A Pawsitive Experience

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About

I've worked with dogs for more than 30 years. My business is full-time and not a side-job and my commitment is just as strong to your dog. Not being obligated to an employer, I can custom-tailor a program to meet the client needs. I was the first licensed child-pet safety educator in NYS through Familypaws.com in 2009. I have extensive experience with pre-natal prep through childhood and pet safety methods. There are always options but I am locked into "do no harm." I will not hesitate to say "no" if your dog is better served elsewhere. I specialize in puppy early months; modifying all ages and behavior. I work a lot with fear-based issues. Most of my teaching is to help develop filtering and coping skills working extensively with body language and more for the dog and handler. My goal is to create a pet that you are invited to bring with you in public and not asked to leave your dog at home - in other words, a welcome manageable domestic pet. My educational background is ongoing, extensive and science-based. In that course of study, I have learned it is critical to encourage the dog to offer the behavior you want rather than take choices away. Behavior offered and reinforced works much better for the domesticated animal and they offer it more freely and frequently as a result. Helping the dog learn to cope and seeing the owner's relief and having skills to deal with their pet. When a client realizes nurturing the relationship pays them back ten-fold. To see a dog someone thought they might have to give up become a terrific companion based on the skills learned to develop that bond and harmony.

Overview

Hired 1 time

2 employees

28 years in business

Business hours

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Services offered

Dog size

Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs)

Small (16 - 25 lbs)

Medium (26 - 40 lbs)

Large (41 - 70 lbs)

Frequency

One time

Once per week

Multiple per week

Additional services

Feeding

Baths

Grooming

Medication

Projects and media

Reviews

Exceptional 5.0

6 reviews

5

100%

4

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Read reviews that mention:

Joie B.

Aug 23, 2015

I just realized that 10 years has passed since I wrote a review of Susan and Pawsitive Experience. Time passes, puppies grow up, and some have even passed on .... but through all those many years, Susan has remained an amazing advocate, trainer, and friend who cares deeply about nurturing the relationship between people and their dogs so they can all live "happily ever after". She truly wants the best for all concerned. I have known her with my own dogs since 2003 and have observed her with many others through the years. She is always there to speak for the dog and help people understand the canine messages that elude them and help them build the positive bond with their dog that will last a lifetime. Her approach is positive, individualized, honest, direct, and humorous in teaching both the dog and the person, and I have really valued learning from her. Over the years, I have participated in her weekly happy hour where the dogs play together and also in her training classes. It has truly been a great place to learn and share with my dogs in the beautiful country setting of Pawsitive Experience. A great example that demonstrates what Susan has created comes from my first meeting with her at a birthday party for one of her wonderful Shiloh Shepherds. Not knowing what to expect, I found not only her own dogs there, but a total of 100 dogs, all playing happily off-leash. I counted them multiple times - there were 100! There were lots of fun activities for all the dogs ranging from agility to Canine Good Citizen testing, delicious food, and of course, the companionship of all those other dog lovers and their dogs. What I truly found amazing that day, and remains vivid in my mind even after all these years, was that 100 dogs could play together for 3 hours and get along without any issues ~ really, I watched them all ! No issues. These were the dogs of Susan's client's and friends. It was very clear to me that anyone who could create a harmonious dog environment like that, clearly knew what she was doing. Her cat wasn't even phased by all those dogs ! Most recently, Susan took in a dog from a friend of mine who died suddenly. She was in need of a lot of tlc and support, yet Susan took her in without hesitation and made her one of her own and gave her the care and acceptance she needed. She has always taken in rescue dogs needing someone to care and understand them and has given them a second (or third or fourth) chance. She has been an angel to them all, and to me, too. I appreciate, beyond words, Susan and all she has done and continues to do on behalf of dogs and their people.

Jim D.

Aug 28, 2015

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Hired on Thumbtack

Susan has come over for one of our 4 scheduled training sessions and we are already seeing results in our dog.

Dog Training

Katie S.

Aug 26, 2015

Susan has cared for our dogs for many years. She loves them as her own...and we never worry when she has them. We couldn't ask for more!

Loralee S.

Aug 23, 2015

Sharon M.

Aug 24, 2015

I love A Pawsitive Experience,I would not take my dogs anywhere else,i know they will get the same care from Susan Ferry as they do at home. Sharon MacTurk

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
The pricing isn't complicated but different programs meet different needs. The more facts I'm presented with upon inquiry, the better I'm able to better serve you. There are times people are looking for privates and another service would be in their best interests, sometimes cheaper than the privates.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Nothing is typical. There is no pre-determined curriculum used in every class, private or for every dog. Every client is the recipient of a customized protocol created for them specifically.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Education seminars ongoing all year, every year. Actively involved administering on Facebook behavior group that is international. Maintain on-line library of the latest studies and findings in all things behavior and animals. I actively work with my own dogs in public place perfecting filtering and coping skills.