About Us

The Positive Paws Philosophy

At Positive Paws we believe that a good program begins and ends with the relationship between the handler(s) and the dog. Our programs are designed to help you and your family to establish a balance that will strengthen the bond between all of you.

To do this effectively, we have designed a program that will increase your understanding of how dogs learn, how they communicate, and how you can effectively use this knowledge to teach your dog in a gentle and rewarding way. Our program is based on solid scientific principles and relies on the proven effectiveness of positive reinforcement and clicker training. The beauty of this method is that it is not “cookie cutter” training; it is customized for each family and dog to ensure you have the perfect tools for your dog. These methods do not require “hours per day” of training ““ you will simply use them whenever you are interacting with your dog – even if it’s just for a few minutes. We’ve designed our program to fit into your everyday life.

Our trainers work with you on individual basis in class, helping each family work with his/her dog in a one-on-one manner. For dogs who require a quieter environment, private sessions can be arranged.

You will be amazed at how quickly your dog will respond to you when you use our methods. By creating a safe, gentle, and most of all fun, learning environment, Positive Paws will help you to make your dog a welcome and successful member of your family.

MEET CARLA WHITAKER, OWNER OF POSITIVE PAWS. . .

Carla has had 30 years experience working with pets such as dogs, cats, birds and horses. She has always loved working with people and animals. Beyond clicker training, she has looked for ways to provide positive methods that help to improve the quality of life for humane and canine family members. She provides TTouch and Reiki balancing and is an animal communicator. It is the combination of applying these techniques listed and being open to learning new things that make her a unique and well-rounded trainer.

Her methods are designed to help you and your family establish goals that work for your family to strengthen the bond for everyone. She has certification from Purdue University for Principle and Techniques of Behavior Modification. She was fortunate to have been mentored by Ted Turner, a trainer from Sea World, receiving the education of a lifetime. She uses these tools to customize training for individual needs. . .even in a group class setting.

She is also a Traditional-Tibetan Reiki Master/Teacher (spiritually based) working for Universal Balancing and The Highest Good. She practices and teaches this ancient Asian form with humans and animals and strives to live her life by the five Reiki principles.