Laurin Fulton Dog Trainer

08/14/2024

Hey PupPals! I have some bittersweet news. I feel blessed and grateful for my experiences and memories with Walk With Me Ottawa over the years. At this stage in my life, I have decided to close this chapter and open a new one. This account will be deactivated. I want to give a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has been apart of my journey with dogs. Love to you all! 🥰🐕

08/12/2024

Out of Office Wed Aug 14th to Mon Aug 19th

08/09/2024

Funny how the first picture taken is usually the best & the rest just get a bit awkward after that 🤪

Little man was 2 for 2 tonight at steeplechase trial. Steeplechase was forgiving with no refusals on our second run - he missed the weave entrance but got it the second try. First run was super clean & felt amazing.

I was beyond tired at this trial. Had a super busy day and didn’t have time for lunch. But wanted Gordie to have some fun at agility before we head to Nationals. Trying to get those silly beans out 😉

08/07/2024

We leave for Nationals next week… picture says how I am feeling 🤪

08/01/2024

Last agility class! Next series starts next week! One spot left.

Wednesday evenings
Dunrobin

More info & registration ⬇️
www.walkwithmeottawa.com/store

07/30/2024

Hot dog summer 🤪🐕

07/25/2024

Board&Train Sundae working on her recall with the pack! Building strong off-leash listening skills in distracting environments. Off leash freedom is my favourite skill to teach pups! It is a life changer - for them and for you! 🐕🥰

After her BNT, Sundae will also get to hike on our Group Hike Program! One of the requirements is that the dogs already listen off leash to join the pack hikes. And she will certainly be ready to join the fun!

07/24/2024

Agility Nationals is 3 weeks away 🤪 This will be a totally new experience for us. Going in with no expectations. Just planning on taking it all in and pretending it’s a FunMatch!

Nationals is in Maxville this year (about 1 hour from Ottawa) and spectators are welcome if you are interested in checking it out! Competition days are the Fri 16/Sat 17/Sun 18. Thurs is a practice day so I’m going up earlier for that.

I will be away from work Wed Aug 14th to Mon Aug 19th - back to work on the Tues Aug 20th. Boy I’m glad I didn’t prebook a bunch of boarding dogs! I tentatively kept those dates unavailable just in case we qualified for Nationals. And we did! And we even unexpectedly placed 2nd podium at Regionals too!

07/23/2024

Leonard goes on a field trip around Almonte! Working on being calm in busy environments and listening to mom.

& Toni is learning Puppy Foundations to set him up for success as he grows up!

Both these lessons involved using our *food marker* (I.e. clicker/yes) to encourage focus and engagement outdoors on-leash. Many dog parents come to us struggling to get their dog to listen to them on walks. The pup is too distracted by the environment - people, other dogs, birds. Pulling and barking out of overexcitement, frustration, or confusion and fear.

We teach pups to feel calm and neutral to stimuli around them, and listen on command as we guide the dog through our busy world. Giving support and clear communication. As well as lots of food rewards for good behaviours!

Leonard and Toni are part of our private lesson training programs! Learn more www.walkwithmeottawa.com/training

07/16/2024

Next round of Agility Group Classes starts Wed July 31st! Beginner 5:30pm and Advanced 6:30pm Wednesday Evenings at Walk With Me Ottawa HQ in Dunrobin.

6 Week Series:
Wed July 31
Wed Aug 7
Wed Aug 21
Wed Aug 28
Wed Sept 4
Wed Sept 11

Register online www.walkwithmeottawa.com/store

07/11/2024

I never played sports as a kid. I didn’t enjoy the competition and the physical contact. I remember playing soccer in elementary school and kids chasing me down and kicking towards me to get the ball - no thank you! - I just gave them the ball. In high school basketball, people bumping into you and smacking their hands towards you to steal the ball once again. I chose dance classes instead - enjoying moving my body in a synchronized group.

There is something special about picking up a sport later in life. Getting both the body and mind moving again. Renewing a passion.

I’ve had people argue with me saying agility is not a sport. And that it is certainly not a team sport. But it is certainly categorized as a dog sport. And is 1000% a team sport - Gordie and I are a team. I can’t do it without him, and he can’t do it without me. His mistakes are my mistakes and vice versa. His clarity and control is a reflection of mine. We are a mirror. We train together. We learn together. We compete together. We celebrate together.

Agility actually reminds me of those group dance routines I enjoyed so much as a kid. Moving your bodies in a synchronized rhythm. Some of the most beautiful agility teams (dog and human) almost look like a peaceful dance - if you mute the hollering voice screaming commands, and put relaxing music over it! You see the synchronized gliding movements of the bodies - a dog and human connection.

I know I will look back on these memories one day. When Gordie is no longer around. And my body has to retire. And I will forever cherish my first agility dog and the dances we made together.

07/07/2024

New Board&Train Dewey gets to train at the cottage! We did a kayak lesson, swimming lessons, lots of place command, crate training, recall and markers!

He is busy working for all his daily kibble meals through training exercises. Practicing manners around my family and my dog, and other people and dogs around the resort. Working on impulse control and calm behaviours. All while experiencing the cottage life!

My favourite way to train is real life- a dog you can take camping, to the cottage, visit friends/family etc. Our training plans are focused on pup adventures. Off-leash freedom. Working towards your dream lifestyle with your dog by your side 🥰🐕

06/25/2024

Couple of cutie patooties in Almonte! Meet new Day Train students Olive & Georgie 🥰🐕 Sharpening up their leash manners around town.

I couldn’t decide on cutest picture so shared them all! What picture is your favourite?

Our Day Train Program is where the trainer goes to your house and trains your pup for you! Then after the program is completed you get a private lesson with the trainer to transfer those skills back home. Available in Almonte. Covers leash manners, house manners, reliable recall, and more - customized training plans for your goals.

06/24/2024

Next Hike&Learn Group Class is open for registration on website!

Advanced Off-Leash Class for past or present WWMO Clients - more info and prerequisites on website.

www.walkwithmeottawa.com/store

Register Online!

06/23/2024

Check emails - lessons tomorrow (Sunday) rescheduling due to thunderstorms

06/22/2024

Join us this summer learning the skills for agility with your dog! Walk With Me Ottawa has a new outdoor agility field located in Dunrobin.

July & August has spots available on Sundays midday and Wednesdays early evenings.

The private lessons are great for any skill level (beginner or advanced) as we customize the 30 minute session for you and your dog.

Register online
www.walkwithmeottawa.com/store

Message Laurin for more details!

Find more info on website too.

06/22/2024

Join us this summer learning the skills for agility with your dog! Walk With Me Ottawa has a new outdoor agility field located in Dunrobin.

July & August has spots available on Sundays midday and Wednesdays early evenings.

The private lessons are great for any skill level (beginner or advanced) as we customize the 30 minute session for you and your dog.

Register online
www.walkwithmeottawa.com/store

Message for more details! More info on website too.

06/21/2024

Summer Programs!
⭐️ Patio Pup Practice Class
Sunday July 14th at 4:15pm

⭐️ Hike&Learn Class
Sunday July 28th at 4pm

⭐️ Agility Private Lessons
Sundays & Wednesdays Spots

Location: Walk With Me Ottawa HQ
2565 Dunrobin Road

Find more info & register online:

group classes, agility classes, puppy classes, mini educator, herm sprenger, place cots

06/21/2024

Want to learn tips on how to bring your pup to dog friendly patios this summer? Join our Patio Pup Practice Class ⬇️

Sunday July 14th at 4:15pm
Location WWMO HQ (lounge side) 2565 Dunrobin
$35+hst

Learn the foundations and tips for bringing your pup to dog friendly patios. Practice in a structured environment with other dogs, as we replicate a restaurant environment at the WWMO indoor building.

10 spots

Want more patio practice after the class? Join part 2 of this series for a field trip to a dog friendly patio. Patio Field Trip date will be posted later this summer.

Register Online
www.walkwithmeottawa.com/store

06/18/2024

My little ribbon man! Break down of our ribbons ⬇️
We place in 4 out of 6 courses at Regionals in our height group (16” Regular):

🥇1st place Gamble 2 (mini & main gamble completed)

🥈 2nd place Standard 2 (perfect run)

🥈 2nd place Jumper 1 (perfect run)

🥉 3rd place Jumper 2 (one bar drop fault due to Gordie doing too early of a launch - this is usually never an issue and I really didn’t care)

The other two courses we didn’t place:
➡️ Standard 1 - one refusal for Gordie popping out of tunnel to follow me - it was a specific scenario that we haven’t practiced and he did the same thing at a trial last weekend so I knew we wouldn’t get it.

➡️ Gamble 1 - we didn’t get the main gamble - was also a scenario we haven’t practice and I knew we wouldn’t get it.

We will practice those now!!

⭐️ AND OVERALL - we placed 2nd on podium!!!
🥈 With a total score of 535 points. You need 350 points to qualify for Nationals. Couldn’t be happier! 🥰🐕

06/17/2024

We made the podium with 2nd place overall at Regionals! 🥳🥳 Beyond happy. Feeling blessed. Feeling joy.

I really had no expectations going into regionals this year, but Gordie and myself exceeded what I could ever wish for. This means so much to me. Last year at regionals was such an awful experience to be honest. I was super stressed, upset, in over my head, and didn’t come close to qualifying for nationals.

This year, I knew we were coming back from a long break. Taking time off to work on Gordie’s physio. I also went on holidays right before regionals and was regretting not practicing enough. But the little guy showed me he still gots it, and apparently we are both better than ever!

Nationals here we come! Representing the English Springer Spaniels!

06/15/2024

Gordie got 2nd place in yesterday’s Jumpers course at regionals in our height group! 🥳🐕 feeling amazing! Day two is today and has also gone well. Don’t know the results yet for today. And tomorrow is the last day of regionals. We are having a super good time!

06/12/2024

Agility dogs from all over Ontario are heading to Oro Medonte this weekend to compete at the Agility Association of Canada Regionals Championships. And we are one of them. Along with a big crew from Ottawa too!

Gordie and I, along with Carly, Malasia, and Sarah, are packing up the pupmobiles today and driving over! We get a practice day tomorrow, then competition starts Friday and ends Sunday. While I am in the area, I added a few extra days for visiting friends and family out that way too.

Let the adventure begin!
Stay tuned!

06/08/2024

PupHotel has openings Canada Day weekend for boarding!

Reminder dogs have to be comfortable and calm sleeping in their crates overnight, and are in and out of crates during day as needed. I would never leave a pack of new dogs alone together unsupervised while I am out. This is for everyone’s safety.

They also get plenty of play time and exercise. This is a home boarding environment in my home.

Priority is always given to my regular clients first, but if there are openings then I can accept new dogs. And there are openings now for new dogs Canada Day weekend!

It is also a very social environment and dogs need to be okay with living with a pack of dogs.

Find more info:
www.walkwithmeottawa.com/boarding

06/02/2024

Unfortunately someone destroyed my agility cone this past Thursday/friday/ or Saturday - for anyone renting land, reminder the agility field is not part of land rentals. Dogs need to be properly trained on equipment- otherwise they can break their legs jumping off the teeter or A frame - dogs cannot p*e on or destroy equipment either. I have to pay out of pocket to replace the cone etc.

We will have to lock agility field going forward.
And will also be putting equipment away outside of agility hours.

Eventually, the agility field will be open for wwmo agility clients to rent. And I would trust they would inform me of any equipment being destroyed and be trained already on equipment safety.

05/27/2024

I’m back to work with updates to share on services! Lots going on this Summer season for the dogs.

⭐️ Agility Group Classes start again this Wednesday for the next series (FULL)
⭐️ Agility Private Lessons are FULL for June and waitlist for July (July dates will be out soon)

⭐️ My dog Gordie and I are going to the Ontario Agility Regionals competition (June 15th/16th/17th) - along with our beloved Mayhem Agility Club! Going in with a better attitude this year to just practice and have fun (without stressing about the competition part!)
⭐️ Gordie and I are also back from physio and competing in local Agility trials too - still lots of physio to continue to work on but super happy to be running again

⭐️ My Pet Dog Training Private Lessons are currently booking into mid/late June - clients have all been emailed and scheduled in! Some new consults this week too.
⭐️ Boarding is booked up until last week of August
⭐️ Board&Trains are full until November!!

*I can always refer you to my lovely coworkers if you are looking for training or boarding services when I’m unavailable - connect with the team via website www.walkwithmeottawa.com
(Link in bio)

05/17/2024

I’m off gallivanting in British Columbia, Vancouver Island - but do check out the Almonte Silent Auction - I’m one of the auction items! 🥰🐕 https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/97628/auctions/159970?page=2&r=1&t=all

05/10/2024

See ya later! I’m out adventuring without dogs 😉 As usual, work emails and communications will not be monitored. I’m back to work end of May.

05/08/2024

Rainy days are some of my favourites to be honest! Ever since I developed a severe sun sensitivity a few years ago, I started to look forward to those overcast skies. I take joy in putting my big sunhat, sunscreen, and sunglasses away for the day.

I have always enjoyed the calmness and comfort that rainy days give. Wanting a cup of tea and blanket and laying low.

As kids, I remember playing in the rain lots. Splashing in puddles. Memories of joy and laughter.

Having a vegetable garden and feeling blessed that the sky was taking care of my watering chores for the day. A gift from the earth. Good for all the plants to grow and flowers to bloom.

And I think the dogs enjoy it too!

Are you a fan of the rain? Or more of a rain rain go away, come again another day type? Share in comments!