The Dog Tutor

12/21/2024

Do you use your dog's name when they do something wrong ?
" FIDO !! "
Don't use your dog's name as a punishment marker word and then expect a positive response next time when you call them. I stress clear communication with every client I talk to. It's the foundation of learning for your dog.

Send a message to learn more

12/21/2024

As I read a news article about a 64 year old man in the Drayton Valley area who has been charged with animal abuse and over 70 adult dogs and puppies are removed from his property I am deeply angered. What is it going to take to put an end to this outrageous cycle of animal abuse. Now suddenly we need to find someplace to house over 70 dogs in an instant. Who pays for this... the rest of society of course. If I created animal protection laws I would seize everything that man owns and sell the proceeds to care for all those dogs. I would make absolutely sure he rots his remaining days behind bars and never touches an animal again.
The bleeding heart law makers and inactive political representatives that run our country help create these kind of problems by doing nothing. Meanwhile the Albera SPCA is left to struggle with the aftermath.
Why is it so hard for us to do the right thing?
What will it take for us to stop pampering criminals in our society?

12/19/2024

The more I study and learn about the phychology and neurology of dogs, the more I understand human beings. It's kInda like getting a 2 for 1 deal I suppose.

12/15/2024

No trainer really wants the "worst case" scenerios. It's emotionally draining for both the dog and the trainer. If time and money were never factors in real life, it would open up options, but rarely is this the case.
A 7 year old dog that will bite you full force, every time you try to put a leash on it or interact with it in any manner, is definately a struggle. With a 7 year old dog this behavior is now so deeply reinforced that it is hard to even crack through the shell to create a new understanding for the dog. This particular behavior is not genetic for this particular dog. It comes from being abused as a pup and having humans demonstrate that humans are not a source of safety or love. Rewriting neural pathways is not something you find in an instruction manual or in a book. Each dog is unique and every dog deserves a chance to change for a better life.

I commend the owners for giving this dog the opportunity of life years ago. Surely if it would have ended up in a shelter, before they brought it into their home, it would have most likely been euthanized years ago.

Send a message to learn more

12/14/2024

If you want to change something about your dog's behavior (no matter what it is), they key is you have to make a change in yourself first. You are not a victim of circumstance. You are in control of everything regarding your dog, like it or not.

Send a message to learn more

12/04/2024

A dog's needs come first. Yes even if it goes against my usual advice. Case in point, I always recommend avoiding smaller fenced dog parks for a number of reasons. But when a client with a large wolfhound tells me that their dog does nothing but run, and run, and run, and run when they are at the dog park and I see an amazingly calm dog in their house, then I humbly and openly concede to letting them fulfill their dog's genetic needs if that is the only way they can achieve it at this time.

Being stuck in a human mindset doesn't equate to creating positive results for dogs.

Send a message to learn more

11/29/2024

Why does my dog do (x) ??
There lies the most popular question I get from clients. The (x) can be filled in with any of the behaviors that clients deal with and I can answer it with the same response. "Because they did it before".
And then comes the question "Why did they do it before?" Again a simple answer....
Because the dog was genetically inclined to do so and you, as the owner, let it happen and didn't prevent it or say NO to put a stop to it.
NO creates rules and rules create structure and dogs thrive with structure.

11/20/2024

I absolutely cringe every time I see a dog sitting on an owners lap while driving a car. I always wonder if they would do the same with a child? If not, then why don't they care about their dog's life? Airbags will kill a dog, even under a slow speed deployment conditions.
Please secure your dog in the rear seat of a vehicle the same as you would with a child. A simple harness and seat belt tether can prevent dog injuries under sudden braking conditions alone. Did you know that even a 20 pound dog has fatal potential for humans in the vehicle if they are flying free inside a vehicle in an accident. Picture getting hit in the back of the head by a bowling ball at 50km/hr. When we know better we can do better.

Be safe everyone and love your dog.

Send a message to learn more

11/14/2024

Never open feed your dog (leave a food bowl on the floor all day). By doing this, you destroy one of the primary motivators (reinforcer) in your dog and your possibility to motivate your dog with food. Without the ability to motivate your dog to "want" to work with you, you will always struggle with your training.

Send a message to learn more

10/31/2024

For those who know me personally, or have trained with me, you may have also met Arlo. I get to spend time with this gangster a couple times a year.
Arlo is officially 10 years young. Almost everyone mistakes Arlo for a doodle but he is not.
He is infact a purebreed. I'm kinda curious to see how many can guess what breed he is?

10/26/2024

"Don't feed your dog people food".
We all have heard this at some point in our life. Where did this narrative come from? The answer.....the dog food (kibble) industry. It was a huge marketing strategy decades ago, that convinced millions of people that having their dog eat processed food is to their benefit. Just like breakfast cereal it was created as a convenience, while lacking in quality nutrition. I understand that a raw food diet doesn't work for a lot of people, for a lot of different reasons, and I lay no judgement towards my clients (or anyone) for what they feed their dogs.
What I can recommend is that at minimum you should try and suppliment your dog's diet with real whole foods. Most of the food we eat is completely safe to feed your dog. Simply investigate into what few foods to avoid feeding your dog.
I want to be clear that this might be my personal opinion but I base it on REAL scientific research that has been done. I recommend anyone interested in learning more to look into Dr. Richard Patton. After 50 years of reasearch he is considered to be undeniably the foremost expert on animal nutrition (not just dogs) in the world. And for those who would deny any of his claims I will quote Dr Patton directly..... "Show me your research, show me your data".

Send a message to learn more

10/25/2024

A dog's past does not define its indentity, worth or its potential. Shelters are full of dogs that are full of potential. Please adopt a dog if you can.

10/23/2024

One of the worst things regarding dog training today might be social media. There are certain groups and individuals that have promoted a narrative about what a dog really is and how to treat them and it has lead so many owners to believe that dogs are our equal or that we need to treat them like our children.
Children have the ability to think logically, dogs do not. We can teach a child about the world around them by explaining situatuions. A dog needs to experience the world to learn about it. Yes that means the good and the bad experiences. Sheltering our dog away from life (good or bad) leads to an insecure dog that can't cope in new environments.

Send a message to learn more

10/21/2024

Meet Draco. He is an American Bully. He is 108 lbs of interesting. I am so proud of all the hard work that these amazing clients took on. They contacted me with a considerable challenge. They were moving in 3 weeks and found themselves struggling with a very pushy, resource guarding 108 lb dog that the female owner could not walk anymore because of Draco's escalated behaviors. When Draco lunged off the couch at me, on our first session, I knew we had A LOT of work to do in very little time. I am always an advocate for taking our time with training to get things right, but time was not on our side this time. These clients took everything seriously and did soooo much work in just over 2 weeks. Our results are a much calmer, content Draco that has value and respect for the guidance of his owners and now he even has better bowel movements. She can walk Draco easily now and their friends and family have commented on how much better behaved Draco is around them.
In the end, Draco and I were able to have some great fun with his new appreciation for the game of tug. I'm going to miss the big brute!

Dog's are worth our effort.

10/20/2024

We don't all share equivalent life skills or time restraints. Picking the right dog for your family means understanding what you are personally capable of. Do you have time required to raise a puppy? Do you understand the genetic needs of a terrier vs a labrador retriever? And can you physically fulfill those needs?
It's not just matching the energy of a dog to the energy of a human.
And when you get the right match, it's like a beautiful symphony.

10/17/2024

When a client asks " What does this exercise have to do with my dogs crappy behavior?" it is a segway into a deep conversation regarding how we build dog/human cooperation, respect and communication.
"Relationship First" is a cliché phase unless you understand what creates a healthy relationship between these two species. Without building quality engagement, that you get from a solid relationship with your dog, even basic obedience can be a struggle.

09/28/2024

If your dog has a bad experience try to make it right. Don't let them carry that feeling throughout their life. With training, you can help your dog re-experience something in their environment and feel different about it.

09/24/2024

🐾 Adoption Event Alert! 🐾

Join us this Saturday, September 28th, from 12pm to 3pm at Pet Valu Chappelle for an exciting adoption event! 🐶🐱

Come meet our adorable dogs and cats looking for their forever homes. These furry friends are ready to steal your heart! Whether you're looking for a loyal canine companion or a purr-fect feline friend, we've got a variety of pets waiting to find their loving families. By adopting, you're giving an animal a second chance at happiness. Every pet deserves a loving home! 🏡

📍Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, September 28th
- Time: 12pm - 3pm
- Location: Pet Valu Chappelle
14155 28 Ave SW, Edmonton, AB

🐾 Let's make tails wag and hearts melt! Spread the word, bring your friends, and let's find these wonderful animals their forever families. 🐾

For more information about adoptable animals, visit the link below, or in our bio!
edmontonanimalrescue.org/adoptable-animals/

​