Pawsitive Canine Care & Training LLC

Pawsitive Canine Care & Training offers a wide range of day training programs, group classes, and private sessions, all utilizing science-based positive reinforcement methods. Day training programs are structured with daily evaluations to track progress, and include personalized report cards with videos and pictures for owners to reinforce skills at home. Programs include Puppy (8 weeks-6 months), Adolescent (5 months-2 years), Family Dog Manners (1+ years), Intro to Dog Sports, Rough & Rowdy (social struggles), Nervous Nellies (fear/anxiety), Reactive Ranger (leash reactivity, dog-to-dog introductions), Enrichment (mental/physical stimulation), CGC Prep, Intro to Dog Tricks, Advanced Trick Dog, Agility, and Rally Obedience. Many day training programs require a prerequisite of Family Dog Manners or similar.

Group classes are offered in 4-5 week sessions covering similar topics like Puppy Jump Start, Adolescent, Family Dog Manners, Fun with Focus, Reactive Rangers, Confidence Booster, Introduction to Sports Sampler, AKC CGC Prep, AKC Agility Foundations, AKC Scent Work, AKC Rally Obedience, and AKC Tricks & Treats. Some group classes require prerequisites or consultations.

Private sessions are available in-facility or off-site, categorized into Level 1 for basic obedience, puppy foundations, potty training, recall, jumping, nipping, and dog sport foundations, and Level 2 for more complex behavioral issues like reactivity, aggression, resource guarding, fears, separation anxiety, and bite history. Consultations are available to help clients choose the best training service.

Pricing Summary

Day training programs are generally $80 per day, with package bundles available, except for the Rough & Rowdy program at $90 per day and Nervous Nellies/Reactive Ranger programs at $100 per day. Group classes range from $170 to $250 for 4-5 week sessions. Overnight boarding is $80 per day/night, with a 15% discount for multi-dog reservations, and is exclusively for day-training clients.

Private consultations are $50 for 30 minutes. Level 1 private sessions are $125 for one hour in-facility, or $195 for one hour off-site (includes a 30-minute meet & greet). A 30-minute private session is $60. Level 2 private sessions are $150 for one hour in-facility, or $250 for one hour off-site (includes a 30-minute meet & greet). Package deals are available for private sessions, such as 3 Level 1 in-facility sessions for $350, 3 Level 2 in-facility sessions for $425, and various combo packages.

Policies

Group classes require full payment upon sign-up and are non-refundable. A store credit may be issued if cancellation occurs at least 14 days prior to the class start date; otherwise, the payment is forfeited. For private training services, full payment is required when scheduling and is non-refundable.

For boarding and day training, if a dog shows symptoms of Kennel Cough, they will be quarantined and dismissed for a mandatory 14-day break, regardless of a veterinarian’s diagnosis, and no charge will apply for this dismissal. Female dogs in an active heat cycle are not permitted on premises, and reservations will be canceled until cleared by a veterinarian. The cancellation policy applies to other holidays if a dog is not attending, requiring advance notice.

Pawsitive Canine Care & Training LLC is a full-service dog training facility located in Windham, Maine, founded in 2018 by owners KT and Jon Benard. They offer quality care and professional training, believing each dog is an individual deserving individualized attention. The facility provides a variety of training options including group classes, seminars, private sessions, and day training programs.

They also offer overnight boarding exclusively for their day training clients. The team is committed to using up-to-date positive reinforcement training methods, with staff attending accredited webinars and live seminars to ensure science-based practices. They strive to be a facility where all dogs, regardless of playstyle, age, or sociability, feel comfortable and at home. They also work with local rescue organizations and shelters to rehabilitate and re-home dogs, providing positive reinforcement training before adoption.

Accomplishments

The owners, KT Benard and Jon Benard, are both Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). KT has been working with dogs since 2007 and is also an AKC Evaluator, APDT, PPG, and IAABC associate member. She continues her education through annual accredited conferences and seminars. Jon is a Behavioral Health Specialist and has extensive experience working with children with disabilities, bringing a unique perspective to dog behavior.

Other certified trainers on the team include Haley Fawcett (CPDT-KA, Pet Professional Guild Associate, IAABC member), Jamie Becker (Karen Pryor Academy Professional Dog Trainer – KPA-CTP), Brooke Binion (CPDT-KA), and Aiden Downs (CPDT-KA). The team is committed to continuous education, attending accredited seminars, webinars, and workshops to stay current with evolving industry methods and maintain their professional certifications.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients must create a client portal through the GingR software. This portal allows clients to view requirements, agreements, and upload vaccination records. While group classes can be signed up for via the portal, private sessions and day training programs require clients to contact the office via email or phone to schedule after creating their portal. Consultations are available for those unsure which training service is the best fit.