent-based handling with my reptiles for less stress to them (and less chance of getting bit for me!). Here's a video example of taking the time to let Sweetie come out to me rather than just reaching in and picking her up. It sounds simple but many people forget to give smaller animals the chance to process and make a choice. Sweetie has always been very willing to come to me, but I do reinforce it regularly by feeding her when she is perched on me. 🦎 (Yes she is in shed!)
Many people struggle with positive reinforcement training because they don’t understand how to identify and use a variety of reinforcers. A reinforcer is something that a dog will put effort into earning. Many dogs like getting petted and praised, but praise only works as a training reinforcer if they are willing to exert energy into getting it. If they enjoy getting it, but won’t work for it, it’s not a reinforcer. What a a dog finds reinforcing is often different between individuals. Some dogs love food above all else, others prefer fetch or tug, sniffing, or chasing and hunting. In order to successfully train your dog, you must first determine what is reinforcing to them. Reinforcers also change depending on the situation. Food can be a very high reinforcer in some scenarios, but isn't that important to a dog anymore in the presence of a squirrel. If you struggle to motivate your dog, I can help! I don't just train with treats, but use a variety of reinforcers determined by the dog I'm working with. www.staypositiveanimaltraining.com
Sneak peek during Blue's Leash Reactivity Board & Train program. Blue is reactive towards strangers and other dogs, and he is doing fantastic during his field trip training session!
Performance doesn't become perfect overnight. Practice every day and you will achieve your goals! Teaching Alex a competition heel has been an amazing journey together. We're still working on many pieces but seeing it start to come together for the first time is an amazing feeling 🐶❤️
Working on a little cue discrimination with my Penelope ❤️🐶
Check out what Alex is working on! We're fading the lure to "Finish" which means move into heel position on the left side. This is our first attempt with no lure. He's such a smart boy!
Zak was one of our most challenging leash walking clients. He would get so overexcited and pull so hard, his legs would be shaking during and after a walk. Zak completed my basic training program back when Josh just started shadowing me. When Josh saw Zak, he said "are you sure you can train that dog?". I said "Yes, of course!" Now Josh walks Zak occasionally for maintenance, and look how great he is!
Rocky learned how to high five! 🐾
Did you know that I can teach your dog to file their nails? This helps with the sharp edges after trimming, and can reduce the frequency of trims needed!
Rocky has completed his 3 week board & train, however we've decided to foster him until he finds his family! He'll continue to learn and practice his obedience skills while he stays with us 💕 Rocky is a sweet Belgian malinois that loves cuddles and loves his ball. He enjoys riding in the truck and loves going everywhere you're going. He is well behaved in pet-friendly locations and loves everyone he meets. He is an energetic tri-pawd looking for a home through Second Chance Rescue Group. Rocky's adopters will get 3 private training sessions with us to transfer his obedience and manners skills and make sure he is set up for a lifetime of success!
A little fun on the Square today with Penelope! Working on impulse control. We train this without corrections 💕
Working on some fun new heel position changes with Alex!
Having fun training on the Square!
Quick sneak peek during some reactivity training with malinois puppy Pim. She's been very reactive to people and other dogs at any distance, but just two sessions into playing the "Click the Trigger" game she is doing SO well! I teach several different training games and techniques during my Reactive to Relaxed course. This is just one option that I show that works well for many dogs! 🐾
Tricks are a fun way to strengthen your dog's focus and engagement on you while exercising their mind and body. What tricks does your dog do?
I spend a lot of time standing on porches while coaching people and dogs! Here we're working on Axel's door dashing 🐾
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About Elizabeth Sandoval CTDI
Choice. Relationship. Consent. These may not be the first words you think of when you think of dog training. To be honest, "animal trainer" may not be the best word to describe all of what I do. I am also a coach and a teacher for both humans and animals, a relationship facilitator, and an animal communicator. I help people understand their animals so that they can enrich their pets lives, teach them skills to cooperate and live in harmony, and communicate to them with kindness.
For the last decade, I have dedicated my career to studying and specializing in a force-free, relationship based approach that puts choice and consent at the forefront of all animal interactions. Positive reinforcement training is more than just adding a few treats and rewards; it's a mindset.
I do not teach you how to "dominate" your dog or make them "obey" your every command. There is no magic and little imagination in leash popping, pushing an animal around, or intimidating them into compliance.
Instead, I want to teach you how to interact with and train your pets so that they WANT to engage with you and perform for you, even in the most impossibly distracting environments. There is no unpleasant consequence for the animal for not participating; only pleasant and fun consequences when they choose to engage. The magic happens when they make that choice, over and over again.
- Elizabeth Sandoval CTDI
