About The Pawsitive Center for Dogs Inc

The Pawsitive Center for Dogs is Leah LeFevre's practice. She is an Animal Behavior College graduate who left a corporate job in 2015 to train full time, and she describes herself as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer working on a science-based, force-free model.

The method, in her own words

The site is unusually explicit about method. Its position is that effective animal training does not require pain, fear or force, and that the rewards used are treats, toys, praise and positive physical touch, whatever the individual dog values. It quotes Dr. Karen Overall on non-coercive technique and sums up the goal as teamwork, kindness, understanding and trust.

What is offered

Three things: private training sessions, which she travels to the client for; virtual sessions for owners outside her travel range; and a puppy program for new arrivals. Appointments run Monday to Friday from 11am to 6pm and Saturdays from 11am to 3pm, and payment is taken by cash, check, card, PayPal or Venmo.

Why she works this way

The about page tells the story behind it: she adopted a very fearful dog, Tucker, researched and trained her way through the problem, and found the change in his confidence rewarding enough to change careers. She has volunteered in local shelters and rescues for several years, and fostered for Recycle-a-Bull Bully Breed Rescue.

The demo dog

Keno, found as a stray in the City of Syracuse and taken in through the same rescue, has assisted with lessons since 2017. The site says he works specifically with dogs that are fearful or lacking confidence, helps with leash reactivity, and demonstrates obedience. He also competes in dock diving.