Paws A Tive Choice

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Paws A Tive Choice Paws-A-Tive Choice, LLC was founded by Kathy Edstrom BA, LAT, CFEP, CNWI - Master THIRD WAY Trainer. Your dog will thank you for making the pawsative choice.

I work with people who are looking for an enjoyable way to bond with their canine companion, while teaching their dog good skills that will help them live harmoniously within their family. I assist pet owners who have behavioral concerns with their dogs. I teach adolescent/adult dog classes, puppy classes and K9 Nose Work classes. (I am a Certified Nose Work Instructor through the National Associ

ation of Canine Scent Work.) Classes are taught at my learning center in Union Grove, WI. My learning center, Paws-A-Tive Choice is located 5 miles east of Waterford, WI just outside of Union Grove. Have fun with your dog in our 7,000 square foot, fully matted, temperature controlled training venue. Classes are kept small to allow for personal attention for each student and dog.

Happy National Dog Day!💜🐾🐶Celebrate your loveable canine companion. Post your pics in the comments. We all enjoy seeing ...
26/08/2024

Happy National Dog Day!💜🐾🐶

Celebrate your loveable canine companion. Post your pics in the comments. We all enjoy seeing the cuteness our pooches are up to.

Last evening, Sonic held his first puppy social for his friends.They all had so much fun. Kitty (Brian and Lisa); Winsto...
20/08/2024

Last evening, Sonic held his first puppy social for his friends.

They all had so much fun.

Kitty (Brian and Lisa); Winston (Dana) and Kai (Mady).

We worked on call- offs to teach the puppies to leave their friends when called. I was very pleased to see Sonic's response.

We ended the play session with the pups relaxing and enjoying some doggy icecream.

This was hopefully the first of many socials to come.

When a puppy keeps circling around to do the tunnel non stop, eventually he poops out.😄This is where Sonic landed after ...
18/08/2024

When a puppy keeps circling around to do the tunnel non stop, eventually he poops out.😄

This is where Sonic landed after several minutes of puppy zoomies and running through the tunnel how many times??😆

Sonic is officially being promoted from intern to apprentice.😉🐾This week he graduated from the K9 Nose Work: Intro to Od...
04/08/2024

Sonic is officially being promoted from intern to apprentice.😉🐾

This week he graduated from the K9 Nose Work: Intro to Odor Program and has moved up to the next level where he'll start doing "big boy" searches. 😊

Today Sonic passed the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test at the German Shepherd Dog Club of Wisconsin. Thank you Donna Rickert and Sharon Golden. You have become two of Sonic's favorite people.💜🐾💚

The heat and humidity knocked both of us down, but we got through it.

Our adventures have just begun...🐾

(The pooped out puppy. This photo says it all.)😄

Congratulations to our newest graduates of the K9 Nose Work: Intro to Odor Program.😀🏅 Each team showed solid proficiency...
31/07/2024

Congratulations to our newest graduates of the K9 Nose Work: Intro to Odor Program.😀🏅

Each team showed solid proficiency in finding the odor, Birch.

They are moving up to the next level, which will be going out and experiencing searches in the real world.

Great team work by: Derek & Hayley and Bates; Hannah and Bonnie; Dave and Rose; Travis and Ravyn and Kathy and Sonic. (Hayley, thank you for standing in for me, so I could take the photo.)😊

30/07/2024

What is a "Sniffari"?🐶

Sniffaris are dog-led walks! They're a fantastic enrichment activity that can be done in just about any low-traffic area. Not only will this help burn energy, but allowing our dogs to make decisions and think independently can help them build confidence in different situations. It also gives us a chance to stop and take a breath along with them AND allows our pups to do a natural, essential behavior for their mental and physical well-being.💙

28/07/2024

How to entertain a puppy: Give him a blueberry.😄

26/07/2024

TWO OPENINGS ARE AVAILABLE IN ADVANCED K9 NOSE WORK CLASSES. Dogs MUST be proficient in all three NACSW odors; elements and are training at or above the NW3 level.

Classes are taught by a CNWI and are focused on NACSW odors and search elements.

ONE opening in the 7:20 p.m. class beginning August 14, 2024 (6-week session)

ONE opening in the the 6:00 p.m. class beginning August 15, 2024 (6-week session.)

If interested, please send an email to: [email protected]

Inquiries through email only. Phone inquiries may not be answered in a timely manner. Email is usually answered the same day.
Registration closes August 5, 2024.

Send a message to learn more

Sonic approved Vehicle Search: Thank you Nadine Love-filer for holding him, so a picture of his wiggle body could be tak...
10/07/2024

Sonic approved Vehicle Search: Thank you Nadine Love-filer for holding him, so a picture of his wiggle body could be taken.😄

Congratulations to our Intro to K9 Nose Work students.They graduated last evening and are moving on to Intro to Odor sta...
19/06/2024

Congratulations to our Intro to K9 Nose Work students.

They graduated last evening and are moving on to Intro to Odor starting next week.

Great job, everyone!

There are still ongoing debates as to when the right time is to spay or neuter a dog.Seek out the most up to date scient...
16/06/2024

There are still ongoing debates as to when the right time is to spay or neuter a dog.

Seek out the most up to date scientific research. These guidelines can help you make an educated decision as to when you should consider the surgery for your canine companion.

New research has redefined the best age to spay/neuter five large dog breeds. Delaying the procedure can prevent joint disorders and certain cancers.

Getting set up for my Advanced K9 Nose Work classes. Brand new location: For the Love of Flowers Farm. A beautiful and p...
29/05/2024

Getting set up for my Advanced K9 Nose Work classes. Brand new location: For the Love of Flowers Farm. A beautiful and peaceful place.

So happy to be here!

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that we lost another member of the Paws-A-Tive Choice family.Rey, the Gal...
27/05/2024

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that we lost another member of the Paws-A-Tive Choice family.

Rey, the Galgo passed away over this past weekend.

Patti and Rey started training in the Intro to K9 Nose Work Program in September 2021. As a team, they continued to train up to the NW3 level.

As Rey became more confident in his searches and finding source, his final response became a freeze, or a hard stare where the hide was located. He earned the nickname of "The Freeze".

We all enjoyed watching him search and do his freeze when he found the hide. I know I can speak on behalf of Patti and Rey's classmates; we will miss you both.

Patti and Karl gave Rey the best life. May he be forever pain free. Goodbye, sweet Rey. You were a gentle soul.

Our sincerest condolences to Patti and Karl as they grieve the loss of their special boy.

20/05/2024
With the weather getting warmer and flowers are starting to bloom, you may have already noticed an increase in the insec...
12/05/2024

With the weather getting warmer and flowers are starting to bloom, you may have already noticed an increase in the insect population.

Bee stings can be serious. This article in The Whole Dog Journal has some helpful recommendations to treat your dog quickly.

Just like their human counterparts, dogs who have been stung can break out in unsightly hives. These are usually very itchy and uncomfortable.ü

09/05/2024

Over the past week, multiple inquiries came in about an Intro to K9 Nose Work class. I didn't have much time to get it coordinated, but I am pleased to say that class filled within two days, and we are good to go.

It is always exciting to introduce a new group of dogs to this incredible sport. The fun for them starts next week.

I am sorry for the folks who couldn't get into the program, but I am so appreciative you were interested in training. Being a Certified Nose Work Instructor has brought me great joy. The National Association of Canine Scent Work provides outstanding continuing education for their CNWI's. I have more educational opportunities coming up that will benefit my students.

Thank you to all of my students for your ongoing support and interest in training. Your enthusiasm keeps my batteries well charged.

I hope this new group of students gets hooked, and joins the ranks of my students who have been with me 5-10-15+ years. I treasure you all.😊💜🐾

Send a message to learn more

The ticks are already bad in southeast Wisconsin. Don't forget to check yourself, and especially your dog after you've e...
16/04/2024

The ticks are already bad in southeast Wisconsin.

Don't forget to check yourself, and especially your dog after you've enjoyed time in the great outdoors.

Ticks aren't only in the woods, they're on trails and even in your grassy backyard.

Be safe from those nasty buggers.

Afternoon treat: Licky Mat for Leefa. She's a delightful assistant.😊🐾💜
08/04/2024

Afternoon treat: Licky Mat for Leefa. She's a delightful assistant.😊🐾💜

This assistant has had a busy morning. Leefa needs to rest during our lunch break.
08/04/2024

This assistant has had a busy morning. Leefa needs to rest during our lunch break.

Leefa's first assignment of the day: Make Kathy her French Press coffee; Chocolate, Chocolate Chip.😊
08/04/2024

Leefa's first assignment of the day: Make Kathy her French Press coffee; Chocolate, Chocolate Chip.😊

My assistant for the day, Leefa. 💜🐾💚
08/04/2024

My assistant for the day, Leefa. 💜🐾💚

05/04/2024

This evening's Elite Level K9 Nose Work Training: High to low, close hide placements to work converging odors. Multiple hides, unknown number of hides to handler.

Several visual items to teach dogs and handlers to not focus on objects, but for the dog to follow the odor to source and the handler to trust their dog.😃🐾💜

Congratulations, Sydney Hartmann and Freya, on passing your NACSW Birch Odor Recognition Test. She is one speedyDachshun...
05/04/2024

Congratulations, Sydney Hartmann and Freya, on passing your NACSW Birch Odor Recognition Test. She is one speedy
Dachshund!😃🐾🎉🎊

For the past 3 months, I have had the honor of training this sweet girl in K9 Nose Work. Mayhem and I really gelled as a...
03/04/2024

For the past 3 months, I have had the honor of training this sweet girl in K9 Nose Work.

Mayhem and I really gelled as a team. This evening is her last class. 😔

Thank you, Rebecca Marschner, for "giving" 😉 Mayhem to me to train over the winter. I savored every moment. 🤗😍

I'm sorry your schedule conflicted with her training, but am so happy it worked out that I could be her trainer. I'm going to miss my May May.💜🐾💚

More pictures from our "Sniff Into Spring and Easter Egg Hunt".
29/03/2024

More pictures from our "Sniff Into Spring and Easter Egg Hunt".

We had a very enjoyable week of K9 Nose Work training. In keeping with our skill building exercises, our theme was, "Sni...
29/03/2024

We had a very enjoyable week of K9 Nose Work training. In keeping with our skill building exercises, our theme was, "Sniff Into Spring and Easter Egg Hunt".

There were 60 eggs in the search field along with items that represent Spring.

Depending on the level the dogs are training in, the number of hides and difficulty of placement were factored in.

We had hides in eggs on the floor, in Easter baskets, in or on Spring items and elevated behind the flower petals on the wall.

This was a great opportunity for the dogs to follow their nose and not visually focus on everything in the search area.

It's nice to see the sport that I'm so passionate about, has been highlighted in my favorite dog publication, "The Whole...
22/03/2024

It's nice to see the sport that I'm so passionate about, has been highlighted in my favorite dog publication, "The Whole Dog Journal".

Scent work for dogs is a fun activity that builds up the primary sense that dogs already use as their main way of interacting with the world.

Excellent information to have on hand.
18/03/2024

Excellent information to have on hand.

Dog pain medication can be divided into two broad categories: anti inflammatory NSAIDs, and analgesics that bind to pain receptors.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/f2yykAvw8fGSRQjQ/?mibextid=oFDknk
13/03/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/f2yykAvw8fGSRQjQ/?mibextid=oFDknk

K9 Veterans Day 🐕‍🦺🇺🇸🇺🇸🐕‍🦺

Today we honor the service of K9s and their handlers. They serve vital roles in the military and law enforcement. They get embedded in border patrol and customs, airports, the Coast Guard, the F.B.I., the police, and even the Secret Service. This holiday also recognizes other service dogs that help people with disabilities and support animals for those with mental health issues. Service dogs often risk their health and lives to accomplish their missions. It’s only fair that we should celebrate their efforts at least once a year.

Thank you all for your service!

City of Havelock Police
National K9 Veterans' Day
Craven County Sheriff's Office - K-9 Unit
Friends of Craven County Sheriff's Office
City of New Bern, NC Police Department

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Videos

How to entertain a puppy: Give him a blueberry.😄

No matter what level you are training or competing at in K9 Nose Work, you can NEVER go wrong with pairing food with the target odor. This wonderful team, Steve and Bearon, are competing at very high levels. They currently have 6 of 10 legs toward their AKC Detective Title and are half way to their NACSW Elite Champion Title. Achieving this is no easy feat. It takes time, a lot of training and not rushing the process. Steve still goes back to basics with Bearon to work on skill building exercises. During this past week's training, I set up two different types of searches: ground or "crack hides" as we call them and then high hides at different heights. All hides were paired. By pairing all of the hides, this helped build Bearon's drive and enthusiasm to keep searching. Steve did not know the number of hides placed. I gave him a range. He allowed Bearon to lead the search and follow his nose. Even though Bearon was able to self reward on many of the hides, Steve still rewarded him at source every time. This team is a joy to train with. Don't rush the process. Enjoy every step of this beautiful journey with your sniffing partner.

Lily, the Yellow Lab, is one of my private K9 Nose Work students. She started her Nose Work journey 1.5 years ago with me, and is now at the Elite level. I set up two separate exercises in large areas placing the hides between 4 and 7 feet high on trees. Lily had to ignore the squirrels that ran through the yard. And those squirrels were very busy. She made the choice to keep searching, rather than attempt to chase them. Good girl! That took will power.😊 She is a fun dog to watch. Lily will not give up until she gets to source. If she could climb trees, she would scale them to get to those high hides.😆 It has been such a joy going on this journey with Lily.

My last private lesson of the day, Patricia and Mando. This pooch has come a long way. He came to me for Nose Work to help build confidence and provide a safe place for him to train. Mando happily comes to his lessons ready for fun. The ground hide exercise was his first time searching this type of setup. Even with the critters in the brush, Mando stayed focused. Good boy!

This team, Heather and Pat with Lily are skilled at working complex hide placements. Today we concentrated on ground hides. Both Heather and Pat handled her. You can see how much Lily loves the game.

Tami and Grogg got to experience their first ground hide exercise. Same types of environmental distractions: chipmunks, bunnies and birds. Grogg started Nose Work with me 4 months ago. It won't be long, and we'll be introducing Anise to the mix and setting up more complex searches.

Paula and Arlo started K9 Nose Work with me three months ago. This was Arlo's first time working ground hides. Lots of environmental distractions: chipmunks, bunnies and birds all in the brush. Arlo did a great job of ignoring those distractions.

Ricky Liederbach and his German shepherd, Jettson, started training with me when Jettson was around 10 or 12 weeks of age. They completed my Beginner Puppy and Advanced Puppy programs. Afterward, they began their Nose Work training with me. One of the games the pups learned early on was the "Magic Carpet" game. This game taught the pups to go to their mats and rely on this as their safe space and a place to rest. Ricky kept this game going. Jettson knows to go to his bed when they arrive for their private Nose Work lessons. He also goes to that bed in between searches. It's very important for dogs to rest and have a calm break in between their searches. This week we did a mock ORT ( Odor Recognition Test). The two videos show Jettson going to his bed upon arrival for his lesson. The other video in the "comments" section shows Jettson going to his bed after his search. Teaching your dog this skill is beneficial in many situations, not only for training. This team is so much fun to train with.

Turbo's Gift Opening😊
Turbo's Gift Opening😊

Happy 10th Birthday to Turbo, the Canine Executive Officer of Paws-A-Tive Choice. He enjoyed opening his gift. This week he is sharing homemade Mackerel Fudge with all the doggy students. His favorite motto: "Let's Party!"

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