Pam Dennison's Positive Dogs

05/28/2026

One of River's runs in Fast CAT - he was over 22 MPH here. I get such a kick out of watching him run so fast. He got his BCAT on Monday - and he loves doing this so much, I'm going for his DCAT as well

05/28/2026

terrible photo - my phone takes rotten pics, but you get the gist! It's about 33" long by about 12" high and looks great in my kitchen. AND it makes me smile every time I look at it, which in this day and age is priceless

05/21/2026

Terri Hirsch is a fabulous photographer! My newest portrait. River will be a year old tomorrow!

05/19/2026

We All Know What Happens When We Assume – Or Do We?
(c) 2017 Pamela Dennison

We’re always told “don’t assume” and for the most part, that is excellent advice. However, I’ve come to the conclusion that when it comes to dog training, “assuming” can be our friend.

I’ve had many clients come to me with out of control dogs – whether they are just untrained and pull on leash or jump, or anything else the owner finds annoying, or the dog has been inadvertently trained to do those things.

My standard “speech” has been: “Be proactive, rather than reactive, catch the dog being right,” “If the dog is being “bad,” the behavior has already happened – think spilt milk – it’s already spilled and nothing you do now will keep it from not spilling,” etc., etc.

Great advice if I do say so myself, and some of my clients understand it and some don’t. I’ve tried in many different ways to explain to these owners how to act differently so their dog will act differently. I’ve talked about timing, looking for patterns, times of day, reading the dog better and still, some people get it and others don’t.

So here’s another way to look at how to approach a behavior issue – any issue – be it jumping, barking, reactivity, aggression – you name it.

If you already know certain situations set your dog off to do behaviors you don’t want (people coming in the door, other dogs, strangers, etc.) don’t ignore it and then try to fix it – it’s too late at that point (see above spilt milk).

So my new “motto” is….
Assume your dog will always be “bad.”

So, what does this mean? It’s pretty simple. Just assume your dog will always be “bad.” If you assume your dog will always be bad, then guess what?
You will;
Be more prepared,
Plan better,
Use more appropriate management,
Have better judgment,
Develop faster reflexes,
Read your dog better,
Actually watch your dog,
Not put your dog in a situation where your dog will fail

When you assume your dog will always be “bad,” then I can pretty much guarantee that your dog will stop being “bad.”

Think about it…

Dogs do things we don’t like; they jump, they pull us down the street on leash, they bark, they don't come when called. All of this can be frustrating. Don’t be embarrassed, let’s fix it! I focus on both sides of the leash; training your dog good manners, empowering you with skills and confide...

05/12/2026

having a hard time crate training your pup? Here you go = easy peasy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHNPL6K3CtI

05/12/2026

ART CLASSES for beginners and up with Pam Dennison (BA in Fine Arts)!
Hope, NJ
Ever wanted to “try something new that doesn’t cost and arm and a leg?” Want to learn how to paint or draw but thought you “couldn’t do it?” Think you can’t create “because I can’t draw a straight line?” (hint, nature rarely has straight lines). Click the link to learn more! https://www.pamdennison.com/art-classes/

05/11/2026

what more could you want collection!
Purchase You Can Train Your Dog; Mastering the Art & Science of Modern Dog Training print book,
Teach the Leash DVD and
Training the Whistle Recall DVD at the same time and get a discount! These three are my most popular titles and will take you, slowly, carefully, pedantically and successfully to what we all want – a well-trained dog in all situations and a rock solid recall (and yes, my own dogs come away from deer) and Loose leash walking to boot! The DVD includes 1 whistle. The Whistle DVD won a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, for Best Training DVD in 2009, Teach the Leash was Nominated for a Maxwell in 2019, and the book won a Maxwell for Best Training Book in 2016!

https://www.pamdennison.com/product/the-what-more-could-you-want-collection/

05/11/2026

PLEASE SHARE! This lecture (with video) is for everyone that has a dog, is going to get a dog, works with dogs in any capacity and IT'S FREE! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER! I hope to see you there! https://warrenlib.libnet.info/event/16279730

05/08/2026

I hope you can attend! Please share! Great lecture (and video) - if you own a dog, are going to be getting a dog, are a pet sitter, dog walker, Veterinarian, Vet tech, dog trainer or work with dogs in any capacity AND IT'S FREE! SIGN UP NOW AT THIS LINK: https://warrenlib.libnet.info/event/16279730