A Pawsitive Approach Dog Training

Service dog training uses a scent-based protocol for medical alert tasks and is conducted over an extended period with handler involvement. Therapy dog training begins with AKC CGC certification and progresses through real-world exposure in hospitals, schools, and public spaces, requiring 50 verified visits for certification. Educational Therapy Dog placements are made in school districts. Owner-trained service dogs receive guidance and public access testing. All training is tailored to the handler’s medical condition and dog’s temperament.

Pricing Summary

AKC Canine Good Citizen testing is $100 per test, with discounts for current and former students. Service dog training is customized and requires an application and evaluation; pricing is not publicly listed but involves ongoing sessions and intensive training over time. Therapy dog training requires AKC CGC certification first and is conducted privately with no fixed fee schedule provided.

Policies

No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated on the website. All training requires an application and evaluation before enrollment. Training is not time-bound and progresses at the dog’s and handler’s pace.

A Pawsitive Approach Dog Training is a small, specialized dog training school focused on service dogs and therapy dogs for individuals with invisible disabilities and medical conditions. The trainer, Ms. Cathy, provides science-based scent training for medical alert dogs including diabetic alert, seizure response, PTSD, dysautonomia, and Parkinson’s assistance dogs. She also trains Educational Therapy Dogs for schools and offers AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation and Therapy Dog training. All therapy dog training is conducted in real-life environments like hospitals and schools. The business breeds and places specially selected doodles and other breeds for service and therapy roles. Training is personalized, patient-centered, and emphasizes handler-dog communication. Ms. Cathy has over a decade of experience and is highly regarded for her compassion, expertise, and ability to work with families and children with disabilities.

The program is not for general obedience or pet training alone—it is designed for handlers with medical needs who require a highly trained canine partner. Dogs are trained using scent detection protocols and positive reinforcement methods. The trainer also certifies owner-trained service dogs and provides public access testing.

Clients can apply to have their dog evaluated for service or therapy potential, and many graduates are featured on the website with success stories. The business is deeply involved in the local community, partnering with schools and healthcare facilities in the Houston area.

Accomplishments

Ms. Cathy has been an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator since 2012. She has attended numerous training conferences and obtained certifications in medical alert scent training. Her dogs have been featured in local media including Fox 26 Houston and Click2Houston. She has placed service and therapy dogs in schools, nursing homes, and with individuals across Texas.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must apply via an online form to schedule an evaluation. The evaluation determines if the dog is a suitable candidate for service or therapy training based on temperament, health, and handler needs. Training begins only after approval and may involve in-person sessions at facilities or private locations.