Positive reinforcement can come in all forms, from the simple positive or encouraging words and pats, to the more tradition and physical like treats or time with a beloved toy.
I love dogs. However, I love dogs much in the same way that I love children; they’re both adorable for short periods of time, when I can hand them off to the person that they actually belong to when they start becoming fussy or excitable. To be a “dog parent” takes a lot of work, as it should! You are bringing a creature with its own personality and needs into your life; of course, it comes with demands. Fortunately, as just about any dog owner can tell you, they also come with a lot of love and reward too. There is a reason that so many dogs, all over the world, are considered part of the family.
Indulge me in the dog & children comparison a moment longer: when you’re raising your children, you don’t expect them to know everything without being taught first. When an infant or toddler acts out, it’s not automatically seen as a sign of a “problem” but rather a teaching moment, an opportunity to give them the skills they need to cope with a similar situation in the future. It’s the same with your dogs; whether it’s a puppy or an older dog that just hasn’t had the chance to engage with this skill properly yet, it’s essential that you give them the opportunity to develop and grow with all situations.
If you’re unsure where to start, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Paws on Main opened two years ago in Grand Valley in hopes of offering a small, local based pet care service that puts the focus on the animals and their needs. They are excited to continue to grow and even now, only two years later, they already offer a spectrum of services including retail and grooming in their small, one-on-one focused location. It’s important to them that they’re able to offer the animals (primarily dogs, though they’ve recently added a cat grooming service), the best, getting to know them so that next time they are excited to come back.
Among the many products and services that they offer is group training, run by their in-house trainer, Margaret. The classes last for about 6 weeks in their shop, following a set program designed to teach not just the dogs their basic skills to cope with various situations, but also teach their owners the skills and confidence they need to help their dogs learn. Training is as much a skill for owners as it is for their dogs, and Paws on Main focuses on both aspects.
They offer three class levels: Puppy Level One, which teaches the basics of several important skills such as socialization and impulse control; Puppy Level Two, which builds off of the skills taught in Level One as well as the introduction of new ones, and Adult Classes for older dogs who need a refresher or some more guidance. You can visit their website or call the store for more information on when the next set of lessons are planned to start. While on their website, you can also browse the other services that they offer (such as grooming), or the many products that they offer for sale, including toys, treats, dog supplies such as collars and leashes, and of course all of your “Pet Bling” from sweaters to mugs and stickers to show the world your understandable pride in your furry friend.
Looking for a last-minute holiday gift? Not only would any of the products that Paws on Main offer be great stocking stuffers for your own pets or a friends, but training can be purchased on behalf of others as a gift as well.
Whatever skill or lesson that you’re working on, Margaret and Paws on Main believe only in positive reinforcement training. You want your dog to be curious and excited to learn, which is what positive reinforcement does. Rather than becoming scared from a negative, they are excited to try a positive in order to get that “good” reward, which doesn’t always mean “treats”, though that’s certainly one option. Positive reinforcement can come in all forms, from the simple positive or encouraging words and pats, to the more tradition and physical like treats and time with a beloved toy, many of which you can purchase from Paws on Main itself. Don’t be afraid to stop in just to see what they have.
If you’re looking to get a head start on your own, Margaret recommends working on engagement first. A disengaged dog won’t respond to any future training – and remember, whatever you’re working on: keep it positive! You have what it takes to give your dogs the support to live their best lives, however, if you need support yourself, then know that Paws on Main are there for you, whatever your needs may be.
WRITTEN BY: JILLIAN KENT | PHOTOGRAPHY: CORY BRUYEA
RESOURCES: PAWS ON MAIN, GRAND VALLEY
