Cedar Valley K9

08/28/2024

The first time I saw someone do this I was shocked.
I thought it was a one off, clearly it isn't and social media "influencers" have started to spout this as a "solution".
When I first saw this a few years ago, I could see the skin under the belly twisting and stretching while a lead was tightly pulled up from above.
There was bruising and this dog was certainly in pain.
All because someone wanted a quick way to teach a dog to walk beside them.
Companies even sell carabiners that encourage using this method.
What people may not realise is this can kill a dog.
The belly is not well protected...at all.
The intestines are right there and there are no bones in that area to protect those precious and vital organs.
That constant pressure and squeezing can and DOES cause serious abdominal issues.
PLEASE don't be tempted to follow this trend if you have seen it on social media.

08/24/2024

08/23/2024

08/14/2024

It’s with a heavy heart that our dear friend Melissa has said goodbye to her beloved boy Snickers. Affectionately known as Lt. Dan, Snickers brought great joy into the hearts of so many. One of the pictures below is with his crush Layla. Melissa and I laughed so hard at how much Snickers was in love with her. Run free Snickers, Run free.

07/31/2024

If your dog eats cherries whole or the pits, be on the lookout for dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums. These can be signs of cyanide poisoning, which is a veterinary emergency.

07/30/2024

A big congratulations to Kathryn Ponto for her graduation and completion of her dog training certification.

Well, it’s official! 📣📣📣

I’ve received my certification for professional force free dog trainer!! I did one year doing theory and written and one year in my externship with Cedar Valley K9! It’s been such an amazing experience.

Looking forward to training many more puppers using positive reinforcement and force free methods only!

If you’re interested in booking a session feel free to message me with any questions you may have. ☺️🐾

07/19/2024

Over the past few evenings we've noticed some of our canine friends out and about with their families. While we love seeing everyone out enjoying the summer weather we don't love seeing hot dogs. 😞
Please leave your dog at home when you run your errands, ( or bring them to us for a brief stay), swap an evening walk for morning one, or go for a swim! Whatever you do please remember that parking lots, roads and paved sidewalks are HOT.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Signs the ground is too hot for your pooch can include- limping, pulling towards the grass or shade, licking paws, visible blisters and refusal to walk.

Before you walk; try placing the back of your hand on the ground/pavement for 7 seconds. If you can't , then its too hot!

07/18/2024

When we punish dogs for growling, even if they're growling at our child, we aren't helping them feel better about whatever it is that is threatening them. Instead, we are teaching to stop letting us know when they feel unsafe.

The result? A dog who stops giving us warning signs and "bites out of the blue."
And, that's how we create dangerous dogs. I'd much rather have a dog growl and tell me they're upset (so we have a chance to intervene and help them) than a dog who just bites without any warning signs.

07/11/2024

Though it may seem like a fun thing for kids, dogs are NOT meant to sit on. EVER!!! Please do not ever encourage a child to sit or step up on a dog. This can cause pain, fear and conflict. All can increase the chances of a dog bite.

Is your dog “tolerating” what is happening in a situation? Or is the dog really telling them they're uncomfortable and want this to stop? We encourage families to observe their dog's body language so that they can understand what their dog is telling them.

How do I know what to look for if they’re uncomfortable?
❗Half moon eyes, your dog is leaning their body away from what is going on,
❗Yawning when they aren’t tired
❗lip licking

There are many body language signals that dogs display to us if they are uncomfortable, and even if they are enjoying something. Dogs use their bodies to communicate discomfort, stress and joy. Maybe they are happy and content and come over to you while you are holding your baby and get some pets, or they are happily wagging their tail with a loose body.

Recognizing how your dog uses their body to communicate is an important way to build and strengthen bonds. Looking for more information? Join us on July 18 at 7pm ET/4pm PT for Dogs & Toddlers webinar taught be a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator! This is perfect for those whose baby's who are becoming more mobile (crawling, walking and all those exciting milestones!). We have some wonderful ways to safely include your family dog in this journey. Sign upbit.ly/registerdogstoddlers

07/10/2024

This is excellent news!

We are excited to share that the Autism Assistance program will be opening its waitlist on July 15th at 9 am (EST) until July 29th at 9am (EST). Families interested in receiving an Autism Assistance Dog Guide, either a Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever, will be able to submit an Expression of Interest.

Please take the time to review the updated Discovery Package document before you submit an Expression of Interest - available on our website: https://www.dogguides.com/programs/autism-assistance/

Currently, we have 25 spaces available on our waitlist. If we receive more expressions of interest than available spots on the waitlist, we will randomly select a limited number and process those expressions of interest only. Those who are not selected will need to wait for the next time the waitlist reopens to reapply. If you’re unable to complete the Expression of Interest online, please contact our client services team at [email protected]

In addition, the waitlist for the Diabetes Alert Dog Guide program will be closing on July 15th at 9am (EST).

Photo- A boy standing beside his Autism Assistance Dog Guide on a beach

07/06/2024

The perfect distance to start reactive work.

10 metres ?
20 metres ?
35 metres ?
95 metres ?

I am often asked how far away should a reactive dog be from a trigger to start changing their emotional response.
It CANNOT be measured by metres.

It is measured by your dogs emotional state.
Your dogs body language IS the key to finding a perfect starting point.....no matter what your dogs trigger is.

07/04/2024

🐾☀️ How Hot is Too Hot for Dogs? ☀🐾

With hotter temperatures approaching, it's important to keep our canine companions safe from the heat. Here's what every dog owner needs to know about protecting their dogs in hot weather.

Understanding Dog Heat Tolerance
Dogs can suffer from heat-related illnesses just like humans. Here are some key points:

☀️Ideal Temperature Range: Dogs are comfortable in temperatures between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C).

☀️Risk Threshold: Temperatures above 85°F (29°C) can be dangerous, and prolonged exposure to 90°F (32°C) or higher can lead to heatstroke.

Signs of Heat Stress in Dogs

Watch for these symptoms, which indicate your dog might be too hot:
☀️Excessive Panting & Drooling
☀️Increased Heart Rate
☀️Red or Pale Gums
☀️Vomiting or Diarrhea
☀️Excessive tiredness or weakness
☀️In extreme cases, dogs may collapse or have seizures.

Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool

☀️Ensure fresh, cool water is always available.
☀️Provide shaded areas and proper ventilation.
☀️Allow access to cool, tiled floors or provide cooling mats.
☀️Walk dogs early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
☀️Cars can quickly become deadly hot, even with windows cracked.

Emergency Measures

If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, take immediate action:
☀️vMove to a Cool Area: Get your dog to a cooler environment.
☀️Cool Down: Use cool (not cold) water to wet your dog, especially on the paws, belly, and neck. Do not use ice, as it can constrict blood vessels and impede cooling.
☀️Hydrate: Offer small amounts of cool water.
☀️Veterinary Care: Seek emergency veterinary assistance as soon as possible.

Remember Prevention is key. Keeping your dog cool during the summer months is essential for their health and well-being.

Stay cool and safe!

For more tips and advice, follow us at Sea to Sky Veterinary!

07/01/2024

As we continue the long weekend, please remember that the noise from exploding fireworks can be terrifying for our pets and wildlife.

- Bees can become so disoriented that they don't return to their hives.
- Birds can experience panic attacks at night, causing mass deaths.
- Wild animals raising babies may abandon their dens out of fear.
- Fish and other animals can perish after ingesting firework debris.
- Companion animals may suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.
- Humans with PTSD can be triggered by the noise.

Have a great weekend and stay safe!

06/29/2024

Happening tomorrow! 🐾

06/25/2024

Another fabulous book by Zazie Todd is on its way.

My new book, Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog will be out soon, and I cannot wait to share the cover with you. Watch this space!

06/21/2024

A PSA -Although it’s frustrating how in 2024, We STILL must put warnings like this up 😡

06/18/2024

Please use Common Sense. 🥵

06/12/2024

06/08/2024

After a big struggle with the company who built my new website 1.5 yrs ago, I have had to use my old website, thankfully Shopify archives data.
For six months the persons who I hired, paid and trusted told me they were “working” on it and then to not have my emails or text messages responded to.
Life lesson learned!

Cedar Valley K9 is a Certified Dog Trainer and Behavioral Consultant in the Greater Vancouver area British Columbia. We believe in training your dog using positive reinforcement science based training methods. We are advocates for Force Free Training and a member of the Pet Professional Guild.

05/30/2024

New post! New research adds more dog breeds to the list of those for which there are guidelines on when to spay or neuter them based on the health risks, bringing the list up to 40 (and there are guidelines on mixed breeds by weight, too). Read more in this week's post https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2024/05/what-age-should-dogs-be-spayedneutered.html

05/29/2024

Doggone Safe 'Tips for Parents and Dog Guardians to Help Keep Kids Safe' in Pets and Their People:
https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/pet-owners/pets-and-their-people/pets-and-their-people-blog/tips-for-parents-and-dog-guardians-to-help-keep-kids-safe/

05/25/2024

NEW WEBINAR SERIES: What you need to know! Neuroscience for Trainers and Behaviourists (Early bird tickets available for a limited time).

This four part webinar series is the perfect primer for trainers and behaviourists looking to better develop their understanding of neuroscience, broaden the range of interventions they offer for training and behaviour cases, and grow their confidence in discussing neuroscience with caregivers and other professionals.

Part 1: Foundations of Neuroscience I

Daniel will begin by exploring the basic anatomy and physiology of the canine nervous system, including an overview of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. This webinar will also include an overview of some common methods used in neuroscience research to better enable attendees to critically evaluate research shared on social media. Participants will gain a fundamental understanding of how neurons function and communicate, setting the stage for deeper exploration in future sessions.

Part 2: Foundations of Neuroscience II

Building on the knowledge from Part 1, this session delves deeper into the mechanisms that underpin neural function. We will explore neuroplasticity, neurotransmitters, and the complex pathways that govern behavior and responses in dogs. By the end of this session, attendees will have a comprehensive grasp of the foundational principles of neuroscience, equipping them with the insights necessary to understand more advanced concepts in learning and behavior.

Part 3: The Neuroscience of Learning and Memory

Understanding how dogs learn and form memories is crucial for effective training and behavior modification. In this webinar, we will examine the neural circuits involved in learning processes and memory formation. Topics will include conditioning, non-associative learning, and the impact of experience on neural connections, including an overview of the concepts of neuroplasticity and long term potentiation. Trainers and behaviorists will learn to apply these principles to enhance their training techniques and improve outcomes.

Part 4: The Neuroscience of Emotions

Emotions play a vital role in a dog’s behavior and wellbeing. This final webinar in the series focuses on the emotional lives of dogs, exploring the brain regions involved in cognitive control and emotional regulation as well as the biochemical processes that underpin feelings such as fear, joy, and anxiety. Participants will gain insights into how emotions influence behavior and learn strategies to support emotional health and address behavioral issues rooted in emotional responses.

All for just £95 (at early bird price). No prior knowledge of neuroscience is needed to join this course!

This webinar will be recorded and made available for 1 year for those unable to attend live!

Webinar Dates:

🐶 Monday 2nd September 2024 - 6pm-8pm (BST)

🐶 Monday 9th September 2024 - 6pm-8pm (BST)

🐶 Monday 16th September 2024 - 6pm-8pm (BST)

🐶 Monday 23rd September 2024 - 6pm-8pm (BST)

Get your ticket now (early bird tickets available until July 8th):

https://buytickets.at/animalbehaviourkent/1271414

05/13/2024

We help keep dogs going strong. We design canine physical training and rehabilitation tools that build, sustain and improve dogs’ overall fitness so they remain healthy and agile. Dogs are made to move and we help them stay that way.