Positive Experience Training School (P.E.T.S.)

04/15/2019

This really says it all!

True!

07/30/2018

Dogs In The Park

Is your dog afraid of something? Would you like to help him out? It is really important to help him out by starting from a point of confidence, and that means starting out by protecting your dog from the things that frighten him. For more information or to register, email us at [email protected]!

06/02/2018

Dog Enrichment

Mental stimulation and physical exercise both very important to a dogs wellbeing.

Keeping your dog physically stimulated and in shape is an important part of dog wellness, but it is also crucial to provide mental stimulation and enrichm

03/30/2018

Patricia McConnell, Ph.D.

Taking your dog for a walk should be for your dog. Sniffing is great mental stimulation for your dog. Please let them stop and sniff.

As the snow starts to melt and the weather gets warmer, there’s lots to smell. Here’s a older blog from The Other End of the Leash on the importance of taking your dog for a sniff!

03/24/2018

This is so true.

Famous animal behaviourist Ian Dunbar says that punishing a dog for growling is like removing the ticker from a time bomb.

Dogs use growling as a way of letting you know that they are stressed or upset. If you punish a dog for growling, you run the risk that they will avoid the early warning procedure and go straight for a bite the next time that they are uncomfortable.

There is a world of difference between temporarily suppressing a behaviour, and changing the dog's underlying emotional state to produce long term behaviour change.

For example, if you were scared of snakes, and I punished you for screaming by shooting you in the leg, you'd probably force yourself to stop screaming. But have I changed the way you feel about snakes? Would you act rationally if a snake got up close and personal with you? Probably not! If anything, I may have made you feel even more afraid of snakes, as you now associate them with the pain I inflicted.

With your training, always think to yourself - is this a quick, short term solution, or will this benefit my dog and I in the long run?

If you have a dog that growls, keep an eye out for That Dog Geek's next video, the first in a series on helping fearful or reactive dogs.

03/15/2018

Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA)

Great for sharing @

03/15/2018

Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA)

Helpful for sharing.

02/03/2018

Teaching an Aggressive Dog to Socialize | Whole Dog Journal

Teaching an Aggressive Dog to Socialize | Whole Dog Journal

Going for a walk with your dog should be fun and relaxing, but pleasant outings can turn stressful if you have or encounter an aggressive dog.

02/01/2018

Paw Behaviour Dog Training

The power of positive reinforcement training knows no limits. This is so cool.

How cool is this amazing girl and her cat. Anything's possible, with any animal, when you now how to train using positive reinforcement methods. Classes in Carrum for pups & older dogs. See website for all details. www.pawbehaviour.com.au

01/29/2018

I hear them call me cuddle bug and love bug around here but you can call me Ozzie!
I’m 2 years old. I know it's hard to believe because I'm pretty awesome if I do say so myself, but since my stay at the shelter not one person has been interested in or even met with me. Maybe it's because I want to be the only furbaby in the house but I love human companionship. I will curl up and sleep in your lap for hours. I love toys and am really loving learning new things from my handlers here at the shelter. I hope to see you soon!! Just come and let me sit in your lap for a while and see if you can leave without adopting me!

01/29/2018

If a trainer truly understands how dogs learn force is unnecessary!

01/04/2018

The Value of Rewards

The Value of Rewards

Identifying and providing high-value rewards for good behavior is a crucial element to positive reinforcement – one of the four pillars of positive traini

12/31/2017

Humane Society of Aurora Illinois

How cold is too cold?!

If you are unsure about how safe it is in the cold, here is a quick scale...

12/15/2017

BARK

BARK

"Mom, you good?"

Original vid via instagram.com/charliethebulldog1/

12/12/2017

Why Should I Train My Dog?

Positive training helps foster a positive relationship with your dog.

People used to think that dog training was only about teaching dogs obedience commands, usually through the use of heavy-handed punishment-based techniques.

12/07/2017

Victoria Stilwell

You should always ask permission before approaching someone else’s dog. It is a matter of respecting their personal space.

If you were walking down a busy sidewalk with your child, you would not expect a complete stranger to run up to you both while excitedly expressing "Ooooooo! I love children!" and simultaneously stroking your child's head and chattering on, "I knew a child who looked just like this one when I was little!". Aside from the sheer rudeness of that social interaction, your child would have a reaction as well. Some children would take that sort of greeting in stride, while others would shrink from such brazen contact. So it is with your dog. Read on.

12/04/2017

Barking, Barking, Barking, etc., etc., etc…

Does your dog bark at anything and everything? Here are some great tips to help.

Does your dog bark while running in circles, bay at the moon, bark at bugs, or scare your visitors out of their boots? Dogs bark to repel intruders, for atte

12/03/2017

Do Electric Shock Collars Harm Dogs? | Whole Dog Journal

Great article. Check out why these “fences” are harmful to your dog.

Do you use an underground electric shock fence to contain your dog? Are you considering having one installed? I hope reading this will change your mind.

11/29/2017

Help Your Shy Dog Gain Confidence | Whole Dog Journal

Great article about working with fearful dogs. Please remember to always work with your dog at a pace that is comfortable for your dog not what is comfortable for you. Desensitization and counter conditioning take time. But if done correctly it is so worth it for you and your dog.

Shy or fearful behavior is easy to recognize in dogs who move away, hide, or tremble when a stranger approaches. But fear can show itself in other ways too.

11/26/2017

The Dodo

The Dodo

Do your dog’s paws smell like Fritos? Same. And now we know why 🐾🌮

11/21/2017

The Honest Kitchen

The Honest Kitchen

Do you treat your dog to a special holiday meal? Make sure to double check each ingredient before sharing your dinner with your pup!

11/19/2017

TED-Ed

TED-Ed

The science behind how dogs "see" with their noses:

11/09/2017

5 Training Tips for Old Dogs | Karen Pryor Clicker Training

November is Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month! Training an older dog requires some accommodations, but it can be done!

https://clickertraining.com/5-training-tips-for-old-dogs

How did that happen?

11/03/2017

4 Reasons Why Dogs Tilt Their Heads When They Listen | The Honest Kitchen Blog

One of the more endearing things dogs do is to tilt their heads when they listen to you. We think it’s cute—but why do dogs do it?

One of the more endearing things dogs do is to tilt their heads when they listen to you. Humans think it's cute—but why do dogs do it?

10/29/2017

Great info to know!

Learning CPR and First Aid could save your pet's life. Here are the things EVERY pet owner ought to know:
http://www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/articles/cpr-and-first-aid/

10/23/2017

Making Bone Broth for Pets | Knollwood Hospital for Pets - Veterinarian Schaumburg IL

Bone broth has so many nutritional benefits and is a great addition to your pet's diet!
https://www.knollwoodhospitalforpets.com/single-post/2017/10/13/Making-Bone-Broth-for-Pets

Webinar Presentation and Recipe by Dr. Sue Howell DVM, CVFT The Health Benefits of Bone Broth Include: - Digestive Health - Immune Syste...

10/16/2017

How Does Food Affect the Dental Health of Dogs? | Can Foods Keep Dogs' Teeth Healthy? | petMD

How Does Food Affect the Dental Health of Dogs? | Can Foods Keep Dogs' Teeth Healthy? | petMD

Daily tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings on an as-needed basis are the best ways to prevent the formation of periodontal disease in dogs, but diet can play an important role.

10/11/2017

Coconut Oil For Dogs: 9 Amazing Health Benefits

Coconut Oil For Dogs: 9 Amazing Health Benefits

Everyone who is up to speed on health trends is adding coconut oil to just about everything including their food, skin, and hair. Unrefined, organic coconut oil is lining the shelves of health food stores across the country. Pet owners have noticed its health benefits for themselves and now incorpor...

10/11/2017

Southlake Animal Hospital

Please add Fresh Whole Foods to your pet's diet!

08/19/2017

The Dodo

The Dodo

Here's how to teach your cat how to jump through your arms — in 6 easy steps 🐱 🙌

08/18/2017

Victoria Stilwell

I don't believe they need a heavier hand but they do need an effective leader.

I hear it all the time, "This breed just needs a heavier hand." The larger the dog and the more drive it has, the tougher you need to be, particularly if it's a 'red zone' dog. But it's a lack of understanding that promotes this kind of thought and causes all kinds of fallout.

08/15/2017

It Makes No Sense to Punish a Fearful Dog

Punishing a fearful or anxious animal does not help the animal overcome its fear or anxiety.

Food and kindness can increase the confidence of worried dogs

08/10/2017

Growling is communication. Listen to what the dog is telling you.

Famous animal behaviourist Ian Dunbar says that punishing a dog for growling is like removing the ticker from a time bomb.

Dogs use growling as a way of letting you know that they are stressed or upset. If you punish a dog for growling, you run the risk that they will avoid the early warning procedure and go straight for a bite the next time that they are uncomfortable.

There is a world of difference between temporarily suppressing a behaviour, and changing the dog's underlying emotional state to produce long term behaviour change.

For example, if you were scared of snakes, and I punished you for screaming by shooting you in the leg, you'd probably force yourself to stop screaming. But have I changed the way you feel about snakes? Would you act rationally if a snake got up close and personal with you? Probably not! If anything, I may have made you feel even more afraid of snakes, as you now associate them with the pain I inflicted.

With your training, always think to yourself - is this a quick, short term solution, or will this benefit my dog and I in the long run?

If you have a dog that growls, keep an eye out for That Dog Geek's next video, the first in a series on helping fearful or reactive dogs.

06/21/2017

Help Your Shy Dog Gain Confidence | Whole Dog Journal

If you have a timid dog or work with them, this is great info.

Shy or fearful behavior is easy to recognize in dogs who move away, hide, or tremble when a stranger approaches. But fear can show itself in a variety of other behaviors, too.

06/17/2017

Train Your Dog to Target | Whole Dog Journal

Targeting is such a fun way for you and your dog to build your relationship. One of my favorite behaviors to teach cause it is fun for you and your dog. Great article.

This article by Whole Dog Journal s training Editor Pat Miller is on Dog Obedience Training through Targeting; a known dog training method.

06/10/2017

Barking

There are many reasons dog bark. But boredom is right at the top of the list. Get your dog more exercise and mental stimulation and curb that barking!!

Dogs that bark excessively cause big problems for their owners and in some cases drastic measures such as debarking (surgically removing a dog’s vocal cho

06/06/2017

This is so important for dog owners. Please think about your poor dogs feet when you are out walking them.

Summer weather is here to enjoy, but please remember this rule before you walk your dog!

06/05/2017

What It Means To Be Your Dog’s Leader

Are you an effective leader for your dog??

We’re told as dog guardians that we need to be the "leader of the pack" and let our dogs know who runs the show. But, being a true “Leader” when it comes to our dogs may be very different than what you’ve been led to believe.

05/29/2017

Canine Body Language Danger Signs | Whole Dog Journal

One of my favorite authors offering some wonderful insight into dog body language.

Dogs almost always give clear signals though the signs may be subtle before they bite. A bite without warning is truly a rare occurrence.

05/26/2017

Pinch Me A.K.A. Prong Me

I have been a professional trainer and behavior consultant for 16 years and have never used a prong collar. How can anyone believe these collars don't cause pain. Just look at them pain is exactly what they are designed for.

During a recent Facebook discussion, it was pointed out that I had never worn a prong collar.  As such, I would  have no idea whether a prong (a.k.a. pinch collar) causes pain.  My knuckles firmly …

05/13/2017

Give Your Dog an Instant Safe Haven On Walks

Giving your dog a safe place and taking charge of the situation is so helpful when dealing with fear or reactivity.

We’ve all seen a small child clinging to Mom’s neck while he safely views the world from under her hair. A little puppy has the same need for a safe hav

05/12/2017

Zen and the Art of Training Your Dog : The Humane Society of the United States

Training should be fun and customized to include your specific needs.

When it comes to training your dog, don't be afraid to ditch the rulebook and follow your instincts.

04/29/2017

Building Your Dog's Confidence Up | Whole Dog Journal

We use all these methods when helping a dog gain confidence. They really do work.

Whole Dog Journal explains how to help your timid dog gain the confidence he may be missing.

04/17/2017

Victoria Stilwell

My little Stella is a resource guarder but we are teaching her to trade and she is getting better. If your dog guards anything you should read this article.

Do you have a dog that guards food, toys or locations? This can be a dangerous behavior if left untreated. Learn why dogs resource guard and what you can do to prevent it.

04/11/2017

Mother Nature Network

Happy National Pet Day!
🐈🐶🐩🐰🐓🐷🐭🐄🐀🐎❤

Plus, they get points for being lovable.

#NationalPetDay