Behavioral problems in family dogs can cause both owner and dog incredible stress and unhappiness.  We are skilled and experienced in creating solutions for aggressive, fearful or anxious dogs.  Consultation and instruction for modifying behavioral problems may be done via private training lessons or through specialty courses like Growl Class.

Purely Positive also offers programs in partnership with Jennifer Parks, owner of Fetch Doggy Day Care.  Our goal is to provide dog owners with comprehensive behavioral modification programs specifically targeting their dogs’ issues.  These programs simultaneously utilize in-home training with Purely Positive and a structured treatment plan conducted at Fetch.  Together, we offer clients over 25 years’ combined experience as well as a safe environment for socialization.

We currently offer three programs:

Home Alone for Separation Anxiety, Rehab Rover for dogs who are reactive and mildly aggressive to other dogs, and Cautious Canine for dogs who are shy and fearful.

Home Alone:

This program for Separation Anxiety includes an evaluation, two 90 minute in-home sessions with Susan and 10 days of daycare at Fetch Doggy Day Care.  After the in-home session, the owner will be given a personalized program to achieve his or her goals for their dog.

These training sessions will enable the dog to accept longer and longer periods of separation from his or her owner, as well as embrace safe confinement at home. In between training sessions at Fetch, each dog will exercise and participate in daycare activities to vent stress and anxiety.  PetMassage™ skills will also be used to assist the dog to relax.  Cost is $350.

Rehab Rover:

This program includes an evaluation, six 1-hour private training sessions, and 10 days of dog daycare.  Susan and Jennifer will work with the owner and dog for several weeks. Instruction includes effective handling skills for the owner, training alternative behaviors for the dog, and how to safely meet dogs on the street when appropriate. When the dog is ready, he or she will begin meeting dogs at Fetch.  All necessary safety precautions will be made.  In this way, improvement can continue in a safe and structured environment via positive socialization experiences.  Cost is $550.

Cautious Canine:

Cautious Canine includes an evaluation, two 90 minute in-home sessions with Susan, and 10 days of dog daycare. The in-home sessions will focus on techniques to safely and kindly introduce your dog to strangers, other dogs, and new situations.

Complementary therapies will also be used including PetMassage™ skills, body wraps such as the Thundershirt, DAP, TTouch, and the Calming Cap.  When he or she is ready, Jennifer and her staff will begin introducing your dog to strangers and calm, reliable dogs.  These sessions will help your dog increase his or her confidence and to socialize successfully with others.  Cost is $350.

I thought that my German Shepherd, Greta, was destined to be self injurious in the crate due to severe separation anxiety. She panicked if I took the trash out and left her in the house. I couldn’t walk into another room without her being anxious and right under my feet. Then I called Susan and Jennifer (Fetch Doggy Day Care) about the “Home Alone” training program. I was shocked at the progress Greta made in a short time. She loved going to daycare and really began to be calmer when I was out of sight. Greta is even going into her crate independently and remaining calm while I leave the house! This is a HUGE step for her! Aside from their work with Greta, both Susan and Jennifer provided unlimited insight and tips for working at home. They were always available for reassurance and to answer any questions. I have LOVED working with Purely Positive and will continue to attend classes and training programs with my 4 dogs…so much fun for everyone!

- Courtney Marino