PAWSitively Calm

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PAWSitively Calm PAWSitively Calm is a fully licensed & insured Family Dog Training business focused on State of Mind Helping families live CALM, happy lives with their dogs.

A Central Florida Family Dog Training business focused on Balanced K9 Training. So why so much focus on creating CALM? Aren’t our dogs supposed to have fun and round around like maniacs? Do you have a dog that reacts on walks, reacts in the house to the dog on TV, is fearful or stressed out, creating calm can have a major impact on arousal issues. Does your dog pull on the leash, rush the door, wh

ine all the time, guard his food bowl, jump up onto the counter to grab what’s cookin, act crazy in your car, and is constantly misbehaving? Well you’re not alone. Most dog owners suffer from bratty pets due to the lack of structure and consequences needed to stop unwanted behavior. Slowing these guys down will help them make better decisions that would otherwise seem impossible. Whatever your problem may be, I am here to help you create the framework needed to ensure your dog is the calm, balanced pooch you have always imagined. I started PAWSitively Calm with the intent on helping struggling families live a more balanced and calm life with their overly excited, stressed out, bratty pets. Most of my clients say “I just want to take my dog out in public with me without him going bananas”. You see, if you could have stepped into my world a couple of years ago, you would have seen an out of control, overly aroused pack that would not stop barking, freaking out at the slightest sound, growling at visitors if they came too close, and separation anxiety at its finest. I was literally embarrassed to go out in public on leash with any of them. Packing up my three dogs in the Jeep for a beach vacation was always a nightmare with all of them barking as soon as the parking brake was engaged and the keys jingled. So there I began my research on overcoming and tackling these issues by watching and devouring any Cesar Milan book or video I could get my hands on. Something struck a nerve for me when I saw that in every episode, the owner played a significant role in creating that very behavior their dog was exhibiting. Could I really be the problem? Could too much loving and not enough structure really create this kind of madness? It sure can! And I’m here to tell you that it can all be turned around. If you want your relationship with your dog to change, you first, must change. It just takes a little bit of hard work on the dynamic of the household, and I’m here to steer you in the right direction. Rules, boundaries, and consequences are what is needed to create that balance between affection and leadership. When one of these aspects out-weighs the other, a whole slew of bad behaviors can arise. Your relationship with your dog should be permission based. Everything your dog is allowed to do, is because you gave him permission to do so. I am here to help guide you through some basic core skills in establishing your role within the pack so that you can truly have the peace of mind you’ve always imagined.

All of our “Love” and affection can and will not… — Turn bad behavior into good behavior— Turn disrespect into considera...
29/10/2025

All of our “Love” and affection can and will not…

— Turn bad behavior into good behavior
— Turn disrespect into consideration
— Turn insecurity into confidence
— Turn reactivity into stability
— Turn aggression into passivity
— Turn untrustworthiness into reliability
— Turn hyperactivity into calmness

Unless of course, we’re capable of actually Leading, which includes sharing some not-so-fun insistence that teaches a dog what NOT to do.

Worried about connection, bond, and relationship, we forfeit what’s actually necessary (clear rules & boundaries) for what can become a truly transformative relationship. Attempting to fix unhealthy behavior by “loving” & smothering our dogs more, simply results in an intensification of our current issues.

If only affection, cuddles, treats, and toys were enough!

Instead, we need to think hard about what “love” truly entails — a more personalized, nuanced expression encompassing a balance of soft when earned, and stern when appropriately necessary.

OUR job is to know where our dog falls on the personality spectrum, in order to provide a very balanced approach to expressing our LOVE, and as a result, creating true happiness and wellbeing.

We can all LOVE our dogs better by Leading them more.

——————————————
Live 🩵 PAWSitively CALM
——————————————

All of our “Love” and affection can and will not… — Turn bad behavior into good behavior— Turn disrespect into considera...
29/10/2025

All of our “Love” and affection can and will not…

— Turn bad behavior into good behavior
— Turn disrespect into consideration
— Turn insecurity into confidence
— Turn reactivity into stability
— Turn aggression into passivity
— Turn untrustworthiness into reliability
— Turn hyperactivity into calmness

Unless of course, we’re capable of actually Leading, which includes sharing some not-so-fun insistence that teaches a dog what NOT to do.

Worried about connection, bond, and relationship, we forfeit what’s actually necessary (clear rules & boundaries) for what can become a truly transformative relationship. Attempting to fix unhealthy behavior by “loving” & smothering our dogs more, simply results in an intensification of our current issues.

If only affection, cuddles, treats, and toys were enough!

Instead, we need to think hard about what “love” truly entails — a more personalized, nuanced version with a balance of soft when earned, and stern when appropriately necessary.

OUR job is to know where our dog falls on the personality spectrum, in order to provide a very balanced approach to expressing our LOVE, and as a result, creating true happiness and wellbeing.

We can all LOVE our dogs better by Leading them more.

Most large scale issues in our lives don’t just “suddenly” appear.That extra 40lbs around the midriff didn’t manifest ov...
28/10/2025

Most large scale issues in our lives don’t just “suddenly” appear.

That extra 40lbs around the midriff didn’t manifest overnight.
The cushy bank account didn’t suddenly vanish.
The healthy marriage didn’t suddenly dissolve.
And your dog didn’t “suddenly” become dysfunctional or aggressive.

Tiny, tolerable trangressions (the apple pie, the over-spending, OR the white lies) that weren’t of major concern were easily ignored, and slowly compounded over time to create your current experience.

This also means that the raised lips and grumble at your attempt to push your dog off the couch didn’t start with this magnitude of entitlement, nor do the explosions on leash at the sight of another dog. Unhealthy, unstable, rude behavior is a result of its fuse being lit LONG BEFORE it was ever noticeable, less intense, & less frequent. Given enough time, opportunity, & practice, the small stuff grows to become ginormous, and impossible to dismiss.

While it’s super easy and more emotionally palatable to point blame for dysfunctional behavior on messy genetics, neglect, or some form of abuse, the real reason behind everything from the mildest annoyance to the severely dangerous lies in one easily dismissed reason…

Acceptance.

When we place blame for behavioral issues on effects that are out of the control of the human (genetics or abuse), we overlook and refuse to consider this very simple fact—What WE allow & accept, WE train. What we don’t stop & instead ignore, we unconsciously strengthen. And it ALL starts with the small stuff we barely notice.

The small moments throughout our daily living define our relationship: One that is either based in respect and deference, or another that has cultivated a dynamic based in disrespect and disregard.

The good news is… WE can control it all. All it takes is a bit of intention and attention to the smaller moments we let slide. Prove yourself in the smaller moments so that you have relevance in the bigger ones.

——————————————
Live 🩵 PAWSitively CALM
——————————————

Most large scale issues in our lives don’t just “suddenly” appear.That extra 40lbs around the midriff didn’t manifest ov...
28/10/2025

Most large scale issues in our lives don’t just “suddenly” appear.

That extra 40lbs around the midriff didn’t manifest overnight.
The cushy bank account didn’t suddenly vanish.
The healthy marriage didn’t suddenly dissolve.
And your dog didn’t “suddenly” become dysfunctional or aggressive.

Tiny, tolerable trangressions (the apple pie, the over-spending, OR the white lies) that weren’t of major concern were easily ignored, and slowly compounded over time to create your current experience.

This also means that the raised lips and grumble at your attempt to push your dog off the couch didn’t start with this magnitude of entitlement, nor do the explosions on leash at the sight of another dog. Unhealthy, unstable, rude behavior is a result of its fuse being lit LONG BEFORE it was ever noticeable, less intense, & less frequent. Given enough time, opportunity, & practice, the small stuff grows to become ginormous, and impossible to dismiss.

While it’s super easy and more emotionally palatable to point blame for dysfunctional behavior on messy genetics, neglect, or some form of abuse, the real reason behind everything from the mildest annoyance to the severely dangerous lies in one easily dismissed reason…

Acceptance.

When we place blame for behavioral issues on effects that are out of the control of the human (genetics or abuse), we overlook and refuse to consider this very simple fact—What WE allow & accept, WE train. What we don’t stop & instead ignore, we unconsciously strengthen. And it ALL starts with the small stuff we barely notice.

The small moments throughout our daily living define our relationship: One that is either based in respect and deference, or another that has cultivated a dynamic based in disrespect and disregard.

The good news is… WE can control it all. All it takes is a bit of intention and attention to the smaller moments we let slide. Prove yourself in the smaller moments so that you have relevance in the bigger ones.

I say this all the time… Some dogs just need MORE: more structure, more accountability, clearer boundaries, and tighter ...
27/10/2025

I say this all the time… Some dogs just need MORE: more structure, more accountability, clearer boundaries, and tighter rules for deviating at all away from a healthy baseline.

When our feelings about restricting these “freedoms” result in our dog’s unraveling, we need to pause and re-think about what our unstable dog actually needs to feel safe and secure.

Unhealthy choices & unstable behavior is simply a message from your dog that they need MORE. Figuring out what that MORE is up to you—that is if you truly want to alleviate your poor dog’s anxiety.

A good majority of the dogs that come through our programs have never been taught how to simply turn OFF. 99% of them ar...
24/10/2025

A good majority of the dogs that come through our programs have never been taught how to simply turn OFF. 99% of them are bouncing, jumping, pacing, hopping, barking, chewing, action-junkies, who’s owners dismiss the frenzy for dogs just being dogs.

Just because dogs can & will, doesn’t mean they SHOULD, nor is it healthy.

We all know what happens to US in the incessant Go-Go-Go mindset…

Burnout.

When dogs remain in this perpetual “ON” state of mind, we see behavioral symptoms like obsessive licking or chewing, destruction, over-protection, reactivity, suspicion, anxiety, flakiness, and a laundry list of other symptoms—all of which lead to very poor choice-making.

Ironically enough, instead of having to address that laundry list of symptoms directly, most just up and disappear with the implementation of some basic boundaries and structure.

The goal with rule setting isn’t to create an army of robot-zombie dogs, stripped of their unique personalities, denied of fun & freedom. What we need to wrap our heads around is that limitations on behavior are meant to do quite the opposite—create stability, cultivate peace of mind, & allow for the truest sense of self to emerge. This of course, then produces the very things we thought we were gifting initially but were instead experiencing fallout.

Freedom, a greater sense of wellbeing, relief, fun, inclusion, & the highest quality of life aren’t possible in a life bereft of rules and boundaries.

We never know how a dog’s behavior will evolve when we do finally decide to adopt. Breed tendency, along with overall di...
23/10/2025

We never know how a dog’s behavior will evolve when we do finally decide to adopt. Breed tendency, along with overall disposition, both play large roles in determining this.

But there is one factor that rises above all else that has the most influence on WHO our dog becomes…

YOU.

The environment YOU provide, and the information YOU share within it, by far outweigh breed tendency or temperament’s overall impact.

Whether we end up experiencing reactivity, over-protection, resource guarding, territoriality, extreme fear/skittishness, toxic dependency, destructive separation anxiety, phobias, paranoia, obsessiveness, entitlement, brattiness, bullying, extreme opportunism, aggression, or just plain delinquency…

An environment that neglects to offer foundational structure comprised of clear boundaries, rules, and accountability for crossing such, will likely gift one with any combo of the above list of issues, along with frustration, headache, and befuddlement.

Each bit of missing information that we leave unclear for the dog, is like playing Russian Roulette with the above list of symptoms.

This is precisely why you hear me preach time and again about how the fundamental principles of living harmoniously with a dog (regardless of breed or personality): Structure, Rules, Boundaries, and Accountability, are the KEYS to preventing the laundry list of symptomatic undesirables mentioned above.

The only thing that personality and breed tendency SHOULD dictate, is the degree to which all of the core foundational concepts are at play, day to day.

When we fail to understand the impact of our neglect to provide a dog’s basic needs for wellbeing, unsavory behaviors come to a head. The thing is, basic Leadership, Guidance, or Instruction, aren’t complex ideas to master. The only thing they DO require from us is desire, fortitude, emotional benevolence, and a good long look in the mirror.

The bottom line…

We cannot be baffled the next time some disconcerting conduct from the dog turns our life sideways if we’re still willing to play Behavioral Roulette. You can control the game, or the game will control you.

Life can get in the way! Shiitake happens man! Some of us start families, new jobs with new locations, even new homes… w...
22/10/2025

Life can get in the way! Shiitake happens man!

Some of us start families, new jobs with new locations, even new homes… which means, the dog, and the structure necessary for true well being, can get put on the back burner.

Unfortunately, a healthy mindset, reliable obedience, accountability, & daily structure are not temporary systems that once achieved to the healthiest level, can then be brushed aside & no longer practiced.

The good thing is tho, that skillset your dog learned during training, still has some memorable effectiveness IF & WHEN RE-enforced.

So cut yourself some slack!

Unhealthy, crusty, unstable, or defiant behavior is just a message from the dog that we’ve fallen off. When undesirable behavior begins creeping its way back into your lifestyle, this is simply YOUR cue to tighten things back up again, and to start paying more attention.

Dog ownership is a lifestyle of sustained and consistent guidance. The key to sustained success is just getting back on that horse after we’ve fallen off ;)

There is this sweet spot of perfection when clients are reunited with their dog post-training. We like to call it the Ho...
16/10/2025

There is this sweet spot of perfection when clients are reunited with their dog post-training. We like to call it the Honeymoon Phase—Your one time, pulling, reactive, megalomaniac of a dog is seemingly transformed. The chaos of incessant barking or whining, the self-soothing frenzy, the jumping, the lack of trust, the anxiety, and unhinged behavior is miraculously gone! Car rides are even peaceful! Life is good.

Wherever the change falls for you and your dog post-training, it is sooooo stinking dramatic, comparatively speaking, you can barely comprehend that it’s the same dog.

Then it happens… 6 months later, everyone slips right back into their old habits, and almost unnoticeabley return back to their regular life, all while the “transformed” dog gleefully rejoices.

Little do we realize that the seemingly changed dog was the byproduct of extremely high, meticulous held standards. The pendulum that was so heavily skewed to one side prior to training had to be swung to the absolute opposite to get the results you are experiencing.

And let’s be real… by comparison, who cares about the 5 inches ahead of you on the walk, or the low key whining on Place, or the barking for attention, or the lack of immediate compliance, or the breaking of commands, when life before was utterly terrible?

Well… little by little owners happily embrace the imperfection because by comparison to the dog they dropped off, life is still sooo different. And so, they unwittingly lead their dog right down the same path of delinquency. And it’s so subtle, they barely notice.

Here’s the thing… All dogs seize any and all opportunity of ease. The key to maintaining your dog’s skillset is by understanding how valuable all of those small moments really are, and staying consistent with your follow through.

Consistency and Follow Through do not mean Perfection. But it DOES mean that we should consistently TRY TO BE consistent;)

The good thing is, dogs don’t forget what they’ve been taught. Now they’re simply learning WHO will enforce the standards, and who won’t!

——————————————
Live 🩵 PAWSitively CALM
——————————————

There is this sweet spot of perfection when clients are reunited with their dog post-training. We like to call it the Ho...
16/10/2025

There is this sweet spot of perfection when clients are reunited with their dog post-training. We like to call it the Honeymoon Phase—Your one time, pulling, reactive, megalomaniac of a dog is seemingly transformed. The chaos of incessant barking or whining, the self-soothing frenzy, the jumping, the lack of trust, the anxiety, and unhinged behavior is miraculously gone! Car rides are even peaceful! Life is good.

Wherever the change falls for you and your dog post-training, it is sooooo stinking dramatic, comparatively speaking, you can barely comprehend that it’s the same dog.

Then it happens… 6 months later, everyone slips right back into their old habits, and almost unnoticeabley return back to their regular life, all while the “transformed” dog gleefully rejoices.

Little do we realize that the seemingly changed dog was the byproduct of extremely high, meticulous held standards. The pendulum that was so heavily skewed to one side prior to training had to be swung to the absolute opposite to get the results you are experiencing.

And let’s be real… by comparison, who cares about the 5 inches ahead of you on the walk, or the low key whining on Place, or the barking for attention, or the lack of immediate compliance, or the breaking of commands, when life before was utterly terrible?

Well… little by little owners happily embrace the imperfection because by comparison to the dog they dropped off, life is still sooo different. And so, they unwittingly lead their dog right down the same path of delinquency. And it’s so subtle, they barely notice.

Here’s the thing… All dogs seize any and all opportunity of ease. The key to maintaining your dog’s skillset is by understanding how valuable all of those small moments really are, and staying consistent with your follow through.

Consistency and Follow Through do not mean Perfection. But it DOES mean that we should consistently TRY TO BE consistent;)

The good thing is, dogs don’t forget what they’ve been taught. Now they’re simply learning WHO will enforce the standards, and who won’t!

Our dog’s behavior is here to awaken us to the parts of Self still waiting to come into alignment and balance. They are ...
14/10/2025

Our dog’s behavior is here to awaken us to the parts of Self still waiting to come into alignment and balance. They are our greatest teachers—showing us where our Leadership stands, and where it’s a king to grow.

Try to notice your dog;s behavior this week—What might it be teaching you about your own energy?

08/10/2025

Well Peeps! Baby Marley traded in her diapers for some big girl pants, and is now home with her fam with a solid obedience foundation that will help all of them live much more harmoniously together.

This new foundation is built on respect for her humans, impulse control, and a stable state of mind. We were able to accomplish tasks with this pup that would normally be reserved for a much more mature dog!

We talked about how Marley will need continued shaping & controlled exposure to keep all of her new skills fresh and reliable. The key to all of this is in consistency and follow through!

We discussed how micromanaging all of her choices until they become habitual is the goal for the next few months until she starts defaulting into making good choices on her own. At no point should a puppy be allowed to make its own choices. You wouldn’t leave a four year old child home alone to make decisions on their own now would you?

Marley is well on her way to having that amazing bond all of us dog owners crave with our pets! I am so thrilled for her family to experience the true nature of this sweet little girl!

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Monday 06:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 06:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 06:00 - 18:00
Thursday 06:00 - 18:00
Friday 06:00 - 18:00
Saturday 07:00 - 16:00
Sunday 09:00 - 16:00

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