About PAWSITIVE PATHS

Established in 2025 by Adam, PAWSITIVE PATHS was born from a lifelong love of dogs and a passion for providing the highest quality care for Melbourne’s furry friends.

Adam began his career over a decade ago in Tasmania, where he trained extensively in dog behaviour and body language. After relocating to Victoria with his family, he gained valuable experience working at several boarding kennels and doggy daycares.

With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of canine behaviour, Adam decided it was time to go out on his own — to create a service that puts dogs’ wellbeing first. And so, PAWSITIVE PATHS was created to deliver the best-in-market care for Melbourne’s dogs.

Understanding Dog Behaviour

Dogs communicate in many ways, and sometimes their signs of discomfort are subtle and easily missed. These are known as displacement behaviours — small, out of context signals that indicate a dog may be stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed.

Examples include:

• Stiff body posture
• “Whale eye” (showing the whites of the eyes)
• Erect tail
• Ears pinned back
• Lip-Licking (When not hungry)
• Yawning (When not tired)

While these behaviours may seem minor, ignoring them can lead to escalation and even fights — something we always strive to prevent. At PAWSITIVE PATHS, our team is trained to recognise and respond to these signs early, ensuring a safe and positive environment for every dog.

Dog Assessment and Pairing

Before joining group play or social activities, every dog is carefully assessed and screened (with the exception of puppies). This process allows us to match dogs according to size, breed, temperament, and energy level, ensuring compatibility and safety.

By taking the time to understand each dog’s unique personality, we can create balanced groups where every pup feels comfortable, confident, and happy.