North Florida PAWS

05/28/2026

When looking at videos of Dog Training Leaders, remember techniques and equipment even for positive, force-free trainers has evolved over time. I learned and taught things I eliminated or changed. For example, I used to use a Gentle Leader head collar on large dogs stronger than their owner or aggressive dogs when out in public for safety and physical control. NOW I advocate front-clip harnesses as the safest and best control for these dogs. So when you are hopefully following current leaders like Victoria Stillwell, Dr. Ian Dunbar, Zak George and others, make sure you are not watching outdated videos. Follow them on their websites.

05/28/2026

AGREE! Find the nearest local rescue, municipal or private, that promotes kindness in the form of positive, force-free training and interaction. Animals that end up in a shelter have already had more than a lifetime of neglect and physical and/or psychological abuse.

Credit: Shana Deitrick at Speaking Dog with Shana.

🐾UPDATE: Those that are for these tools being used, please don’t bother arguing in the comments, as it is a waste of everyone’s time (yours included). We advise to take the time you’d spend typing up a disagreement against being positive with dogs and not hurting them, and put it to use reading up on modern dog training methods from top leaders in the field, science-based organizations, board certified veterinary behaviorists, and those with terminal degrees on the subject (PhDs). We aren’t here to argue in our comments section. It is legit a waste of everyone’s time.

05/28/2026

If you plan to take FERAL CATS to North Florida Animal Rescue Vet Clinic between June 2nd and 5th, don't. Since they do not require appointments for feral cats on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; this is critical information for feral cat caretakers.

Thank you all for your help with our community! 🐾❤️

05/28/2026

OMG! This is the STUPIDIST THING I've seen posted in a long time. Whether real or AI, consider this the very last thing anyone should do. Just letting the dog that close to the child is soooo dangerous, but letting the kid maul him was really, really, rally stupid unless they wanted to coerce the dog into attacking the child. ALWAYS TEACH A CHILD not to grab a dog, hug a dog, lean over a dog or pat a dog on the top of its head and ALWAYS ask permission to do that. Until a child is old enough to learn these rules, NEVER let the kid and the dog be alone together and only then with a dog with a 100% proven record of safety.

05/28/2026

FOOD is best lure then reward when teaching a NEW command. Once dog learns a command use other rewards such as tummy rub, interactive play like tug, let's go outside and run, whatever your dog loves. DO NOT LET A TRAINER tell you not to use any food in training. ALWAYS withdraw food as reward once command is learned. Dr. Dunbar began positive, force-free training over 43 years ago. He is the iconic worldwide leader in dog training and behavior modifications for canines.

05/22/2026

CONGRATS to next class of SHELTER VETERINARIAN GRADUATES! Thanks to Dr. Julie Levy's dedicated to pets in need. Couldn't help but notice they are all women!

Please join us in celebrating the Shelter Medicine Class of 2026! 🎉

On May 22, 2026, the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine will graduate 20 students who earned not only their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees, but also the Professional Certificate in Shelter Medicine, a specialized credential unique to UF.

Over the course of four demanding years, these students completed an intensive 15-credit curriculum that combined advanced coursework, clinical clerkships, externships, and hands-on shelter medicine experiences. Along the way, they developed practical skills in population medicine, access to care, high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter, shelter operations, disaster response, and community-centered veterinary care.

Their impact has already been felt far beyond the classroom. Throughout veterinary school, these future veterinarians supported shelters and community programs, performed countless surgeries and medical procedures, and dedicated themselves to improving the lives of vulnerable animals and the people who care for them.

As they begin the next chapter of their careers, they carry with them not only clinical knowledge, but a deep commitment to compassionate, accessible, and lifesaving veterinary medicine.

Please help us congratulate the Shelter Medicine Class of 2026! 🐾

05/21/2026

Love this officer! Don't forget Floridians, we have a HOT CAR LAW that protects you for breaking into a vehicle to rescue a pet or vulnerable human. Find Florida Statute 768.139 Rescue of vulnerable person or domestic animal from a motor vehicle; immunity from civil liability. https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.139.html

05/18/2026

Here's a great video explaining why a front-clip harness is the BEST way to keep your dog from pulling you and give you physical control over your strong dog SO YOU CAN THEN TRAIN HIM/HER! Control first then training. Not recommending this particular brand but make sure you use a front-clip harness. For SMALL DOGS, recommend a harness but clip to BACK so you can pull your dog up if there is a threat.