About Pawsitive Direction
Hi there! My name is Kim.
I'm the owner/head trainer of Pawsitive Direction. I am a CPDT-KA, Fear Free certified dog trainer. I've been working professionally with dogs for the past decade, from offering behavioral support at local shelters to training service dogs, and everything in-between. I've always loved helping pet dogs and their families feel more on the same page through relationship-based, positive training.
I know that for many of my clients, communicating with your dog can feel like learning a new language. I always come to training sessions with a sense of humor, patience, and lots of enthusiasm as you and your dog learn. Every dog is unique and I enjoy tailoring training plans to meet the dog's needs while helping their human feel more empowered, confident, and connected with their four-legged friend.
I can't wait to share my passion for relationship-based dog training with you and your dog!
About the training methods:
Our training strategies usually focus on three key principles: managing your dog's environment so that they're set up for success, enrichment so that they feel fulfilled and appropriately stimulated, and pattern games, which help teach predictable behavioral patterns and engagement.
Management strategies are things that prevent problem behavior from being practiced- and from getting on your nerves. We use gates and child locks and baby gates to prevent toddlers from getting into mischief, and similar strategies are often effective with our dogs.
Enrichment aims to meet the dog's needs including physical activity, mental stimulation, and feelings of safety and calm. Implementing enrichment strategies isn't just nice for your dog- it can help alleviate or prevent many behavioral concerns.
Pattern games are simple activities that keep your dog engaged while teaching new practical skills. These simple strategies are easy for humans and dogs to learn and engage with, and make training more fun for all.
We use a range of other strategies, but you can likely expect your dog's training plan to include some level of environmental management, enrichment, and a pattern game or two.
Pawsitive Direction is committed to the use of non-aversive training methods. We will never recommend using fear, pain, or startle. For decades, methods that rely upon intimidation have been the norm. This is changing- there's a more effective, pleasant, and safer way. Focusing on rewarding your dog for doing what you want and setting them up for success yields more consistent results with less stress and risk of behavioral fallout. If you're not sure what positive training is all about, feel free to contact us to learn more.