Pawsitive Training Center

Home
United States
Anderson, CA
Pawsitive Training Center

Call Directions Website Contact the business

PAWSITIVE reinforcement works by setting your learner up for success. He was almost 40 years old before deciding the time was right.

We arrange the environment so that the learner is likely to succeed and then reinforce good choices. Marty didn’t grow up wanting to be an animal trainer, he actually wanted to be a veterinarian as a small child. Knowing the responsibilities associated with having a dog, he waited until his lifestyle started to settle down before getting a puppy. All of Marty’s training with his puppy was that of traditional training with corrections as the foundation. He now calls that his “yelling and yanking” training days. While working an aggression case he became frustrated at the lack of progress and searched hard for something other than the corrections and dominance methods he was learning. He came across clicker training and was intrigued by the force free nature. Wanting to learn more he found Karen Pryor’s book, “Don’t shoot the Dog” and then discovered she had a dog training school, the Karen Pryor Academy. That was his introduction into the world of positive reinforcement training and he’s been a training geek ever since. His learning about training all started because of the breed of puppy he had fallen in love with, the infamous Jack Russell Terrier. Marty prepared for his puppy in the months preceding her delivery as he had big goals for this pup. She was to be his mountain biking partner and needed to be very well trained for her distracting off leash environment. So he read several book on JRT training and each book had a similar theme, “These dogs are very active and are difficult to train. Recommended for experienced dog owners only.” Definitely a novice, he knew he had to learn how to train dogs, and learn fast. His puppy was a model of the breed characteristics and a very good teacher. He made several mistakes along the way, which only helped to further his education. He was successful at teaching his puppy off leash recall, to ride in his camelback on downhill stretches while mountain biking and even to like cats, something some had said couldn’t be done. Her untimely death from Acute Pancreatitis at the young age of 3 ½ years old was devastating and will always be a low point in his life. But, as tragic as this loss was for him, it was the catalyst for a career change and has brought him to where he is today.

10/27/2026

While I wait for a little more emotional control before I write Belle's memorial, I wanted to share this newsletter from her rescuers. They asked me to write a story. Below is what we wrote 10 yrs ago.
A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN
Belle and her brother were found in the woods, in the snow, alone and cold, miles from anywhere in Dec. '12. They were about 8 wks old. We welcomed them into our rescue. They soon found homes. But, after a failed adoption, Belle was returned. We believe all things happen for a reason...Belle met her soulmate, Marty and the rest is history.
To Belle,
I am forever grateful to Marjorie (CAARE), Barbara (Bones Pet Rescue), and any others that helped you to find your way to me. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined just how much you would change my life. Tears roll down my face as I write this while you sleep next to me. I'll never forget the first day we met, you were just a skinny 8 mo old pup with endless energy. You quickly showed me how important you'd be to my business as new dogs came around for boarding during the busy summer. In 27 of the first 30 days here, you worked hard at the job of entertaining guest dogs without a single complaint. Your ability to adjust to each dog's energy whether it be to hang with the big dogs or play with the little pups will always amaze me. And your aptitude to help the fearful dogs to come out of their shells is absolutely flawless, you always know what to do.
People often give me the credit for your awesome behaviors and instincts, but it's really you, just being you. Like the time you met the litter of 6 wk old JRT pups in Tahoe, and they were scared of such a big dog standing next to their x-pen. So you laid down, rolled over on your back and put your nose up to the fence and waited for the pups to come up. And they did as they understood the communication you'd so clearly given.
I'm forever impressed with your ability to forgive me for my training mistakes and so proud of all of your accomplishments after just your 4th birthday. Certified Therapy Dog, Ruff Reader Program,
AKC good citizen, splash dogs jumper, demo dog for numerous training classes and my invaluable assistant at PTC as the official Entertainment Director.
Belle, you are my forever companion, assistant and best friend, I'm so thankful for every day we spend together.
Love, Marty

10/17/2026

I’m fortunate to have boarding dogs right now to help me heal and will into Nov. I am taking a break from private lessons this week which will complicate my schedule. So, I won’t be adding any new clients until Nov 9 when I get caught up. Thank you all for your support, I really appreciate it.

10/14/2026

My heart is broken. RIP Belle
Oct 2012-Oct 2026

10/12/2026

Therapy Dogs are such an asset to our community. Even though Belle was an absolute natural, it took over 6 months of consistent training after her basics to become certified. These pics were about 10 yrs ago.

10/05/2026

After being fearful and barking at me for 10 mins, a stranger in the home, this pup decided we would be friends. I never use treats to get a scared dog to come closer to me. Like holding a treat out towards the dog, nope. The last thing I want is that pup coming closer than they feel comfortable. Patience pays off.

09/27/2026

If you take the time to notice and reinforce your dog’s good behaviors, you’ll see more good behaviors. Happy Training!

09/15/2026

Belle on the beach. Belle had a great vacation this year enjoying sunset walks on the beach and long naps on the couch w/ me.

09/05/2026

I love teaching this potentially life saving behavior. We progressed quickly to this level and my learner is challenged to take eyes off treats. If you’re staring at treats you’re not “leaving it”.

08/17/2026

This pup is just as sweet as she looks. 🥰

07/29/2026

This new relationship took a few days to develop. In a matter of days I go from minimizing contact to having to redirect them to stop the constant play.

Address

7043 White Oak Drive
Anderson, CA
96007

Telephone

+15309453647

Website

http://www.PawsitiveTrainingCenter.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Pawsitive Training Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.