Frequently Asked Questions ...

All dogs have a brain with unique strengths and weaknesses. This is determined by building blocks of their personality known as 'Concepts'.  Just like us, their 'concepts' change and do change all through their lives. Concept training is helping to shape your dogs brain through understanding these concepts, showing them what to do, ahead of the situation they react to, not by just telling them what to do. This programme is for any dog of any breed, size, age or genetic makeup. The learning with A Pawsitive Step is your way to help promote calm and happy outlooks for worried, anxious dogs; build optimism for reactive dogs; grow independence for dogs who can't be left alone and more.

For the same reason we find being told what to do all the time, repetitive and boring! Imagine if you only spoke to your friends using just seven short sentences and words for your entire lives? Frustrating? Sure. Boring? Oh, Yes! Science proves that we know Dogs need variety. We also know their emotions govern how they think. By understanding those emotions,personality strengths and weaknesses, we can finally start to train consistent, long-lasting results.

You must think 'quality' over 'quantity' in terms of making the learning useful. Consistent use of short training sessions for three minutes a go, three or four times a day starts to get results in as little as three weeks for some people. You should notice small but obvious steps in your dog's confidence and optimism, as well as their independence and flexibility. Just remember that if your dog's confidence is still being knocked by situations and environments they don't yet have the skills for, your progress could be impacted.

The great news is that 20% effort in the right area will get 80% results in as little as four weeks.

For the same reason that showing a child how to hold a knife and fork or telling the time won't help them act appropriately in a new place, how to manage exam pressure or how to even manage being bullied. Engaging your dog to want to learn is lifelong process and doesn't stop once they are six months old or you know the basic commands. Their personalities change due to environment, just like us. We need to know how to manage such emotions ahead of the situation, not whilst we are in it.

Not at all! Ever heard of contrafreeloading? It's a scientifically proven method that dogs actively want to do more with their food and choose to over just getting it in a bowl. Transform your dogs relationship with you and their food into an engaging experience. This will result in quickly enhancing your dogs health, happiness and behaviour.

Observe your dog and see which toys or items they like to interact with when they are given a choice. The 'favourite' toy is then to be used as the reinforcer of good and appropriate behaviour and is only brought out when the fun and essential brain-shaping training takes place. A Appositive Step is an official Partner of Tug-e-nuff and can recommend this toy that allows you to put your Dogs favourite treat inside and encourage them to play.Use this game changing link through here for more details. This also keeps the value (Dog's have a "Value" system just like our monetary system) in that toy very high, greatly improving your chance of reshaping success. You will also be shown in your sessions how to bring food back in as a really valuable tool in training.

A Pawsitive Step is now a multi award-winning Behaviour and Training company that doesn't have ludicrous prices! Offering many different styles of group classes and One 2 Ones for those who find that a Class wouldn't be appropriate. The range and style of teaching is the most innovative, fun and engaging training currently found in the area. Working with your Dog should be fun, easy to manage and provide all kinds of enrichment and learning in an easy to follow format. It is always tailored to you and the Dog in front of you. Follow this link for more about Group Classes or Discover what one 2 ones can do for you