Absolutely Pawsitive Canine

Too often when I ask a client how they socialized their dog I hear one, if not both, of these 2 main themes 1- they have had people come over and hold and touch their pup, 2 - they have friends who have dogs and they let them play together. Both answers are NOT socialization. This author has written a good piece about that misunderstanding /

It doesn’t mean playing.
It never did.
“Socialisation” has a lot to answer for.

It has a far more important meaning, and it’s often missed because of that one word.

It’s not all about interactions with other puppies or dogs. That’s a very small part of it.
Yet we get stuck thinking socialisation = play.

That’s the issue.

Socialisation is the whole world around them.
The one we’re used to. They’re not.

And if we reduce it to just play with other dogs?
Problems are on the way.

Socialisation is about teaching safety.
Creating safety.
Letting your puppy feel safe.

Even if they’ve never seen a plane or heard a crowd, the goal is the same.
Slow, careful exposure so they can take it in without overwhelming them.

We forget, or maybe don’t fully appreciate, how much they need to get used to in our world.

Socialisation is careful, positive exposure.
Acclimation.
And yes, a level of "neutrality".

Wet grass.
Stairs.
Rain on their head.
A cat passing by.
A scooter moving past.

The goal was never just play.

If you have a therapy, service, or working dog this offers a wonderful opportunity have their eyes checked for free./

ACVO-SAVES 2026: The Service Animal Volunteer Eye Screening event is back for our 16th year! This philanthropic program exists because of our kind volunteer veterinary specialists, their teams and our generous sponsor, Epicur Pharma, providing free eye screenings for Service Animals across the US and limited locations in Canada, Hong Kong and Australia.

If you have a Working or Service Animal, this program helps ensure their eyes stay healthy so they can continue doing the incredible work they do every day.

Registration opens: April 1
Registration closes: April 30
Screenings take place throughout May

Learn more, check eligibility and cities with participating members here: https://ACVO-SAVES.org/

(Image credit, Elite Veterinary Specialists and Dr. Robert Sw***er)

Does your Obedience class not.have life challenges as you learn? If not....call or text

With it being Easter season, the ending of winter and beginning of spring, and Pet Poisonous Awareness month... here is a timely piece by Steve Dale.

Lilies are deadly to cats, even if they just rub against the flower National Pet Poison Prevention Week, pet expert Steve Dale reminds that lilies are incredibly toxic to cats, even incidental ingestion

🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

A well written piece that strives to help you understand social maturity and your dog./

This news warms my heart /

Pennsylvania’s new pet classification marks a major shift in how the law views animals, giving them a status that finally reflects their emotional value in people’s lives. Under the updated rules, courts must consider a pet’s wellbeing during legal disputes instead of treating them as mere property. This change aligns with decades of scientific research showing how deeply humans bond with their companion animals.

Similar legislation is emerging around the world as societies recognize the meaningful roles pets play in families. Studies from institutions like Emory University and Harvard show that dogs experience attachment, stress, and comfort in ways strikingly similar to human family members, reinforcing why this legal shift matters.

Best wishes for a fun and safe day for all! Happy Thanksgiving!!

For trainers, celebrating use of shock collars, here's still yet more evidence, as Radio Systems is found to be guilty of false claims that their e-collars are safe and harmless in a $1.9 million class action suit. Shock collars are NOT safe and harmless, as I've been saying for years. Read the court results and my story here in link in comments - and this important to spread the word!

Hi, it's NolaJade. I had a great day with the kids at St Tammany Parenting Center's Monster Mash at Bogue Falaya Park. Met a lot of children, demonstrated some cool tricks, and made tons of friends.