Yes, Dog

03/18/2025

We really have the best clients! Big thanks to Bobbi-Jo Mapstone Thomas and Louie!

03/12/2025

West Midlands Police👏👏👏

02/21/2025

Who needs the radio when you have this crew singing

02/14/2025

Happy 3rd birthday to our Valentine Day sweetheart Louie♥️

12/07/2024

Saturday’s Pet Peeve: Head-petting as positive reinforcement? I don't think so.

Recently I was working with a wonderful client – the kind whose address I memorized so that I can sneak up at night and deposit homeless animals in his front yard – on a ‘touch’ cue. When the dog successfully touched her nose to his hand, he clicked, scratched the top of her head, and gave her a treat. But she neatly dodged her head to the side as he reached to scratch it, before coming back to nom the food.

So, for some dogs, petting on the head is not a positive experience. I’ll venture to say that it’s not particularly desirable for most dogs. For those who seem to enjoy it, this is largely a learned behavior and unique to human-dog interactions. Dogs don’t pet each other, after all (nor do they rub each other’s bellies). A hand reaching over the dog’s head might elicit lowering of the head, blinking and lip-licking behavior. Some dogs – especially if they’re taken by surprise -- will overtly dodge the hand until they seem to realize it’s a benign gesture.

If you encounter a training class where the instructor uses only petting and praise as positive reinforcement, observe the dog-human interactions for a bit before beating a hasty retreat. Chances are excellent that you’ll see some of the dogs averting their heads as the hand reaches out. They might be anticipating something truly good (and preferred) like food, or they might even be fearful.

If your goal is to reinforce a behavior, think about the reinforcer from your dog’s perspective. High-value food is a safe bet, as would be an opportunity to do something she wants to do: go through a doorway, jump up beside you on the sofa, or run after a ball. Happy-voiced praise and whooping are also fun for some dogs (though not all), but should be interspersed with a sure bet (food) at least on occasion. (Think about slot machines in Vegas.)

Unfortunately, some humans are stuck on the idea that head-petting is the ultimate reward. In many, many cases, it is not – in fact, it almost qualifies as an aversive stimulus. Cuddling with your dog in front of the fire is one thing; but ff you’re working to teach your dog a new or challenging task (like coming when called!), especially, offer a bit of hot dog, and keep your hands to yourself.

12/07/2024

10/20/2024

It’s simple…. Just don’t

10/17/2024

Too cute!
Thank you to our fabulous clients for sharing this

10/13/2024

We are so behind!

UPDATE: Aversive tools are NOT banned in Scotland. Thank you to everyone that helped to update the list. :)

“What do Austria, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Quebec, Wales, Italy, and Scotland have in common?’

They have all banned aversive training tools and recognize animals as sentient beings.” - Michael Shikashio

09/16/2024

We are looking for a team mate.
Part-time 25-30 hours a week, Monday - Thursday, 8:30am-3:30pm (approx times) $20 per hour
No weekend or evening shifts
Duties included Park supervisor, Dog handler
Must have valid class 5 and provide drivers abstract & clean RCMP criminal record check.
***Must live in Airdrie, AB***
Must be physically capable of handling large dogs and willing to work outside in all weather conditions
Applicant must be willing to cross train for the following position -

Dog shuttle driver
Must have valid class 5 and provide drivers abstract & clean RCMP criminal record check.
$3500-$4000 monthly
***Must live in Airdrie, AB*** Must be physically capable of handling large dogs and willing to work outside in all weather conditions
Duties include:
Safely transporting dogs to and from their residences (vehicle provided) Supervising off leash dog play Maintaining clean vehicle
Learning dog behaviour and handling skills
Working in a strong team environment Multi-tasking and excellent time management
Preference for seekers looking for long term employment and seeking a career in the dog training industry or previous dog handling experience
Due to commercial insurance requirements, applicants must have 5 years of driving history, 5 years personal insurance, and provide a drivers abstract. If there is a driving distracted ticket on your abstract commercial insurance will not cover this position.
Please send resume to [email protected]
Only successful candidates will be contacted

09/12/2024

This is so lovely
Shay Kelly - Understanding Dogs
Thank you

08/25/2024

It’s this!! Thank you Shay Kelly - Understanding Dogs 👏👏👏

08/19/2024

Said perfectly…

08/01/2024

UPDATE (Aug 1 @ 10:30pm): Last reported sighting at RR 290 and Township 284 at appx 2:30pm on July 31. Map in comments. We are unsure if this pup may still be at large. Please continue to keep an eye out and notify those in the area.

1 more Shiba was turned into Carstairs Vet this morning. They were found by a property owner south of the race track near Township Road 300.

UPDATE (Aug 1 @ 8am): ASPCA has taken over the case and will be looking after placements for the dogs as an investigation is reportedly underway. KCS Animal Rescue in Airdrie is caring for 3 of the dogs. Due to the seriousness of the situation, we are not privy to any more details at this time.

Correction: This update was corrected as it incorrectly stated that ASPCA would be taking all the dogs into custody.

We have not heard of any more sightings within the last 24 hours. As no one is certain how many dogs were released to begin with, it is impossible to say how many, if any, are still at large. Please continue to keep your eyes open and notify people in the area.

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We are actively following a suspected dumping case of several Shiba Inu in the Crossfield/Carstairs area. 10 Shibas are now confirmed caught and are in the care of Carstairs Vet or a local rescue. There is possibly still a handful of Shibas still at large (the vet estimates 13-15 were dumped based on reports of sightings by locals). The Shibas who have been caught are reportedly in poor condition. So far, all sighted/caught have been black and tan. Some are quite small in stature (possibly puppies or mixed breed). Local bylaw and SPCA have been notified and are beginning an investigation.

Please help keep an eye out for these loose Shibas and share with anyone living or traveling through the area indicated in the map. Caught Shibas can be brought to Carstairs Vet or KCS Animal Rescue but please do not chase. These dogs are very scared.

Please DM us with reports of sightings so we can notify contacts in the area and arrange for volunteers to go out to search.

07/23/2024

Hi fellow Yes Dog families. I submitted an awesome pic taken of my dog Bear by Vic's team to Airdrie Life Magazine pet contest. I'd love to win the pet portrait prize for my son for Christmas. If you have a minute please vote for Bear and his awesome picture taken by Yes, Dog! https://airdrielife.com/community/pet-covers-2024/

05/24/2024

Summers coming… they can feel it!!

05/14/2024

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