The Positive Academy

Hey pawsome community! 🐾 We're thrilled to launch our first-ever pro bono group dog training classes – possibly the first of its kind! 🎓 Led by me, Wee Boon, founder of The Positive Academy, an AVS accredited and internationally certified behavior consultant with over a decade of experience.

A little about me: AVS accredited, IAABC certified, attended Jean Donaldson's professional dog trainer course, and puppy courses by Karen Pryor. Formerly an adjunct lecturer at Temasek Polytechnic for the behavioral modification course.

This pro bono initiative is our way of giving back to the community, sharing the love and knowledge we've gathered over the years.

Classes available include essential skills for daily use: Leash Manners and Recall. 🐶✨ Open to everyone who meets the eligibility criteria mentioned in the post.

We're on the lookout for committed owners ready for positive changes! To enhance the learning experience, attending owners must submit video footage of their practice. 📹 This allows our trainers to provide personalized feedback and troubleshoot any challenges you might face.

If you're as excited as we are, head over to our IG page to enroll. And if not, a little share can go a long way in reaching those who might benefit from these classes.

A huge thank you for your support! Together, let's create a positively trained and happy dog community! 🌈🐾

Does anyone has any recommendations or any referrals for forearm wheelchair for dogs?

Although a day outing doesn't substitute private training, which offers a tailored pace for optimal dog success, it does offer an opportunity for dogs with a solid foundation to apply their skills in real-life scenarios under the guidance of a certified professional. In our recent outdoor session, five dogs excelled in honing their mat skills. The training approach prioritizes positive reinforcement, ensuring a gradual pace to minimize frustration for the learners.

Praline bringing her best buds out for a walk.

I place great emphasis on ensuring proper dog greetings and play interactions, driven by valid reasons. Greetings serve as the first impression and mishandling them can jeopardize the potential for a positive friendship to form. Moreover, poorly managed greetings may lead to leash aversion towards other dogs. For puppies, negative greeting experiences can disrupt their socialization process, while for dogs learning to trust others, such experiences can be difficult to undo.

Similarly, dog play requires careful attention as it is a delicate resource. I have witnessed numerous instances of traumatized puppies and dogs at dog parks and poorly organized puppy classes due to misregulated or haphazard play sessions. Dogs engage in play when it is safe, fun, stress-free, satisfying, and joyful. Mismanagement during play can easily diminish these positive aspects.

For owners with fearful or reactive dogs, socialization can be especially challenging, as it requires both parties to actively ensure a seamless process. Unfortunately, this can be difficult to achieve while out on a walk. This is why I initiated the networking group, a platform where knowledgeable owners can share their expertise, and if needed, we provide materials and templates on how to screen potential partners to achieve social or training objectives.

In this group, active and responsible handlers are expected, and the focus is on creating a well-informed and responsible dog social group. It is a place where everyone can find suitable dog partners without worrying about being on different pages. Whether it's a puppy seeking its first friend, a reactive dog in need of a training decoy, or a frustrated greeter searching for a training target, this is the ideal community.

Join us in creating a supportive and educated dog social group. The link to join the group is available in our bio.

🐾 Unveiling the True Role of Dog Trainers 🐶💼

Being a dog trainer isn't just about "sit" and "stay" - it's so much more! 🌟 We wear many hats - therapists, teachers, consultants, and friends! 🎓 As professionals, we fulfill a vast range of roles, from marriage consultants to child development educators, and everything in between! 🤝

Working with fear-reactive dogs can be demanding, especially during significant life changes like welcoming a newborn. 👶💕 Our role goes beyond training; we educate parents on child development challenges and mediate tense family situations related to the dog. 🏠 Amidst it all, we also guide beginners on progressive and positive dog training. 🐾💪

Referrals from pet service providers are a blessing, but convincing clients to engage a trainer can take time. ⏳ Many underestimate the importance of our work, and that's where we step in to show them the impact we can make! 🌠

Experienced dog owners may overlook puppy classes, assuming they know it all. However, our expertise extends far beyond basic obedience. 🐕💡 We offer personalized training and assessments for each individual puppy, and we take preventive measures to address potential behavioral issues. 🛡️

Early intervention is key, especially for behaviors like demand barking. 🗝️ While extinction techniques can be effective early on, reinforcement history can make addressing intense cases more challenging. 📉 Living in an apartment complex adds complexity, considering the neighbors. But rest assured, we work tirelessly to find positive training solutions! 🏢🐾

In conclusion, being a dog trainer involves much more than meets the eye. 🌈 Our multifaceted role is all about supporting families, understanding dog behavior, and using preventive measures to ensure a harmonious bond. 🤗 With us, you and your furry friend will embark on a journey of love, trust, and growth! 🚀❤️

Featuring our artwork for our new shirt - a pencil drawing of our local Singapore Specials.

Introducing The Positive Academy's New Networking Initiative!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new initiative - a complimentary networking group designed exclusively for like-minded dog owners who believe in force-free, positive reinforcement-centric, low-stress, and/or LIMA philosophy training methodologies. Our primary aim is to foster an environment that promotes a training approach devoid of ecollars, choke collars, or punishment-based methods.

Within this group, participants will have the opportunity to share their training challenges and experiences, while finding empathetic support from fellow members. As we know, positive training requires immense patience, technique, and knowledge, ranging from understanding body language to mastering behavior science, timing, and ex*****on - all of which demand considerable effort and dedication.

This networking group serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking assistance in their positive training journey. Experienced positive training users will be able to offer valuable anecdotal insights, thereby inspiring and motivating others to persevere in their training endeavors.

Moreover, we intend to host engaging group walks, providing a platform for owners to set up their training contexts and learn from one another through observation. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and their canine companions while fostering a positive and supportive community.

As we progress, we plan to organize learning seminars and enjoyable events such as tricks workshop or fun agility, offering even more avenues for personal and collective growth.

To make it easily accessible, the group will be hosted on Telegram. Detailed instructions on how to join will be shared in our next post, so stay tuned!

Lastly, we are delighted to unveil our brand new logo(kinda), a representation of our group's essence - fun, dynamic, and vibrant, with the shape of a clicker encompassing the entire design. This logo symbolizes the positive training environment we aim to create, where humans and dogs can thrive together.

During a recent encounter, I witnessed an individual attempting to coerce their Singapore Special, who clearly wanted to avoid or slow down the greeting with my dogs, towards us. In response, I kindly suggested that it would be best to respect the dog's body language and allow it to approach if it chooses to do so. This situation highlights the significance of respecting a dog's language in social interactions. Dogs have their unique ways of communicating and may exhibit behaviors that indicate a desire to avoid contact. Examples of signs that a dog is avoiding contact include averted gaze, body turning away, lowered ears and tail, or displaying stress signals such as panting, yawning, or lip licking. When encountering such signs, it is crucial to honor the dog's boundaries and refrain from forcing interactions. Instead, it is advisable to provide the dog with space and allow it to approach at its own pace if it feels comfortable. By respecting a dog's autonomy, we can create a positive and safe environment for all dogs involved, minimizing the risk of stress, anxiety, or aggression.

Clients often share with me photos and videos of their dogs participating in pack walks using slip leads, expressing how much fun their dogs seem to be having, evident from their "smiley faces." However, the reality is that such walks can often be restrictive, inhibiting genuine interaction and exploration for the dogs. To me, they feel more like a structured march rather than an enjoyable experience. While I personally don't favor these pack walks, I understand why some owners choose them. However, if owners are seeking a genuinely fun walk for their dogs, there are certain elements that can make a significant difference.

Firstly, allowing dogs to explore is crucial. They thrive on sniffing and investigating their surroundings, so it's important to give them ample time to discover new scents, mark their territory, and enjoy their environment. Allowing them to lead the way and follow their curiosity enhances their walk.

Incorporating mental stimulation is another key aspect. A walk can offer more than just physical exercise. Engage your dog's mind by introducing games such as "find the treat" along the way or encouraging them to perform simple tricks. This mental stimulation adds an extra layer of enjoyment to their walk, making it more fulfilling for them.

Bringing along water and treats is essential for ensuring your dog stays hydrated during the walk, particularly on hot days. Carrying a collapsible water bowl and offering regular water breaks will keep them refreshed. Treats can also be used as rewards for good behavior or to redirect their attention when needed.

Varying the route and pace keeps things interesting for dogs. They appreciate variety, so taking different routes allows them to explore new surroundings and keeps their walk from becoming monotonous. Additionally, occasionally incorporating some jogging or brisk walking provides additional exercise and mental engagement.

Being attentive to your dog's needs is crucial. Observe their body language and behavior during the walk. If they appear tired, it's important to give them breaks or shorten the walk. Watch out for signs of discomfort, such as limping or excessive panting, and adjust the walk

A force-free handling course with emphasis on body language can be highly beneficial in preventing dog bites and accidents during grooming. By understanding and effectively communicating with dogs through body language, groomers can establish a trusting and respectful relationship with their furry clients, ensuring a safer grooming experience for both the dog and the groomer.

One of the key aspects of force-free handling is the avoidance of any physical force or coercion. Instead, it focuses on using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors and provide a stress-free environment for the dog. Groomers who participate in such courses learn to recognize and respond to the dog's body language cues, enabling them to address any signs of discomfort or fear promptly.

During a force-free handling course, groomers are taught to observe the dog's body language and interpret their communication accurately. For instance, dogs may display subtle signs of stress or anxiety, such as lip licking, yawning, or averting their gaze. By being attuned to these signals, groomers can identify when a dog is becoming uncomfortable and adjust their approach accordingly. This could involve taking breaks, providing treats, or using calming techniques to alleviate the dog's stress levels.

Furthermore, a force-free handling course also emphasizes the importance of establishing a positive association with grooming tools and processes. Groomers learn to introduce these items gradually, pairing them with rewards and praise, so that the dog associates them with pleasant experiences. This helps to mitigate any potential fear or apprehension the dog may have towards grooming tools, reducing the likelihood of a negative reaction or bite.

By prioritizing body language and positive reinforcement techniques, a force-free handling course empowers groomers to create a cooperative and harmonious environment during grooming sessions. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of dog bites or accidents, as the groomer is equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle and communicate effectively with each dog on an individual basis.

Navigating the hustle and bustle of a grooming salon can be stressful for our furry friends. Unfamiliar surroundings, the drone of grooming equipment, restraints, and the discomfort from certain procedures can induce anxiety. But what if we told you it doesn't have to be this way? 🐾

By adopting low-stress handling and cooperative care techniques, we can revolutionize the grooming experience, making it stress-free and enjoyable for dogs. This approach requires groomers to master a few essential skills. Patience, empathy, understanding canine behavior, clear communication, and gentle, respectful handling are paramount. Problem-solving is another crucial aspect, as each dog comes with its own unique behaviors and temperament.

Incorporating cooperative care techniques can significantly ease stress during grooming. Techniques such as counter-conditioning and desensitization, consent behaviors, using specific tools, positive distractions, and relaxation techniques can make the grooming process a breeze for our canine pals.

But let's be real; introducing these techniques in a bustling salon can be challenging. The time-consuming nature of these methods, inconsistencies among staff, and the unique needs of individual dogs are a few hurdles to overcome.

That's where we step in. 🐕💕 We offer professional consultancy services for grooming salons to integrate low-stress handling techniques smoothly. Our expertise can assist you in transforming your salon into a sanctuary of serenity for pets, enhancing their well-being, and building a reputation for compassionate, high-quality service.

Reach out to us today! Let's join hands to create a world where grooming becomes a pleasure rather than a chore for our beloved pets, because a happy pet means a happy client! 🐶✨

Engagement is critical for training successful recall for dogs as it helps to strengthen the bond between the pet and the trainer, thereby improving the pet's attentiveness and responsiveness. Engagement entails catching and keeping your dog's attention, which is key in developing their listening skills and the ability to follow commands effectively. This heightened focus fosters a more receptive learning environment, crucial for successful recall training. Furthermore, when dogs are actively engaged, training sessions become more enjoyable, stimulating their eagerness to learn. This improves their memory retention and overall success in recall, making them more reliable even in distracting environments. Hence, engagement is not just a training technique, but a relationship-building tool, promoting trust, cooperation, and effective learning.

At our small group outing and training services, we prioritize engagement as a fundamental aspect of our approach. Our skilled trainers understand the importance of connection and are adept at capturing your dog's attention, ensuring they remain interested and responsive throughout our walks and training sessions. This is achieved through a variety of interactive techniques, games, and positive reinforcement strategies that make learning enjoyable. Our small group setting further enhances this engagement, as it allows for personalized attention, while still providing the opportunity for socialization with other dogs, creating a balanced and stimulating environment. As we incorporate these techniques into our walks, not only does your dog enjoy a great outing, but they also benefit from improved recall capabilities. This dual service - recreational and educational - sets us apart, providing your dog with a well-rounded experience, and giving you peace of mind knowing that your pet is in capable, caring hands.

Wanting to engage us to build a strong foundation? Pm to enquire

Started his agility practice on an every other week basis at the start of the year. Got psycho into attending a trial at jumping height. One week before the trial, he was still running under the bar lol. But my boy did us proud, and clinch both first place for his first trial.

Peeping Tom training

The joy of watching a puppy grow is an immensely heartwarming experience, akin to witnessing the unfurling of a new life filled with boundless curiosity, energy, and affection. Each day presents an opportunity to observe the subtle transformation of a tiny, clumsy bundle of fur into a loyal, confident companion. As the puppy navigates its world with wide-eyed wonder, it discovers new sights, sounds, and scents, which it eagerly embraces with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. These moments of growth often elicit laughter, amusement, and adoration, as the puppy stumbles, learns, and blossoms with each passing day. Through these shared experiences, a unique bond is forged between the puppy and its human family, filling their lives with love and happiness that transcends the simplicity of the connection and etches itself into their memories forever.

Venture forth into the captivating world of cooperative husbandry, a groundbreaking method that nurtures trust, fosters communication, and bolsters well-being in canine care. As you embrace these tender, collaborative practices, you'll weave an unbreakable bond with your furry friend, all while nourishing their emotional health. Delve into the abundant advantages of cooperative husbandry and uncover its indispensable nature for every pet guardian. To explore the depths of this exceptional approach, immerse yourself in our all-encompassing guide: Unraveling the Bonds of Trust and Well-being: Embracing Cooperative Husbandry for Canines.

Embracing Cooperative Husbandry for Canines: Unraveling the Bonds of Trust and Well-being - The Positive Academy Discover the power of cooperative husbandry for dogs, fostering trust, communication, and well-being. Learn techniques to strengthen your bond and enhance your pet's emotional welfare in this comprehensive guide.

Training a dog from a young age is essential in building confidence, establishing a bond, and creating a positive learning environment. By starting early, you can help your furry friend become more comfortable with new experiences and build their confidence in different situations. Consistent training using positive reinforcement techniques can help improve communication and establish trust between you and your dog. Setting up a proper environment for learning, such as a quiet and distraction-free space, can also help your dog focus and retain new information more easily. With patience and persistence, you can create a lifelong bond with your furry friend that is based on mutual respect and love.

Training a dog to focus is more than just obedience - it's about creating a special bond and fostering a relationship built on trust, happiness, and mutual respect. When you teach your furry friend to focus on you, you're not only shaping their behavior, but you're also building a connection that transcends mere obedience. The joy and happiness that comes from seeing your dog looking up at you, wagging their tail in anticipation of your next cue, is immeasurable. As your dog learns to trust and rely on you, they become more confident and comfortable in different environments, making them better behaved in public spaces. Training your dog to focus also helps reduce their anxiety and stress, promoting their overall health and well-being. The emotional connection between you and your furry friend is strengthened through training, creating a bond that can withstand the test of time. In essence, training a dog to focus is about much more than just obedience - it's about creating a lifelong partnership filled with love, loyalty, and companionship.

At The Positive Academy, we offer a range of classes that cater to dogs of all ages and abilities. Our obedience and puppy classes are designed to help you build a strong foundation of trust, respect, and communication with your furry friend. Whether you're looking to improve your dog's basic obedience skills or address specific behavior issues, our classes are tailored to your dog's individual needs. Our experienced trainers use positive reinforcement techniques to create a fun and engaging learning environment that promotes happy, healthy, and well-behaved dogs. Join us today and experience the joy and fulfilment that comes from building a lifelong partnership with your furry friend.

You probably hear a lot about decompression walks. Have you had any idea what they are for, and how should they be used?

Decompression walks are a type of dog walk that allows dogs to explore and decompress from the stresses of everyday life. These walks are designed to give dogs a break from the routine of their daily walks, and to provide them with opportunities to use their senses and engage in natural behaviors.

During a decompression walk, dogs are allowed to sniff, explore, and investigate their surroundings at their own pace. These walks are typically longer and slower than regular walks, and may involve stopping frequently to let the dog investigate interesting smells or objects.

The purpose of a decompression walk is to give dogs the opportunity to engage in natural behaviors that are often suppressed in their daily lives. Dogs are natural explorers and scavengers, and decompression walks allow them to engage in these behaviors in a safe and controlled way.

In addition to providing mental stimulation, decompression walks can also be physically beneficial for dogs. These walks allow dogs to exercise their muscles and joints in a low-impact way, which can help to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

It’s important to note that decompression walks are not a replacement for regular exercise and training. Dogs still need daily exercise and mental stimulation, as well as training and socialization, to be happy and healthy. However, adding decompression walks to your dog’s routine can be a great way to provide them with additional mental and physical enrichment, and to strengthen your bond with your furry companion.
https://thepositiveacademy.com/understand-more-about-decompression-walks/

Welcome to our basic agility group class, where we'll teach you and your dog the thrilling art of jumping over things, running around in circles, and showing off your mad teeter-tottering skills! Forget boring old dog walks and obedience training – agility is where it's at.

In this program, you and your furry friend will learn how to navigate a series of obstacles, including jumps, tunnels, A-frames, and teeter-totters. Because let's face it, there's nothing more satisfying than watching your dog scramble up and over an A-frame like a tiny mountain climber or ride the teeter-totter like a canine seesaw pro.

But that's not all – our basic agility group class is also a great opportunity to meet other dog owners who are equally obsessed with their furry friends and their mad agility skills. You'll bond over your shared love of watching dogs run around in circles and jumping over things, probably end up going out for drinks after class, and share stories about the joys and challenges of owning a highly-athletic pup.

So, if you're looking for a fun way to spend your evenings and don't mind a little bit of barking and chaos, our basic agility group class is the perfect fit for you and your pup. Come join the circus – I mean, the agility class – and let the good times roll! Your dog will be a superstar in no time.

Thank you for the amazing tattoo of my dear boy. It's exactly what i wanted, and truly a work to represent him - Messy yet beautiful. That's what Neptune is.

Also i'd like to use this post to announce the closure of TPA's Day School. With effect from 30th April, i will be stopping the service of our Day School.

Let me explain why.
I started the school with the idea of providing a safe haven for the dogs, to have fun, and to learn under the best condition.

9 years went by as i persist with that dream of mine. Each and every of my students became MY dog for the period they are with me, and their problem is my problem.

I started an indoor program and as the owners struggled with outdoor, i opened up an outdoor program. They had specific issues and i will try my best to incorporate that into our program.

I pushed and encouraged all my handlers to be educated, and all of them are accredited with a professional certification from renowned training schools.

As the years gone by, the school is pretty filled. With close to 50 on the list, and only 4 working days available, i mandated that no dogs can attend more than a day and attending days are strictly allocated by me in order to ensure the learning environment is conducive for each and every one of them.

I had very high expectations of how things are done but the truth is, there is no way i can set the environment to be 100% for them.

As the days went by, and as the number of dogs increases, i find that we are merely surviving instead of doing what i set out to do from the beginning. That frustrates me.

Watching a dog struggle in school is no fun. I could see it, my assistants could see it. It might be as little as a playful dog stopped playing, but we know it's all due to the environment and we hated that we have no control over that. That helplessness manifest in me, and it affected my work.

I want the best for the dogs, and there are no other ways to do it other than reverting back to the old days where things are kept small and personalised.

So the day school has to go, but i will be back with a more bespoke and individualised program.

Neptune would have said yes to that.

We had our first friday without my boy Neptune last week. Not having him beside me definitely does need some getting used to.

One thing you guys must know about us - TPA started as a full indoor training school. One fine day, neptune came over looking to join us. He was a rambunctious, jumpy but friendly chap. We tried to fit him in but a full indoor program really isnt suitable for him, so we rejected him.

Weeks later we moved out of our location and while waiting for the renovation of our existing place to be done, we did a full outdoor program. And slowly we dedicated a day for him which focus on hiking, and being out. You could say he started our outdoor program because he really needed it.

For 5 years, we were exploring many parts of Singapore, swam at every beach. We even explore clementi forest which ended horribly(will talk about this next time). He has always been 'my dog'. He simply wants to be with me, making it impossible for the rest of the handlers to walk him. His neediness made him my shadow and I loved him as my shadow.

Indoor hes a disaster. He simply couldn't settle down and we struggled quite a bit initially. He did slowly learnt to lie down and settle on cue and we worked on his husbandry, teaching him to accept handling and veterinary checks. Just one week before his death, we were working on his nail clipping. Working on all his issues actually made me heavily invested into him. His days were thought out for him and anyone who made him act out will be rejected from the school. We are that emotionally invested.

Now that he has passed, I find myself tired. And perhaps it's the start of the end for TPA. Let's see where this brings me.

My sweetest boy has passed on today. We've roamed the city together, bashed through forest, swam the sea and trained a ton. He has always been my favourite child and I've always been his world.

I wished for so much more with him but time didnt allow so. Never for a moment I thought he'd leave us so early. The strongest and hardest boy.

When saying our goodbye, tears were inevitable. He is such a sweetheart, that no one could keep their tears in. We had our laughs too, because he is the goofiest boy. We had so many fond memories of him.

I wished we have more time with him but he got tired of us.

We love you Neptune.

Tonight it's time to grieve.

When humans are too result orientated, they lose track of what it is for a dog to be a dog, and what it is to be human. May 2023 be a better year.

Dog "trainer" who boasted about "Hell Week" for dogs lambasted after a young Golden Retriever is injured from aversive training methods during boarding - Wake Up Singapore When she went to help fetch Cody home, she was horrified to find him dirty, his fur matted, and he smelled really bad. She noticed the wounds on his neck which were infected, foul-smelling and filled with pus. Alarmed, she rushed Cody to an emergency hospital. Cody is an “active and boisterous” ...