Pawsitively Service Dogs

07/25/2025

New safety upgrade! All our dog walking clients are now protected by GPS collars—so your pup is safe, secure, and always trackable (not just by leash). 🌍🐾

Interested in at-home dog safety too? Use our referral link for 30% off a Tractive GPS tracker: https://tractive.com/r/B3spHQ

𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘴. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. ♡ ᴛʀᴀɪɴɪɴɢ ꜱᴇʀᴠɪᴄᴇ ᴅᴏɢꜱ, ᴏʙᴇᴅɪᴇɴᴄᴇ & ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴍᴏʀᴇ! 𝔹𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕤𝕙 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕦𝕞𝕓𝕚𝕒 & ℕ𝕠𝕧𝕒 𝕊𝕔𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕒 🌊🌲🌸

07/24/2025

Not Every Pup is Destined to Be a Service Dog—And That’s Okay!

Let’s get real for a moment: not every dog, no matter how much we want it, is meant to be a service dog. If you ever hear a trainer say they’ve *never* had to “wash out” a prospect, it’s a red flag. Service dog training is about high standards, not just passing every dog through.

At Pawsitively Service Dogs Inc., we put our dogs’ well-being and our clients’ safety first. Sometimes, that means making the tough call to transition a dog out of our program if they aren’t a perfect fit for this important work. Whether it’s temperament, health, or stress levels—some pups are simply happier as beloved pets or in other roles.

We believe in honesty and transparency with every family. This protects our clients and ensures that every graduate is truly ready for the job. If you’re considering service dog training, know that being selective isn’t failure—it’s responsible, ethical training.

Piper will find her perfect home, and while we are sad to see her go, she will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Have questions about our process or what happens if a dog isn’t suited for service work? Reach out anytime—we’re here to help and support you through every step.

𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘴. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. ♡ ᴛʀᴀɪɴɪɴɢ ꜱᴇʀᴠɪᴄᴇ ᴅᴏɢꜱ, ᴏʙᴇᴅɪᴇɴᴄᴇ & ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴍᴏʀᴇ! 𝔹𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕤𝕙 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕦𝕞𝕓𝕚𝕒 & ℕ𝕠𝕧𝕒 𝕊𝕔𝕠𝕕𝕚𝕒 🌊🌲🌸

07/20/2025

🚫 MYTH BUSTER SUNDAY🚫
MYTH: "Service dogs need to be perfectly behaved 100% of the time"

TRUTH: Service dogs are still DOGS! 🐕 They're not robots, and they're allowed to have normal dog behaviors when appropriate.

What's realistic:
✅ Service dogs can play, sniff, and relax when OFF-DUTY
✅ They might occasionally get distracted (they're still learning!)
✅ Young dogs in training are still developing their skills ✅ They can have bad days just like humans do

What we DO expect:
🎯 Focused attention when working
🎯 No aggression toward people or other animals
🎯 Reliable task performance when needed
🎯 Good public access manners in stores, restaurants, etc.

At Pawsitively Service Dogs, we train for 800-1200 hours because it takes TIME to develop that level of reliability. Our dogs have a 100% first-time pass rate on public access tests because we set realistic expectations and train thoroughly! 💪

Remember: If you see a service dog having an "off moment," don't judge! Training is a journey, not a destination. 🌟

What unrealistic expectations have you heard about service dogs? Share below! 👇

𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘴. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. ♡
ᴛʀᴀɪɴɪɴɢ ꜱᴇʀᴠɪᴄᴇ ᴅᴏɢꜱ, ᴏʙᴇᴅɪᴇɴᴄᴇ & ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴍᴏʀᴇ!
𝔹𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕤𝕙 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕦𝕞𝕓𝕚𝕒 & ℕ𝕠𝕧𝕒 𝕊𝕔𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕒 🌊🌲🌸

07/19/2025

Bruno is flying today! He took a shuttle bus with his handler and is now through security and waiting while his handler has some food before departing.

Under the CTA Accessible Transportation for Disabled People Regulation, service dogs like Bruno must be trained by a certified trainer or organization to travel. Always check with your airline before heading to the airport and bring your documentation. Safe travels to all the amazing teams out there! 🐶✈️

𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘴. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. ♡
ᴛʀᴀɪɴɪɴɢ ꜱᴇʀᴠɪᴄᴇ ᴅᴏɢꜱ, ᴏʙᴇᴅɪᴇɴᴄᴇ & ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴍᴏʀᴇ!
𝔹𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕤𝕙 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕦𝕞𝕓𝕚𝕒 & ℕ𝕠𝕧𝕒 𝕊𝕔𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕒 🌊🌲🌸

07/18/2025

🎉 What an amazing start to our group classes with trainer Jenn! 🐾

Our first session brought together wonderful dog owners and their furry friends in a beautiful park setting. Jenn's expert training skills made the experience positive and engaging for everyone involved. It was heartwarming to see our community come together, learning and growing alongside their pets.

Thank you to all who joined us and made this class a success! We can't wait to continue building this supportive and fun environment for all our clients and their dogs.

𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘴. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. ♡
ᴛʀᴀɪɴɪɴɢ ꜱᴇʀᴠɪᴄᴇ ᴅᴏɢꜱ, ᴏʙᴇᴅɪᴇɴᴄᴇ & ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴍᴏʀᴇ!
𝔹𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕤𝕙 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕦𝕞𝕓𝕚𝕒 & ℕ𝕠𝕧𝕒 𝕊𝕔𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕒 🌊🌲🌸

07/17/2025

This is a US handler but very informative

07/14/2025

🚫 MYTH BUSTER MONDAY 🚫
MYTH: "You can pet and distract a service dog while they're working"

TRUTH: Please DON'T! 🛑 When a service dog is wearing their vest or harness, they're ON THE JOB and need to stay focused on their handler.

Why this matters:
🐕 Service dogs are trained to detect medical emergencies
🐕 They need to monitor their handler for seizures, blood sugar changes, panic attacks, etc.
🐕 A distraction could literally be life-threatening!

The golden rule:
👀 Look but don't touch
🗣️ Don't call to them or make kissing sounds
🚫 Never offer treats or try to get their attention
BUT - if the handler gives permission, then it's okay!

Some handlers are happy to let you meet their dog when they're off-duty or taking a break. Just always ASK first! 😊

Remember: That "friendly" interaction might seem harmless, but it could interrupt critical medical alert work. Let's help keep our service dog teams safe! 💙

Have you seen people make this mistake? How do you politely educate others? 👇

𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘴. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. ♡
ᴛʀᴀɪɴɪɴɢ ꜱᴇʀᴠɪᴄᴇ ᴅᴏɢꜱ, ᴏʙᴇᴅɪᴇɴᴄᴇ & ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴍᴏʀᴇ!
𝔹𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕤𝕙 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕦𝕞𝕓𝕚𝕒 & ℕ𝕠𝕧𝕒 𝕊𝕔𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕒 🌊🌲🌸

07/11/2025

**Spotting Stress Signs in Dogs & Why Socialization Matters**

We can’t stress this enough… slow down, and if need be take a step back! Piper was socialized to her previous environment, but it was a lot quieter than in the city. So over the last 5 months we have been slowly introducing her to different sounds and places. Even though we have been to this Canadian Tire a lot, every time we go she learns new things. She is stressed. So we don’t stay long, and we let her sniff and learn. And then she goes home and sleeps. Tomorrow she will have a day to rest and be and take in her normal routine. It’s important to take our time, so we don’t flood her with information and create an anxious dog!

Did you know that even the most confident dogs can feel overwhelmed in new environments or situations? Recognizing stress signals early helps us support our pups and make training a positive experience for everyone. Common signs of stress in dogs include:
- Yawning or lip licking (when not tired or hungry)
- Pacing or restlessness
- Tucked tail or pinned-back ears
- Excessive shedding or panting
- Avoiding eye contact or hiding

Socialization is key! Gradually introducing your dog to new sights, sounds, people, and other animals builds their confidence and helps them handle stressful situations calmly. In our classes, we always watch for stress cues and adjust the pace so every dog feels safe and supported.

Remember: If your dog shows signs of stress, take a step back. Practice settling techniques, offer reassurance, and allow them to observe from a comfortable distance before trying again.

Let’s set our dogs up for success—one positive experience at a time! 🐾

𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘴. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. ♡ ᴛʀᴀɪɴɪɴɢ ꜱᴇʀᴠɪᴄᴇ ᴅᴏɢꜱ, ᴏʙᴇᴅɪᴇɴᴄᴇ & ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴍᴏʀᴇ! 𝔹𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕤𝕙 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕦𝕞𝕓𝕚𝕒 & ℕ𝕠𝕧𝕒 𝕊𝕔𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕒 🌊🌲🌸

07/08/2025

🌞🐾 Summer is here, and it's important to protect your furry friend's paws from the hot pavement!

Here are some tips to keep their paws safe and comfortable:

1. Back-of-Hand Test:
Before heading out, place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws!

2. Protective Booties:
Consider investing in some dog booties to shield their paws from the heat. They can provide a barrier against hot surfaces and also protect against sharp objects.

3. Walk During Cooler Times:
Try to schedule walks early in the morning or later in the evening when the pavement is cooler.

4. Paw Wax:
Use paw wax to create a protective barrier on their pads. This can help prevent burns and keep their paws moisturized.

5. Regular Checks:
After walks, check your dog's paws for any signs of irritation or injury. If you notice any redness or blisters, consult your vet.

Keep your pups safe this summer! 🐶❤️



𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘴. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. ♡
ᴛʀᴀɪɴɪɴɢ ꜱᴇʀᴠɪᴄᴇ ᴅᴏɢꜱ, ᴏʙᴇᴅɪᴇɴᴄᴇ & ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴍᴏʀᴇ!
𝔹𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕤𝕙 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕦𝕞𝕓𝕚𝕒 & ℕ𝕠𝕧𝕒 𝕊𝕔𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕒 🌊🌲🌸

07/07/2025

🚫 MYTH BUSTER MONDAY 🚫

MYTH: "Service dogs are only for people who are blind or in wheelchairs"

TRUTH: Service dogs help people with a wide variety of disabilities! 💙

While guide dogs for the blind and mobility assistance dogs are well-known, service dogs also help with:
✅ Psychiatric conditions (PTSD, anxiety, depression) ✅ Autism spectrum disorders
✅ Seizure disorders
✅ Diabetes (diabetic alert dogs)
✅ Hearing impairments
✅ And many other invisible disabilities

At Pawsitively Service Dogs, 80-90% of our clients train psychiatric service dogs! These amazing dogs perform tasks like:
🐕 Deep pressure therapy during panic attacks
🐕 Interrupting nightmares or flashbacks
🐕 Creating physical barriers in crowded spaces
🐕 Medication reminders
🐕 Grounding techniques during dissociation

Remember: You can't always see someone's disability, but their service dog is working hard to help them live independently! 🌟

Have questions about service dog training? We're here to help! 💬

𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘴. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. ♡
ᴛʀᴀɪɴɪɴɢ ꜱᴇʀᴠɪᴄᴇ ᴅᴏɢꜱ, ᴏʙᴇᴅɪᴇɴᴄᴇ & ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴍᴏʀᴇ!
𝔹𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕤𝕙 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕦𝕞𝕓𝕚𝕒 & ℕ𝕠𝕧𝕒 𝕊𝕔𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕒 🌊🌲🌸

07/07/2025

Last chance to sign up for group classes for Victoria BC

We are starting a waitlist for anyone who is still interested in joining! 🥰

$200.00 for 8 weekly classes!

🐕 GROUP OBEDIENCE CLASSES - VICTORIA AREA 🐕

Starting Thursday, July 17th at 6:00 PM - 8 weeks of fun and learning!

Why Choose Group Classes?
✨ Socialization Magic - Your pup learns to focus and behave around other dogs and people

✨ Real-World Training - Practice commands in a controlled but distracting environment

✨ Cost-Effective Learning - Get professional training at an affordable price ($200 for all 8 sessions!)

✨ Community Support - Connect with other dog owners facing similar challenges

✨ Confidence Building - Dogs gain confidence through positive group experiences

✨ Problem-Solving Together - Learn from watching how other dogs and handlers work through challenges
Our group classes use a proven 1 trainer to 3 dogs ratio for optimal attention and results. Perfect for dogs who have had their second vaccines and are ready to learn alongside friends!

What You'll Learn:
• Basic obedience commands
• Leash manners
• Focus and attention skills
• Proper socialization techniques

Ready to join our pack? Comment below or send us a message to secure your spot!

𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘴. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. ♡
ᴛʀᴀɪɴɪɴɢ ꜱᴇʀᴠɪᴄᴇ ᴅᴏɢꜱ, ᴏʙᴇᴅɪᴇɴᴄᴇ & ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴍᴏʀᴇ!
𝔹𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕤𝕙 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕦𝕞𝕓𝕚𝕒 & ℕ𝕠𝕧𝕒 𝕊𝕔𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕒 🌊🌲🌸