About Pawsitive Directions Behavior & Training, LLC

Pawsitive Directions is an Oshkosh, Wisconsin practice whose site carries the line "Dedicated to Dogs and Their Families Since 2000". Its welcome describes a business "dedicated to building harmonious relationships between dogs and their families through positive, ongoing and cooperative training", and sets the emphasis on the owner: "My goal is to teach you how to train your dog in a way that they can clearly understand and respond to." Shelter adopters are specifically included – "Whether you adopted a dog from a shelter or rescue group, or purchased a dog from a breeder, I will be happy to work with you in accomplishing your training goals."

Services

The service list is behavior consultations, small group classes, private manners training, video and phone consultations, puppy and pet selection, and lectures and seminars. One caveat is important for planning: the classes page states "Group Classes are not being offered at this time" and repeats under each listing that "Private training is available." The published class descriptions show what the group curriculum covers when it runs – Polite Puppy for dogs 8-20 weeks at $140 over 6 weeks, covering socialization, handling exercises for vet visits and grooming, housetraining, basic cues, mouthing and off-leash play; Basic Manners for dogs 20 weeks and older at $160 over 6 weeks; Tricks and Games and Sniffing Games as short 3-week courses; Basics and Beyond for graduates of Basic Manners; an Ultimate Recall course; and a Jumping and Pulling Solutions course. All classes "combine indoor and outdoor work in a large fenced area, along with agility obstacles for fun and confidence building". The page also draws a line around what classes are for: "Manners classes are designed for dogs who are friendly and social to people and other dogs. If you are having aggression issues with your dog you will need to schedule a behavior consultation."

The consultant

The about page names Jody Hergert-Andresen and says she "received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Marquette University", "is also certified as a Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants" and "is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers". It says she "founded Pawsitive Directions, LLC in 2000", "managed the Oshkosh Area Humane Society for six years" and "continues to work with shelters and rescue groups on a regular basis; assessing dogs, designing treatment plans for behavior issues and training staff and volunteers". The page adds that she "has been teaching classes and doing pet therapy work since 1992", has competed in AKC obedience, rally and agility, NADAC agility and K9 nosework, and "has earned 91 performance titles". The home page credits her with "32 years of experience".