Pawsitive Training For Humans & Their Dogs
For some, showing their dog on the conformation circuit is the ultimate goal. For others, they just want a dog that won't steal the Thanksgiving turkey while the holiday guests are arriving. At Pawsitive Steps, we want you to have a dog that YOU want to live with. Our services are geared towards everyday pet owner who wants to have a “do-anything dog” who will lovingly respond to ALL members of your household, each and every time.
Our philosophy is that good dog training begins with good human training. Yes, you read this correctly! Our classes should actually be called HUMAN TRAINING courses, because that is what we strive to do: TRAIN HUMANS! Unless your dog knows what you expect from them on a continual basis, there will always be a disconnect between what you WANT them to do and what they WILL do. If the humans learn to be fair and consistent, there is no room left for guessing the dog’s part! Everyone wins!
Pawsitive Steps staff members look at each dog as an individual. We recognize that often, methods that work for some dogs don't always work well for others. Using consistent methods that make sense to the dog, we teach humans how to more effectively communicate with their dogs. We are proud to assist in bridging the gap between what you may THINK you are saying to your dog and what they are ACTUALLY hearing.
The Pawsitive Steps K9 staff is comprised of some of the area's finest trainers. Pawsitive Steps prides itself on a staff that has been both formally educated in animal behavioral science and numerous years of being actively engaged in the animal behavioral field. Whether you are interested in a seminar, group classes, private lessons, or a private consultation, our staff is ready to assist you and your four-legged pal. We look forward to working with you and your canine companion!
We proudly offer a variety of classes at various locations in MA, NH, and Maine.
Our Beginner Class for Puppies 8 weeks to 4 months
2nd Half of our Puppy Kindergarten class
Our Beginner Class for dogs 4 months or older
2nd Half of Family Dog I
Fine tuning for grads of our Puppy II and Family Dog II classes
Increasing levels of distraction and proofing
Prepare your dog to take the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Test
An Advanced Level Course designed to take your training out into the real world
Change your Dog's attitude about Coming When Called and have a blast doing it!
A one day, class/seminar that aims to assist in helping expectant parents better prepare in bringing their new baby home to their dog(s).
This class is geared to those who want to be the apple of their dog's eye, or those seeking to complete with their dogs in the ring.
Similar to our Out and About Course for multiple dog households, an Advanced Level Course designed to take your training out into the real world.
In addition to group Classes, Pawsitive Steps also proudly offers the following services:
After a 4-year hiatus, Amesbury native and Maine resident Becky (Randall) Pelletier is BACK by popular demand! With over 20 years of professional training experience, helping people and their pets in the seacoast area, Pelletier has come out of retirement and is offering private consultations, training and group classes at various locations in MA, NH and Maine!
Pelletier taught collegiate Animal Science Courses for many years under one of the area’s leading homeopathic vets. She has extensive knowledge and education in canine and feline behavior and nutrition and a deep interest and continued education in homeopathy, essential oils, flower essences and the use of alternative healing modalities for animals.
She works closely with various ACOs and rescues doing intake and temperament evaluations and the occasional home check for Rottweiler Rescue. She is responsible for past Reading to Rover Programs in the Newburyport public school system and has worked with and trained many of the local veterinary and pet industry professional’s dogs.
Becky has trained all three of my Labrador Retrievers (as well as trained me in how to train!) from the time they were puppies in kindergarten into advanced training classes. She is the best dog trainer I know. She is extremely knowledgeable in the field of dog training and dog behavior. She is professional and very patient in teaching you how to train your dog no matter the circumstance. All of my labs trained from puppy kindergarten to advanced classes to Out and About classes, which happen outside of the classroom with real-life situations and encounters but in a safe and fun environment with Becky. My dogs are all "senior" now but are Canine Good Citizens who are always told what good dogs they are when we meet new people. I have always said any "bad habits" they have are a result of my own lack of persistent training because I've been taught how to achieve a different result! The best news for people with new pups and older pups is that Becky has come out of training retirement! I'm looking forward to attending a class again very soon for some brush up with my youngest lab. Becky is definitely the best around!
Christine WarwickBecky is an amazing trainer. She helped me with a reactive large terrier. This lady knows her stuff. She has amazing techniques and the ability to handle any breed. I would recommend her to anyone from puppy class to pretty much any canine behavior problem you might be having. She is to the point with reliable information and great canine handling skill.
Nikki Thompson (Former Vet Tech- Carr Island Animal Hospital)Becky is an amazing trainer with years of experience. I have brought all of my dogs to her for puppy classes and up. I drove from MA to ME each week (it was worth it!) My male dog has received his AKC Good Citizen K9 and his Therapy dog certificate through Becky. With the knowledge I received from Becky's classes I have titled my dogs in a sport called PSA as well. Highly recommend Becky and Pawsitive Steps.
Jenna FraunfelderGifted and knowledgeable trainer. So blessed to have her in our area.
Amanda Rizner, DVM (Owner Ross Corner Animal Wellness)Eleven years later and people still ask me how I ended up with such a well behaved dog ! We cannot say enough good things about Becky :) Most importantly , her love of dogs always shines through !
Chante Triano