Pawsitive Behavior Solutions, LLC

16/04/2025

There have been a lot of changes since Maya became a senior! Here are my top four!

1. Managing her pain is always the priority! This includes things like changing to a more supportive harness, adding runners and stairs, keeping lifting harnesses easily accessible, and making sure her favorite landing spots are padded with comfortable bedding.

2. My training goals have dramatically changed! I am no longer focused on her reactivity to unknown dogs and strangers. Reinforcing a "wait" at the bottom of the stairs and teaching her that she has choice and control with necessary invasive procedures is the focus.

3. Her enrichment options vary from day to day. Sometimes, she feels up for a short sniff walk while other days may be a carriage ride. She may want to engage in a game of stationary tug, and if she doesn't, then desstuffing a favorite toy on her bed may be a better option.

4. My vet is one of the most important relationships I have right now. Finding a competent, caring vet that is willing to communicate often and has the skill to modify her medications as her needs change has been a god send. Shot out to Dr. McCourt at Hickory Veterinary Hospital.

14/04/2025

It is easy to start to grieve before they are gone. It is a conscious choice I make each day to just sit with her and capture each moment as I know one day I will beg for just one more second of time with her.

Enjoy your dogs while you have them. We don't deserve all they give us.

11/04/2025

When we think of providing enrichment opportunities for our dogs, we often think of things that require our dogs to be active - play, work to eat puzzles, and nature walks.

But when you have a senior dog who struggles with being mobile for extended periods, we have to get creative.

Snuggling up in some warm blankets under a covered porch while enjoying the rain is a favorite activity for Maya. She still gets to experience the outdoors and all the wonderful smells that come with it!

What is your senior dogs favorite activity?

06/02/2025

Certifications play a crucial role in helping the public make informed decisions when hiring professionals, especially in fields like dog training, which is currently unregulated.

I am excited to announce that I am now a certified dog behavior consultant via the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).

Specializing in working with dogs that present with significant behavior challenges requires a knowledgeable professional with a science-based approach, and I am proud to bring that to the table.

ogbehaviorconsultant

01/01/2025

We are moving! Moving can be challenging, especially when you have an established business. But we are excited to now offer behavior consulting services in Anne Arundel County! Our current coverage area includes:

● South Baltimore City
● Pasadena
● Glen Burnie
● Arnold
● Severna Park
● Annapolis
● Croften
● Odenton
● Gambrills
● Hanover
● Linthicum Heights

31/12/2024

Cat and dog cases can be challenging! Cosmo is socially interested in Flash, but Cosmo's attempts to play have not gone well. We always have to take BOTH species needs into account! How did we start setting them up for success?

1. We provided both the cat a dog with safe places where they had access to food, water, and preferred bedding.

2. We set up safety measures with a buffer zone at a distance where the cat felt safe.

3. We started a foraging game independent of each other until they could successfully complete it without help from their guardians.

4. We avoided unsupervised interactions so that each time they were paired together, it resulted in safe and positive experiences.

5. We started off gradually but first put a blanket over the gate and gradually lifted it up as long as Flash's body language told us that he was relaxed and as long as Cosmo could continue using his nose (versus fixating and rushing the gate).

6. We gradually made the buffer zone smaller and allowed periods where they could co-exist without the distraction of a foraging game so they could learn to co-exist .

7. We made sure they both had escape options in case they needed a break or felt overwhelmed.

Stay tuned for the next steps!

10/09/2024

Any past or current clients interested in a crash test studied sport harness for the car? It has never been used and I am cleaning house! It is a SMALL.

10/09/2024

Moments you cherish when you have a senior dog!

Even though I have to sometimes share my pillow case and endure snoring, I would not want to wake up any other way!

14/08/2024

My old girl is getting a harness upgrade! I am hoping this ruffwear flagline harness supports her rear quarters a bit more and allows me to more easily help her in and out of the car!

11/08/2024

My partner and I spent a lovely weekend in West Virginia. But we agreed that one thing was missing - my sweet girl, Maya.

So begins our adventure of how to include a senior, reactive pittie into our outdoor adventures!

Look out for upcoming management and training tips!

08/08/2024

22/07/2024

Check out Cashew and Chestnut rocking their relaxed place cue with a baby distraction!

Visual targets for dogs are hugely important in homes with babies and young children. It provides dogs information about where you want them to be in space and makes managing them easier when the environment is more unpredictable.

17/07/2024

It has been a pleasure to work with one of my favorite client dogs, Tina. She is now 100% off leash and gets to enjoy doing her favorite doggie stuff - chasing squirrels, flushing out birds and playing in the water!

A rock solid recall took time and consistency. It was accomplished without the use of aversives. Even though it required a bit more time and me being prepared with a handsome pay-out, it was worth it.

Why? I got to preserve the bond I had with her without ever risking her making an association that her outside environment sometimes predicted scary things.

Love you Tina!

14/07/2024

This was posted at a diner and it reminded me of how clients are sometimes treated by dog trainers they hire to help modify their dogs behavior.

What good trainers do:

👍 Be a source of empathy and support.
👍 Engage in respectful conversations about the what YOU feel comfortable with when to making decisions about your dog's course of treatment.
👍 Understand that you did the best you could with the information you had, even if it meant that you used aversives with your dog in the past.

Great dog trainers are skilled at working with both the dog and human. If you arent getting that from your trainer, find a new one!

21/12/2023

** 10-MONTH OLD SHAR PEI/TERRIER MIX IN NEED OF A NEW HOME AND DOG BUDDY.**

***Adoption includes three free sessions with me to help Buddy acclimate to a new home !!!

Meet Buddy, a spirited ten-month-old Sharpei/Terrier mix seeking a foster or forever home. A lively adolescent, Buddy loves energetic games, walks, and interacting with everyone!

Trained in basic and intermediate manners, he's mastered commands like "sit," "down," and leave it." Buddy is leash-trained has sought out companionship with other dogs and has enjoyed interacting with other dogs playfully through a fence at the kennel.

The ideal home for Buddy? A home with active people and a friendly dog as he craves social time and adventures. Originally from a Louisiana shelter, Buddy's previous home struggled to meet his adolescent needs. Now, he is thriving with regular exercise, and enrichment and seeks a dedicated person or family to continue working with him.

Contact us for a chance to meet Buddy and enjoy three free training sessions with his current trainer at 410-205-9340 or [email protected]

https://www.aaha-rescue.org/adopt-me &page=shelterluv_wrap_1648180260929%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2F80902310

21/12/2023

** 10-MONTH OLD SHAR PEI/TERRIER MIX IN NEED OF A NEW HOME AND DOG BUDDY.**

***Adoption includes three free sessions with me to help Buddy acclimate to a new home !!!

Meet Buddy, a spirited ten-month-old Sharpei/Terrier mix seeking a foster or forever home. A lively adolescent, Buddy loves energetic games, walks, and interacting with everyone!

Trained in basic and intermediate manners, he's mastered commands like "sit," "down," and leave it." Buddy is leash-trained has sought out companionship with other dogs and has enjoyed interacting with other dogs playfully through a fence at the kennel.

The ideal home for Buddy? A home with active people and a friendly dog as he craves social time and adventures. Originally from a Louisiana shelter, Buddy's previous home struggled to meet his adolescent needs. Now, he is thriving with regular exercise, and enrichment and seeks a dedicated person or family to continue working with him.

Contact us for a chance to meet Buddy and enjoy three free training sessions with his current trainer at 410-205-9340 or [email protected]

13/07/2023

Just ONE more spot open!!

30/06/2023

The reactive rover hybrid package is here! It is a unique, cost-effective approach combining two online group sessions and two in-person private sessions. It will include the following:

✅ One 120-minute initial online group session is scheduled for Sunday, July 18th, at 11 am.

✅ One 60-minute, online behavior-focused group session is scheduled for Sunday, July 30th, at 11 am.

✅ Two 60-minute private in-person working sessions. At your home and scheduled by you!

👉Priced at $395. A $165 savings!

* Limited to six handler/dog teams.

👉 Only three spots left!