A puppy's "critical period" between 8-12 weeks
Have you ever met a dog that is afraid of thunder? Or men? Or shiny floors? It's because the dog did not become exposed to these things during their "critical period" (8-12 weeks old). If you miss this critical period, it's extremely hard to accustom the older puppy or dog to these stimuli later (in general, they'll be afraid of everything they didn't experience during their critical period).
Continue reading
Three types of tasks of a PTSD Service Dog
There are three main categories of tasks of a PTSD Service Dog:
Alerting
Calming
Helping with other co-morbid disabilities
Continue reading
How to get the 8-digit ID code demanded by (some) airlines to fly with a service dog
JetBlue, American Airlines, and probably other airlines now insist that flyers get an 8-digit ID number to fly with a service dog. Having a signed copy of the new DOT form form is not enough. And you need to get it 48 hours before you fly. And you need to have a paper boarding pass (because the code will be printed on there, but won’t be on your electronic one). And the code isn’t for a lifetime—it expires when the dog’s rabies immunization expires. We are appalled by this burdensome requirement.
This is a picture of the DOT form, but don't print it out. The Open Doors organization doesn't accept mail or faxed applications...you fill it out on their website, which is https://traveller-app.opendoorsnfp.org/home
Continue reading
Service Dogs in Training - Minnesota Law
Does a trainer with a service dog in training have rights in Minnesota?
Good question! The federal law called the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) protects people with disabilities who have service dogs that are fully trained, but how about service dogs in training?
Continue reading
Wonderful article on Marissa and the fundraiser in her memory
From the Elk River Star News:
Continue reading
First annual Marissa Norby Memorial Golf Scramble was a huge success!
In tribute to Marsissa Norby, a full contingent of golfers raised over $13,000 to help Pawsitivity train service dogs for veterans!
Continue reading
Thank you, Mounds View High School business students team!
Thank you to the amazing business students of Mounds View High School, for your fabulous fundraiser for Pawsitivity at the Ideal Hall in St. Paul!
Continue reading
Article in Cargill about Pawsitivity dog
From the wonderful article about the Cargill employee who we helped train her service dog!
Continue reading
When should I put down my dog?
We got this question today, so i thought I’d post an answer in case it helps anyone out!
Continue reading

