Pawsitive Canine

Today guest on All My Children Wear Fur Coats is professional dog behaviorist, Catherine “Cathie” Harvey.  Cathie received her credentials from the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers.  She is also a faculty member at the International College of Canine Studies.  She has been a presenter at the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando and is the author of a class called “Instinct leading to balance and obedience.”  She is the author of From the Dog’s Point of View” and is the founder of Pawsitive Canine, a dog behavior modification and training company.   

Cathie believes that “Dog training is not about dominance nor aversive methods as these practices lead to fear, anxiety and possibly reactivity.  It is about building a meaningful relationship with your dog, favoring trust and respect, and using scientifically based behavior modification techniques.  It requires patience and perseverance.  We need to be mindful on how our canine companions communicate, not through speech but through subtle body motion.”   

Since the dog training industry is not regulated, there may be untrained individuals who hold themselves out as dog trainers.  Some may be offering a “quick fix” for dog misbehavior.  Cathie reminds us, “Dogs are not appliances or computer than can fixed at the touch of a button.  Traumas or abuse or simple training takes time to help them through the process.”   

Her training philosophy is straight forward.  She helps pet owners change a dog’s unwanted behavior by using simple and gentle techniques.  “One size does not fit all.  Different breeds of dogs mature at different ages.  They also have different learning styles, just like humans.”  

Cathie educates people to teach their dogs using the following principles:  

1. Achieve trust.  

1. Keep in mind the dog’s point of view by empowering yourself with the right knowledge. 

1. Work off leash when it is safe, so the decision to obey comes from your dog.  

1. Establish a real relationship with your dog for maximum results.  

1. Use positive training methods backed up by scientific research.  

For more information on positive behavior modification for your dog, you can contact Cathie through her website at pawcanine.com.  She also hosts a private FaceBook group called Pawsitive Canine.   

Cathie is committed to creating lifelong, supportive relationships with our dogs.  She is a friend to Animal Care Trust USA and supports our mission of keeping loved pets in loving homes.