Pawsitive Pups Dog Training

Did you know? Positive reinforcement training has been around for over a century, and it’s as much about kindness as it is about learning! Back in the early 1900s, behavioral scientist Ivan Pavlov established that animals repeat behaviors that are followed by something good, and later B.F. Skinner showed that rewards can shape even tricky behaviors over time.

Animal trainers quickly started applying those ideas to everyday training and we’ve been improving ever since! Clickers came into play in the 1950s and 60s to mark the exact moment an animal does something right. By the 1970s, trainers were also using “shaping,” rewarding small steps toward a behavior so even tricky cues could be learned one step at a time. The goal isn’t just changing behavior; it’s helping dogs feel confident, respected, and understood.

When training is done this way, it becomes more than teaching tricks. It’s a way to communicate with your dog, celebrate their successes, and strengthen the bond you already share. Every “good boy” or “yes!” is a little building block in trust, and that trust lasts a lifetime.

🐾 Student Showcase: Cooper 🌿

Cooper joined class as a full-grown pup with very little training under his belt, and he has exceeded every expectation. What he lacks in early experience, he more than makes up for with his gentle personality, eagerness to learn, and natural calm. Cooper approaches every lesson with focus and patience, soaking up skills quickly and showing that determination and a sweet demeanor can carry a student far. Watching Cooper progress has been inspiring! He's ready for Intermediate work and beyond, and he’s proving that growth is always possible, no matter where you start. 💛🐶

The 18-Month “Teenage” Phase

If your dog suddenly seems rebellious, moody, or full of drama, you’re not imagining it. Most dogs hit a sort of “teenage” phase around 12 to 18 months—and it peaks right around 18 months.

They might test boundaries more, ignore cues they’ve known forever, or suddenly act stubborn in situations that used to be easy. It’s not bad behavior. It’s just part of normal development. Their brain is still maturing, and impulse control is taking a backseat to curiosity, excitement, and independence.

The key? Consistency, patience, and continued training. Keep reinforcing good behaviors, give them chances to succeed, and remember that short, structured sessions work better than long lectures. Enrichment, exercise, and mental challenges help burn off excess energy and keep frustration in check.

This phase doesn’t last forever, and your dog will come out more confident and capable on the other side. Think of it as adolescence, not rebellion. You’ve got this.

So we had an adoption event yesterday...
Expect to see a new puppy training model in the coming weeks 😅

Prepping enrichment for the week: The aesthetic shot vs what they look like going into my freezer. 😅

🐾 Student Showcase: Howie 💙

Meet Howie, a brilliant, gentle soul with a heart as big as his brain. Soft, affectionate, and always ready for a belly rub, Howie is also impressively intelligent and eager to learn. He listens, processes, and applies new skills quickly, making every class feel productive and joyful. His patience, willingness, and kind nature make him a standout student! He shows that learning isn’t just about learning tricks, it’s about connection and curiosity. Howie has taken every lesson in stride, and he’s shining brighter with every skill he masters. 🌟🐾

There’s a lot of talk online about how “any dog can do anything if you train them right.” And sure, training matters, but every breed is built a little differently, and that’s a good thing!

Breed strengths and temperament should always be your first consideration when picking a new pup. Want a snuggle bug who melts in your lap? A Shih Tzu or Maltese will happily oblige. Looking for a high-energy sports buddy who can outsmart you in agility? Border Collies and Australian Shepherds were practically born for it. Hounds, retrievers, terriers: they all come with their own superpowers!

The trick is to meet your dog where they’re at, play to their strengths, and have fun doing it.

Mark your calendar! Love, treats, and tail wags await 💕 Join us in stores this Saturday 2/14 from 12-2PM to celebrate Valentines Day with your pets! Photos via lizleonarddoesart

🐾 Dog Fact – Taste Buds & Treat Motivation

Did you know dogs only have about 1,700 taste buds compared to our 9,000? 👅 That means their sense of taste isn’t as complex as ours, but don’t be fooled! They still have preferences, and they definitely know which treats they love best.

Even with fewer taste buds, dogs are excellent at ranking their rewards. Think of it as a treat value ladder. The more your dog loves a treat, the higher it sits on that ladder.
🍗 High-value treats: soft, smelly, and meaty, perfect for new skills or distractions.
🧀 Mid-value treats: small favorites for practicing known cues.
🍪 Low-value treats: kibble or dry snacks for calm focus or easy wins.

Learning your dog’s personal preferences helps you train smarter, not harder. Some dogs would do backflips for cheese, while others might ignore it completely but go wild for freeze-dried liver. 💕

So next time you’re training, mix it up, observe, and let your pup tell you what motivates them most! 🐶✨