Unleash Clever Canines

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Unleash Clever Canines

Your dream dog is a daily routine away.

12/24/2023

Merry everything and a happy always!

Enjoy this time with the ones you love 💕

12/24/2023

Merry everything and a happy always! From my family to yours.

11/05/2023

Why should you...

How small would your world be if you did everything for yourself?

No more looking up recipes.
Or going to get haircuts.
Want to build a house, better jump on youtube and figure it out.

I love DIY. It's great.
Yet sometimes we need a check in.
Your technique might be off or you misinterpret what the video said.

Having a second pair of eyes to guide you can make a. huge difference. Save time, money and energy.

People are learning new things all the time.

Why can't your dog too?

I get it, I grew up with dogs as a child. I also know what I thought then vs what I know now is night and day.

I learn something new everyday and so often its about my dogs.

Staying open to learning is the greatest gift you can give your dog.

Ready to level up your game with your dog?

DM me the word "Grasshopper"

11/02/2023

How to teach your puppy to bow

Disclaimer: This is an advanced puppy behaviour. If you haven't already taught your pup "paws up" on an object, you will need to start there first.

When training puppies its always best to do in bite size segments.

What you need:

Small platform - think book, square yoga block, piece of wood. Safety first - ensure its the right height and not slippery.

Yummy rewards - when I train a new behaviour I start with a higher reward

You are looking for your pup to interact with the platform.

How you feed will assist in getting the slight bend in the elbows.

By putting the food between the paws, you force their nose backwards and get a wee bend.

Don't force it. Start small. Finn at 16 weeks, nailed it. So I don't have video to show smaller movements. Yet they are good too!

You mark or click when the bend happens, feed and toss a low value treat away to reset.

Keep this training short and sweet.

The end goal is to have the elbows find the platform. Take your time.

Once your pup is reliable you can remove the platform and play on the ground.

Naming this behaviour. I use "curtsy". You may find "bow" sounds like "down" to your dog. Hence I recommend using another word other then "bow".

Tell me in the comments how your first session went with your puppy!

10/11/2023

The hardest part about being a dog guardian is saying good-bye.

Yesterday my beautiful boy Mack transitioned after 16 1/2 + years together. The loss is insurmountable.

If you've had to say good-bye to a beloved pet, please take a moment to share their photo below.

Let's celebrate the one's we've loved and have left an indelible mark on our hearts.

09/20/2023

Fresh fall air and four doggos makes for a wonderful parade.

High 5's to Dodge, Reese, Gracie and Cormick for strutting their stuff in style tonight.

Did you know Unleash Clever Canines offers a FREE weekly training walk?

Its a great opportunity to meet other like minded folks who want only the best for their dog.

Overcome leash struggles, dog-to-dog and human distractions.

DM me to receive the details.

09/15/2023

Grow your dog's leash skills at the FREE leash training walk in Cambridge.

Meeting at Dumfries Conservation Area (main entrance)
Time: 9:00 am

Bring lots of yummy treats and p**p bags for your dog.

09/10/2023

What they're not telling you

Training with aversive tools is a lot like fad diets.

No dog's enjoying it.
Only works when you're using it.
Chances are your dog defaults back to a behaviour or worse when the tools aren’t in use.

If it’s a celebrated practise on TV, it’s not for the education it’s for drama and entertainment. Same goes for social media.

When you hear - Instant results - you should run.

Instant results often mean punishing tools such as choke chains, prong collars and e-collars for your dog.

Vet’s, training institutes and behaviourist have discouraged the use of aversive tools for years. Due to the negative impact on the dog.

Yet the average joe often turns to these punishing devices, why? Cause its easier than putting in the time.

If you’re hiring a dog trainer, ask questions. What are their methods, what type of equipment do they use? Ensure they align with your values for your dog.

It’s up to you to advocate for your dog.

Ready to boost your relationship while turning your dog's struggles into strengths? DM me the word "READY"

09/04/2023

Traditional training suggests you socialize your puppy with everything under the sun.

Ex. other puppies, people, locations and things.

In theory this is a great. The problem is you can't always control the situation.

One bad experience for your pup outweighs a hundred good ones.

I won't be taking my pup to a puppy party with dog's I don't know or aren't sure how they will behave.

I will say yes to adult dogs who are well trained/behave and can tolerate a puppy. These meet & greets will be short and sweet.

Aim for quality vs quantity when it comes to your socialization.

A negative experiences can shape your puppies view of the world, making it scary.

Set your pup up for success working in the optimism zone. Don't rush a good thing.

Avoiding aversive tools and punishment.

Puppies are like babies, they can be cranky. They aren't being being "bad" when they bite, pull, steel things or don't listen. Your puppy is trying to figure out the real world and all the novel things in it. Sometimes that causes overwhelm or fear. Even an exhausted puppy's going to be a menace if you don't ensure they get lots of rest.

No choke, prong or shock collars or harsh punishment required.

If you're not up on the latest science behind dog behaviour and follow gimmicks popular on TV, then let's chat.

Focus on training your puppy for the situation vs in the situation and you can’t go wrong.

Anyone can teach a dog to sit.

But can you teach your dog to be calm?

My priorities for the first few weeks with my boy Finn are teaching him calmness. Confidence around new and novel things and most important play!

What does this look like? Follow along to find out.

Ready to learn with your puppy?

DM the word “READY” to be the first to know

about the upcoming online puppy class.

Learn alongside Finn!

08/31/2023

3 reasons you need to sign up for the "You dont' know 'sit'newsletter" stat.

1. Paw Parade's September schedule comes out tomorrow.

2. Receive my 3 life changing games to transform your dogs struggles into strengths.

3. Be the first to hear about learn of upcoming events, hot topics and special training tidbits.

https://unleashclevercanines.com/newsletter-sign-up

08/29/2023

Recently I had the press follow me... the Paw Parade had become the talk of the town and they wanted the inside scoop.

Get their first hand account here:

https://unleashclevercanines.com/blog/wanna-do-this-with-me

08/26/2023

Yeah! You got a puppy. Now your first feat is potty training.

To be successful you must first know what to look for.

Start with anytime your dog changes gears.

Sleep to awake. Eating to not eating, playing to stopping.

You can’t go wrong.

Top it up with diet changes. Exciting events and you’re almost hitting a home run.

Don’t forget the actual signs.

Circling
Being naughty
Distracted
Or hanging by the door.

Got a puppy and want more tips on how to potty train? Drop a dog emoji below.

08/25/2023

Training your dog can have a "let me help you" feel behind it or a "you better do this or else" feel underlying it.

The style of training you choose dictates how receptive your dog is now and in the future. Be wise in your choice.

Good way to know you’re hitting the mark - if you wouldn't use it on a child don't use it on a dog.

Say no to aversive tools.

Don’t take it from me…

Take it from the scientists who’ve studied dog behaviour.

The veterinarian colleges and training societies that don’t condone aversive measures such as prong collars, choke chains or e-collars. In the wrong hands these can do way more harm than good.

Want to learn how you can train your dog without pain? DM me Yes, Please.

08/21/2023

Thinking of a puppy, eh?

Here are 4 things to do before you pull the trigger.

1. Research.

Besides googling dog breeds and looking at which one is the cutest, go meet dogs of your preferred breed. Ask questions of breeders, people who have them.

The bigger the dog the bigger the cost. Know what you're getting into.

How is the pup your considering spent their first few weeks?
This alone tells you that you might bump up against in the future. The beginning matters just like human babies.

2. Where do you live?

Are your living arrangements ideal for the dog you want? Do you have easy access to get them outside to toilet? Lots of space to roam? Does your dog need certain things?

3. What is your lifestyle?

Are you super busy rarely have time for yourself? Puppies need input and nurturing. Left to their own devices they will find things to dog whether you like them or not.

4. Consider pros/cons to breeder vs rescue.

I have dogs from breeders and a dog from a rescue. The difference is night and day. I love my rescue boy. Yet is beginning I don't know but can almost surmise by his behaviour and tendencies.

What I can say for sure is rescuing a dog isn't easy. Expect to spend more money down the line. This could be possible behaviour struggles or medical conditions. It also requires more time to assimilate your dog to its new life.

Sure, there are some breeders who aren't putting in the effort. Ask the hard questions, look for referrals from other people with their dogs. Find out how they start their puppies.

A friend of mine works on crates, socializing with adult dogs, playing and vet visits. All this before the dog's even met their new family. This sets the new guardians up for success.

Tell me in the comments below if you're looking or getting a puppy soon.

08/19/2023

You can never go wrong with a GROWTH MINDSET.

Decrease your judgement 🤔

Increase your curiosity 😍

You can't go wrong.

Where can you make an adjustment about your dog?

Tell me in the comment below.

08/17/2023

Dog training is like going to the gym

Why?

It only works when you're consistent.

You can make change with each session

Feel more connected

What happens when you don't go?

You lose you gains over time
Things change and react different without the routine
You feel less motivated to listen

Your muscle needs strength like your dog's brain needs to stretch.

Consistent growing of your dog's skills keeps them healthy, happy and connected.

And most important - ready for real life.

Want to get back into a training routine with your dog, DM me the word ready.

08/15/2023

Dedicated handler's braving the rain to join the Paw Parade. Buddy, Kieran and Cormick brought their A-game tonight, walking through the quiet park on loose leashes.

Do you long for a dog who can walk calmly on leash? Then come out to the FREE weekly training walk.

Comment below with a dog emjoi and I will send you the details.

08/13/2023

Who doesn't want to control everything??????

What a lark.

When it comes to your dog the only thing you can control is where you place your attention.

Are you fixated on all the things your dog is doing you don't like?

It could seem like your dog doesn't do anything good.

Imagine if you could only see the things your dog is doing you love?

Placing your effort into the positive behaviours equals more of the same.

I challenge you this week to notice your dog doing things you're proud of.

Examples:
Walking loose on leash, even for 3-4 steps. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Greeting people with four feet on the floor

Chilling on a bed/mat while you are doing something else

Ignoring the dog across the street

Tell me in the comments what things you notice your dog doing you love?

08/11/2023

Congratulations to all the graduates of the Life Skills class.

These dogs & handlers worked on skills to a great recall, loose leash walking, self control around food, calmness as a default and confidence on our obstacle course challenge!

Super excited to hear all the new adventures these teams can enjoy with their new found connection.

Ready to level up your dog's skills? Comment below your dog's #1 struggle and I will hit you up with a game to play to help!

08/10/2023

Great training walk with the doggos tonight. Did you know I offer a weekly FREE leash training walk? Join the facebook group Paw Parade to learn when the next event is.

08/07/2023

Want to kick your dog's car anxiety?

Start with understanding what the problem is.

Does your dog get motion sickness in the car?

This could look like:

excessive panting
whining, whimpering
yawning
vomiting
diarrhea
excessive drooling

Is it fear of the car:

won't get in the car
trembling
looking for a way out
licking paws
licking lips, salivating

Is it due to past experience?

did your dog have an adverse reaction to a car ride
something happens during a car ride

Do you have a puppy?

Your puppies inner ear might be causing some motion sickness while they ride in the car. This can happen in dog's up to a year.

How are you transporting your dog in free, harnessed, gated, or crated?

Many dog's find it more comforting to be in a crate and even blacked out during car rides. This is an area you can play around with to see what works best for your dog.

Have you spoke to your vet? There are many medications on the market. As well as natural remedies and homeopathic’s that can help.

Last but most important, what training have you done?

Often people pop there dog in the car with no preparation and the first ride might not go well.

It's always better to train for situations vs in situations.

Getting your dog read and comfortable with the car can take time and patience.

Start with popping your dog in and out of the car with no pressure.

When weather conditions allow pop them in the car with a chew, lick mat to hang out before travelling.

Make going in the car a great place to be.

Drive down the block and back then let your dog out and celebrate.

When you take longer trips, stop every 15 minutes to toilet your dog. This can take the pressure off and help them manage.

Work with the equipment outside the car. If you are using a crate make sure your dog loves it. (I can help!)

Same as with a harness, make putting it on a predictor of fun does not torture.

This is the coles notes. If your dog has struggled with car rides for a while this is a great start. If you want to help your dog overcome the anxiety let's chat.

Ready to make car rides fun again? DM me 'CAR RIDE' to learn how.

08/06/2023

Want a great relationship with your dog?

Start seeing what they can do, not what they can't.

This subtle shift allows you to reward your dog for all the incredible behaviours they do.

The moments when your dog makes a great choice.

Greeting a visitor with four on the floor.
Ignoring the dog walking towards you on the street
Finding a comfy spot and staying calm while you cook dinner
Hearing strange noises and not barking

Like you, dog's respond in kind to positive feedback.

Give it a go!

Tell me in the comments if you're willing to give it a try?

08/05/2023

Doggy day care isn’t for every dog.

There are some dogs who love playing with other dogs

Yet there are even more dogs who rather not.

Doggy day cares vary. Know what is appropriate for your dog.

Want to learn about alternatives? Drop a dog emoji below.

08/04/2023

The dogs go marching 🥁 five by five, hurrah, hurrah. 🐕
The little one stops for two paws
And they all go marching down and around
Strutting their stuff about town
Gold 🎖stars for Cormick, Iso, Piper, Tucker and Buddy for bringing their A-game on tonights parade.

08/01/2023

How much is too much responsibility for your dog?

I could regal you with stories of my first dog and the moments where I gave him too much responsibility. Sometimes he wasn't ready other times he wasn't in the right head space to handle what life was throwing at him.

Either way these moments were nail biting, uncomfortable and at times dangerous.

Responsibility is not linear.

Your dog may learn and seem adept at performing a behaviour in a controlled environment.

Yet add another dog, new environment or loud noise and it's a different story.

Take walking your dog as an example.

If you have a reactive dog, you might start avoiding walks. Management will help you to work on the struggle before the situation.

Start with a high rate of re-enforcement and management.

This responsibility transfers when your dog starts making smart choices on their own.

You can then give your dog more freedom with a lower rate of reward.

This responsibility gets traded back and forth with your dog. Depending on where they are at in any given moment.

Ready to learn how to transfer more responsibility to your dog? DM me "YES PLEASE" to get started.

07/31/2023

Why you're going to love middle too!

Middle is a brilliant position that will..

• Let dogs/people know your dog is none of their business
• Stationary position for waiting/hanging around/portable boundary
• dog’s love the position/happy place
• great measure of how full the dogs bucket is if they can’t when they love it
• physically connects them to you/promotes relationship
• handling shy dog
• middle on the move for passing distractions.
• place of confidence
• safety
• off duty position
• start line agility
• vet examinations
• building value in the recall
• photos
• optimistic position
• stops people from touching your dog
• great for teaching tricks like back up side stepping
• forward focus
• flexibility – how to get into position
• great spot for popping on/off lead
• help with tight sits
• great for elevator
• back-up recall cue

Want to learn how to teach your dog middle?

Sign up for the "You don't know 'sit' newsletter" link below:
https://unleashclevercanines.com/newsletter-sign-up

07/30/2023

What are you waiting for?

You'll never have enough time unless you make time

It'll cost you more money down the road then now

It won't get better on its own or with age

Ready to nip your dog’s naughty behaviour in the bud? DM me to get started transforming your dog’s struggles into strengths.

07/30/2023

Tell me in the comments what concept your dog needs work on and I will give you a game to play!

07/28/2023

There's a natural chain of events that occurs when two dogs’ cross paths.

Where some dogs move seamless through the steps, other dogs will struggle at one or more stages.

If you have a reactive dog, it’s good to know what stage your dog struggles so you can help.

Stage 1: Hear/See

Your dog receives alerts by dog tags jangling, barking or the site of a dog in the distance. If this piece of the chain's broke, your dog will bark, lunge, growl or pull away in the opposite direction.

Stage 2: Approach

Your dog might have survived hearing and seeing a dog. Yet as the distance closes in your dog might lie down, unable to move any closer or stiffen. The more the distance lessens your dog might bark, lunge or growl.

Stage 3: Nose to Nose

You thought you were out of the dark. Your dog didn't worry about the other dog approaching. Yet the sniffing of each other's faces sends them over the edge. Your dog's rolling on their back. Licking their lips and sniffing the other dog's face for too long. You might witness growling, stiffening, hackles, or the tail going up.

Stage 4: Move to the rear.

This stage is why I'm leery of leash greetings as it often inhibits this step and triggers a reaction. Your dog must curl and sniff the other dog's butt. Again, it should be quick. If your dog begins to rest their chin/chest on another dog's back or mounts this part of the chain is broke. Other predictors are growling, stiffening and any other unpredictable behaviour.

Stage 5: Play or Move on

If your dog made it through this chain of interaction, they should play or move on from each other. A break in this chain looks like fighting, growling, biting and rough play.

Knowing and understanding what stage your dog struggles is the key to transformation.

DM me to find out how you can get your dog from radioactive response to a neutral, not my business dog.

Address

Cambridge, ON

Opening Hours

9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15196508131

Website

http://Unleashclevercanines.com/

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Videos

How to teach your puppy to bow Disclaimer: This is an advanced puppy behaviour. If you haven't already taught your pup "paws up" on an object, you will need to start there first. When training puppies its always best to do in bite size segments. What you need: Small platform - think book, square yoga block, piece of wood. Safety first - ensure its the right height and not slippery. Yummy rewards - when I train a new behaviour I start with a higher reward You are looking for your pup to interact with the platform. How you feed will assist in getting the slight bend in the elbows. By putting the food between the paws, you force their nose backwards and get a wee bend. Don't force it. Start small. Finn at 16 weeks, nailed it. So I don't have video to show smaller movements. Yet they are good too! You mark or click when the bend happens, feed and toss a low value treat away to reset. Keep this training short and sweet. The end goal is to have the elbows find the platform. Take your time. Once your pup is reliable you can remove the platform and play on the ground. Naming this behaviour. I use "curtsy". You may find "bow" sounds like "down" to your dog. Hence I recommend using another word other then "bow". Tell me in the comments how your first session went with your puppy!

How do you get great photos of your pup? Teach a wait/stay cue. Not only great for photos but vet visits, grooming and greeting too. Want to learn how? Comment with a dog emoji and I will make a reel. Follow for more puppy training tips #puppytraining #dogphotography #dog #puppyreels

Don't underestimate your puppy's capacity to learn new things. Challenge your pup. Create games to build confidence and fitness. You can set up a course for your pup to crawl under using household items such as brooms or mop handles. Balance them on recycle bins, buckets or whatever you have kicking around.Use food in a trail under the items or to lure them through the obstacle.Enjoy the journey. Everything is an opportunity to learn. Even knocking over the obstacle and not spooking is a win!Follow for more puppy training tips!

Want a pup whose curious not fearful?You can train for situations with novel items in controlled environments.This will proof your pup for the real-life adventures you have planned.Step 1: Start with yummy treats, an item your pup has never seen before.Step 2: Throw a piece a food towards the item. Base your distance on your pup's reaction. If they are backing away then keep your distance, if they're moving fluidly then carry on. You do not need to approach/touch or be near the item for this to work. Step 3: Once your pup eats the food, call them away. Allow your pup to disengage from the thing and feed 3 x rewards rapid fire as you move away. This isn't about the item so much as can your pup see something that scares them and decide its none of their beeswax.Step 4: IF AND ONLY IF your pup is chill and calm about the item allow them to explore. This is not required. Step 5: Use this technique of approach and turn away for anything your pup is leery of. Like the vacuum! Got a puppy and want to level up your training game? Comment with your favourite emoji to get details on the upcoming online class. #puppytrainer #puppytips

How I trained my 8 week old puppy today!Using short & sweet moments during my daily activities. Examples: during our walk, going outside to toilet, before I fed Finn and nap times going in to his crate.Training your puppy doesn't need to be tedious. Today Finn wore his collar on the walk. He gets rewarded for it going on and off. He's still adjusting to it.I worked on his confidence with the shopping bag, had a hard time getting him out once we started.Finn started with 2 paws today. I used my touch command to direct him where I wanted him. Bonus training: trained outside. There were lots of distractions, noise, environment and his big brothers.What activity would you like to learn more about? Comment below and I will make a reel with instructions to go along!Follow along for more puppy training tips.

How to bomb proof your dog! Prepare your dog for those unexpected situations.Could be a dog around the corner, a wild animal on your path or construction pylon.Select a novel item your dog hasn't seen before in a safe place.Keep some distance from the item. Toss food towards the distraction. Use Niiiccee, slow and calm to distract your dog and get their attention. This works best if you preload Niiiccee ahead of time.Say Niiicceee, feed super high reward 5 x in a row, do this for a few days then start adding in small distractions.When your dog turns their attention to you -walk away. Feed rapid fire 3 x as you leave the novel item.This is a great way to load an escape plan for those sticky situations you may find yourself in.Try it on/off leash. Ensure your dog can disengage and turn to you no matter what.Have fun with!Tell me in the comments what novel item you’re going to try?

Can you relate? Let me know in the comments. #dogquotes

Where does your dog fall on the spectrum of sociability? Are they a lover of all things with four legs? Not a fan of anyone outside their immediate family? Or selective on who they want to interact with? The beautiful thing is there is no wrong answer. Most dogs are ‘selective’ and may not like pouncing puppies or herding collies. They may be drawn to dogs who are similar in size, colour, breed or some random dog that is just really cool. If your dog is tipping more on the scale of I don’t like other dogs, and you find it difficult to take them places you may want to seek the advice of a trainer to assist you in helping your dog to find another outlook. They may never want to go to a dog park, yet they may be able to make peace with seeing a dog down the road and not feel like they’re going to lose their marbles. Wherever your dog falls on the spectrum it’s up to you to nurture the types of social activities your dog enjoys. Putting them in situations that are going to make them uncomfortable will only exacerbate the behaviours they exhibit when they are excited, fearful or anxious. Got questions? Drop them in the comments and I’ll answer. #dogtraining #dogtrainercambridge

Teach your dog self control around food, Have you been there? Food drops and your dog is on it like a fly to poop? Or your dog takes rewards like they haven’t eaten in days? Get your game on…with Pretty PLEASE Teaching your dog to wait for permission before gobbling up any food they find or are presented with. With a piece of food in your hand under your dogs snout you’re looking for any movement away. Turn of the head, backing up etc. To start reward for any small increment off your hand by turning your palm upwards and saying GET IT. Build duration distance with each play of the game. Use their daily food or super yummy salmon like I did and have your dog jumping for joy!

You're invited to the inaugural Paw Parade! 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 Tomorrow 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 Pitter, patter let's get walking nicely on leash, oh my. Get the deets in the Paw Parade group to be in the know for all future Paw Parade walks and events. (Link below) All dogs who are able to be under control are welcome. Let's work together to create dogs who rock leash walks.

Imagine having a power word to help your dog disengage from their environment, another dog or even a squirrel 🐿️ This is the beauty of DMT, distract, mark, treat. Today Cormick and Piper are showing the ninja level of this behaviour, which didn’t take long to get to. If you want to learn how follow along for more training hacks to transform your rabble rouser into a clever canine #unleashclevercanines #dogtraining #dogtrainer