Pawsitive Dog Training Solutions

06/11/2025

12/10/2025

... a free Masterclass!

11/09/2025

Scientists at Cornell University have just discovered something extraordinary about dogs' brains, something that's never been found in any other species, including humans.

Dogs have a direct neural motorway connecting their sense of smell to their visual processing centre. They literally "see" with their noses.

Dr Pip Johnson was mapping neural pathways in dogs' brains when she found it. Using advanced MRI scans on 23 dogs, she expected to find the usual smell-to-memory connections that most mammals have.

Instead, she found massive information superhighways she'd never seen before.

"I just kept finding these huge pathways," she says. "They seem like information freeways running from the nose back into the brain."

Sniffing is a dog welfare need. 🥰

02/09/2025

18/03/2025

✨ PAWSITIVE INVESTIGATIONS✨

🐾Expression of Interest: Nosework Classes for Dogs! 🐾

Is your dog ready for a new, exciting challenge? 🐕‍🦺 We are excited to announce that we will be offering Nosework Classes for dogs, and we're looking for furry friends who are eager to learn!

What is Nosework?
Nosework is a fun and stimulating activity that teaches dogs to use their incredible sense of smell to locate specific scents. It’s based on the NACSW K9 Nose Work® methodology, it is an engaging, safe, and rewarding game for your dog. 🕵️‍♂️🔍

Benefits of Nosework for Dogs:
✅ Mental Stimulation – Keeps your dog’s brain sharp and focused!
✅ Confidence Building – Perfect for shy or anxious dogs who can gain confidence through success.
✅ Physical Exercise – Helps burn energy in a fun, non-strenuous way.
✅ Bonding Time – Strengthens your connection with your dog as you work together!
✅ Fun & Rewarding – Dogs love it, and they get a real sense of accomplishment!

If you’re interested in signing up or want more info, comment below or send us a message! 🐾
We can’t wait to get started with your pups and see them excel in this exciting new skill!

09/03/2025

I STILL NEEDED MY MOM

THE CONSEQUENCES OF TAKING PUPS TOO YOUNG

The early life experiences of a puppy are so important and have a significant influence on how that pup develops - emotionally, mentally, socially and physically.

There are still many so-called “breeders” that allow pups to be taken away at 6 weeks.

Uninformed people just accept this without question and are often unprepared for the consequences.

Just because a puppy may no longer physically depend on mom for food doesn’t mean they are ready to cope emotionally, without the security of their family unit, in a strange new home.

A 6-week-old puppy is still very reliant on mom and their littermates to learn appropriate play behaviour, impulse control, frustration tolerance, bite inhibition, self-confidence and develop the social skills that will help them grow into well-adjusted adults.

Although 8 weeks is the bare minimum that a reputable breeder will allow their pups to leave, some will keep their puppies until 10 or 12 weeks of age, but also make sure that proper, age-appropriate socialisation and habituation is provided.

Habituation is getting a puppy used to different things in an environment in a positive way, at the right developmental time. This could look like introducing different objects, noises, sounds, smells, different textures, places etc, so the puppy learns that these things are not something to be afraid of.

However, we don’t live an in ideal world and having to care for or rescue pups much younger than 8 weeks is often unavoidable due to different circumstances.

In these cases, we need to do what we can and hope for the best.

This post is not about this kind of situation, it’s about spreading knowledge, creating awareness, understanding and encouraging people not to support unethical, irresponsible breeders that allow their pups to leave too early, with no regard for their wellbeing or development.

03/10/2023

I know I've posted about this before, but sometimes I am reminded that the dog training industry is completely unregulated by seeing a dog that has been broken/disrespected/frightened/threatened/ignored by another trainer. This approach NEVER solves the problem (for the dog OR their guardian).
Before you book your training session:
ASK where and when they gained their qualification (and look up what the criteria for that looks like - is their knowledge robustly tested?)
CHECK if they are a member of a peak animal welfare/training body (and does this require them to maintain currency by undertaking regular professional development)
SPEAK to your veterinarian, or check the RSPCA trainers list for a recommendation.

There are some horribly unscrupulous people out there............and sadly, some of them are dog trainers! Do your homework, and if anything they ask you to do makes you feel uncomfortable, walk away! Our dogs deserve nothing less than love, kindness, patience, guidance and respect.