Pawsitive Pup Training

10/28/2025

*Preventing unwanted litters is a goal we all share—but it's time to rethink the surgical approach. Hysterectomies and vasectomies, which preserve hormonal balance, can safely be performed as early as 8 weeks of age, making dogs sterile without disrupting their natural hormones.

New peer-reviewed study published in Nature:

How a dog’s lifetime exposure to his own hormones (before being neutered) affects how well he handles aging and frailty later in life.

Study Background

• Frailty = when older dogs (and people) become weaker, less resilient, and more prone to illness and death.
• Most research looks at how to prevent frailty — this study looked at what makes some dogs bounce back better after frailty sets in.
• The focus was on the HPG axis — the hormonal system that produces testosterone and controls reproduction.

Key Findings

• Dogs neutered very young (before 2 years old) had:

o A much higher risk of death once they became frail.
o About 16% higher mortality for every small increase in frailty.

• Dogs kept intact longer (more than ~10 years) showed:
o No increase in mortality linked to frailty.
o Their hormones seemed to “buffer” the negative effects of aging.

• Each extra year of natural hormone exposure reduced frailty-related death risk by ~1%.

What It Means

• Hormones from the te**es may protect against the worst effects of aging later in life.
• Removing them too early could make dogs less resilient to age-related decline.
• Frailty isn’t just about getting old — it’s also shaped by early-life events like the timing of neutering.
• This supports a “life course” view: what happens early in life affects health decades later.

Why It Matters

• The study suggests timing of neutering might influence how well dogs age.

10/24/2025

Just like humans, dogs can experience sensory processing sensitivity. These highly sensitive dogs often react strongly to everyday sounds, sights, and experiences that other dogs handle easily. If…

10/24/2025

The benefits of using food puzzle toys, how to choose them, and how to introduce them to your dog.

10/23/2025

🎃 As Halloween nears, we have a spOoOoky tale for you... 👻

This tale has been told hundreds of thousands of times over the years, and it never gets better, only worse!

The story of the purposefully scared pet! 🙀 The horror!

All jokes aside, stop intentionally scaring your pets.
It's not funny.
It's cruel.
It can ruin your pet's trust in you and increase the likelihood of aggressive behavior.

Halloween is best enjoyed when EVERYONE is having a good time. So if your pets dislike costumes, put your pets away for the Halloween party (or consider having a sitter take them for the night). If your pets dislike novel items like Halloween decorations, keep them out of sight. There are better times and ways to introduce them to potentially scary things, but Halloween parties and festivities are 👏 Not 👏 It.

10/20/2025

Canine behaviour isn’t random—it’s a response to internal states, environmental triggers, and past experiences.

Before we label a dog as “naughty” or “stubborn,” let’s ask: What are they trying to tell us?

Let’s shift the narrative from correction to connection.

10/20/2025

Wanting control from dogs is more about your convenience rather than about understanding what your dog is desperately trying to tell you.

Barking is communication. It’s up to you to be curious about why they are barking. Are they demanding your attention? Do they need to go out to potty? Are they seeking your attention because they are anxious or excited or frustrated?

Wanting to stop behaviors because it’s annoying, you don’t have time, or you just have no idea what to do is telling the dog they don’t matter.

Shifting your mindset is the most effective strategy for a deeper connection with dogs.

After all, you wanted a dog so you owe it to them to learn their language.

10/19/2025

It's not all about us I'm afraid.

We can try our absolute hardest when rescuing a dog to "pick" one that seemingly fits what we WANT. Often, the message if you don't get the "dog you want" is that you get the "dog you need".

But that's rubbish often, too. Sorry, but it is.

It's not all about us.

The dog you get is the dog THEY ARE. And when we remember rescuing dogs is about fulfilling THEIR needs and wishes as an individual that they are, and not about getting something that is meant to fully compliment our home or life, we are setting us up for far less disappointment and far less stress on the dogs part.

It's a massive gamble. But so is buying a puppy. We've just got to remember it is not all about us. They're a unique being who deserves to have their true self heard and respected 🐾💜

10/17/2025

10/12/2025

Can also teach your pup!

Basic Sign language

10/10/2025

✨ Thinking About Getting a Puppy? Choose Your Breeder Carefully ✨

One of the most important decisions you’ll make isn’t just the puppy, it’s the breeder. A responsible breeder gives your puppy the best possible start in life. Sadly, many puppies still come from puppy farms or back-yard breeders, which can lead to serious health and behavioural problems later on.

Here’s what to check before you commit:

🐾 Licensed Breeder
In the UK, anyone breeding and selling puppies as a business must have a licence. Ask for their licence number a good breeder will be open and happy to share it.

🐾 Health Testing
Reputable breeders test their breeding dogs for known hereditary issues (hips, elbows, eyes, heart etc depending on the breed). Always ask to see certificates.

🐾 Environment
Puppies should be raised in a clean, stimulating home environment, not in kennels or sheds. You should meet mum (and ideally dad) with the puppies.

🐾 Paperwork
Your puppy should come with the right documents, vet check, microchip, vaccination card, and clear information on diet and routine.

🐾 Support
Good breeders don’t just hand over a puppy,they’ll offer advice, asks you lots of questions, answer your questions, and often stay in touch for the lifetime of the dog.
Be happy to show you mum and dad.

💻 Where to Start Looking?

🐾 Champdogs – champdogs.co.uk
Well-regarded site listing breeders who meet strict criteria and are transparent about health testing.

🐾 The Kennel Club Assured Breeders Scheme – thekennelclub.org.uk
Breeders are inspected and must meet welfare and health standards, including testing for inherited conditions.

🐾 Breed Clubs
Most pedigree breeds have their own UK breed clubs with breeder lists. Clubs usually require members to follow ethical codes of practice.

🐾 The Breed Council
Some breeds have a Breed Council that oversees multiple clubs. Their websites often link to health-tested breeder lists.

🐾 Rescue Centres & Breed-Specific Rescues
While not breeders, this is another responsible route, especially if people are open to rehoming puppies or young dogs in need.

💡 Responsible breeders will:
Be happy to show you mum with the pups
Provide health test results
Offer ongoing support
Ask you plenty of questions too!

💡 Takeaway: A puppy is a 10–15 year commitment. Take your time choosing the right breeder, it’s worth the wait for a healthy, happy dog.

✅We are here to support you further if needed.
Do reach out to us ..
Email 📧 [email protected]

10/06/2025

Did you know science says owning a dog can make you just as happy as being married? 🐕💍
Researchers from the University of Kent and the London School of Economics found that having a dog (or cat) can increase your life satisfaction by the same amount as tying the knot. In fact, the “emotional value” of pet ownership is estimated to be worth about £70,000 a year in happiness!

Think about it—unconditional love, daily companionship, someone always excited to see you… Sounds a lot like marriage, minus the arguments over the TV remote. 😉

So next time your pup greets you at the door, remember: you’re not just a pet owner… you’re in one of the happiest relationships science can measure. ❤️