Head To Pawsitive

Head To Pawsitive I believe that every pet deserves a life without fear, anxiety and stress, even when it comes down to unpleasant business such as nail trims.
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Animal Care & Behavior
Fear Free Certified Veterinary Technician, Low Stress Handling Silver Certified, Karen Pryor Academy - Certified Training Partner
Whitehorse, YT I have combined my skills as a Veterinary Technician (2008 graduate), Karen Pryor Academy, Certified Training Partner (2022 graduate) and Fear Free Certified Professional (completed in 2023) to offer in-home, force and stress free n

ail trims. This service is designed for people who do not have means of transportation or pets who don’t travel well, animals who are fearful of new environments and pets who may have had negative experiences with nail trims in the past. I am also welcoming nail trimming champions and puppies who you want to start off right with nail trims and other handling procedures! I use positive, humane training methods that have been proven to be the most effective but also long lasting. Positive training involves a lot of treats and happy tails. I will not use aversive methods as they can have negative consequences, including increased fear and aggression. Be mindful that I have a zero tolerance policy for abuse or bullying. All my mobile services include:
- Compassion/Empathy/Patience
- Rewards (Food, toys or anything else your pet may love)
- Building Your Pet’s Confidence
- Pet Owner Education


My mobile services will not:
- Push Your Pet’s Boundaries
- Disregard Your Pet’s Emotional Well-Being
- Use Aversive Methods and/or Tools


Sincerely,
Alexandra Rochat

First groomer visit for my senior girls at 12.5 y.o 💛We had such a positive experience with Hair Tail Grooming and I wan...
04/22/2026

First groomer visit for my senior girls at 12.5 y.o 💛

We had such a positive experience with Hair Tail Grooming and I wanted to share, especially for anyone feeling unsure about how their dog might handle grooming for the first time (or later in life).

The girls walked in with confidence and immediately connected with Karen, which set the tone right away. Baths were familiar for them, so no concerns there, but the dryer was a bit more questionable. Karen handled it exactly how I hope every dog professional would: patience, guidance, and letting the dogs process things at their own pace.

I picked up two happy, relaxed dogs, and that says everything.

This is exactly why finding a groomer who prioritizes relationship-building and positive experiences matters so much. When dogs feel safe and understood, everything becomes easier, for them and for the humans working with them.

We’re lucky to have some excellent groomers here in Whitehorse (and yes, they’re in high demand), and I’m very glad we landed with the right fit for my girls.

I offer in-home, fear-free nail trims, meaning I come directly to you so your pet can stay comfortable in their own envi...
04/19/2026

I offer in-home, fear-free nail trims, meaning I come directly to you so your pet can stay comfortable in their own environment.

As a certified Fear Free veterinary technician and trainer, my approach is gentle, patient, and fully tailored to your pet’s comfort level. I work at their pace so each visit builds positive experiences, making the next nail trim easier, not harder, for dogs, cats, and even rabbits.

I often get asked about “corrections,” which in training terms is another word for punishment.As an ethical, science bas...
04/13/2026

I often get asked about “corrections,” which in training terms is another word for punishment.

As an ethical, science based dog trainer, my approach is rooted in how learning actually works. The science of learning shows us very clearly how animals, including humans, learn most effectively, and punishment simply isn’t necessary to get reliable, lasting results.

Beyond that, it comes with real risks such as increased fear, stress, avoidance, and potential fallout behaviours that can make things worse rather than better. The graphic below lays this out in a clear and concise way.

I choose to focus on building skills, confidence, and trust through positive, force free methods, because that is what creates safe, resilient, and willing learners.

If you are looking for a force free trainer, feel free to reach out. I love working with people who value compassion and want to build a relationship with their dog based on trust, not fear.

Graphic credit to Canine Connection LLC (another great page to follow!)

It’s been a hectic return over here. Between injuries and illness in my own crew, managing a multi-dog household can get...
04/07/2026

It’s been a hectic return over here. Between injuries and illness in my own crew, managing a multi-dog household can get overwhelming pretty quickly.

I’m hopeful we’ll get a bit of a reset soon 🤞

On the bright side, I’ve been back seeing clients and it has felt really good to reconnect with my regulars and meet some new faces along the way.

I am available for fear free nail trims (cats, dogs, rabbits, etc), a**l gland expression, dog behavior assessment/training and more.

Reminder: I am not a veterinarian and cannot prescribe medications or provide home euthanasia, but I’m always happy to help guide you with general health and behavior considerations and point you in the right direction when needed.

Reach out if you’d like to book or chat about your pet’s needs 🐾

📷 Maltine, one of my senior dogs, enjoying a quiet moment.

The only way to book in with me is through home visits, and my schedule is about to fill quickly!I’m currently away soak...
03/24/2026

The only way to book in with me is through home visits, and my schedule is about to fill quickly!

I’m currently away soaking up some Alaskan sun with my dogs, but I’ll be back on March 31st and ready to get back to work.

My first available appointment is April 8th, and spots tend to go fast once I return. If your dog is due for nail trims, injections, a behavioral assessment, or training sessions, now is the time to reach out and secure your spot.

Looking forward to seeing all my clients (and their humans) again soon!

📷 Limited North American Championship in Fairbanks, AK.
Latte & Scavo leading my 6-dog team who took a 2nd place🥈 after 3 days of racing! Captured by John Denney

While I am away with my own dogs, I reflect on my work with dogs such as Liba, the German Shepherd who has officially en...
03/17/2026

While I am away with my own dogs, I reflect on my work with dogs such as Liba, the German Shepherd who has officially entered her ✨confident client era✨

What started as fear and uncertainty around nail trims has turned into a routine she can handle like a pro. Through patience, consistency, and meeting her where she’s at, Liba has built the skills to feel safe and successful during her appointments, and now she’s a regular!

Progress like this is never about forcing the outcome, it’s about changing the emotional experience.

Fun fact: her true motivation in life? Balls. All of them. Always. 🎾

Proud of this girl and the work she (and her people) have put in 💪

In Canada and the U.S., the dog training industry is still largely unregulated, which means it’s often buyer beware.Here...
03/11/2026

In Canada and the U.S., the dog training industry is still largely unregulated, which means it’s often buyer beware.

Here are a few red flags to watch for when choosing a trainer. And remember: if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Do your dog(s) a favor and choose wisely. 🐾

Graphic Credit: Rescued by Training

This little lady is Precious 💕Some of you may remember her from a couple of years ago — the senior Chihuahua who hated n...
02/24/2026

This little lady is Precious 💕

Some of you may remember her from a couple of years ago — the senior Chihuahua who hated nail trims and worked her way through the Trim Away the Terror program.

Well… look at her now.

At 19 years young, she’s rocking short, tidy nails and proudly holding the title of nail trim champion 🏆✨

Proof that with patience, thoughtful training, and going at the dog’s pace, it’s never too late to change the story. So proud of this tiny legend.

📣 Out of Town – March Availability Update 📣I’ll be out of town for the entire month of March.✨ Now booking throughout Fe...
01/31/2026

📣 Out of Town – March Availability Update 📣

I’ll be out of town for the entire month of March.

✨ Now booking throughout February for:
• Behavior assessments
• Behavior modification & training
• Fear-Free nail trims
• Fear-Free injections

📅 All services resume April 1st.
If you’ve been meaning to book, February is the time! Please reach out to secure your spot before I’m away.

Thank you all for your continued support 🐾

Meet Piper!Piper previously had a severe needle phobia, making her monthly injections stressful and unsafe for everyone ...
12/30/2025

Meet Piper!
Piper previously had a severe needle phobia, making her monthly injections stressful and unsafe for everyone involved. Through structured behavior modification, we were able to change her emotional response and help her feel comfortable, and even enthusiastic, about her appointments.

Today, Piper looks forward to her visits. As you can see, her current priority is staying warm; she now dislikes the cold more than needles. A meaningful reminder of what thoughtful, consistent training can achieve.

This is not a new certification: I graduated as a KPA-CTP in 2022. I had simply misplaced the diploma and never got arou...
12/28/2025

This is not a new certification: I graduated as a KPA-CTP in 2022. I had simply misplaced the diploma and never got around to taking a photo.

When I completed this intensive program, I had no idea that the depth of knowledge and skills I gained would extend far beyond improving my relationship with my own dogs.

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Whitehorse, YT
Y1A

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+18673346890

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