North Florida PAWS

09/03/2026

LURE and REWARD training most often uses treats. The reward is something the dog is willing to work for such as a wanted behavior like "look at me instead of that strange dog you want to bark at." or to train a command. The REWARD can be anything your dog wants at that moment. Here Dr. Dunbar who I call the father of positive, force-free training, explains why SNIFFING is such a great reward.

09/03/2026

WOWEE! The "Georgia Pet Coalition" is being helped by Victoria Stillwell, an internationally renowned dog trainer and behaviorist and advocate for animals. They are at the GEORGIA STATE HOUSE advocating for pet animal bills with a promise that a film is coming. Stay tuned for good things coming out of Georgia!

08/31/2026

WEBSITE: We have set up a website and are continuing to add content. www.NorthFloridaPAWS.org We will be adding a page "Pet TIPS and Other INFO"

08/24/2026

responded to a post re DOGS WITH ALLERGIES. Here's what has worked for us for decades and many dogs with allergic skin disease. I have kept a number of dogs off of prescription meds through quality pet food and treats. Several recommendations:
1) Use good flea control. We prefer Credelio.
2) Only human grade dog food with healthy ingredients and made in USA or Canada (many good brands such as Merrick, Orijen, etc.
3) Only healthy treats (no commercial brands like Milkbone). I like Three Dog Bakery and those made by healthy dog brands.
4) No human food EXCEPT I add a small amount of canned cold water fish packed in water, e.g., tuna, salmon, sardines. Great source of Omega 3 for the skin and they love the taste.
5) Only use gentle shampoos preferable oatmeal or aloe based. All other shampoos include human brands, even baby shampoo, are too harsh and dry out their skin. Dogs do not sweat through their skin, only by panting and a little through paw pads.
6). Use generic Benadryl 25mg as needed. Dog dosage is one tab per 25 lbs (more than humane dosage).
My husband and I have had many rescued dogs come through our home over the past 35 years and this regimen has worked every time, even for extreme cases.

08/24/2026

BEST explanation as to why the first 4 items are NOT good for controlled walking. The last is a FRONT-CLIP HARNESS. If you are new to this concept, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE watch to the end. I am not particularly recommending this brand. There are many styles on the market. One that I recently discovered is Rabbitgoo's style of a chest pad rather than a strap across, BUT whatever you choose, make sure all the straps fit snugly or it won't work properly. https://www.rabbitgoo.com/.../classic-no-pull-dog-harness...

08/17/2026

He goes through the first part explaining what equipment doesn't work to stop pulling. Please get to the FRONT-CLIP HARNESS because he shows why this works without any pulling against the leash or pain to your dog. You can't start leash training until you get physical control. There are many versions of front-clip harnesses out there. Find the one you like best. Feel free to message us if you have any questions.

08/17/2026

This is my kind of story. I hope the kids and their parents got a serious talking to by the police for their own safety if nothing else.

When Baltimore Police Officer Dan Waskiewicz was called to respond to a report of a “dangerous” dog, he had no idea the call would lead him to his future best friend.

When Dan arrived, he found a Pit Bull being chased by neighborhood children who were throwing glass bottles at him.

Instead of seeing a dangerous dog, Dan saw a frightened animal who needed help. He called the Pit Bull over and the dog walked straight up to him, sat beside him and began affectionately licking him.

Dan, a lifelong dog lover and Pit Bull fan, knew there was more to this dog than the “vicious” label suggested. He gave him some water and, rather than allowing the situation to escalate, Dan and his partner took the dog to the Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter (BARCS).

But Dan couldn't stop thinking about him. Just a few days later, he decided to adopt him. He named him Bo.

“I've always been a dog-lover. I've had dogs all my life, so coming across him was no problem,” Dan said. “He didn't need to be euthanized or anything like that. He just needed somebody to basically love him.”

Dan's compassion earned him recognition from the Baltimore Humane Society, which honored him for his actions.

“Because of Officer Waskiewicz’s astute response, he saved the life of an innocent animal and avoided what could have been a situation with a tragic ending,” said Jen Swanson, executive director of BARCS.

A scared Pit Bull found someone who saw him for who he really was—and a police officer found a new best friend. ❤️

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08/17/2026

Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone who voluntarily brings a pet into their home would make this pledge?

How wonderful it would be if there were no need for shelters or rescue groups! ❤️🐾

゚

08/13/2026

This is an amazing deal and well worth a long drive. Even if you don’t want to drive home and back again, there’s plenty to do in Valdosta. Lots of great places to eat and shop not to mention parks, etc., while you wait.

🤣 Havoc’s face when we told him his appointment only cost $35 AND he won’t be bringing any more unwanted pups into our community! 🤣

Affordable spay & neuter makes a BIG difference — for your pet and for our community. ❤️🐾

🐱 Cats: $25
🐶 Dogs: $35

Your spay/neuter appointment includes:
💉 DAPP (dogs) / FVRCP (cats)
💉 Rabies vaccine
🐾 Microchip

Additional services can also be added for an extra cost, including:
• Nail trims
• Flea prevention
• Dewormer
• And more!

📅 Schedule your pet here: https://app.clinichq.com/online/4f641d81-d7cc-455d-84d1-dfbc1dffbbe1

One affordable appointment = no accidental litters. 🙌

Spay one. Save many. 🐾

08/13/2026

LOVE THIS! As a long-time dog trainer, I wish every dog parent would listen to this short video several times, write these down and train yourself to obey them! You will have a better communication with your dog and he/she will be less confused by the humans.