Sydney's Pawsitive Pups

07/28/2025

Life with a reactive dog can be incredibly challenging. I created a workbook for Pet parents navigating the difficulties of reactive dogs.

Created by a licensed therapist and reward based dog trainer, this workbook blends gentle, force-free strategies with emotional support for you and your dog. Inside you’ll find tools for managing reactivity, reducing owner overwhelm, and honoring the grief that comes with this journey.
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Link below to download your printable digital copy today!!

This Guides & How Tos item is sold by SydneyLyonsLCSW. Ships from United States. Listed on Jul 27, 2025

10/27/2023

One of my clients reached out this morning to share that she saw a dog being “trained” with two prong collars around his neck. 😢
She was distraught to see this in her public park and asked what we can do.
Her heart broke for the dog as she shared the scared body language she witnessed. 💔

We can talk about it.
We can share that shock, prong collars and choke chains are illegal in most of Europe.

We can share that you can consider walking your beloved dog on a harness out of concern for their delicate neck, thyroid gland, trachea etc.

You can share this post to help others see and learn that we humans should be a place of safety, reassurance and trust for our 4 legged family members.

We should never knowingly cause pain for those whom we love and who count on us in life.

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior clearly states that no aversive methods should ever be used with our dear dogs.
This strong statement came out in 2018. I celebrated this.
This should be the law of the land!

Sadly many “trainers” are still back in the dominance, intimidation and be large and in charge days.
You wouldn’t go to see a doctor who doesn’t take his boards every 2 years. You want the doc who’s up to date on the latest practices and who takes ongoing education so that they know what is right, today, now!

PLEASE don’t hire a “trainer” who doesn’t know that kindness and relationship is todays way to go.
Our dogs are smart. They get things. They may be smarter then us but they don’t have thumbs. 🥰

You truly can’t learn new things when you are in a state of fear and or pain.
You might shut down. You may appear to be “obedient “. (Boy do I dislike that word. )

Learning happens best when we enjoy the moment, with happiness in our heart ❤️ and a smile on our face. Same for humans as well as our dogs.

Be your dog’s hero in this, their short life.
Say NO to anything that does not feel kind.
Call a behavior consultant or a trainer who knows that kindness wins.
I myself will never stop learning and never stop sharing with you, what I have learned.

These devices of horror seem so mid evil.
Let’s not allow our dogs to suffer. 😞
Let’s educate ourselves and be their hero.
I wish I could save them all from such fates.
Together we can make a difference.
Join the PPG with me if you are a dog lover.
Advocate for them. 🐾
They need us.

09/10/2023

and if you squint🌼
FACT: Pitbulls are the world’s most abused dogs🥲 And with 25% of the US having a negative opinion it’s no wonder pitbulls (and dogs mislabeled as pitbulls) spend 3x longer than any other dog in shelters.

What’s even sadder is this lil buttercup has had no interest since we’ve placed her up for adoption! If you’re looking for a sweet shy girl, who was also afraid of the bumblebees in these photos, Miss Kirra is the girl for you! More info on and applications on our website!

05/30/2023

I haven’t shared on here in so long!

Look at just a few of the wonderful pups I’ve worked with in the past year. Ranging from 3 lbs to over 100lbs, I have such a blast teaching families how to communicate with their pets.

I’m a full time social worker, part time dog trainer and love seeing the similarities between the two. Understanding human behavior helps me to understand animal behavior and vice versa.

Treat your dogs how you would treat your children!
If the training doesn’t feel right, it most definitely is not!
Train with kindness!
Quality communication is everything!

01/18/2023

The most incredible dog cake, for Winston’s 3rd birthday! Charlie’s Traveling Treat Truck killed it!!

Here’s one of my favorite “favorite things” cakes. Winston loves hiking, swimming and chasing squirrels 🐿️🌲

Currently working on: cleaning up the website, updating photos, adding menus, and eventually online shopping and shipping!

Little by little it’s coming together 🙌🏼

12/18/2022

12/17/2022

So excited to share that 2 years after getting foster #28, my failed foster Winston who I adore, I have officially returned to the game. Welcome foster #29 to the family!!

This is Stewie! A 10 week old pup who just got here from Arkansas. He is from and available for adoption. So far he is loving, playful, and incredible with Winston! He loves sleeping on our laps, and following us everywhere we go.

Winston is warming up to being a foster brother and is already gaining confidence teaching stewie how to dog!

Message me if you are interested in this sweet boy and I can send you the adoption application.

09/15/2022

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Life gets a whole lot easier when we reward all the good we see in our pups!

08/22/2022

One of the most important things to understand!

Never scold your dog for growling!!!

A growl is a dogs only way to say “I feel uncomfortable”, without resorting to a bite. When we don’t listen to our dogs anxiety/discomfort, that’s when we have a dog that snaps because that’s the only way their humans listen.

Excellent infographic from Dogs Disclosed.

Thank your dog for a growl by providing comfort and reassurance.

05/28/2022

I have been loving my new clients lately! Each of the dogs I work with have vastly different personalities and goals in training.
Some focuses have been leash walking, prepping for a new baby human, not bolting out the front door, recall, feeling safe around strangers, jumping, separation anxiety, and more!

Seeing progress and improving the relationship between owners and their pets is why I do it!
Reach out to book a session!