Pawsitive Pup Dog Training
History
Barb Pensky has always had a special connection with all animals, especially dogs, and knew someday she would work professionally to help owners and dogs improve their connection. After deciding to leave corporate sales, her entrance into the dog world began when she opened up a dog walking and pet sitting business. This led her to educate herself more on what motivates dogs and how we can use this knowledge to get the result we want. It’s a win win! Seeing how happy both the dog and the owner were during these “light bulb” moments has been a highlight and driving force in her career and keeps her motivated to help as many dogs as she can.
Training Philosophy
Pawsitive Pup Dog Training is passionate about helping dogs and their people understand each other! With over 2 decades of experience with rescues, puppies, and adolescent and adult dogs, we use only the most up to date, science based training methods that are fun, effective and humane. We make training enjoyable and know you and your dog will love your new way to communicate!
We make training fun through effective and positive, science based methods and believe that there is no need for the use of pain, fear or force. As a result, you can feel confident your dog will want to learn and your training results will last. Understanding how to communicate with dogs is the essence of training. Since dogs and humans speak a different language, we need to let dogs know when they get it right. We do this by using a reward marker like “Yes” to let him know, and that something good will follow immediately. Through this learning process, dogs will gain confidence and respond more quickly once they know and understand what is expected. Dogs repeat behaviors that work for them, so when you use rewards (food, praise, favorite toy, fetch), it programs their brains that good things happen. Positive training emphasizes teaching dogs what to do, not continually punishing a dog for not doing what we want. What sets apart an excellent positive trainer from the rest is not just their ability to teach a dog to do things using reward-based teaching, but to use humane techniques to curb and prevent negative behavior. Positive training builds confidence and builds a strong bond between the dog and its owner. It encourages the dog to listen and respond when asked to do something and works well on all kinds of dogs, including those “Working” dogs with high drive. We do not support training techniques or tools that cause pain or harm to a dog, physically or mentally (e.g., shocking, choking, pinching). By understanding how dogs think and learn using positive reinforcement methods, you will develop a bond of trust and understanding. Your dog will thank you!
Services
Pawsitive Pup Dog Training offers a variety of services, including:
- In-home puppy and dog training
- Puppy Start Program
- Basic Doggie Manners
- Advanced Manners
- Group Puppy Training (Puppy 101)
- Group Adolescent Adult Dog Training
Pricing:
- 1 Session – $150 (90 Minutes)
- Series of 3 Sessions – $400 (The first lesson lasts 11⁄2 hours; the other lessons are one hour.)
Certifications
Barb Pensky is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and a Certified Canine Dog Trainer (CCDT). She is one of 12 trainers in Hays county who are CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer -Knowledge Assessed) force free trainers. She is a member of the CCPDT (Council of Professional Dog Trainers), the leading independent certifying organization for the dog training profession.
Specializations
Puppy training, basic obedience, advanced obedience, socialization, behavior modification
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement, reward-based methods, science-based training
Customer Reviews
“We did a puppy training class with Barb. Fantastic experience, we learned not just basic commands but also a lot about what makes me tick and the psychology of what drives me. Mum and Dad do a much better since then, it helps that they know why I’m a rascal.”
— Remy the Rascal
“Wonderful experience! Barb worked with us and our rescue pup, Goose, for basic training and the results were immediate.”
— Kristen B.
“Went for third puppy training class. Barb and her assistant made me and my puppy feel safe and cared for. Would highly recommend.”
— Mary C.
“Today was my 1st training day with my 15 week old mutt in Puppy 101. I was definitely nervous for her to be around other puppies (because her hair stands up on her back). Barb assured me everything was okay and was able to describe the behavior that I was witnessing. It helped me relax and I’m so happy I am going through the process with her. She gave us some homework and we are already seeing success! I’m so pleased and I can’t wait to go next week!!”
— Sarah M.
“The instruction by Barb is so helpful in our dog’s training. Our little guy has a lot of energy and her advice has been exceptional in keeping him engaged and entertained as well as obedient. Thank you Barb!”
— Jennifer H.
“Barb is an amazing dog trainer. She is very knowledgeable and cares deeply about dogs and their well being. We learned a lot during our puppy obedience class.”
— Rachel P.
