About Pawsitive Attitudes, LLC

Pawsitive Attitudes runs out of Carrollton at "21415 Brewers Neck Blvd." and publishes the longest class list in Isle of Wight County by a distance.

The class list

Obedience and control: "Beginner Off-Leash Heal", "Recall & Stay Command", "Combo (Maintain the Train)", plus "Pop-Up Sessions" for one-off practice. Sport and enrichment: "Scent & Nose Works for Fun", "Agility for Fun", "Rally for Fun", "Fast Cat for Fun!" and a run of trick classes with theatrical names – "AKC Trick Classes", "Anything Goes Tricks", "Hollywoof Tricks Class", "Broadway Waltzin' Woofs", "The Greatest Showdog" and "Carnival Clowin' Paws". Testing and titles: "AKC Temperament Prep Course", "Canine Good Citizen Dog Prep." and "Therapy Dog Prep." There is also a human-skills course, "PetTech First Aid & CPR", and fitness sessions under "Fit Dog Training Walks".

Who runs it, and since when

The handover is dated precisely: "Shelley Kuglin took over Pawsitive Attitudes, LLC (PA LLC) on July 1, 2017 from Patty Allen on the belief that each dog has their own unique personality, traits, mannerisms, and requires their own unique and specialized training."

The method, with a caveat attached

Stated, and then immediately qualified in a way most schools avoid: "At PA LLC the method of training used (Positive Reinforcement) does work, but it is up to you to keep up with you and your dogs training beyond what is taught in each of the classes we provide". The broader aim is communication rather than compliance – "the team at PA LLC's focus is not only training, but teaching you how to effectively communicate with" your dog, "Whether it's for basic manners or more complex behavioral issues".

The atmosphere

This is closer to a club than a commercial school. The site runs a newsletter written in the voice of a resident dog, warns you in advance that class will sometimes be embarrassing – "There will be times in which you will get flustered or become embarrassed by your dogs antics as you learn to communicate" – and reassures that "Rome was not built in a day". Fundraisers (nail trims, dessert bingo) and team entries in obstacle runs sit on the same menu as the classes. If you want a social training community rather than a transaction, that is the draw; if you want a clinical behavior consultation, look elsewhere.

What to ask

Ask about prices and certifications, and whether board and train or in-home sessions are offered.