Little More About Us.

Pawsitive Affects is a nonprofit dedicated to rehabilitation, education, and science-based dog training. We focus on animals that are considered “at-risk”, these are the dogs that are labeled as “too shy”, “too fearful” or the biggest label “aggressive”. We believe these dogs can be saved, and can live happy normal lives in the right home.

Who We Are
We’re a passionate team of behavior nerds, dog lovers, and lifelong learners. Pawsitive Affects was founded by animal lovers who combined years of experience in rescue work, animal training, education in animal learning theory and behavior to create a better path forward for dogs who fall through the cracks.

We specialize in helping these special needs dogs, those who are often labeled “unadoptable”. These are the dogs who shut down in shelters, the ones who growl when approached, or cower in corners. Too often, they’re overlooked, misjudged, or passed by for simply being overwhelmed.

How We Started:
After working in animal rescue shelters, we saw a heartbreaking pattern: dogs with behavioral challenges were not getting the time, training, or understanding and patience they needed. In some shelters, many were euthanized not because they were dangerous, but because no one took the time to understand them. In no-kill shelters, these dogs rarely got the training and help needed in order to thrive.

We knew we could do better for these wonderful animals, so we created Pawsitive Affects.

Our Philosophy
Our training follows the Humane Hierarchy of Behavior Change Procedures. Every dog is an individual, and we train with patience, choice and focus on the dogs that are in front of us. Our work is guided by understanding over labels – We look beyond “aggression” or “bad behavior” to find the root of each dog’s fear or frustration. Using safe, humane and effective techniques rooted in behavioral science and learning theory we provide training for these special needs dogs to help them thrive.

Compassion-driven care – We meet dogs where they are and help them take one small, safe step at a time.

Our Future and our goal. To build a facility where these dogs can have a safe, supportive space where they can decompress, heal, learn new ways to engage with the world and find loving permanent homes.

Together with our supporters, we are building a new kind of safety net, one that catches the dogs who would otherwise be forgotten.

Every pawprint tells a story. Help us rewrite the ending.