Positive Paws Dog Training Perth UK

29/05/2026

06/05/2026

At our Puppy Sessions last week, during our Handling skills we talked about the importance of your dog's nails and their wellbeing. Here's a post giving a full explanation.

🐾 Nail Length & Its Impact on Canine Biomechanics

Have you checked your dog’s nails recently?

Long nails do more than just click on the floor—they can significantly influence your dog’s posture, movement, and overall musculoskeletal health.

When nails are left untrimmed, they don’t just affect the paw—they can impact the entire kinetic chain.

Why Nail Length Matters

🟢 Alters Joint Angulation & Posture

Overgrown nails force the toe pads upward and backward (caudally), shifting weight proximally within the limb.

This disrupts normal limb loading and can lead to:

* Postural adaptations
* Altered joint alignment
* Compensatory movement patterns

📖 Reference: Zink & Van D**e (2013), Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

🟢 Impacts Gait & Reduces Stability

If nails contact the ground during stance, they can:

* Cause toe splaying
* Reduce effective ground contact
* Compromise traction

This may increase the risk of:

* Slipping
* Soft tissue strain (tendons/ligaments)
* Secondary compensatory issues

📖 References: Touch Animal Rehabilitation (2020); Canine Body Balance (2021)

🟢 Increases Musculoskeletal Load

Chronic postural change can contribute to:

* Myofascial tension
* Uneven joint loading
* Increased risk of conditions like Osteoarthritis in dogs

Particularly relevant in:

* Senior dogs
* Sporting/working dogs
* Orthopaedic cases

📖 Reference: Veterinary Clinics of North America (2020)

✅ Quick Nail Check

Ask yourself:

✔️ Do the nails touch the ground when your dog is standing?
✔️ Can you hear them tapping on hard flooring?

If yes—it’s time for a trim.

🟢 Clinical Insight

Nail length is often overlooked, yet it’s one of the simplest modifiable factors affecting biomechanics.

In practice, I frequently see improvements in:

* Postural alignment
* Limb loading symmetry
* Movement quality

…simply by addressing nail length alongside soft tissue work.

🟢 When to Seek Help

If your dog:

* Is reluctant to walk on certain surfaces
* Slips frequently
* Shows subtle gait changes
* Dislikes nail trimming

Support from a qualified professional (groomer, vet, or therapist) can make a significant difference.

🔍 Learn More

• Canine Body Balance Blog
https://caninebodybalance.com.au/journal/canine-nail-length-and-the-effects-on-biomechanics

📩 Get in Touch

If you’re noticing changes in posture or movement and suspect nail length may be contributing, I offer clinical musculoskeletal assessment and tailored treatment plans.

📧 [email protected]
📞 07418 082 240
🌐 www.emccm.co.uk

03/05/2026

We’ve had a fantastic week here at Positive Paws, celebrating the graduation of both our Puppy Foundation and Puppy Plus students 🐾🎉

It’s been wonderful to see each partnership grow and progress so much over the past six weeks. We’re so proud of everything you’ve achieved and can’t wait to see what you go on to accomplish next!

Our next Puppy Foundation courses are now open for booking via our website. Spaces are filling quickly, so be sure to secure your spot to avoid missing out.

We also offer IMDT Partnership Grades, Fun Gundog sessions, 1-to-1 training, and Agility classes. If you’d like to learn more, you can find all the details on our website—or why not book a discovery call with us? 🎉🏵️🐾

27/04/2026

As we head into another busy week at Positive Paws, here’s a look back at some of last week’s classes.
It’s been fantastic to see both dogs and their guardians making progress week by week, all through positive reinforcement training.

Our May puppy sessions are now fully booked, but new sessions begin on Wednesday 8th July and are available to book via our website.

We also offer a range of other classes and one-to-one sessions, all of which can be booked online. Not sure which option is right for you and your dog? Why not book a discovery call 🐾

Www.positivepawsdogtraining.co.uk

17/04/2026

A lovely review from one of our dog guardians, some positive reinforcement for us. 😀

I recently used Positive Paws training & dog walking services.They were absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Fionas support with guiding myself & my son was outstanding, from initially contacting about support prompt service was provided both at home, & in classes,with updates provided via videos & links.I felt completely at ease & able to ask for advice for a range of issues & was always provided with clear advice.
I would highly recommend Positive Paws for all your dogs needs.
Lesley

12/04/2026

Another fantastic week at Positive Paws Dog Training! 🐾

These two lovely pups and their dedicated guardians have successfully completed our Puppy Foundation Programme on a 1–2–1 basis. Starting early meant we could begin training before vaccinations were fully complete—helping prevent unwanted habits from forming and setting them up for success from the very beginning.

We’re excited to welcome them into our Puppy Plus group sessions, where we’ll continue to build on those strong foundations.

We now have just ONE space remaining in our May Puppy Foundation sessions, and bookings are officially open for July! 🎉

Our 1–2–1 training sessions are also available to book via our website, and if you’re unsure which option is best for you, we offer a free discovery call to chat through everything.

Get in touch—we’d love to help you and your pup get started 🐶💛

www.positivepawsdogtraining.co.uk

07/04/2026

Just like a pyramid, behaviour is built from the ground up:

✨ Health & welfare form the base.
✨ Safety and environment provide security.
✨ Emotional needs keep learning open.
✨ Operant learning shapes skills.
✨ And at the very top sits trust—the heart of every relationship.

Strong training honours the whole animal and builds a bond that lasts.

29/03/2026

What a week it has been — my head is absolutely buzzing ✨

Last weekend I was completely blown away learning about Tellington TTouch with the amazing Tina Constance. A huge thank you to Hazel from Shampooch Dog Grooming such an incredible event — and in Scotland too! Not only did I learn so much, but my own dogs were outstanding canine tutors 💛

After a few relaxing days in the beautiful city of Bath, I headed to Tilly Farm to complete the in-person part of Module 2 of ACE Freework. It never fails to amaze me that when we slow down and truly observe our dogs, they tell us so much.

In the words of the late Sarah Fisher:
“Keep asking questions, but never question the dog, because the dog is always right.”

A heartfelt thank you to Sarah Wiffen and Matt Donovan for always creating such a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. New friendships made, memories created, and inspiration overflowing with like-minded people 🐾

29/03/2026

Excellent article about dental health.

28/03/2026

Thank you The Perfect Puppy Company so well explained.

𝘿𝙤𝙜 𝘿𝙖𝙮𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 – 𝙄𝙨 𝙄𝙩 𝙍𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝘿𝙤𝙜? Dog daycare has grown hugely in popularity. And like any rapidly expanding industry, quality varies enormously. So, if you are considering daycare ask yourself -

• Is daycare right for my dog?
• How do I choose the right one?


𝙄𝙎 𝘿𝘼𝙔𝘾𝘼𝙍𝙀 𝙍𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙈𝙔 𝘿𝙊𝙂?

Daycare isn’t suitable for every dog. The goal shouldn’t be “can they cope?” but “will they benefit?”

Consider -

• 𝗜𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿-𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁?
Large, busy daycares can overwhelm sensitive dogs. “They’ll get used to it” often means “they’ll shut down or become more reactive.”
• 𝗜𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗴-𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱?
Unlimited access to other dogs can create hypersocial behaviour with little impulse control.
• 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘅 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴𝘀?
If not, a full day of arousal may leave them wired and exhausted rather than content and fulfilled.
• 𝗗𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗺𝘀𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗴𝘀?
Not all dogs can defuse tension. Some will escalate if cornered.
• 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀?
Some licensing conditions require neutering at a young age. That may not align with current health recommendations, especially for larger breeds.
• 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲?
Is it essential care? Or are you hoping it will “socialise” your dog? Socialisation doesn’t simply mean exposure to lots of dogs. Meeting (or not) dogs on daily walks under more natural conditions will afford much better socialisation opportunities than a large day care facility.
• 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲?
High arousal? Constant play? Little practice settling? Frequent vocalising?
How will that translate into life outside daycare?

𝘾𝙃𝙊𝙊𝙎𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙍𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏 𝘿𝘼𝙔𝘾𝘼𝙍𝙀

If you decide daycare could genuinely benefit your dog, then ask the following questions -

• 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝘀𝗶𝘇𝗲 – how many dogs attend your potential daycare on any given day. 6 dogs is very different from 60.
• 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻-𝘁𝗼-𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼 – can one person safely supervise 10 dogs? 15?
• 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 – have the staff undergone training on canine behaviour? First aid? Body language?
• 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀 – how are conflicts handled?
• 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 – green space? A concrete yard? Walks?
• 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 – do they have a fight protocol? An evacuation procedure? Can they describe these to you?
• 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 – are you able to observe the daycare floor? Are you comfortable with what you see and hear?

If a provider is uncomfortable answering questions, that’s information in itself.

𝙈𝙔 𝙃𝙊𝙉𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒...

There’s a world of difference between a small, well-managed daycare with green space and a large-scale, industrial operation. In my experience very few dogs thrive in the latter. Most simply cope. And some find it downright stressful.

If you really need daycare my advice would be to look for a small daycare with outside green space or consider alternatives like a dog walker or a pet sitter.

Whatever you choose, make it an informed choice. And if something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut.

15/03/2026

What a successful week here at Positive Paws Dog Training! 🐾

We had some wonderful puppies and their guardians complete our Puppy Foundation sessions, and it’s been fantastic to see their progress. We’re really looking forward to helping them continue their training journey in our Puppy Plus sessions.

Our Fun Dog Gun Dog class is also progressing brilliantly. The dogs are doing great with their platform training, building duration and working through added distractions – with toys placed at a distance. It’s amazing to watch their focus and confidence grow!

Well done to everyone involved this week – puppies and guardians alike! 👏🐶

If you’d like more information about the services we offer, please visit our website:
🌐 www.positivepawsdogtraining.co.uk

You can also drop us a message or book a free discovery call – we’d love to help you and your dog on your training journey.