PEAK9 Dog Training

01/10/2026

💣 Truth bomb:
If you want your dog to perform a behavior in a specific situation, you have to practice it in all situations — and reward it every single time.

On hikes, I need Bronx to move off to the side when another dog is approaching. I’m always reading the other person — tightened leash, moving away, avoiding eye contact, watching Bronx closely. Those cues tell me space would be appreciated, and honestly, Bronx does better when we give it.

Bronx can feed off other dogs’ reactivity. Otherwise, his trail etiquette and passing skills are great now — but management matters.

We didn’t magically get here. We practice this skill on quiet walks and on hikes with zero dogs around. Over and over. And - he is always rewarded (this part is non-negotiable).

Now he automatically follows, moves aside, and offers a sit.

That’s what practice + reinforcement creates.

01/04/2026

Happy New Year! ✨ Let's make 2026 the year we truly listen to our dogs. Embrace who they are, and recognize their behavior as communication and valuable information. Let them sniff, explore, and experience the world around them. Instead of forcing them into situations for our own satisfaction, let's understand their reactivity, fear and respect their boundaries. Lose the ego in training, focus on their safety, and create a space where they feel truly trust with us.

12/13/2025

Another amazing class from a colleague is Natasha and mantrailing! If you've been curious or wanting to try it - she is your person!

In November, I participated in the annual Mantrailing Global Guild Summit. What an experience. There were presentations on trailing and ecology, reactive dogs on the trail, and some really cool set-ups for scent discrimination.

This past 6 months has taught me more than I EVER thought my brain had space for at my (advancing) age. A healthy combination of theory, hands on learning, and Instructing has elevated my training game to a whole new level. It's been incredible.

Mantrailing being a team sport, it's very fitting that I take a moment to place my professional development in the context of the team that helped me get here. Without Ranger, I wouldn't be doing of this. I love that fuzzy rocket more than I can say. The club members, trail layers and dogs who come out to 'play outside' in all kinds of weather; you guys are teaching me so so much. I am very fortunate to have had an amazing instructor, and am privileged to have ongoing support from the team of head instructors at Mantrailing Global.

I am excited for what's left of the 2025 season, and already making plans for next year. Thank you guys for making my new obsession such a success.

12/13/2025

I have a couple of trainer colleagues teaching some amazing classes. If you've ever been interested in this sport with your dog - Shauna is your person!

11/24/2025

I was excited for Brew to enjoy the snow this morning—he’s such a winter dog and always gets a little silly in it. But today he moved slowly, and his behavior felt different. It was a gentle reminder that pain can affect how our dogs act and what they can tolerate. If you ever notice an unexpected change in your dog’s behavior, it’s always a good idea to check in with your veterinarian.

10/24/2025

Great info on why our dogs react to certain dogs and not others. The body language and barrier are definitely why Bronx does. Its not just because they don't like that other dog

10/10/2025

Prey drive. Just like reactivity, it's not a behaviour you can train out of a dog.

Bronx has a very high prey drive, and honestly, I find it more challenging than reactivity. He’s gotten better at ignoring squirrels (progress!), but bunnies? Yeah… those are still a hard no if we are close enough.

We had an unfortunate bunny encounter recently — surprise corner, bunny right there, Bronx didn’t hesitate. And now he knows the thrill.

So right now, it’s all about smart management, lots of distance for counter conditioning, and giving him better outlets for all that drive.

Never a dull moment with this happy guy. I still love enjoying the fall walks with him.

09/01/2025

Four years ago, this walk wouldn't have been possible. This weekend I got to walk both of my dogs, including Bronx, through the stunning sunflower maze—one of my favorite summer spots. What makes it even better is that it's dog-friendly!
​Bronx's journey with reactivity is ongoing. He still has moments where he reacts, and we continue to work through them. It’s a journey, not a quick fix. But being able to experience a place I love with him makes all the hard work worth it.
​If you're on a similar journey with your reactive dog, remember to celebrate the wins, no matter how small, and learn from the challenging moments. Every journey is unique.

​Note: For the photo, I digitally removed their harnesses, but both dogs were leashed throughout our entire visit.

​Thank you, , for being a fantastic dog-friendly destination and all the u pick sunflowers 🌻 that light up my house.

08/19/2025

Happy summer, finally! If you live in Calgary AB, you know what it means.

This past weekend, Bronx and I did a hike up Prairie Mountain to spread some more of Sloans ashes.

He was such a good boy with his trail etiquette of sitting to the side for people to pass and passing other dogs.

Specific things I watched out for and made a point to move for distance.
Hikers with bigger floppy hats or any type of mask, men walking briskly or running towards us, and hiking poles.

Each of these makes people look strange, the poles are new(ish) moving objects coming at us, and men coming straight to us have set off reactions in previous settings.

We met a Doberman on the trail, which I don't think I've ever seen that breed hiking. We moved to give them room to pass. Had a chat with each other on the age of our dogs and moved on. This is an instance I highly rewarded Bronx as he isn't a fan of this breed in past experiences.

We were almost back at the trail head, and I heard a woman say, "Another dog ahead." I'm very aware of what goes on in our surroundings, and my radar went off knowing a non dog friendly dog was approaching. Sure enough, a girl came up to the trail and let me know her dog wasn't great with other dogs. I offered to move a bit off the trail with Bronx and asked if that was enough space. Again, being prepared to reward Bronx. I personally know what it is like and always want to prioritize that dogs feelings and, of course, the safety of both dogs.

It only takes a second to be courteous of other dogs that may have a bit harder time. It makes all the world to the guardian and the dog.

It might not be a fully relaxing hike, though I will never mind training and accommodating Bronx every hike to be able to enjoy this with him!

Proud of you, Bronxy boy!

07/07/2025

Living in Calgary, I embrace the Stampede every year. But along with the fun and celebration, I can’t help but think about how it impacts our dogs.

Each night, I can hear the fireworks from my home, and my thoughts immediately go to pets who may be frightened. I hope they’re safe and supported.

The other afternoon, I was relaxing on the patio with my two dogs when a couple of fighter jets flew overhead—likely part of a show. The sound was incredibly loud. Even though my dogs don’t usually react to fireworks or thunder, they instantly came to me for comfort. It clearly affected them.

There are some outdated training approaches that suggest not comforting your dog or even exposing them directly to fireworks as a way to “condition them.” This kind of forced exposure—called flooding leads to shutdown, anxiety, and lasting trauma. I strongly disagree with it.

If your dog is afraid of fireworks or thunder, it’s absolutely okay and even important to comfort them. Give them a safe, quiet space where they feel secure. Talk to your vet about anxiety-reducing options, including medication if needed. You're not “spoiling” them by being there for them. You're helping them feel safe.

To all the pet guardians out there managing noise sensitivity during Stampede and Summer, you're in my thoughts.

06/23/2025

I was able to have my phone ready while walking Bronx when 2 dogs behind us started barking at each other.

Our first reaction as a reactive dog guardian is to get out of there quickly when our dogs pay attention to their triggers.

But if they are under their threshold and have the distance they need its important to let them observe, think, and be able to make the choice to move away. If we keep luring them or distracting them away, they are unable to learn to make that decision themselves.

06/23/2025

Do you notice after a rainfall, snow melting or windy day that your dog ignores you with nose to the ground? Most likely, picking up speed and on a mission.

This is because of all the scents and smells that come up.

Imagine walking into your favorite bakery after they made those delicious cinnamon buns or cheese buns.

Now times that by 50 and you can realize what our dogs are taking in walking through their environment.

It can be over stimulating and seem like they lost their brain like Bronx here.

They aren't ignoring us on purpose, so being patient, choosing the right times to ask for their attention, and letting them take in those smells are all helpful.

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