Private coaching for families dealing with canine anxiety, reactivity & who need management support.
Canine Behaviour - Aggressive Dog, Dunbar Academy, IAABC
Animal Sciences - Perdue University
Master in Dog Aggression - Aggressive Dog - IAABC
Canine emotion and cognition - International School for Canine Psychology
Fear Free Handling - Fear Free Certified Professional
Canine Rehabilitation - International School for Canine Psychology
Canine Enrichment - Karen Pryor
Rescue Shelter Management - A
SPCA Pro
Shelter Medicine -ASPCA Pro
Animal Behavior and Welfare - International School for Canine Psychology
Canine Psychology Level 1, 2 & 3 - International School for Canine Psychology
Feline behaviour and Enrichment - IAABC, Canesious College
Challenging Behavior in a Shelter Environment - Trish McMillan Master Shelter Certificate
Rescue Shelter Management - Trish McMillan Master Shelter Certificate
Rescue Shelter Emergency Medicine - Chester Basin Animal Hospital, Nova Veterinary Clinic - Board Credentialed CARA Certified
Shelter Medicine: Injections,SubQs, parasites, Feral Handling, Shelter Enrichment, Medical Sanitization & Protocol - Chester Basin Animal Hospital, Nova Veterinary Clinic - Board Credentialed with CARA Certification and License
Proud Pet Professional Guild Member
Fear-Free Certified Professional
R+evolution Member
CPDT-KA, CTC, FFCP, UW-AAB recognized by CVSAB & APDT
The rescue attended The Mothers Day Sip and Shop and met a lot of local dog lovers!
We advocated for local rescue dogs, talked training and made some new friends.
I really look forward to working with the new families who signed up to train!
What a fun morning!
Pictured: adoptable Chance.
Apps can be found at www.heartandsoildogs.com.
This girls ability to focus on her Dad is bar none. We’re going to hone this amazing skill in even more to help this smart girl get some coping skills. Rita is hilarious and equally opinionated. She knows what she wants and can be the impatient. She is working hard and doing the big things.
This week she continues to work on focusing, maintaining her composure and getting rewarded.
One of my most relatable trainers and someone I highly respect made this TikTok about the correlation between increased aggressive behaviours and the shift in environmental change.
Hillary further goes into how certain drugs with histamines (like Apoquel) can actually increase the edgy and uneasy behavior. I fully agree and have seen a shift in many dogs with allergies when the weather changes. I live with one who is extremely sensitive and shows so with her inability to manage her threshold.
Does your dog have allergies and take medications? Do you find a similarity with the spring weather and heightened reactivity?
DM if you need some support and want to discuss allergy options, my training program or a diet shift to support your dog who may be struggling.
205 likes, 76 comments. “Dog aggressive behavior increases are something I’ve quietly been documenting over the years. I have seen it repeatedly in the dogs that live here & client dogs. It’s a level of volatility that is different that than ‘normal’ challenges I see so if you have thought...
and now I get to train with this little beauty!
Ruby will be making her way to the farm for some in-person tips on loose leash walking and I cannot wait to see her again!
If you have a new rescue and need some support, send me a DM.
I can help.
It’s been six months since we signed on to take four puppies and ended up with seventeen! All thanks to an amazing network of volunteers spanning the country. A lot of thanks and appreciation goes to ML Loubier who drove for 20 hours with their family in their van, to the huge team involved with having all of the dogs tested and vetted on our behalf, to Northern Reach Network for coordinating things and trusting in us to help and to the many foster families who wanted to include a rescue puppy in their holiday. You ALL made this happen.
Ruby is one of seventeen success stories of Canadian dogs abandoned outside with nothing, to completing families and contributing positively to their new communities.
We did it.
This is my dog Koda.
She requires full sedation to be examined or physically touched by the vet. If not, she is a risk. Any minor shift in her regular routine results in severe anxiety and reactivity. Koda was a back yard bred puppy, taken from her mother far too young who had a major trauma at 5 months old. That trauma involved the vet.
It changed the entire course of her puppyhood and ability to cope. She changed instantly and the world was a terrifying place. This is where my love of working with dogs who have big feelings started.
It has taken years of know-how, advocating, following up and preplanning vet visits for Koda. It is still incredibly hard but we have tools like a muzzle, fear-free handling and lots of reward options. We’ve ensured our care plans involve me being present, the staff and clinic fully understand her needs for entering and exiting and we work as a team to streamline the visit as much as possible.
If any of this sounds familiar or your dog has issues that could use some support, we can create a care plan together. I have an extensive history of supporting both owned and also rescue dogs with medical needs and those who need better vet protocols.
You can find my help form at: https://form.jotform.com/heartandsoildogtraining/need-some-help-
Doesn’t look like he bites, does he?
Well he does. Hard.
Hugo developed a really quick method of gaining space: his teeth. This guy doesn’t show a lot of body language, stress signals or discomfort when over his threshold so managing him is incredibly hard. Is he a bad dog because he bites? Nu uh.
He’s a dog who hasn’t been given the appropriate skillset to communicate he needs help and is not ok.
All dogs bite.
All dogs bark, lip curl and growl too.
It’s what we do with that form of communication and how we support that dog that truly matters.
Hugo is slowly showing us his triggers and his family is heavily educating themselves on his body language. Most people think a dogs tail movement indicates their level of comfort, not the case here. Previously his family was VERY confused, his tail was wagging but he was snarling too.
They now know to watch his eyes (where is he looking, what kind of stare is he producing).
They listen for him to vocalize (small growls are treated like big growls and respected now whereas they were ignored before).
They watch his body for rigid posture(does he have a mohawk/hackles?) and his mouth for indicators of stress (tongue flicks, panting).
They give him space. They have a safety plan. They handle him lovingly and patiently. They give him routine. They are earning his trust again by respecting his communication and meeting his needs.
These may seem like small forms of communication to us but they’re huge to Hugo. Hugo is a dog who has travelled continents to be with his people who would in turn travel continents to help him.
Starting at square one: communication.
This is Rita.
Rita has issues with leash walking, settling in the vehicle while moving and some barrier frustration. She’s been trying SO hard to meet new friends but has been going about it all wrong. She is what I call a rocket dog. It’s all full force, go hard or nothing.
That in-between moment of “oh look, a dog/person/new thing” to “lemme see that dog/person/stimuli right this second” is where we are training. That split second when they choose to go for it or look back for the cue. Our first goal is keeping miss Rita engaged and interested on the goal and helping her cope before going over threshold. Rita isn’t a bad dog at all. She just needs some skills. We’ll break down more issues and develop skills as we go.
This week she is going to experience enrichment walks with a closed environment, we’re going to hone in that recall motivation and we’re going to help her guardian be her main focus. Will it be easy? Nope. Will it take practise, decompression and a lot of desensitizing with motivators? Yep.
Her family have exactly what it takes. They know and love their goofy girl and will be with her every step of the way. Rita is already loving the new smelly snacks and her moms dance moves when she comes back. I have no doubts these guys will be loose leash walkin’ and vibin’ soon. Keep working hard and don’t be stingy with the roast chicken Craig!!
To learn more about my programs and see if I’m the right fit for your family, head to https://form.jotform.com/heartandsoildogtraining/need-some-help- and we’ll get the conversation started.
I have a TikTok where I showcase rescued dogs, training, living with my own reactive dogs and will be showing the boarding facility construction. Follow along to see some epic dog fails and some wins and don’t take any of it too seriously (it’s TikTok, afterall).
13.0k Followers, 100 Following, 272.9k Likes - Watch awesome short videos created by Heart & Soil Dogs
Something brand new and very needed is being constructed right now on our farm and we're letting the secret out. We are creating a hub for dog owners who need support. A rescue site immersed in nature with it's own private trails and dog park. A rural rescue and private boarding experience like no other.
We take your dogs needs very seriously, from tailored handling to specific instruction, they're safe with us. We can handle and support dogs with anxiety and reactivity as a team and offer respite to those who micromanage behaviour in their home, we got you. We know how specific an environment needs to be for reactive dogs and how to help them decompress safely when outside of their comfort zone. Our programs are designed for dogs who are not dog-social and can include housemates being together - whatever experience they need to feel comfortable, we tailor it to their needs.
Our rescue has rehomed over 200 dogs "with issues", in my training career I have focused mainly on anxiety or reactivity and believe this service to be one of it's kind. Reactive dog friendly boarding and care needs to be available not only for the dogs, but the humans managing those very big emotions and needs. This is your chance at a vacation, day off or to hone in your skills to fully support your dog. We're here to help.
If you need immediate support or want to hone in on some skills via private training please head to our help form to get a consult booked in: https://form.jotform.com/heartandsoildogtraining/need-some-help-
If you'd like to be part of our waitlist for boarding (starting this Fall) or simply want to be updated as we progress on the build, please fill out our care form at: https://form.jotform.com/241065127292250
Private walks are also now available and can be booked via our walk form: https://form.jotform.com/240693935333259
Now booking training supports and private walks for the month of May.
- Shai
need some dog food?
free!
Accurate!
To my training waitlist: please check your inboxes and the weather. We are now booking training for the month of May and ending off our winter virtual support.
That means it's time to get outside in the sunshine, using our private trail system and hitting up the waterfall while we work on some issues. My approach to training is different than most other trainers as I heavily use nature and outside landscapes when working on confidence training. We have created a private trail system and dog park for reactivity support and human to dog bonding.
Our farm space is getting a major facelift and almost ready for visitors. We will be constructing our kennel space in May and have even more in store for local reactive dog owners very soon.
If you havent signed up to book in some training get on it!
Wanna go for a walk?
Maybe you have some stuff to do and your dog really needs some energy output in a safe space with someone you can trust?
We have something new in store for our local community: private dog walks.
Having access to 32 beautiful acres has been a wonderful experience for my own reactive dogs. It's allowed them to enjoy time outside without worry, they get to adventure and there is no chance of outside triggers because it's totally private and secure.
We've worked hard to clear trails that are dog-safe which lead to waterways, small ponds and natural forest habitats.
We've build a private dog park with 6ft fencing, totally surrounded by nature and secluded behind our working farm.
Our farm space has given our dogs so much and we want to share that with other dogs needing a private escape and some support.
We have dog walkers, available certified trainers and a beautiful landscape available to help you and your dog. We are currently building our walking list and preference of walking times and dates, we ask you use the form below to let us know your preference and we'll be in touch to schedule a walk service with you. https://form.jotform.com/240693935333259
Located five minutes from exit 12 highway 103 - Bridgewater
Does your dog growl?
Mine do.
Are they "bad dogs", "trying to be alpha", "dominating me", "telling me off" or are they maybe saying "I need help", "I need space", "Im not being heard or respected", "I'm scared"...
How you respond to that communication is what matters.
I listen to my dogs when they growl and then work through the problem or trigger with them.
As a team, we can help your dog cope and work through that growl too.
Private one-on-one coaching now available to families needing help virtually and in-person.
As a trainer and someone well-versed in canine aggression, I have to say one of the most alarming responses I get back from the question "so what KIND of aggression are you seeing?" is "I have no idea".
The truth is, most people really DON'T have a clue.
They didnt sign up to be dog trainers, they just wanted a companion they can live peacefully with. I get it.
Most* people also dont go out and knowingly adopt a reactive or aggressive dog either. So what happens when your dog suddenly shifts their behavior from happy-go-lucky Lucy to full-blown Lucifer? What do you do when Sparky, out of nowhere, turns around and decides to bite you while walking in the park? What do you do when your dog bites a strange dog in your yard?
You first have to identify what STAGE of aggression (or if its even aggression at all) your dog is experiencing. So to make it easy for those out there questioning "is my dog aggressive?", "do I need professional help?", "will this subside on it's own", the answer is: you know your dog best.
Do you want to hone in on those big reactions and define and manage the triggers for the unwanted behavior?
Feel like really working through it so your dog can cope, you can relax and both enjoy your surroundings again?
Reach out.
I have a masters in canine aggression and certification from the International School Of Canine Psychology - lets use MY skills, to coach YOU to help your dog.
Sparky isn't aggressive, he's just scared of the broom.
https://form.jotform.com/heartandsoildogtraining/need-some-help-
No more gatekeeping: here is my most trusted advice for anyone struggling with their dog. All of it. Have it. Free.
Each item can be fine tuned, specified and tailored to your dogs needs and also be used as a baseline for further connection and enrichment. Try it. Try all of'em. Your dog will thank you.
If it all feels overwhelming and you dont know where to start or cant pinpoint your dogs needs, just reach out.
I'm now taking new private clients on multiple platforms.
🐾In-person on-site private walking and coaching.
🐾In-person assessments and mobile coaching support.
🐾Virtual check-ins and a deep-dive into behaviors and how to manage expectations for both you and your dog for your unique lifestyle.
I have a strong background in rescue transition, decompression, positive reinforcement training techniques, anxiety support and reactivity management. Let's get to work.
https://www.heartandsoildogs.com/training-options
https://form.jotform.com/heartandsoildogtraining/need-some-help-
Welcome to my private coaching page for new and existing training clients. My goal is to train you to be a better dog guardian while educating in positive reinforcement based learning environment. To sign up for a consult, discuss training options or to see if Im the right fit for your family fill out the training form below and lets talk dog.
New services available March 1 2024 such as:
Private, on-farm walks for reactive dogs. We've created a private oasis on our farm property that allows even the most reactive of dogs to have a calm, solo experience. 32 acres, new fully fenced private dog park, private waterfall and river access plus the guarantee of being safe. This experience can be done with me as your walking coach via a private session or experienced on your own for a lesser fee.
Virtual Support - depending on severity of need discovered via our consult, we can tailor this option to meet your schedule and family's need to incorporate more supports for your dog. This is a very tailored approach and is considered coaching, the plans, exercise and longevity of the program are dependent on you and your dog.
In-person Support- this option is very limited and reserved for dogs who cannot travel for a consultation, dogs who cannot be handled safely or those who have major issues and a strict timeline. In-person can be difficult as I also run the dog rescue daily.
Prices are dependent on need, longevity, involvement and coaching requests. Price list coming soon.
To get started and on the list please fill out this form: https://form.jotform.com/heartandsoildogtraining/need-some-help-
1213 Lower Branch Road
Bridgewater, NS
B4V4K1
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This girls ability to focus on her Dad is bar none. We’re going to hone this amazing skill in even more to help this smart girl get some coping skills. Rita is hilarious and equally opinionated. She knows what she wants and can be the impatient. She is working hard and doing the big things. This week she continues to work on focusing, maintaining her composure and getting rewarded.
This is my dog Koda. She requires full sedation to be examined or physically touched by the vet. If not, she is a risk. Any minor shift in her regular routine results in severe anxiety and reactivity. Koda was a back yard bred puppy, taken from her mother far too young who had a major trauma at 5 months old. That trauma involved the vet. It changed the entire course of her puppyhood and ability to cope. She changed instantly and the world was a terrifying place. This is where my love of working with dogs who have big feelings started. It has taken years of know-how, advocating, following up and preplanning vet visits for Koda. It is still incredibly hard but we have tools like a muzzle, fear-free handling and lots of reward options. We’ve ensured our care plans involve me being present, the staff and clinic fully understand her needs for entering and exiting and we work as a team to streamline the visit as much as possible. If any of this sounds familiar or your dog has issues that could use some support, we can create a care plan together. I have an extensive history of supporting both owned and also rescue dogs with medical needs and those who need better vet protocols. You can find my help form at: https://form.jotform.com/heartandsoildogtraining/need-some-help-
