Make A Pawsitive Connection

Living in a multi-dog household is loads of fun, I love it!  With that said, I would be lying to you if I did not also admit it does come with some challenges!

I know that it is paramount to start training your dog with positive reinforcement as soon as you bring him home; well at least if you plan to live in a mostly “harmonious environment”.  I also knew it was extra especially important now that I had introduced Indy into Ambers “only fur-child pampered environment”.

Now was the time for me to provide the right guidance for Amber and Indy so that no undesirable habits set in.  But was I guiding them right or making it worse?  I decided to seek out the advice of Anne from “Pawsitive Connection”.  I had dealt with Anne previously while employed with another animal training organisation that I had enrolled Amber.

Anne along with three other very talented ladies branched out together in business that now makes up the Pawsitive Connection team, servicing Brisbane and surrounding areas.  They have many years experience in dog training, dog and cat behaviour, small animal nutrition, Dog Sports and Tellington Touch.  They only support positive, gentle and kind techniques that have been proven the most effective.

Anne Has Amber & Indy’s Full Attention

When Anne arrived at my house, she was well prepared with a pouch full of training treats and quickly directed her attention to building a rapport with both dogs.  I read out my list of concerns and Anne assessed what behaviours were of immediate concern that needed to be addressed, so that they did not develop into anything and in doing so how this in-turn will create a positive effect on other areas of concern.

Indy Listening To Why Crate Training Is So Important

We focused mostly on:

• Mouthing
• Food Possession/Stealing
• Nervousness about Harness/Walks

Anne explained the importance of learning to be “proactive” rather than “reactive” and how imperative it is to be aware of behavioural elevations, such as the lead up to mouthing and when I need to redirect Amber or Indy’s attention before it happens.

Crate Games!

Taking It All In

Practice Makes Perfect!

We went through step-by-step techniques that I can apply on a daily basis to help redirect those undesirable behaviour’s such as throwing a toy, having chews/treats on hand, time-out and crate games, so that the crate is seen positively rather than as punishment for separation or calm time.  Anne also showed how combining treats and gentle positive reinforcement will help Indy become desensitised to his harness and want to go for walks.

Treats In The Harness Worked A Treat!

Anne covered all of my areas of concern by clearly explaining and physically showing me how I could work on them, I was also provided supportive feedback on training and nutrition that I was doing well and even bringing to my attention positive and calming behaviours that Amber and Indy were displaying together.  The next day I was pleased to receive a follow up email that contained a full summary of what issues we covered and the techniques and/or changes that were suggested.

Hanging Out Together

If you have a dog that you wish had better manners, a cat that you would like a better connection with or want to make the process of introducing your new puppy to the household as easy as possible than an Animal Training, Behaviour and Wellness Specialist may be for you.  Give the team of Pawsitive Connection a call, as they say “We are dedicated to helping people have well mannered, happy and healthy pets”.

We would like to give a huge THANK YOU to Anne and the team from Pawsitive Connection for offering their time to Amber and Indy (and of course myself).  We learnt lots of valuable tools and techniques.  Pawsitive Connection is offering 20% discount on private training until 31st August 2014. 

Author Bio: Nikki is pack leader at Pressplay Pets, a blog for the modern age pet parent interested in health & care, news, reviews & personal accounts of unconditional love & at times heartfelt pain of pet parenting. She is also proud mum to cute and cheeky Papillons ‘Amber’ and ‘Indy’ and one crazy Rainbow Lorikeet named ‘Ralph’! Follow my Facebook and Twitter.

Pressplay Pets a blog for the modern age pet parent interested in health & care, news, reviews & personal accounts of unconditional love & at times heartfelt pain of pet parenting!