If a trainer states they have a full membership or qualifications, you will be able to find their name listed in that organisation’s website. Not all who profess to hold qualifications do so, so it is indeed worth checking.

There is no simple answer here, and no magic wand sadly. It can take many months to resolve behaviour problems. Some cases can be quickly resolved, and others can take many months.

I have had some cases resolved in a few weeks and I have some which have taken more than a year. It depends on the problem, the dog and how much time you put in.

Some sadly can never be resolved and some can only be managed; thankfully these are few and far between. The client does have to be committed and work on it. The cases that take the longest tend to be noise phobias.

If you see someone make this promise, walk away as they are not being truthful. I don’t see how this can be measured. Also, I am sure that no-one follows up on all their cases constantly after they have seen a case, especially if they are not offering an all-inclusive follow up service which is documented. Therefore, how do they know the problem has not re surfaced days, weeks or months later?

I have seen clients who have already seen “behaviourists” who have made this promise, so clearly these statements are not true. Sorry, I just can’t say that I can guarantee to fully solve your problem. After all, how many people with depression/anxieties, OCD, aggression are 99% cured? If we can’t do it with people, who are fully able to communicate their feelings, how could we possibly do this for dogs?

So, in answer to the above question, it does not mean they are better, only that they are not truthful.

Absolutely not – in fact we actively encourage continued learning as dog training is 24/7. All our puppy and dog training classes are run using kind and effective techniques. We offer you progression, from eight weeks of age until more senior age, and you can keep on coming until you want to finish.

Not exactly. I teach concepts like Calmness and Focus, in a FUN way, which helps them make good choices; choices we like which essentially adds up to obedience in the end. The games create a calm, balanced, confident dog who makes good choices.

Obedience, to me, implies getting a dog to do what we tell them to do. Yes indeed we do some of that, but our main emphasis is helping our dogs learn to make good choices on their own, so there is less need to have to be telling them what to do all the time.

Concepts such as Focus, an optimistic dog, a dog that needs to think in high arousal; but how do we build these concepts?
Ah, through games. This in turn will lead to moulding your dog’s personality, to acquire the skills it needs.

We provide nearly all the equipment needed at your class, but if your dog has a raised bed, or a crate or mat he uses at home, please bring along to work on boundaries.

We prefer dogs to be on a harness with 2 D-rings one on the back and one on the chest with a double ended lead attached. If this is not possible then a flat collar and lead; we may have harnesses and leads on handin class, depending on size. NO choke chains, slip leads, retractable leads, e-collars or any other aversive tool are to be used in class. Please bring a plentiful supply of treats and poo bags for outside the venue. The most important thing to bring is lots of energy and enthusiasm!

I often get asked this question “why train with games”? Here’s the first 3 answers that come to mind:
1) Well why not? Games are fun, and life is short, especially for our dogs. PLAY GAMES
2) In my opinion, novice handlers can excel using games. I f you muck up the learning on a cue for the dog, or the timing of a reward, or both things, it doesn’t really matter. Sure, the dog won’t learn as quickly but the team is still having fun… the dog just gets an extra treat for no apparent reason; so what?! The relationship is unharmed, the dog is having fun, the handler is enjoying their dog. WIN-WIN!!
3) Games are short little bursts of undivided attention on your dog. This fits in perfectly with how dogs learn best, in short windows of 3 minutes or less. How convenient is that? People can always find a couple of spare minutes while the kettle boils or during commercials!!

If you let us know that you are unable to attend, we will let you know what was covered in class, along with suggestions for homework.

We want you to get the most you can from the lessons with us, and encourage you to ask questions during your lesson. If you have queries between sessions, please CONTACT us by email or through our Facebook page.

You can start as soon as your puppy as had his vaccinations – usually about 10 weeks of age. The earlier they start the better.
Puppy Parties can be attended as one-off sessions by puppies from 8 weeks of age (if they have had their first injection and a vet has said they are healthy) up to 12 weeks of age. Dogs must be carried into the hall and owners must wear protective disposable shoe covers (provided) before they enter the hall. All mats are cleaned before and after with vet-approved disinfectant.

Paws Positive provides quality advice, training and service. This can only be delivered by keeping our classes to manageable numbers whilst delivering excellent service

We allow a maximum of 8 puppies in either a puppy party or the puppy school class; a maximum number of 6 older dogs in the FUNdamentals class; and a maximum of 4 dogs in the lovable rogues’ class.

Yes! We have ramp access to both entrances and there is a disabled toilet available.

Our courses are always over-subscribed and booked well in advance. Prior payment ensures commitment to the full course.

If your dog has issues with other dogs, please CONTACT me, to have an assessment for the Lovable Rogues course, ASBO walks or maybe a few 1-1 sessions before attending a class.