Hello, Fellow Dog Lovers!
Christmas is almost here. Hanukkah has just come to a close. The holiday season is in full swing, and things are finally starting to slow down (hopefully) following the buildup to the end of the year.
At Positively, we're reminded of all the things to be thankful for and joyous about during this time of year, and first on those lists is you. Your interest in what we do day in and day out is what fuels us to keep building and exploring new ways to deliver you the messages, products and services you need and want as a dog lover. The passion we share with you to make the world better for our pets is truly unique, and we're blessed that you've decided to make us a part of your lives.
Thank you for sharing your time with us, and we can't wait to bring you some truly fantastic new opportunities in 2018!
Positively,
Victoria Stilwell Signature
P.S. Don't forget to check out the Positively website for more articles from me and our other fabulous contributors! 
'TIS THE SEASON TO SLOW DOWN A BIT
Dog training has a lot of different facets to it, and one of the most important is creating an emotional bond with your pet to build mutual respect, trust and love. I think one of the best ways to do this is by spending quality time just hanging out together. Snooze on the couch, cuddle by the fire, give your dog some extra belly rubs, and enjoy their puppy kisses.
As the holidays near, people and their pets both feel the hectic rush of the season, which means it’s the perfect time to slow down a bit and focus on connection. Even my friends at Zuke’s, who are passionate adventure enthusiasts, are encouraging dog owners to slow down a bit and take time to smell the evergreens. They’ve created an entire line of natural dog training treats to fuel all of your favorite moments together. Made with the Earth’s best ingredients in recipes dogs love, Zuke’s treats help your dog learn to be their best self, while being completely free of the common allergens corn, wheat and soy, along with fillers, by-products and anything artificial. How about a hot chocolate for you, and a Zuke’s treat for your pup? Check them out at Zukes.com and @ZukesPets on social.
HOW DO YOU FIND A GREAT DOG TRAINER?
For the majority of modern dog owners, choosing the right dog trainer is one of the most important decisions they will have to make regarding their dog. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most difficult decisions to get right.
Assuming you have already determined that you need the help of a trained professional to guide you and your dog , you will very likely be faced with a virtual armada of people claiming to be the only dog trainers in the world who hold the key to lifelong obedience and happiness. Many offer guarantees, some claim to be zen-like coaches ready to help you become your dog's 'pack leader' (red alert!), and others charge more per hour than trained human psychologists (don't be fooled).
So how do you navigate through this minefield of options and emerge with a truly qualified positive trainer who will work with you and your dog using modern, force-free, science-based tools and techniques?
Read More
ONE WEEK LEFT FOR EARLYBIRD UK DBC REGISTRATION!
As we turn our attention towards 2018, we wanted to remind those of you in the UK that you have one week left to purchase discounted earlybird tickets to the 2018 Dog Behaviour Conference in Coventry, England on June 9-10. 
This conference promises to be the biggest and best yet, with a fabulous speaker list that includes Dr. John Bradshaw, Sarah Fisher, Chirag Patel, Nando Brown, Pam McKinnon and Jo Pay. Victoria will also be hosting a one-day standalone seminar the day before (June 8) with tickets going on sale in January.
Join us for the premier UK dog event of the year!
Register Here

HOW WE CAN MAKE THE VET OFFICE A LESS SCARY PLACE FOR PETS
I believe many pets at veterinary offices think they are going to die.
Imagine being hung halfway out a window by your suspenders 30 stories up, or being held up at gunpoint. That’s actually how I believe many of our pets feel at the vet office, or even before they arrive, as they realize that’s where they’re headed and fear begins to ramp up.
Yet everyone, from pet caretakers and veterinary professionals, has pretty much accepted the status quo forever. Pet owners expect their pets to “hate” the veterinarian.
In 2017, it’s my resolution to communicate how we can do better, as I am a part of two initiatives in veterinary medicine which are succeeding at shifting the paradigm within the ranks of the profession. My job is communicating to all of you how we can all make a difference as pet caretakers – and ultimately the outcome is that our pets receive better pet health care. And the upshot is that we will also save pet caretakers money.
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HOW TRICKY GOT HER GROOVE BACK
Life events happen that can interrupt our plans, even in the game of agility. I experienced a very difficult period after my marriage ended three years ago. I was not motivated to do anything. This included activities that normally brought great joy to me, such as agility training with my dogs (Tricky and Charlotte). More importantly, when I did train for agility I was a lazy dog trainer. I took for granted the solid foundation I had built with Tricky’s early training and wanted to focus on the ‘sexy’ handling skills. As a result, Tricky’s once sharp skills dulled and her desire to play the game of agility with me waned. As we know, every interaction with our dogs make a difference in the kind of athlete and agility partner we have—it’s truly about the relationship we develop through training. It was clear that my motivational issues were impacting her as well.
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Victoria shared about the divide among dog owners  and it generated a lot of great discussion. Check it out and join the conversation on
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worth sniffing out
Have you subscribed yet?
 A brand new season of the Positively Podcast is underway, with new episodes coming out every week. Subscribe on iTunes or check out episodes directly from the podcast page on the Positively website to hear Victoria and her co-host Holly Firfer share their takes on what's going on the dog world.
Leash pulling spoiling your walks?
Try using Victoria's Positively No-Pull Harness to help regain control of your daily walk without using pain, discomfort or fear.
Available for all shapes and sizes, this awesome tool was designed to make walking your dog more enjoyable - on both ends of the leash! 
Victoria was featured in an interview with Erika Hill on HLN about the tragic story of a dog who allegedly mauled and killed his owner.
FEATURED VSPDT
JULIE SCHMITT
Julie Schmitt has been a professional dog trainer for over twenty years.  As the only dog trainer in San Diego who is a licensed Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI), Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and a Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer (VSPDT), Julie is one of the most experienced trainers in the San Diego region and is uniquely qualified to assist you with all your dog training needs. She is recommended by the El Cajon Animal Shelter, local veterinarians,  numerous professional animal trainers and other pet professionals.

She can often be found working with clients at Fiesta Island, hiking trails at Cowles Mountain, or walking at Lake Murray.  Julie conducts many training sessions at parks throughout the East County, with specific emphasis on such neighborhoods as Del Cerro, Rolando, San Carlos, Santee, El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lakeside.

Need a dog behavior expert near San Diego, CA? Get in touch with Julie today: 
Find a Victoria Stilwell-licensed trainer near you!
Top Tip
TOP TIP
5 Cold Weather
Activities

1. Enrichment toys!
Think KONG, wobble balls, treat dispensing toys, puzzles, etc. These will provide a challenge to your dog and also reward them with a tiny treat when they figure it out!
2. Training
Whether at home or in a training class, winter months can be a great time to practice with your dog! Stimulating your dog’s mind can wear them out more than you’d imagine. This can be a fun time to test out agility, flyball and other activities!
3. Treadmill
You know you’re the dedicated dog owner when you have invested in a treadmill - solely for your pooch. A little training and you’ll be on your way! This is an excellent solution for exercising when time or weather is an issue.
4. Indoor Dog Parks / Dog Friendly Stores
Dog daycares and indoor dog parks are popping up more and more; a simple Google search for an indoor dog park might have you surprised to find one in your area. Also check with local doggy daycares or training facilities as many offer open play times or private play times (gather a few friends and have a playdate!).
Another idea is to take your dog on a mini outing. Make it a date and visit your local dog-friendly pet store, work on some training while you’re there, pick up a bag of treats or a new toy and you’ll have one happy pup!
5. Bundle Up!
Sometimes we just have to bundle up, protect ourselves (and dogs) from the cold and have fun! Consider purchasing Musher’s Wax (or booties) for those with sensitive paws. Snowshoeing, hiking and even skijoring (if you’re more adventurous than me) can burn the cals and make for a day filled with adventure.
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