Paws and Pawsitivity

What if you could train your dog while the kettle boils? In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. I explain how to turn your everyday tea break into a quick, fun and effective training opportunity. Known as “Kettle Training,” this easy routine helps you build focus, confidence and good manners...

Is training starting to feel like a slog? It is time to bring back the fun. In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. I share how to use play as a powerful, positive training tool that keeps your dog motivated, happy and learning through joy. Discover how tug, fetch, scent games and even a littl...

Heard about the “vagus nerve reset” that claims to calm your dog’s anxiety? In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. I break down the truth behind this viral trend and explain what really helps dogs feel safe. You will learn how the vagus nerve actually works, why quick fixes rarely solve anxie...

Bringing home a rescue dog? Pause the walks and hit play on this instead. In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. I explain why your new rescue or foster dog needs time, not walkies, and how the first two weeks can shape your entire journey together. Learn about the science behind the decompre...

Not sure who to trust when it comes to training your dog? In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. I reveal how to choose the right trainer for your dog and what red flags to avoid at all costs. Learn why so-called “balanced” methods often cause harm, which qualifications actually matter and wh...

Summer walks can be dangerous, but do not worry, you have options. In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. I share how to keep your dog safe in the heat, what to do if you see a dog in a hot car, and why skipping a walk on the hottest days could save your dog’s life. With a few simple changes,...

Does your dog bark, lunge or overreact to other dogs or people on walks? In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. I walk you through the “Look At That” game, a simple and effective technique that helps reactive dogs feel safe, calm and supported. Using positive reinforcement, you can teach your...

Is your dog trying to tell you something? In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. I explore the subtle, silent world of canine body language and how understanding it can completely transform your relationship with your dog. Learn how to read stress signals, understand what tail wags really mea...

Is your rescue dog growling when someone walks past their food bowl? Guarding toys from your children or other pets? Do not panic. This behaviour is more common than you might think. In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. I explain why some rescue dogs guard food, toys or spaces and how you c...

Is your dog barking all day long? Barking at the window, barking when left alone, barking at nothing at all? You are not alone. In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. I uncover the real reasons behind excessive barking and explain how to help your dog without punishment, shock collars or outd...

Cesar Millan made dominance training famous, but science says he got it wrong. In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. I break down the real issues behind Cesar Millan’s methods, including the long-debunked “alpha dog” theory, the risks of fear-based training, and the emotional damage caused b...

Is fetch bad for dogs? Let’s set the record straight. In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. Fetch has become a controversial topic, with some claiming it harms dogs. The truth is, the game itself is not the problem - it is how we play it. When managed thoughtfully, fetch can be one of the be...

Does your dog eat everything in sight, whether on walks or at home? You are not alone. In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. Many dogs love to scavenge, but eating the wrong thing can be dangerous. I share practical, positive training tips to help you prevent your dog from hoovering up unsaf...

You are out enjoying a peaceful walk when suddenly an off-leash dog comes racing towards you. The owner shouts, “It’s okay, they’re friendly,” but your dog is panicking, your heart is racing, and your progress feels at risk. In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy, and I share practical, force-...

Want to build a stronger, more trusting relationship with your dog? In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. Training is not just about obedience. It is about creating connection through communication, trust and fun. When done with positive reinforcement, training becomes enjoyable for both you...

Thinking about sending your dog away for training? You might want to rethink that. In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. It sounds tempting to hand your dog to a trainer, have them work their magic, and bring them back “fixed.” The truth is, real training does not work that way. I explain th...

Is separation anxiety training even possible if you cannot always be there for your dog? In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. I share practical strategies for guardians who feel stuck, whether you live rurally, have multiple dogs, or simply cannot afford constant pet care. Discover how sepa...

Are you giving your dog the right balance of exercise, sleep and mental stimulation? In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer at Pawfect Training Academy. Many guardians believe that more walks will solve excess energy, but the truth is that dogs need a careful mix of rest, movement and enrichment to feel balanced and happy. I explain how to creat...

Struggling with your dog’s separation anxiety? You are not alone. In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. I share how to help your dog feel calm and confident when left alone without you feeling trapped at home. Using science-based, force-free methods, we explore how to rebuild your dog’s trus...

Are prong and choke collars really harmless? In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. I explain the truth behind these outdated and painful tools and why positive reinforcement is the kindest and most effective way to train your dog. Learn about the physical and emotional damage caused by avers...

Thinking about adopting a rescue dog? In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. Drawing from my own experience with Reggie, my rescue Staffy, and my work supporting rescue dogs through charity partnerships, I explore both the challenges and the incredible rewards of giving a dog a second chance....

Is your dog’s whining starting to feel constant? You are not alone. In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer at Pawfect Training Academy, and I am here to help you understand why dogs whine and how to support them calmly and kindly. Whining is not misbehaviour; it is communication. Learn how to read what your dog is trying to tell you and use posi...

Does your dog struggle to stay calm around cats? In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer at Pawfect Training Academy. I share the story of Max, a dog who once reacted fiercely to the cats in his home. Through patient, force-free training, Max learned to relax and rebuild trust, creating peace for everyone under one roof. Learn practical, kind met...

Does your dog bark and lunge at others during walks? You are not alone, and there is hope. In this episode of Paws and Pawsitivity, I am Jamie Watkinson-Harvey, certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pawfect Training Academy. Together, we explore how to manage reactivity with calm, science-based, positive reinforcement methods that truly work. Learn how to identify your dog’s emotional...

Welcome back to Paws and Pawsitivity, brought to you by Pawfect Training Academy. In this heartfelt episode, I celebrate the life and legacy of Karen Pryor, a true pioneer whose work transformed how we train animals. Through her kindness, scientific insight and revolutionary clicker-training methods, Karen proved that learning thrives on trust rather than fear. I share how her teachings inspired m...