Shannon is a certified professional dog trainer (KPA-CTP and CBCC-KA) and specializes in Behaviour.
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One "spot" left in Monica's Beginner conditioning class, for anyone who's been meaning to get signed up to register!
5 Weeks starting this Sunday, September 8th from 2:15pm-3:00pm!
1 spot left in Charlottetown. Summerside class is FULL!
Looks like an awesome new Sniff Spot for PEI residents!
Fletcher + Donnie's Fully Fenced Yard For Dogs To Rent In Stratford
Fletcher + Donnie's Fully Fenced Yard For Dogs To Rent In Stratford, Stratford, Prince Edward Island - IMPORTANT: all prices listed are in USD and...
The adventure of learning with our dogs never truly ends. Each day brings new challenges and discoveries, making the journey all the more exciting. Let’s celebrate the joy of growth and the endless possibilities ahead!
Puppy Start Right was the first “training” book I ever bought, when I had a new puppy and it was recommended by my breeder.
Reflecting on how far I have come since then - I definitely thought of myself at the time as a “good with dogs” person and just needed a “little bit of formal knowledge” to clean things up.
I actually thought using a clicker was some “newfangled trend” because I knew exactly zero about it 🤣
I now realize how little I knew then… and what an exciting and vast journey I have been on since.
What have some of your biggest (maybe even embarrassing to admit) learning moments on your training journey?
Another excellent class very aligned with our ethics and values! If you or your friends have puppies, finding a puppy class taught by a qualified professional can be like a “behavioural vaccine” for your puppy. We’d love if you come to us, but if you’re not we want folks to go to the RIGHT class for dog welfare regardless.
New classes starting in September at For the Love of Dog!
Be sure to let us know which one you are interested in! Registration is now open - only 6 seats available in each class
Calling ALL PUPPIES ages 8-16 weeks old!
Good-Pup! is the right class for you.
We are very pleased to offer the professional instruction of coach Saundra Clow from PEI Canada
𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮?
The dog training industry falls broadly into two camps - those who believe the use of physical force & coercion is ethical & acceptable and those who don't.
There is increasing pressure from some quarters to look beyond these distinctions in order to create unity within the industry. This drive to unify is based on the premise that we all ultimately have the same goals, regardless of our methods of teaching. But I'm not sure we do.
It seems to me that trainers who choose to use physical force generally prioritise human needs & wants and define success in terms of the dog's compliance with those. While trainers who eschew force generally give more equal weight to both the dog's 𝘢𝘯𝘥 human's needs & wants and define success in terms of results which improve the dog's life as well as the human's.
The goal to unify also seems to suggest that methods are less important than outcomes and that's something that many 'force free' (not a term I love but for the sake of conciseness I'll use it) trainers sincerely, fundamentally and passionately disagree with.
Is unity a realistic goal when the mindsets, ethics, goals and measures of success are fundamentally different? And is it desirable if the price of unity is tacit acceptance of the use of force & coercion to teach?
Trainers who believe sincerely that the use of force is unethical and are therefore unable to present a united front with those who think otherwise shouldn't be censured or dismissed as close minded and divisive. It's ok to be clear about which lane you are in. It's ok to stick to your principles. It's ok to hold to your own ethics rather than bend to fit someone else's idea of 'unity'.
📺🐾 Watch hearthrob Rob Lowe tell you all about dogs from a science perspective.
🧠💡 Inside the Mind of a Dog is a must-watch! This new Netflix documentary takes you on a fascinating journey into how our canine companions think and feel.
As you dive into this insightful documentary, remember the importance of choosing trainers who are committed to REAL science. 🧪🔬 Outdated dominance theory and shock collars are not just ineffective—they can be harmful. Opt for trainers who base their methods on up-to-date research and positive reinforcement. Your dog's well-being and happiness are worth it! 🌟🐶
Stuff in this documentary that we actually do here:
- hosting conditioning classes (Active Animal) as seen in the Penn Vet working dog segment
- educating on body language; such as the reference to the good and bad “tail wags” in the film
- offering owner-trained service dog coaching with most up to date positive methods, understanding how to select and train service dogs for various purposes
- dogs all have their strengths and weaknesses; it’s up to us to learn what fulfills them and provide them with the appropriate enrichment that they need as individuals
- recognizing early signs of behavioural pathology and getting you connected to the right plans and resources to properly address that issue
- Clicker training....used and explained properly with advanced technical knowledge, not just colloquial knowledge
https://www.netflix.com/title/81681888
Embark on a delightful journey into the world of dogs in this documentary that reveals scientific and emotional insights about our lovable BFFs.
🌟 Spotlight on Quality Training! 🌟
We’re excited to highlight this fantastic training opportunity available in our community! If you’re exploring different options, we highly recommend checking out Fearless Fido Dog Training and their classes. Their approach aligns with ethical practices and focuses on positive reinforcement, which we truly value and respect.
At Spot On Dogs, we’re committed to offering the best services within our capacity, and we believe in a collaborative community of trainers who share our dedication to improving dogs’ lives. If you ever want to explore different training methods or need a fresh perspective, feel free to try out other classes. We’re confident you’ll find something beneficial and always welcome you back with open paws!
If you're looking for sports, Q-It Dog Training, Isle Fly Dog Sports and For the Love of Dog are the best in the biz!
And Active Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness Inc. will help keep you in tip top shape for all of the above and daily functional movement!
TRUE or FALSE?: If you practice and train every day, you’ll become a pro at handling any public situation with your pup.
I think you know...
If it were that simple, you wouldn’t be reading this right now.
The truth is that running into unpredictable situations and not knowing what to do is a common feeling. And thinking that you can't give your dog their best life because you’re just not enough for your dog (or think it’s too scary/complicated) is understandable.
Learning the ins and outs of dog etiquette can be as tough as deciphering a dog’s body language — ESPECIALLY if you’re new to it or haven’t had the best experiences.
What if you’re not sure how to approach a dog you don’t know?
What if you struggle with keeping your dog calm around distractions?
Does navigating public spaces with your dog feel like an endless challenge?
After trying various tips and still feeling unsure, it’s no wonder many people feel frustrated and confused.
That’s why you need to join our workshop, "It’s OK, He’s Friendly!" where we break down the essentials of dog etiquette in a way that’s easy and effective. And taking into account the diverse life experiences that humans have that can contribute to their present day relationship with dogs.
And if you’re thinking, “I NEED a workshop like that…”
We’ve got spots open for our next session.
Add your name to our list and transform your public outings with your dog.
NO DOGS - Humans only at this workshop and we will plan to have a demo dog.
Join Shannon Noonan, Certified Canine Behaviour Consultant and Evelyn Bradley, DEI Consultant
[August 17th at 1:00pm - Tickets are $40]
LINK for more info: https://keap.app/contact-us/2379793365605472
Class is full in Chtown this round, but don’t wait to email Monica and get on her list so you can take this super in-demand class!
We know this testimony is true and can attest to Monica’s greatness ourselves from personal experience. Come on out to our facility and take Monica’s conditioning class - it will be a worthy investment!!
Do you walk your dog early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the heat?
HOW to help YOUR Reactive Dog?
Go to:
https://learning.spotondogs.ca/courses/reactive-dog
If you’re feeling:
- Frustrated
- Guilty
- Unsure
- Alone
- At a loss
Check out my online course to learn in a few short hours:
- ✅ Why it’s happening
- ✅ How to read your dog’s signs of stress
- ✅ What to do and NOT to do
- ✅ 12 Handling skills to work on to improve walks
- ➕ Includes video exercises and downloadable content for quick review and reference.
Truly amazing work
Have you seen our latest client story on Ari and Ozzy? Here is the Coles notes; you can check out the full blog on our website! This is what owner, Neisha has to say about their journey:
Ari and Ozzy, two Australian Cattle mix brothers, have been part of our family for just over a year. We adopted them from a Texas shelter after seeing a few pictures and videos. Although we knew they were nervous and needed extra care, we were committed to giving them a better life.
😰 Our Challenges:
- They bark, jump, and don’t listen well.
- One bite incident led to a hospital trip, which was really tough to handle.
- Feeling overwhelmed and unsure if we did the right thing by adopting them.
☎️ Seeking Professional Help:
- We realized online articles wouldn’t be enough.
- Consulted Shannon from Spot on Dog Training who used force-free training methods.
- Initially skeptical, we researched and consulted other trainers.
👩💻Decision and Progress:
- Decided to stick with Shannon’s approach to minimize fear for the dogs.
- Faced another challenge when the boys had a fight, resulting in injuries.
- Reached out to Shannon and started medication and intense training.
Thanks to Shannon’s patience and expertise, we’ve seen significant improvements. The tools and knowledge we gained allow us to manage their anxieties and enjoy activities together that once seemed impossible.
Comment on "ME" Wiggle Butts post below if you are interested in ordering some conditioning equipment and save on shipping to PEI!
I have a feeling I’ll be making some more content about this guy…
Max the Border Collie is being fostered by the kindest, most patient, and talented trainer - none other than Beth Dowbiggin, known for running majority of our puppy and beginner obedience classes as well as trail walks and private lessons.
Max is in mental health recovery in our care and I have the privilege to look after him this week while Beth is away getting some fancy letters behind her name from the Karen Pryor Academy.
I’ll be honest - I didn’t know if I was up to the challenge. Max has a bite history and takes time to adjust to new people. Big shoes to fill stepping in for Beth, as she and Max have developed a whole set of their own communication tools.
But we are getting along fine and as I learn more about Max, I’ll fill you in.
As far as today, I think Max is saying “Sun’s out, tongues out.”
A well-socialized puppy grows into a well-adjusted and well-mannered adult dog. However, the optimal socialization window for puppies coincides with the time when they receive their puppy vaccines and are vulnerable to infectious diseases. Check out our latest blog, where we detail the risks and rewards of puppy socialization and how TruCan vaccines can start your puppy on the right path.
https://bit.ly/3x8pfKj
by Elanco Pet Health
PM-US-24-0420
Don’t let someone tell you “it’s just a puppy, they’ll grow out of it,” or that you just need to “socialize” them more by exposing them to all kinds of scary experiences and forcing them to “get over it.”
Studies show that if a puppy is fearful at a young age they are equally likely to remain fearful at age 18 months.
There is ongoing study happening right now at the Atlantic Vet College to determine early behavioural signs to flag as indicators of long-term problems.
Tests to look at noise reactivity, reaction to strangers, and exploration of novel environments are beginning to show associations and high likelihood of puppies having the same avoidance/reactivity behaviours at 3mo and 6mo.
Cesar Millan’s influence on dog training is undeniable, marking two decades of shaping public perceptions and practices. But not everyone is celebrating.
Click the link below to sign up for our NEWSLETTER:
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- updates on upcoming offerings
- client success stories
Learned about proprioception in our class last night with Active Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness Inc. What do you think Monica?
Remember, a moment of vigilance can prevent a lifetime of regret. One of my mentors said, “Always have a healthy appreciation for every dog’s potential for aggression.”
If you are ever bitten in this serious, bite-hold manner, here are some of the quick tips and actions you can take.
✔️Don’t panic – realize as you are being bitten what is happening.
✔️Freeze – remain as still as possible. Don’t try to pull your hand or body part out and away, as you may cause further tissue damage or the dog to escalate.
✔️Calmly wait – distract the dog if possible by tossing food or a toy away from you. Keep your other limbs to yourself and hope to minimize damage.
✔️Seek Assistance: if there are other people nearby, calmly ask for their help. They can try to gently remove the dog from you or call a professional for assistance if needed.
✔️Hospital Emergency Visit: Even if the bite seems minor, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You may be in shock and should have it looked at by a healthcare professional. Dog bites can lead to infections and other complications, so it is crucial to have the wound properly cleaned and treated. If you are not up to date, you will need a tetanus shot.
✔️Report the Incident: Depending on the circumstances, you may need to report the incident to animal control or other relevant authorities. This is especially important if the dog is unknown or if there are concerns about its behavior.
Check out the full article on our blog:
https://spotondogs.ca/behind-the-bite-my-encounter-during-bite-prevention-week/
For those of you that weren't able to attend my Small Animal Rehab Seminar, here's what you missed. As it was in support of ElderDog PEI, this one focused on aging pets and common conditions.
Send me a message if you're interested in a repeat event, or a specific topic. I'd love to host more of these and want to empower you all through education, cases, and demonstrations. Thanks!
Charlottetown, PE
| Monday | 4:30pm - 9pm |
| Tuesday | 4:30pm - 9pm |
| Wednesday | 4:30pm - 9pm |
| Thursday | 4:30pm - 9pm |
| Friday | 4:30pm - 9pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 9pm |
| Sunday | 9am - 9pm |
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Controversial opinion: we should train our dogs better…. And I don’t mean “obedience” and “compliance” above all. I mean truly, genuinely work with them. Understand them. You’re not just an owner, you’re a trainer. You have capacity to do this. Just learn. Don’t listen to someone telling you your dog needs consequence so they understand what “not to do.” It’s just outdated - and frankly, lazy. #dogtrainingtips #dogmom #dogdad #dogsofinstagram #positivereinforcement #charlottetown #pei
Having a Dane is like having a bouncer watching your every move… #greatdane #greatdanesofinstagram #bouncer #giantbreedpuppy #wecanthavenicethings
Sometimes the most classic, basic approaches still work! While we have so many other fancy pattern games, arousal regulation techniques, environmental accommodations, and plans for resilience conditioning… if you are starting from zero and something like this works for your dog to relax where they previously couldn’t - give it a try! #resilience #controlunleashed #resiliencerainbow #cleanrun #reactivedog #adolescentdog
Great Danes are known for their calm demeanour… But do you find your adolescent Dane bouncing off the walls? 🐾 During the first 2-3 years, these gentle giants are going through a whirlwind of hormonal changes, much like human teenagers. They’re growing into their massive size while navigating the complexities of adolescence. Don’t worry, this phase doesn’t last forever! Armed with a good understanding of dog behaviour, patience, consistency, positive reinforcement dog training, and love, your energetic pup will mature into the mellow, affectionate companion Danes are famed for. 🌟 😡 And NO, they don’t need a heavy hand. 👉 Share a tip or story about your giant breed dog’s teenage years below! #greatdanelife #puppytogiant #dogtrainingtips”#transitionperiod #socialmaturity #greatdane #greatdanesofinstagram #greatdanepuppy #giantbreed #adolescentdog #calmcompanion
Bonus stress if your reactive dog is already on high alert🐶‼️ You have exactly 0.3 seconds to bag that thing or 💩 sh*ts the literal fan. Anyone else struggle with stubborn poop bags while managing a high arousal dog? #deactivedog #dogtraininglife #higharousaldogs #dogtrainertips #dogownerstruggles #dogtrainer #dogpoopbagproblems #reactivedogsolutions #managingreactivedogs #higharousaldogtraining
Learned about proprioception in our class last night with Active Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness Inc. What do you think Monica? #caninerehab #activeanimal #freework #nature #dogs #dalmatians
Practicing walk behinds and pass-by’s at our adorable Pupstreet Brew Dogs class tonight at @upstreetbrewing 3 big things to consider: 1️⃣ Does my dog get grumbly or spook when they see other dogs? Pull on leash toward dogs? 💡 Perhaps enlist a qualified trainer to help you learn strategies for these before attempting a patio visit. 2️⃣ Can they settle within 5 minutes of sitting down in a new environment? Can they settle again if they get disturbed by a friendly stranger? 💡 Practice relax on mat and bring your mat the first few visits (or forever!) to help your dog with the added context. 3️⃣ Can they handle lots of distraction and leash walking through tight spaces? 💡 Practice a hand target which can be one of the most strong behaviours, easy to perform and super clear for your dog to get through tough situations! #brewdogs #positivereinforcement #dogsofinstagram #doodlelove #patiopups
These two troublemakers… models of tranquility #funnydogs #dogsofinstagram #dogs #dogsofinsta #dogmom #doggydrama #dogtrainerlife
You are overwhelmed… and sometimes all you want is more time with your own dogs. We want this for you! Join a Behaviour Consulting support group that helps you work through cases faster, create a framework to beat the overwhelm, and create long lasting bonds with like-minded trainers so you can feel free to discuss your cases without conflict or judgment. Comment SUPPORT to get a link to more info! #dogbehavior #dogtrainer #behaviour #animalwelfare #behavioralhealth #mentorship
Part 2 of 2 🚨 Rant over 😂 If you haven’t seen my Part 1, please go watch for context. The dog training industry is really a Wild West so be careful out there! #positivereinforcement #resilience #yougotthis
We have only dreamt of this day to have our logo on a building and it’s so surreal to be finally here! Been a little busy - lots of updates to come so stay tuned! #dogtraining #smallbusiness #supportlocal #positivereinforcement #dogbehaviour
Albert (5 months old) is learning a pattern game to build off leash engagement and to ignore distractions (top of which being the trainer he’s obsessed with who’s filming right now!) Come and learn with us to get this engagement with your dog! #positivereinforcement #dogbehaviour #resilience #youcandohardthings
Is this not the vibe?… #greatdanelove #greatdanesofinstagram #gentlegiants #droolclub #cleanliving #crunchymoms danelife #bigdogenergy #bigdog #dogbehaviour #dogsofpei
🎁 He has no idea about presents or pressures of the holiday season… just happy to wake up to cuddle, chew, play, and run another day. I’ll take this aesthetic every morning!! 🥰 #greatdane #christmas #dogs #minimalist
Register here: https://www.spotondogspei.com/book-online I am hosting another set of classes for beginner level Obedience, for anyone looking to continue working with your dog in a new environment, and as well a limited class of Advanced Obedience. Classes will be 8 weeks and located at For the Love of Dog in New Dominion. My classes work toward a final exam, just for fun! Learn or brush up on foundations like sit/down/stand, stay, recall, loose leash walking, heeling. We will work on building up duration, distance, and distraction training for all behaviours. Or try your hand at Advanced if you’ve mastered all of that! All classes suitable for all dogs 16+ weeks up to any age. Feel free to contact me with any questions.
