Pawsitive Behaviours

28/09/2025

🐶PUPPY CLASSES🐶

Congratulation to our recent Puppy Play and Train graduates 🤩 Such a wonderful class - all small breed pups 🥰

The end of the year is approaching and we have two final rounds of Puppy Play and Train before Christmas. If you have a new puppy, or are planning to have one arrive before Christmas, then sign up NOW and avoid missing out!
Classes run at the same time for 4 weeks and are held in Te Horo Beach. The final start dates are:
🗓Thursday 30th Oct 6pm
🗓Monday 1st December 6pm

Puppy Play and Train is for pups 8-16 weeks old and covers all the important topics about having a new puppy - biting, toilet training, how dogs learn, basic recall and leash training and, most importantly, appropriate socialisation and habituation. As well as beginning positive handling and grooming, recognising body language and troubleshooting problem behaviours. Sophie is always available to answer questions throughout the course duration

Register here - https://pawsitivebehaviours.com/group-training-classes/

📸Thanks to our intern, Emma, for the gorgeous puppy class photos 😍

01/09/2025

WINNER WINNER! 👏
Congratulations Maureen 🤩 You are the winner of our August Giveaway! This is so deserved, you have supported my paddock venture since day 1. I will be in touch to arrange your prize!
The two spot prizes of a free paddock booking go to Elisa Brown and Leisa Raeymarkers! I LOVED the photos of your pups having such a great time 💚
A big thank you to everyone who has booked the paddock so far. We love the kind messages and reviews letting us know how much you appreciate the safe space to exercise and train your dogs. We're inching closer to summer, (and daylight saving), so extra time slots will open up soon!
Book here - https://pawsitivebehaviours.com/bookourpaddock

25/08/2025

It is your last week to Book Our Paddock and be in to win a $50 The Cats & Dogs Dinner Company voucher and a free one hour paddock session! There are afternoon and weekend bookings available all week!
It's also the last week of Winter 👀🌸
Thank you to everyone who has supported this offering and booked a session here during August! We look forward to drawing our winner and spot prizes on Monday 😍

🎉 WIN with Pawsitive Behaviours this August! 🐾

Book our private paddock anytime in August and you're automatically in the draw to WIN a $50 Cats & Dogs Dinner Company voucher plus 1 free paddock session! 🐶💚
Every booking = 1 entry, so the more you book, the more chances to win!
👉 Book now: https://pawsitivebehaviours.com/bookourpaddock/

PLUS — we’re giving away two spot prizes of a free 1-hour paddock session!
To be in to win a spot prize:
📸 Share a photo of your pup enjoying their paddock playtime either:
– In the comments below, or
– On your own post and tag Pawsitive Behaviours !

💚 Why we love our paddock:
It’s a safe, secure space for off-lead fun, training sessions, and zoomie playdates — perfect for dogs who need space or just want to zoom without interruptions.

🌼 Winners will be drawn on September 1st — the first day of spring! Let’s kick off the season with wagging tails and happy pups.

T&Cs:
– This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Meta.
– Bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable — yes, even in the rain!
– Gumboots and a dog towel highly recommended for those classic wintery days. 🌧🐾

20/08/2025

🐾 “Is your dog friendly?” vs. “Can our dogs meet?” 🐾

One of the most common questions we dog owners hear when out walking is: “Is your dog friendly?”

While the intent behind this is usually positive, there’s actually a more helpful question to ask:
👉 “Can our dogs meet?”

Here’s why:

Friendliness doesn’t equal availability. A dog may be friendly but still not suitable for a greeting, especially on leash. They may be working on specific training goals or it simply isn't the right time.

Purpose matters. My dog, Hazy, is friendly — but she’s also my training partner. I need to preserve her sociability and focus so she’s available to help with classes and client dogs. That means casual one-off greetings aren’t the right choice for her and are not worth the risk - it's not personal, I just don't know you or you dog and there's no time for a discussion to decide if they're the right fit for Hazy.

Consent is key. “Can our dogs meet?” acknowledges that the answer might be no, and that’s okay. It shifts the responsibility to both handlers to consider what’s best for their dog in that moment.

This small change in language helps create healthier, safer interactions for dogs and humans alike.

💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts: What questions do you ask (or wish people would ask) before letting dogs interact?
Aligning topics like canine consent, reading body language, causes of reactivity and 'my dog doesn't listen to me on walks' and what to do if greetings go wrong are all important conversations we can explore further.

31/07/2025

🎉 WIN with Pawsitive Behaviours this August! 🐾

Book our private paddock anytime in August and you're automatically in the draw to WIN a $50 Cats & Dogs Dinner Company voucher plus 1 free paddock session! 🐶💚
Every booking = 1 entry, so the more you book, the more chances to win!
👉 Book now: https://pawsitivebehaviours.com/bookourpaddock/

PLUS — we’re giving away two spot prizes of a free 1-hour paddock session!
To be in to win a spot prize:
📸 Share a photo of your pup enjoying their paddock playtime either:
– In the comments below, or
– On your own post and tag Pawsitive Behaviours !

💚 Why we love our paddock:
It’s a safe, secure space for off-lead fun, training sessions, and zoomie playdates — perfect for dogs who need space or just want to zoom without interruptions.

🌼 Winners will be drawn on September 1st — the first day of spring! Let’s kick off the season with wagging tails and happy pups.

T&Cs:
– This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Meta.
– Bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable — yes, even in the rain!
– Gumboots and a dog towel highly recommended for those classic wintery days. 🌧🐾

23/05/2025

🐾 Muzzle Fitting Pop-In! 🐾
📍 Pawsitive Behaviours - 28 Puruaha Road, Te Horo Beach
🗓 Sunday 8th June
🕙 10:00–11:00am

Thinking about muzzling but not sure where to start? Join us for a free Muzzle Fitting Pop-In and get expert help with finding the perfect fit for your dog!

We’ll have a range of Muzzle Movement muzzles available to try – known for their comfort, safety, and style. These muzzles are designed with your dog’s welfare in mind: lightweight, breathable, and roomy enough to allow for panting, drinking, and even taking treats!

✅ Muzzles are great for:
Vet visits & grooming sessions
Managing scavenging on walks
Building confidence in training
Preventing bites in stressful situations

Whether you're muzzle-curious or already training with one, this is the perfect time to ask questions, try different styles, and learn more about how muzzles can support your dog’s wellbeing.

No booking needed – just pop in between 10 and 11am on June 8th!

🐶 All breeds welcome
🦴 Treats on hand
🧠 Hands on (or off!) advice from professional trainers, Abi from Cosy Critters and Sophie from Pawsitive Behaviours

30/03/2025

Are you wanting to spend more time with your dog doing training? Need a weekly commitment to get you going? If your dog is 2 years old or over and you answered YES to these questions, our Adult Dog Classes could be for you!
Adult Level 1 covers all the 'basics' with an extra focus on body language and setting your dog up for success in a group class environment. This is an opportunity to safely train around distractions. For the first time in Pawsitive Behaviours history.. this is an 'assessed' class, meaning you have to show you can complete the tasks to pass the class. You can then progress to Level 2 and then to Level 3
Our next Adult Level 1 class starts Thursday 10th April at 3:30pm. For all the information and to register head to our website www.pawsitivebehaviours.com or email [email protected]

28/03/2025

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐨𝐠

Loose leash walking is a skill that benefits both dogs and their handlers, making walks more enjoyable and stress-free. Regardless of the training tools used or the training philosophy followed, the principles of loose leash walking remain the same. At its core, loose leash walking is about teaching a dog to move comfortably near their handler without pulling, using reinforcement to encourage desired behavior.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑻𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎

One of the most debated topics among dog professionals is which leash-walking tool is best. Some recommend front-clip harnesses, while others advocate for head halters or specific leash styles. The reality is that no single tool is the perfect fit for every dog-and-handler team. The best option is the one that provides the most comfort, control, and effectiveness for both the dog and the human.

Some tools make leash walking easier, while others can unintentionally make it harder. For example, back-clip harnesses can sometimes encourage pulling by giving the dog more leverage, while a poorly fitted head halter can be uncomfortable and stressful for the dog. Finding the right equipment requires an individualized approach, considering factors like the dog’s size, body structure, temperament, and the handler’s physical abilities. Seeking advice from a professional trainer who takes your specific situation into account can make a world of difference.

𝑰𝒇 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝑨 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝑫𝒐 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝑲𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔?

When selecting a harness, a ‘Y’-shaped front-clip harness is often the best choice, (as pictured on Hazy, front left). These harnesses are designed to allow full range of movement in the dog’s shoulders while providing a more ergonomic and comfortable fit. Unlike restrictive harnesses that limit natural motion, a well-fitted Y-harness helps prevent strain on joints and muscles, promoting better biomechanics during walks.

𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒉 𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈

Regardless of the tools used, the method of teaching loose leash walking remains the same. A reward-based approach is highly effective, using reinforcement such as treats, praise, or play to encourage the dog to stay close without pulling. Here are some key steps:
1. Reinforce the right position: Reward the dog whenever the leash is loose and they are walking near you.
2. Stop when the leash tightens: If the dog pulls, stop moving. This teaches them that pulling doesn’t get them where they want to go.
3. Encourage engagement: Use treats, toys, or verbal cues to keep your dog focused on you.
4. Short, frequent sessions: Training in short bursts helps prevent frustration and keeps learning enjoyable.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆

Every dog-and-handler team is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. While online recommendations can be helpful, there is no substitute for personalized guidance from a professional trainer. They can assess your dog’s behaviour, recommend appropriate equipment, and tailor a training plan that suits your needs.

By choosing the right tools and applying consistent, reward-based training techniques, you can build a strong foundation for enjoyable and stress-free walks with your dog. Whether you use a front-clip harness, a head halter, or another walking tool, the key is to focus on reinforcing positive behavior and fostering a cooperative walking experience. Happy training!

𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠? 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫! 𝐖𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩. 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 - - https://pawsitivebehaviours.com/in-home-training/

19/03/2025

🐾𝗣𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗦🐾
Do you have a puppy between 8-16 weeks old? Our registered puppies would love some more friends! 🐶
Pawsitive Behaviours Puppy Play and Train is for pups 8-16 weeks old with at least one vaccination on board. Our classes are designed to give you practical and positive strategies for all those classic puppy behaviours like biting/nipping, toilet training, understanding body language and food manners. The in-person classes focus on safe and positive socialisation/habituation to people, other dogs, handling, sounds, surfaces and novel objects. We also introduce basic cues like sit, down, come and loose leash walking. This age bracket is known as the Critical Socialisation Period, the prime time for socialisation, you want to get it right now!
Our next class starts 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘, 23rd March at 2:30pm in Te Horo Beach and runs for 4 weeks. There is a prerecording to watch before then jam packed with loads of tips and tricks for getting through this initial puppy stage
Enquiry today through our website https://pawsitivebehaviours.com/group-training-classes/ or email [email protected] We'd love to meet you and get you and your puppy off to a great start!

26/02/2025

𝗧𝗼 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸?

Dog parks might seem like a great place for exercise and socialisation, but are they really the best choice for your dog? We have been asked "𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘐 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬?" and heard "𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘨𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘰𝘵" A LOT. So, let's break it down:

✅ Pros of Dog Parks, especially during a quiet time:
✔️ Off-leash freedom in a fenced area
✔️ Opportunity for socialisation (if well-managed)
✔️ Mental and physical exercise

❌ Cons of Dog Parks:
⚠️ Unpredictable dog behavior (not all dogs are well-trained or socialised and you don't know the humans reasons for taking their dog/s there)
⚠️ Risk of fights, injuries, or bad experiences
⚠️ Exposure to diseases or parasites
⚠️ Overstimulation, which can lead to reactivity, anxiety and other behavioural problems

🔄 Better Alternatives for Socialisation & Exercise:
🐾 Structured Playdates: Arrange play sessions with dogs that have similar play styles and temperaments.
🐾 Decompression Walks: Explore nature trails, letting your dog sniff and experience the world at their own pace.
🐾 Training Classes: Group classes or structured socialisation sessions help build confidence in a controlled environment.
🐾 Canine Sports: Activities like agility, scent work, or even flirt pole sessions provide mental and physical stimulation.
🐾 Sniffaris & Enrichment Activities: Play, scent games, puzzle feeders, and enrichment walks are great ways to engage your dog's brain. Did you know we rent our paddock for private use? It's like a Dog Park but just for you! Find out more here - https://pawsitivebehaviours.com/bookourpaddock/

While we don't recommend dog parks we also can't tell you not to go. A client once told me - if you are not clued up on dog body language AND prepared to watch your dog carefully the dog park is not the place for you. Accidents can happen really quickly and if you don't intervene quick enough the consequences can have a lasting effect on both you and your dog

Dog parks may not be the best fit for every pup. A well-balanced, structured approach to socialisation and exercise will lead to a happier, more confident dog! 🐶💙