Business Details
24 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Positive Puppy Training & Dog Daycare
Pooch Pawsitive has been dedicated to transforming puppies into well-adjusted companions since 2002. Our team of certified professionals utilizes science-backed, positive reinforcement methods to address puppy training, socialization, and behavioral development. With over two decades of experience, we offer structured programs including Puppy Kindergarten, Dog Daycare, and specialized training classes designed to meet the needs of both puppies and adult dogs. Our facility in East Providence, RI, maintains a high staff-to-dog ratio to ensure personalized attention and safety. We emphasize community building through socialization events and educational resources, empowering pet owners with practical skills and knowledge.Our commitment to continuous learning and ethical training practices has earned recognition in local media and the trust of thousands of satisfied clients. By focusing on positive reinforcement rather than punitive measures, we foster strong human-canine bonds while addressing common challenges like biting, potty training, and obedience. Our approachable team remains dedicated to adapting training solutions for diverse client needs while maintaining rigorous hygiene and safety standards.
Services
Puppy Training
Dog Daycare
Puppy Socials
Basic Manners Classes
Advanced Manners
Trick Dog Training
Canine Good Citizen Prep
Loose Leash Walking
Rocket Recall Clinics
Play & Train Sessions
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We use science-backed positive reinforcement methods proven by decades of animal behavior research
- Our certified trainers maintain a 8-10 dog-to-staff ratio for personalized attention
- We offer flexible open enrollment classes with make-up options for busy schedules
- Our facility features 6000 sq ft with specialized play areas and air purification systems
- We provide continuous education resources including vaccination guidelines and training articles
What people say
Well-behaved adult dog
Loved the socialization
Bonding experience
Positive reinforcement
Professional trainers
Services
Puppy Training
Our science-based puppy training programs address behavioral development through positive reinforcement techniques. Certified trainers work with puppies aged 8-24 weeks on bite inhibition, potty training, and basic obedience. The curriculum includes socialization with age-appropriate playmates and owner education sessions to ensure consistent training at home.
Dog Daycare
Our 6000 sq ft facility offers structured daycare with 8-10 dogs per staff member. Dogs receive supervised play sessions, nap times in crates, and reinforcement of learned behaviors. The program maintains high hygiene standards with veterinary-grade cleaners and air purification systems to ensure pet safety and comfort.
Puppy Socials
These supervised playgroups help puppies develop social skills through interaction with similar-age dogs. Sessions focus on teaching appropriate play behavior, bite inhibition, and environmental adaptation. Participation requires proof of vaccinations and a negative fecal test to maintain health standards for all participants.
Basic Manners
This six-lesson course teaches essential commands to dogs over six months old. The curriculum covers sit, down, stay, recall, and loose leash walking using reward-based methods. Open enrollment allows flexible scheduling with make-up classes available for missed sessions.
Play & Train
Combining structured play with personalized training sessions, this program addresses specific behavioral goals. Trainers work on skills like crate training, recall, and distraction management during daycare visits. Progress reports track development and provide home practice recommendations.
People
Heidi Palmer McNeil
Owner
Certified trainer with over two decades of experience, Heidi founded Pooch Pawsitive in 2002 after completing training at Jean Donaldson's Academy. She specializes in positive reinforcement methods and has been featured in local media outlets.
Meghan
Daycare Manager
Managing daily operations since 2015, Meghan holds an Animal Behavior College certification. She focuses on creating positive social experiences for dogs while maintaining safety standards in the daycare environment.
Thomas
Shift Supervisor
With a URI degree in Animal Management, Thomas oversees staff training and dog group assignments. He has worked in animal care since 2019, emphasizing individualized attention and behavioral development.
Kella
Puppy Academy Trainer
Certified since 2019, Kella specializes in confidence building for young dogs. Her background includes working with exotic animals, bringing unique perspective to canine behavioral development through positive reinforcement techniques.
Michael Liparini
Puppy Academy Trainer
Transitioning from dog daycare to training, Michael brings six years of hands-on experience. Currently pursuing CCPDT certification, he focuses on practical applications of behavioral science in puppy development programs.
Questions
When should I start puppy training?
Begin immediately. Our programs accept puppies as young as 8 weeks, focusing on critical early development stages for optimal behavioral outcomes.
What vaccination requirements exist for puppy programs?
Puppies need one DHPP/DA2P shot and negative fecal test from your veterinarian before participating in group activities.
Do you use food in training?
Yes, food serves as effective motivation during training sessions. We teach owners to transition to alternative rewards like playtime or walks at home.
Can adult dogs benefit from training?
Absolutely. While puppies learn faster, consistent positive reinforcement methods can modify adult dog behavior with dedicated owner participation.
How does your daycare ensure safety?
We maintain 8-10 dogs per staff member, use veterinary-grade disinfectants, and employ PetAirapy UV systems to minimize disease transmission risks.
What training methods do you use?
Our science-based approach uses positive reinforcement and clicker training to build cooperation without fear or intimidation techniques.
Reviews (4)
Shira Olson
Oct 15, 2021
Report
We are so grateful our neighbor told us about Pooch Pawsitive. As soon as we learned about their puppy socializations we started taking our pup there every Saturday morning we could until he aged out. It was instrumental exposure for our pup and so reassuring for us to be around other new puppy parents when were feeling overwhelmed by all things puppyhood. When we learned they also offer daycare and a puppy academy program we eagerly signed our dog up. Pooch Pawsitive has been such a fun and safe place for our dog.
The staff always greet every dog personally and with enthusiasm and it is just so clear how much Heidi and the team care about giving dogs the best place to play, grow, and learn. Unfortunately as our offices open up again our commute and schedules are making it harder to be available to drop and pick up our dog during their hours of operation, but we are so appreciative of the time we had with Pooch Pawsitive and will be looking to send our pup there on our more flexible work days. Thank you to the staff and whole team for making our puppy feel so loved!
The staff always greet every dog personally and with enthusiasm and it is just so clear how much Heidi and the team care about giving dogs the best place to play, grow, and learn. Unfortunately as our offices open up again our commute and schedules are making it harder to be available to drop and pick up our dog during their hours of operation, but we are so appreciative of the time we had with Pooch Pawsitive and will be looking to send our pup there on our more flexible work days. Thank you to the staff and whole team for making our puppy feel so loved!
K. Kelly Reynolds
May 19, 2020
Report
Heidi is an amazing trainer. This is my second dog I am training with her. She is my number one recommendation for trainers in RI/SE MA.
Alexis Weglowski
Jan 25, 2020
Report
My dog and I were both super anxious at the first Basic Manners class but Heidi made us feel comfortable and my rescue dog is so much calmer and well behaved since taking the six course program with Pooch Pawsitive. I give them four paws up!
Nicholos Bitsis
Jun 22, 2019
Report
My dog goes here for day care and had puppy classes she did very well with them and it was a great success. Highly recommended.
