Positive Paw's K-9 Training llc
Waynesboro, Virginia
(17)
Waynesboro, Virginia
(17)
17 customer reviews
Deborah Barksdale
I was in desperate need of a trainer for the newest member of our family. He's a Catahula Leopard dog who is extremely energetic and unbelievably strong. I tried another trainer, however, that didn't work out.I reached out to Positive Paws and within the span of a couple of hours I met with Stacy. I explained my extensive and serious medical conditions and limitations in detail and without hesitation she offered me hope for me and my baby. She has a very caring and generous heart that was refreshing. I instantly felt like family. I highly recommend Positive Paws to anyone looking for a qualified and compassionate trainer. The entire staff was warm and inviting. I can't thank you enough for your kindness and for understanding my specific needs. I was so touched by Stacy's kindness that I literally cried. Thanks for giving me the hope I so desperately needed. I/we look forward to a very successful and meaningful relationship with all the beautiful hearts at Positive Paws. More...
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Katy Lopez
I started bringing my dog Branco to Positive Paws in 2015 when he was only 13 weeks old. I brought him for socialization and training to be a therapy dog, which he successfully completed. However, it was not easy at all! I had several issues with him; many times I couldn’t even handle him. Branco got big so fast and suddenly I had a young 70-lb, very strong and determined White German Shepherd. My walks with him were very difficult, not to say painful; he would pull all the time, and I almost gave up. I voiced my concerns to Stacey, and never once was it suggested to use harmful ways to help me control him. He was never harmed, hit, pushed, shocked, or chocked. Stacey patiently helped me control him, showed me my mistakes, and told me how to fix them in a positive way. It took me several months and a lot of patience to learn the right way of communicating with him and handling him. My boy is now 4 and, although he is 130lbs and way stronger, I can handle him a lot better! He loves to go for socialization every day. He loves his trainers and the staff. They care for him now that he has health issues and make sure he is always safe. My review is not based on a one-day interaction, a phone call, a ‘he said/she said’, I think, I heard...it’s based on 4 years of seeing my dog interact with Sharon and Stacey and seeing how much he is loved! I have witnessed countless times how much they care not only for him but for every single pup that comes to their happy place. More...
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Debra Marion
I am not sure why people want to post negative reviews about a business they have never had an experience with. That being said, my dog had some basic training at Positive Paws a couple of years ago and the training methods are effective and lasting. We had nothing but a great experience and Stacey was so kind and accommodating to the needs of myself and my dog. Since the opening of this business I personally have heard nothing but positive experiences. I would hope that those seeking this type of service would take the negatives with a grain of salt and allow Stacey and her staff to show you the real Positive Paws. More...
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Stephanie Davis
My only regret is not finding Positive Paws sooner! Stacey Payne and all of her staff and volunteers are wonderful to work with. They have a true passion for training and caring for dogs with only positive reinforcement and this method works! How do I know? I have actually witnessed this training and am part of it because Stacey is working with our family in the training of a Service Dog. We work directly with Stacey and, because she is an excellent trainer, we are well on our way to having the lifeline our son needs to get him through his multiple and complex, different abilities through Service Dog task training based on his needs. I would recommend Positive Paws to anyone that was thinking of Dog Training and/or Doggie Day Care. More...
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Aaron Howell
We take our dog there at least once a week for some out of the house play time. He gets exercise and is well taken care of. As my wife pulls out of the parking lot he passes out and for being almost 10 months old that’s what we’re aiming for. Lincoln loves going !! More...
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Jackie Starr
About 2 years ago, Sadie (my 20-lb terrier pup) and I had an accident with an off-leash dog that left both of us with some major, long-lasting effects. We tried to work through it on our own, but weren’t getting anywhere. I was tired of being hyper-vigilant all the time; seriously, every time Sadie and I left the house. I was discouraged and ready to give up on ever being able to see a dog without Sadie barking up a storm and me tensing. I spent hours crying and questioning everything I was doing. I avoided going out in public because of how embarrassing it was. Then we met Stacey Payne, Heather Law, and the rest of the gang at Positive Paws. It hasn’t been easy, but it HAS been worth it! A few months ago, Sadie and I passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen test! Not only that, but she continues to go to daycare to play (appropriately) with other dogs on a regular basis. I never even dreamed this would be possible after the accident! Months of training and hard work (not just mine, but also the trainers and daycare staff at Positive Paws putting in their all, as well) came together for such a dramatic turn-around! Neither Sadie nor I are perfect (duh! ), be we both work to be better than we were the day before! Thank you, Employees of Positive Paws: for encouraging me to keep going and not give up; for teaching me how to communicate with Sadie and listen to what she’s telling me; for teaching me to take a step back when I need it; and for making me feel comfortable in my insecurities. You guys have seriously changed our lives for the better! Words can’t describe just how much I appreciate everything you have done! More...
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Nicky M
18 months ago my doctor said I needed a service dog. I called all over VA looking for someone to train the dog I already had. I called Postive Paws and spoke to Stacey and she was by far the BEST we had spoken with. She trained my dog to become a service dog and has always been there for us. ALL of the employees at Positive Paws have been fantastic - from daycare to training. Any time I had a question or wasn’t sure what to do, Stacey had an answer. If she didn’t have the answer right away, she would find one for me. I am very pleased with everything they have done and highly recommend them to anybody looking to train- whether it’s service dog, therapy dog or even if your dog needs basic obedience- Stacey is the person to go to! More...
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Rhonda and Paul W.
Stacey and her staff are the BEST! Our Belgian Malinois Nadja is being trained and attends doggie daycare at Positve Paws. Stacey is a wonderful trainer and we are so very blessed to have her working with Nadja. Doggie daycare is top notch and to see the pictures of our Nadja and her four-legged friends having so much fun always makes us smile. The care and kindness they give to the fur babies is amazing. To see the excitement Nadja has when we pull into the parking lot, knowing she has a day with her canine friends is priceless. We thank each of you for all you do, and most of all, for the care and love you give to Nadja. More...
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Judy C.
Gracie, my yorkie, and I started therapy dog training in October 2017 with Positive Paws. I had my doubts as to whether Gracie was therapy dog material but Stacey,the trainer, didn’ t have any doubts. As oc today, June 9,2018, I am very proud of her progression. We still have lots of work to do but with Stacey’s help, I think we will make it. I would highly recommend Positively Paws to anyone who would like a well behaved dog. Stacey provides a positive, happy and safe training environment for both yourself and your dog. More...
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Mary Dudley
Ellie Mae and I entered the doors of Positive Paws when she was just 11 weeks old. I signed us up for the Therapy Dog Package because I wanted to take her into nursing homes. I wanted a well-behaved dog who could love on these older folks and brighten their day. The staff at Positive Paws is attentive and helpful. During the early weeks and months of our training, when problems seemed insurmountable and my patience was worn thin, all I needed to do was call and one of the trainers would offer helpful suggestions and support. My dog and I formed tight bonds with the other dogs and their owners in our class. Even though we've since graduated, training at Positive Paws continues. I am grateful for that. Best of all, Ellie Mae and I now visit folks in nursing homes. Most times we visit as a group, with other therapy dogs from our class; but sometimes we visit on our own. Either way, hearts expand when the residents see one of the therapy dogs from Positive Paws. Their faces light-up, their eyes shine and moisten, and their smiles grow so large their fossilized years dissolve right into their eyes. It is sacred time. Ellie Mae loves all the trainers and attendants at doggie daycare. She's always excited when I stop the car at Positive Paws. We don't go as often as we used to, but that's only because I love having her home with me. Sometimes I have to board Ellie Mae, and it gives me great comfort to board her with Stacey. Ellie Mae loves Stacey, and I know Stacey loves her too. Stacey and her staff are devoted to helping you and your dog become the best team you can be. Without reservation, I whole-heartedly recommend the services offered at Positive Paws. More...
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Lucy
I went to Positive Paws in January 2017, desperate to get help with my three-month-old puppy, Sophie, adopted from the SPCA earlier that month. Not only did the owner and animal behaviorist, Stacey Payne, say she could help us, but she was so encouraging about Sophie's prospects that I signed up that very day for all levels of training classes (through to therapy dog) plus doggie-care three days a week. One and a half years later (June 2018), I can safely say that my experience with Positive Paws has been consistently excellent since that first day we walked in the door. Sophie is always excited to "go to school," she leaps ecstatically whenever she lays eyes on Stacey, she is crazy about all the trainers at doggie-care, and she comes home happy and tired at the end of the day. Whenever we have had an issue--a problem with another dog, an injury that needed watching over at doggie-care--Stacey and her staff have dealt with the issue immediately and with great care. On top of that, our experience of the therapy training, while intense at times and a lot of work always, has been richly rewarding for both Sophie and me--and, I hope, for all the schoolchildren who read to Sophie in area schools and libraries, all the seniors who soak up her affection in area nursing homes and adult-care facilities, and even all the park-goers and walkers around Waynesboro who come across Sophie and me on walks: It is easy to see how much they enjoy interacting with this well-trained and friendly dog! If you have a dog, do yourself and your dog a favor and introduce them to Positive Paws! More...
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Sandy H.
Positive Paws training and daycare is the best in my book! The staff is professional, caring and most helpful in caring for and training our dogs. All positive methods of treats and a clickers are used. The dogs love the head trainer, Stacey Payne, and try hard to please her. I took my dog, Daisy, for training to be a well-behaved dog beginning almost 2 years ago and she has now earned her AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate, Trick Dog Performer certificate, and is well on her way to meeting the 200 visits for her AKC Therapy Dog Excellent. Even though Daisy has earned her Positive Paws Therapy certification and we now visit children's libraries, schools, and lots of senior facilities we are still allowed to join other therapy classes and continue practicing what we have learned as well as learning new things. I can't say enough to stress how much Daisy and I have learned and how much encouragement we received from the staff at Positive Paws. We feel like a family that is loved and have formed lasting friendships with staff members as well as owners and dogs on our Therapy Dog Team.. More...
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Katy L.
I have brought my pup Branco to Positive Paws since 2015, when he was only 13 weeks. After only a couple of days, I could see how much he enjoyed it, to the point he didn’ t want to come home at the end of the day! I have taken him every day since then, and he absolutely loves it. The training and care he has received is superb. I have witnessed how much time, effort, and money are spent to make Positive Paws a better place for the dogs. My pup has been sickly pretty much all his life; I remember taking him from daycare straight to the vet when he was only a few months old. The same day, I received a phone call from Stacey asking how he was doing and offering any help if needed. I never expected that, but I still treasure it in my heart. At Positive Paws, not only the dogs are trained, but the humans as well. They help you understand your dog from day one. Also, they offer seminars to help you ‘read’ and communicate with your dog. Earlier this year, I almost lost Branco while he was at daycare; I am beyond Blessed that Stacey and Sharon were there and knew exactly what to do to save him! Unfortunately, his disease has slowly changed his behavior, but I have been able to use the knowledge learned during the seminar to help him through these behavioral changes. For instance, I can tell when he is afraid, and I know what to do to make him feel safe. What could have turn into a sleepless night without that knowledge becomes a night where he comfortably stays next to me, and we both sleep all night. After three years at Positive Paws, I can confidently say I would never take my Branco anywhere else! More...
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Mona F.
My dog, Dylan, has fear issues. We have been working with Morgan and Stacey at Positive Paws for about 8 weeks and I am seeing great progress! !!! The training classes are specifically set up for Dylan's needs (not cookie cutter packages). The confidence building training that they do is awesome!!! Dylan is scared of the car and today we worked on teaching him to jump into the car without me picking him up and putting him in the car (he is a small dog - about 12 lbs). By the time the session was over, he was jumping in and out of the car and SO proud of himself!!!!! Then he went to Doggie Day Care where he now has the confidence to play with the other small dogs and socialize...which makes me SO happy!!!! I highly recommend Positive Paws!!!!! More...
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Laura G.
This is an excellent training facility. I have a rescued Greyhound with high prey drive who had been in sub par conditions when I adopted him. He literally had canine PTSD. Working with the animal behaviorist has been the salvation for my dog and for me. He is now relaxed and playful and minds his manners. I still have to be cautious around small critters with him but at least he is more controlled. The training is all positive. You will not find shock collars here. The dogs respond willingly to the training. A word with regards to the complaints seen: you MUST be part of your dogs training. You MUST do what the trainer tells you and do "homework" after all the dog will live with you not the trainer. The other issue: It takes time, dog training is not instant, you are learning to COMMUNICATE with your dog. The training gives you the foundation, but these will be tools for a lifetime. More...
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Janet Dickie
Fabulous with all 4 of my dogs.
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ediblelandscaping
My experience with Positive Paws has been nothing but good. Stacy has gone above and beyond to help with my rescued pup. I would recommend Positive Paws if you want to know what you need to do to have your pup be a good pack member. One on one training and group training with my pack. Of course we have to participate in the training. It has been wonderful having the Positive Paws crew help when I was ready to give up. Thank you!!! More...
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