Pawsitively Genius Dog Training

07/15/2023

03/06/2022

Resharing another oldie but goodie!

One of the most common complaints I get from puppy owners... my dog jumps on people!

A lot of the "old school" methods of teaching can be really damaging, both to your relationship with your dog and to their confidence with people.

I wish there was a magic wand, but the closest I've got is practice, practice, practice... practice sits for pets, practice 4 on the floor, practice coming and going over and over. Recruit friends to help.

Your dog will learn and generalize the behaviour; I promise!

03/03/2022

Some sincerely excellent kids and dogs advice from Jim Crosby on the Behavior Vets podcast (which I highly recommend if you don't already listen!). 🎧

03/03/2022

Resharing because I've said it before and I'll say it again: learning dog body language saves lives!

Newest in my doggy body language series... did you know lip licks can be an early stress sign to watch for in dogs?

Becoming body language experts means we can respect our dogs and their comfort zones and choices, thus keeping them out of situations they are uncomfortable with.

Dogs who are ignored when they offer early warning signals will escalate their communication (see: canine ladder of aggression) and can eventually lead to biting. A dog who has learned their early communication is ignored will stop trying polite communication and jump to what works. Learning to understand what they're saying to us without them resorting to biting can literally save their lives.

03/01/2022

I've suspected Athena is struggling with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction for a while and today finally decided to take some medical steps to help her (whereas prior I've been focusing on management in the home, lifestyle changes, and enrichment). 🧠

We are going to trial selegiline - it's on order for us, since it isn't commonly used, so stay tuned for updates on that - but for today we get her Cognadin by . 💊

While it isn't one I saw mentioned in book "Remember Me?" (which I sincerely can't recommend enough) since I can't get them here, it does have the same active ingredient (phosphatidylserine), so I'm optimistic 🤞

Watch this space for updates on our journey with CCD and check my blog for an article on living with senior dogs 🥰

02/27/2022

Got your attention? 😅

Thought I've had lately: does anyone have any questions for me?

About training, behaviour, tools, tricks, methods, me, my dogs... anything! 🐕

I've been thinking I could do Q&As on here (either written or make short videos).

My goal is and has always been to make dog training and behavioural support accessible and I thought this might be an easy free way to help.

So, got a question? 🤔🤔

Drop it in the comments! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

02/24/2022

Enrichment doesn't have to be an expensive puzzle toy or structured activity. It can be anything interesting and novel for your dog!

Today's enrichment? Tug with fun, fallen foliage on our walk.

What did your dog get to do today that was enriching?? ❤️

02/08/2022

Does your dog like catching snowballs? It's one of Athena's favourite winter activities ❄️ ⛄️

01/17/2022

Happy 100th to ! Of course I'll participate in the

$5 isn't a lot but it is when it is multiplied! I know money is tight for a lot of people right now so if you can't donate, don't feel bad, but if you can, do! Small steps from a lot of people are worth more than big steps from a few ♡

Donate to the or of your choice... for me, this time, it's

Not sure where to donate? I can vouch for them!

Happy snow day everyone ❄

01/07/2022

Survival tip for living with a senior dog (or puppy): counter condition yourself! 🔔

My senior rarely sleeps through the night anymore. She has me up taking her out to p*e - or just fussing - at least once, often more, every night. 💤

To stop myself from getting resentful or irritable with the lack of sleep and cold in the middle of the night, I keep sweets in the house... while she p*es at 2am, I get to eat something delicious 😋

My emotional response of annoyance has changed to acceptance and, dare I say, sometimes happiness. Thanks Pavlov!

And yes, that is a chocolate covered cheesecake bite. 🤤 🤤

12/31/2021

2021 was a year of lots of big changes for me... and one of those was a real effort to be more "social". So to those of you who see this, follow, or enjoy my content... thank you. And happy new year! See you in 2022.
#2021 #2022

12/26/2021

Now that Christmas is over I can fiiiinallyyyyy share this beautiful stained glass piece I had custom made for my partner for Christmas! Moshi died last fall and has memorialized her so well for us.

Keeping this one a secret was so hard 🤐