Pawsitive Change Dog Training

22/09/2025

Ah fall. We are in the transition season where it's chilly enough in the morning to want a light jacket but by mid afternoon we may be longing for our shorts and tanks again. This means I'm still carrying water for my dogs even on short town walks. Lupine the boxer gets thirsty quickly (poor short nosed beastie that she is). So even if it's only 60 degrees and sunny, she will want a drink within 15 minutes of starting a walk. This is the water bottle I use as I don't like having to keep track of a separate bowl and bottle. What's your favorite water bottle setup for your dog?

The double-wall insulated dog water bottle keeps water warm or cool for hours. Vacuum insulation prevents water from freezing and makes water available for pets in extremely cold winter. It says Goodbye to sweating and provides your dogs with cool water in hot summer. The dog tr...

21/09/2025

I've been so busy that I forgot to share the videos from our Labor Day ARRTI agility trial!

I'm so proud of Arry after this three day weekend. At the spring trial she showed me the consequences of our lack of practice. Back then her focus and endurance were no where near what we've worked up to over the years. She was done by the beginning of the third day. I approached the Labor Day trial with more consistent practice and a more reserved run list. I only planed to do 4 runs the first 2 days and 2 on the last day with the option to add more if she was up to it. I did end up adding runs and she remained enthusiastic all three days.

I quickly saw that her focus in the ring was much improved. She even did great with her weaves despite a recent set back we had to work through (she would either enter on the wrong side or run by the weaves as if she couldn't even see them). While no where near perfect on contacts she was better than in the spring. She earned 5 Qs. 2 were in Regular course at the Open level and 1 in Chances at the Open level, which are our first Qs at that level in those courses. She was less than a second over time for a Q in Elite Grounders and just under 2 seconds over for a Q in Jumpers. That reinforced that I need to accept her aging and move her to the 'veteran dog' level for our next trial (she'll be 9 by then and dogs can run as veterans at 7. That means more time allowed to complete the course and lower jump height). She was very focused despite distractions like some of her favorite people working the ring during her runs, Dad and baby at the start line watching and even baby crying at one point while we were getting ready. I'm so lucky to have a supportive club and to be able to still play agility with my little guy in tow.

ARRTI Labor Day TrialStevensville, MTSaturday 8/30/25Q

18/09/2025

DO YOU HAVE A HSD? - A highly sensitive dog

Just like people, some dogs are just different. It’s estimated that around 15 to 20% of us are a HSP (highly sensitive person) and around 1 in 6 dogs are HSD (highly sensitive dogs).

It’s not a disorder or a fault or a problem that needs to be fixed, but part of our genetic makeup, personality or character.

If you are a HSP, it will probably be easier to recognise and understand your dog’s personality.

Although we can improve sensitivity through careful controlled exposure, counter conditioning or desensitisation, we cannot change something that is part of who we or they are.

One of my dogs is highly sensitive. Before I knew anything about dog behaviour, I really struggled to understand why she behaved the way she did and tried really hard to change her. Many years ago, she was assessed by a “behaviourist”’, who concluded that she was just really odd and could give me no answers.

I understood “odd”, because I too could be considered odd and I now recognise myself as a HSP. This understanding and acceptance was a revelation in the way that I saw both myself and my dog.

Although being highly sensitive can be challenging, it does have advantages.

The HSD often develops strong connections and bonds and can be incredibly emotionally supportive to us.

Training is often easier because the HSD is far more intuitive and perceptive, noticing visual, auditory or environmental cues more easily.

Positive reinforcement, praise and connection may be even more valued by the HSD.

Let’s be more sensitive to the needs of sensitive dogs, accept them for who they are and stop trying to change them.

For more information on this topic, here is a link to a book on this topic by Dr Christine King - The Highly Sensitive Dog - explains the science of sensory-processing sensitivity, then offers some practical strategies that make life easier for these wonderful dogs and for ourselves in return.

Highly Sensitive Dog: Making Life Easier for These Wonderful dogs
https://www.amazon.com/Highly-Sensitive-Dog-making-wonderful/dp/B0F947Z4WN

16/09/2025

Tuesday Tips: Stimulus Control

Does your dog offer every trick they know as quickly as possible when they know you have a treat? I call this "throwing" behaviors. This is a sign the skills are not under good stimulus control. Your dog isn't listening (or looking) for a cue, they are 'throwing' everything they know at you until something gets a cookie. You can fix it!

www.PawsitiveChangeMT.com

15/09/2025

At a park training session, Arry and I and a client with her dog were charged by a large, intimidating looking dog, dragging a leash with a small child running behind. I wouldn't be surprised if that dog outweighed the child. Turns out the child and an older sibling (?) had taken the dog to the park without ANY adult supervision. A potential recipe for disaster. I told the child that it was not safe for her to handle the dog herself, he was too big, and that they should find their adult. Only to later realize no adult was even in the park. We kept our distance from that dog for the rest of our session and sadly I've seen the same scenario play out on other visits to the park (not towards Arry and I luckily).

Even if your dog is smaller, more well mannered, etc. etc. you cannot control the situations your child may end up in with another dog. What if your dog is targeted by an off leash dog or a dog that jumps a fence? A child should not be put in that situation.

A good alternative is to let your child hold the leash with you OR put a second leash on your dog so that they can walk them 'by themself'.

www.PawsitiveChangeMT.com

14/09/2025

Digging. A completely normal but often unwanted behavior. If your dog loves to dig check out these tips from Dogs Disclosed!

For my first avid digger we didn’t have a pit but left him one sacrificial hole. Better than 40 little ones all over the yard.

DIGGITY DOGS DILEMMA

These pictures are of my Schnauzers, blissfully digging huge holes in the garden, hunting for crickets.

Digging is not a naughty or bad behaviour, but a very normal, natural, instinctive way of expressing a genetic, emotional or physical need.

Terrier type breeds in particular were specifically bred for their digging ability to hunt for and flush out vermin or other pests.

Dogs don’t understand the human concept of maintaining a beautifully manicured lawn with plants or why we may get so angry when they destroy and dig it all up.

Digging can be really challenging to prevent. There are also so many different reasons that dogs dig – genetics, prey drive, boredom, frustration, stress or anxiety, hiding valuable resources, creating a comfy place to rest, seeking heat or cold, barrier frustration or even trying to escape.

There is never a guarantee that preventing a natural behaviour will be successful, but some simple management, ensuring dogs have sufficient physical and mental stimulation and providing alternative outlets for this behaviour should create an improvement.

If all else fails, ask yourself if it’s really worth getting so stressed about, or if it’s better for both us and our dogs to give up the manicured garden in favour of the more natural dog look?

11/09/2025

09/09/2025

Tuesday Tips:

It's been a while since I shared this one. If you already have a treat bag it's probably time to double check your supply of p**p bags (and maybe wash it...).

www.PawsitiveChangeMT.com

08/09/2025

06/09/2025

Overall we've been lucky this year with air quality in Western Montana. But if you are sensitive like I am you've been feeling even the 'moderate' days recently. Here is a reshare of my enrichment handout. Add some new puzzle toys, games and indoor activities if you find you can't spend as much time as you (and your dog) want to right now.

For a customized program on trick training and brain games reach out!

www.PawsitiveChangeMT.com

04/09/2025

Definitely guilty of just refilling the bowl instead of washing it daily... A habit I need to change.

Your pet’s food and water bowls can be a hotspot for bacteria?🦠

Research shows that while 67% of pet owners use metal bowls, only about one-third actually wash them after meals, some just give them a quick wipe. That’s exactly how the bacterial party begins 🤢. And that slimy layer that forms in water bowls after a day? That’s biofilm...a coating of bacteria that’s extremely hard to remove. Biofilm can harbor harmful pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and MRSA, making it easy for infections to spread from your dog to your family.🦠⚠️

The type of food matters too. Wet food tends to harbor more bacteria than dry, and the leftover moisture mixed with dog saliva creates the perfect environment for bacterial growth.

Here's a quick break down of the pros and cons of different types of bowls:

🥣Plastic: Chemicals in plastic can leach over time and interfere with melanin production, potentially causing “Plastic Dish Nasal Dermatitis,” which leaves your dog’s nose and lips pink and irritated.

🫖Ceramic: According to Hartpury scientists, ceramic bowls can harbor dangerous bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and MRSA, especially if the glaze is cracked and the bowl keeps being used.

🥄Stainless steel: Low-quality steel bowls have occasionally been recalled for heavy metal contamination. Stick to high-grade stainless (18/8 or 304 steel) from trusted brands.

🥛Glass: Durable, borosilicate glass (like Pyrex) is a safe, kitchen-friendly option for both food and water.

🧼 No matter the material, the best way to protect your pet (and your family) is simple: wash bowls after every meal with hot water and soap. Once a week, run them through your dishwasher’s hot cycle. You can also disinfect by coating with hydrogen peroxide, waiting five minutes, then rinsing.

For more on picking nontoxic, safe bowls? Comment FOREVERDOG, and we’ll message you a link to our book The Forever Dog LIFE. Check out part one, The Forever Kitchen, section “Food & Water Bowls,” for all the tips on keeping your dog’s mealtime safe and healthy 🌱⚠️.

02/09/2025

Tuesday Tips: Super Charge your Recall Cue!

On Saturday I shared a post from Dogs Disclosed encouraging you to reflect on if you are worth coming back to! I shared some cautions around how you use your recall cue. One way to build a good association with the cue itself is to 'supercharge' it! Whether you have already been teaching recall, or are starting from scratch, this is a good game to play.

Reach out today to schedule a full personalized training program to teach reliable recall www.PawsitiveChangeMT.com