The Dog Intuitive

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The Dog Intuitive

The Dog Intuitive is a pet medium and dog trainer doing in person training and long distance readings
(5)

06/03/2024

Come learn dog agility with Amanda!

In this one day clinic your dog will learn jumps, contact equipment like the A-frame, tunnel, foundations of weave pole training, and the tire jump.

When: Saturday June 15th 2024 10am-3pm-ish
Where: The Dog Intuitive’s agility course 20 mins west of Dawson Creek
Cost: $160 (50% non-refundable deposit required to hold your spot)
**Dog must be 6 months or older to participate & human must be 16+ to participate**

Message the page or text Amanda 250-219-4864 to ask any questions or book your spot in Beginner Agility Day

Already a client of Amanda’s? You get a special rate, message to enquire.

See you on the course!

05/18/2024

Aggressive vs Reactive - which is which?

In my head, when it comes to dogs, aggression is when there’s an intent to do serious harm without the consideration of what the other party is doing. Like they simply just see the dog/human whatever and will full on attack to harm/kill the thing.

Reactive/reactivity, I think, is when a dog sees something and they respond (albeit uncomfortable for their human who is dealing with this outburst). The dog doesn’t want to kill the thing but is doing a physical output (usually barking) of an internal emotional response to the thing.

Basically: just because a dog is barking like a maniac at another dog, doesn’t necessarily equate aggression.

This isn’t to say reactive dogs won’t ever legit fight - when pressured, they will pick something. I’ll use some of my crew as an example:

Enzo - mini poodle who can do some rule implementation but also follow rules - on leash and sees a dog: he’s a barker. He would be considered reactive I’d say.

….and yet: off leash he was approached by 3 dogs of mixed family and he didn’t say a peep. They inspected him and we went about our hike as a group without incident.

….and yet: we had a puppy visiting once and the pup jumped on his own kid and Enzo took it upon himself to discipline the puppy. It was a 5 second correction and once the puppy understood, Enzo left him alone. I probably also hollered at Enzo to quit but none of us humans were teaching the pup to not jump on kids so…that was our error.

Enzo is reactive; not a mindless aggressive killer.

Now let’s talk about Garth - Akita/Elkhound cross who is a natural born leader - when he sees a dog on leash: he gets puffed up. He’s not very vocal in general (Enzo barks when he blinks I’m sure…) so he’ll whine with a bit of a growl but he is visually locked on that other dog.
I feel like Garth sees every dog as someone to be under his thumb…er…dewclaw…

There was one incident where his boundary collar wasn’t working and someone jogged by with their dog. Garth seeing this strange dog, who is also running, was something needing to be stopped. So he attempted to pin that dog into the ground. Dog didn’t surrender, so he did it again. Because the dog kept getting up and moving, (most likely “flighting” from the as***le); they were quickly beyond our driveway entrance, and Garth was then content. He didn’t continue to chase them. It was a simple “if you’re going to be around here; you must act this way.” disciplining. It was totally ridiculous so when they made their way back, I worked with him on a leash when they jogged by.

Interestingly enough though, there was another incident where someone was driving their truck passed our house with their dog trotting on the road. I notice Garth notice this so he takes off sprinting down the driveway and I’m gathering leashes then take off after him.

This dog notices Garth and Enzo and he entered into the property easy breezy. As if to say “I bring no trouble, my dudes. Just on a meander..” So what did our dogs do?

……nothing. Garth wasn’t relaxed, he sniffed this dog as he walked onto the property, but there was no confrontation. No “aggression”. We all collected our dogs and parted ways.

Some reactive dogs are just responding to behaviour of the other dog…like the reactive dog is used to being in a leadership position and they see another dog that is too excited for their taste and they think “I need to discipline that out of them IMMEDIATELY!” *cue the lunging and barking*

Some reactive dogs are simply protesting in the presence of other dogs because they usually get to play with dogs (dog park, friends, doggy-day-care) and now they’re all of a sudden leashed. This is an outrage, dammit!

But I’d say most reactive dogs are actually fearful of the other dog/human so they’re saying “stay away from me - I don’t trust you!” and it usually works so they stick with it.

Sometimes “oh that dog is aggressive” gets tossed around and it’s not true. They’re usually asking for space when a softer version wasn’t listened to.

We just need to teach the ideal behaviour in the presence of the trigger. How you do that is personalized to the dog.

05/03/2024

Come learn dog agility with Amanda!

In this one day clinic your dog will learn jumps, contact equipment like the A-frame, tunnels, foundations of weave pole training, and the tire jump.

Once your dog is trained, you’re then eligible to participate in Agility Alumni: a once a week gathering of taking turns on the course with other trained dogs throughout June and July. (Note: cost of Agility Alumni is not included in the price of June 1st’s clinic)

When: Saturday June 1st 2024 10am-3pm-ish
Where: The Dog Intuitive’s agility course 20 mins west of Dawson Creek
Cost: $160 (50% non-refundable deposit required to hold your spot)
**Dog must be 6 months or older to participate & human must be 16+ to participate**

Message the page or text Amanda 250-219-4864 to ask any questions or book your spot in Beginner Agility Day

Already a client of Amanda’s? You get a special rate, message to enquire.

Is your dog already agility trained (by Amanda or otherwise)? DM the page if you’d like to participate in running the course with others in Agility Alumni.

See you on the course!

04/16/2024

New Blog Post!

Rambling on about Doodles, purebred dog development history, and my thoughts on it all.

Here’s a fun little tidbit: Did you know that almost all of the purebred dog breeds we have today are only about 400ish years old? And only 14 aren’t…is your dog one of the ancient OG’s? Read the blog to find out!

https://thedogintuitive.com/blog/oodles-of-doodles

03/24/2024

Spring is springing so let’s get these dogs of ours to stop embarrassing us! That’s what winter is for, for godssake…

I’m now accepting new 1:1 clients April through June 2024

So if you need help with:

• leash walking
• excitement
• reactivity
• kids + dogs
• dogs + dogs
• recall training + more

Simply message the page to line up a training session in your own home!

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9am-2:30pm, cost is $50/hr

Note: Books for new 1:1 in home training clients will close for July & August

01/31/2024

Cute lil dog hey! Well did you know I’m running a monthly contest for my email subscribers and they’re all getting a chance at winning their very own pet sketch created by me?

You should also know I’m changing the way I share my content for you all and here’s what I’m trying: every week I’ll choose a dog behaviour/training topic to chat about, create a thorough video explaining the thought, do an oracle card pull and get into that message then put that video in an email for you.

The email will have a summary of what was mentioned in the video with time stamps for the training part and metaphysical part so you can fast forward to what you want to watch. Alternatively, if the subject covered doesn’t interest you that week, no need to watch it. Bingo bango!

Basically, I’m taking “the thing” I would share on social media, blog, or podcast; and putting it in a video for you.

If you’re already a subscriber, be sure to check your inbox (and junk mail!) as I just sent an email with this week’s video. No luck? Try searching “The Dog Intuitive” in your email search bar and see if it comes up that way.

Not a subscriber? Message me your email and I’ll add you to the list so you don’t miss out!

2024 will be the year of group trainings and fun offerings for you and your dog so I suggest getting on the email list to hear all about it first.

Toodles poodles ✌🏻

08/02/2023

Now taking registration for dog agility training happening this Saturday!

Come out and let’s teach your dog the jumps, A-frame, tunnel, tire jump, dog walk and more!

Here’s all the details:

Where: Our outdoor course 20ish mins west of Dawson
Cost: $160/dog (multi dog household? Please enquire about discount)
When: Aug 5th 10:30am start

Fine print: dog must be over 6 months of age. No children. Non-refundable deposit required to hold your spot. Bark-y dogs welcome!

DM the page or text Amanda 250-219-4864 to register or for more information 🐾

07/14/2023

New Podcast Episode!

I don't know about your guys' dogs, but Enzo has turned into quite the little "problem" solver.

I've shared before about how his recall is selective if he thinks he's getting put in the house for us to leave. I've also discovered he's made a sunscreen connection...

Sometimes the "you do X and then Y happens" bites us in the rear when we're asking our dogs to do things. If they have made a negative association with "the thing" it's understandable why they're hesitant to complete the ask.

What's interesting about dogs is, it's not about what WE think is a negative association but more about what they think about it. For instance, Enzo hasn't been physically hurt or treated poorly when I recall him but he's figured out when he comes to me, he gets put in the house and we leave. He's not a fan of that.

So once I noticed him predicting, I put in the work of being unpredictable. Calling him to the house for no reason other than love and goodboys. Picking him up after calling him (then waiting for him to relax) before setting him down and having a poodle party.

In the episode, I give you advice on dog parks and the vet, and how to help your dog through their defiance or stress. Some dogs don't listen because they're predicting their fun is about to end and some dogs can't listen because they're predicting high stress is going to happen.

Either scenario needs a tweak on what to do.

Head over to Apple Podcasts and search The Dog Intuitive to have a listen!

07/12/2023

Happy 13th Birthday, Tilly!

She sleeps more than before, deaf as all get-out, and now gets into the garbage like a young pup.

But she can still get on the couch (even if it takes a couple tries), demands her belly scratches from Jordy, and if she can smell anything worth barking at; you better believe she sounds the alarm.

Loves swimming, playing, and barging into the bedroom like we owe her rent.

She’s every part terrier and somehow a mini human at the same time.

We love this little dog, the elder of the bunch, and although we probably got her to fill some need many years ago; we now do all that we can to ensure hers are filled so she can stay with us on earth as long as she wants.

Here’s to lucky number 13, Til 🤍

06/16/2023

Enzo is 2!

We even made a special trip to Starbucks for a Pup Cup and frappachino’s aaaand forgot the Pup Cup 🙃

Happy Birthday to the little Poo that I brought home while my husband Jordy was away and out of service. I tried to run it by him, honest!

We’ve managed to wrangle a dog that has some of the worst traits a dog can have but has all the best ones too.

He can sing, has 100% recall if I’m in the appropriate spot on our property (I’m rarely in it according to him…), he’s amended a hard rule of no dogs in the bed to: Poodles in the bed after 5am for a quick cuddle before self appointed muskrat hunting with Poppy at 6am sharp (success rate is zero).

He’s the car sick king, scream bark master, and an even better Kleenex box wrecker.

He doesn’t bat an eye at being sopping wet or caked with mud, and he’ll hold his ground against any injustice; but heaven forbid he gets offered freshly poured kibble.

This little dog has so much of my heart, I don’t know if I could ever repeat this breed.

And with that, I think Jordy just let out a sigh of relief lol

06/12/2023

🎙️New Episode✨

Tools and treats are great when it comes to training leash pulling but I like to look at why it’s even happening in the first place.

Many dogs are an “easy fix” when it comes to traditional training, but when you encounter a dog who doesn’t care about tools or food, the dogs opinion of their human should be considered.

It’s not abnormal for a dog to require another dog not to pass them; but it’s achieved by a mutual understanding of their relationship.

So how can a human start to shift their dogs opinion for the better? Click the link below to listen on Apple Podcasts!

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-dog-intuitive-podcast-giving-your-dog-a-voice/id1686478666?i=1000616718715

05/22/2023

**Class is Full 🥳**

Beginner Agility Class starting in June!

Dates: June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 6:30-7:30pm
Where: The Dog Intuitive's Outdoor Facility 20ish kms west of Dawson Creek
Cost: $160/dog and human pair.
No experience necessary, dog must be 6 months of age or older. $50 non-refundable deposit required to hold your spot.

Some news: I was approached by an area local who is interested in teaching agility in FSJ in the future. She asked if I would teach her how and this class was formed. She has loads of agility experience, but I'll still be there mentoring her and helping her help the clients when needed.

It's going to be a great class where I'm sure we'll all learn a thing or two from Carina!

Message Amanda or text 250-219-4864 to register.

05/08/2023

Dear Amanda,

I think it's worth telling your now that what you're wearing, right down to the glasses; are back in style almost 30 years later. Your glasses eventually aren't needed, but you do get braces (and they're awful) BUT worth it. But maybe stay away from the rock candy in Disneyland in 5 years...

I know that you love sketching and animals but are really drawn to dogs....and into drawing dogs...I also know that you love running your own radio show in your bedroom. Talking to no one in particular but having a knack for one person dialogue.

I'm writing to you from the year 2023 - I'm actually the same age our Mom is when you're 10. I know! OLD! Want to know what else is crazy? I (aka 36 year old you) have a daughter turning 10 this year.

I won't dare tell you who you marry or how you find him, but I will tell you this: keep playing with your Ertl farm set and you will no joke manifest Farmer Joe, who has a Ford truck addiction, one dog, living in a two story house with a covered porch.

Now to the actual point of this letter: remember that one time in the classroom when your friend searches her name . com on the "net" and a thing for adults pops up and the teacher lost her damn mind? Ok so the internet basically rules the majority of the world, and although s**t is riddled everywhere, it's more like a giant library and movie rental place (with its own adult section too but unlike the store, you can't push your friend into the curtained room. I know. Lame.)

With the internet comes podcasts and, are you ready? You end up starting one! You learn how to create your own and thanks to the internet, your friends, family, and total strangers can listen in! It's like your very own radio show. What's super cool is anyone can start one, so it's not just for famous people or anything, your podcast is in the same "library" as Oprah's and Alicia Silverstone's! You listen to neither as an adult but when you're 10, these ladies are a big deal.

My advice to you? Change nothing. Keep reading the dog encyclopedias, training books, your horoscope, and drawing. Everything you experience, the good and the hard, is all meant to happen and push you into the person writing you this letter.

Today's a big day. YOU launched your podcast!

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-dog-intuitive-podcast-giving-your-dog-a-voice/id1686478666

04/20/2023

Thanks to Garth, he's shown me how dogs "do" recall and it's not what you think...

You see, rather than him standing on the deck in a housecoat yelling at one of the other dogs to come back to the house and stop chasing whatever they're chasing; he actually outruns them and stops the behaviour.

He also doesn't care if the dog he just disciplined comes back to the house with him or not, they're just not supposed to continue moving forward.

Our human recall expectation is quite different...we not only want our dog to stop moving forward, we want them to now ignore the thing they were investigating, choose us, and come to us.

No wonder friggin' recall is so challenging!

If you're in the thick of recall training, just know it's completely normal for your dog to be having a hard time with it.

To read more about this subject, here's the link to my latest blog post:

https://thedogintuitive.com/blog/i-think-i-know-why-recall-is-so-hard-to-train

04/10/2023

I think it’s safe to say that e-collars (remote controlled collars that your dog wears to have no leash communication) is a hot debate amongst people, not only in the dog training industry, but also with dog owners.

I don’t think I’ve ever been 100% against e-collars but it’s definitely not a tool I rely on…or be sure to teach every client (or dog for that matter) of mine. Personally we’ve used fenceless containment systems for the past 15 years to keep our dogs on our property, but as for using e-collars for recall training, etc? I’ve always used voice and hand signals/body language to get my dogs to come back.

When my clients are curious about them, I support their decisions because I don’t think e-collars are bad and if the use of the collar helps you and your dogs relationship; then amazing. I’d say my view used to be: if you want to have long distance recall for those dogs that really need to run, or get your dog to change their mind/fixation on something, so you can then ask them to do something different: great e-collar candidates.

My view now? Every. Single. Dog. Should have an understanding of an e-collar even if the basic understanding is: you feel the static = return to the human.

How did I come to this conclusion? My first deaf dog, Tilly.

To understand my opinion more, click the link:

https://thedogintuitive.com/blog/my-newest-view-on-e-collars

04/07/2023

**UPDATE: morning time slots spoken for! New time slots available:
Recall - 1:30-2:30pm / Leash Work - 2:30-3:30pm**

Wanna hang out next Saturday?

I’m putting on a group dog training clinic April 15 2023 at Ovintiv Events Centre in Dawson Creek and would love for you to join!

10:30-11:30am (Full)
1:30-2:30pm Recall Training - $75
Train (or re-train/refresh) your dogs recall! In this group setting we will go over the basics of recall training and when to introduce off leash time.

11:30am-12:30pm (Full)
2:30pm-3:30pm Loose Leash Foundations - $75
Tired of your dog pulling on the lead? Learn how to teach your dog your expectations while on a leash. Take what you learn from this session and apply it to your walk!

Interested in both sessions? Sign up for both and pay $100

Text Amanda 250-219-4864 to sign up

Space is limited - 50% non-refundable deposit required

Cost is for 1 dog/1 person team. Multi dog household? Please reach out to discuss discount.

Looking forward to working with you and your dog!

04/04/2023

Humans and Dogs, lend me your ears!

In case you missed it, I'm launching a podcast! I'm so excited to be sitting by myself and spitting on a mic it's not even funny.

You guys...I remember being 10 or 11 years old, sitting in my room, and talking into a tape recorder. I'd interview myself, talk about local happenings, and make up stories. At the time, that job was only reserved for radio DJs, and that's what I was pretending to be, but podcasting isn't a far cry from what I enjoyed doing 25 years ago.

I'm really looking forward to chatting in depth about dog psychology, behaviour, training, puppies, card readings, how to support our loved ones through dog raising, pet loss, and ALL THE THINGS!

So if you want to be one of the first people to know when it's launched, you gotta join The Dog Intuitive Podcast Club so I can email you updates.

When you join, you'll also have the option to participate in a sweet lil giveaway that you don't want to miss!

I would love to have your support as I start this new venture because I have so much to share but am just tired of caption and video limits from social media.

Click the link to stay in the podcast launch loop!

https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6423744466669e43effeb4ab

04/03/2023

Welcome to my page!

Here's a breakdown of what I offer and how to book!

1:1 Dog Training in your home (local to Dawson Creek) and virtual Oracle Card Readings for your current pet and/or ones that have passed away.

How to book either service or get more info:
www.thedogintuitive.com
Text/call 250-219-4864
Message me on Facebook

Dog training seminars, agility news, and new offers will be announced and offered first to those who subscribe to The Dog Intuitive Digest email.

More thorough dog training advice, tips on dog raising, ridiculous stories, and all the things I would condense into a caption on social media, will now be shared through The Dog Intuitive Podcast (coming soon!) and my blog on the website.

As per usual, I'll be checking messages Mon-Fri, so any questions? DM me!

To receive The Dog Intuitive Digest:
https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63bc55521488000c28b9c59f

03/31/2023

Change is in the air my friends. I've decided that my time isn't best spent on social media constantly and even though I've kept it up consistently, I'm ready to go rogue.

I’ll be practicing a more intuitive approach (ARE WE REALLY SURPRISED?!) to social media rather than scheduled or predictive. When the mood strikes, you’ll see me in your feed. When it doesn’t? Well, I hope you’re subscribed to The Dog Intuitive Digest to stay up to date.

I'm not going anywhere in real life though! I'll still be available to work with your dogs, give your pets card readings, and answer your messages. I'll just be shifting where most of my efforts go in sharing my message with you. And this shift is exciting!

This spring I will be launching The Dog Intuitive Podcast where I'll be able to give you much more thorough advice on topics you've grown accustomed to around here.

I miss writing, so blogging will be making a comeback, but I’m not totally insane and have a plan for the podcast episode to be in line with the blog post so you don’t miss out.

Behind the scenes I’ll be working on my very own 44 card deck to be released this year (it’s beautiful you guys, I can’t wait to show you!), planning the summer programming happening around here, doing more art, and enjoying Jordy and my kids without a phone in my face.

Here’s how to get The Dog Intuitive Digest if you want to stay in the know:

Free Breed Guide:
https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63d57385b4f015f30446e036

Free Affirmation Card:
https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6372cfbdffa4e2ae18a082d8

Don’t love free things and just want to get the Digest? No problemo:
https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63bc55521488000c28b9c59f

Now off I go to make my phone as boring as possible and head back 15 years where I had to sit at a computer to access social media and do work related tasks. It's gonna be weird, but I'm really looking forward to trying it!

See you sometime next week!

03/29/2023

Did you get your dog to fit into your busy life, or to change it?

I read this snippet from the book As the Dog Thinketh by Monique Anstee and I was like: holy s**t.

After getting Bernice, I had to remind myself this routine disruption was temporary. I had a really nice morning practice going for me and then I go and get a puppy? DUMB. She gave two s**ts that I wanted to sit and meditate, do my daily card draw, journal....she was busy peeing on the floor, sauntering into a bedroom (because I forgot to close the door) and go chew on a slipper.

I think of those people who are drawn to a specific breed (or type) of dog because they want motivation to get out jogging, or a hiking partner that can keep up. But unless you live in the bush, what's that dog doing while you're working at your job, then volunteering at hot lunch, taking kids to hockey or swim, and then all the daily chores on top of that?

We are all willing to change our lives for our dogs...but to a degree. And I'm no exception.

Prior to Enzo, I didn't have dogs on regular grooming schedules. But now? I've had to change that to keep the poodle poodley. Best part: the groomer and I live an hour apart and I don't love driving. But it's worth the to me so I've had to get brave and drive the highway. He's "changed" that part of my life.

But on the other hand, realizing Garth's bossiness would take serious work to teach him neutrality; he's a farm dog who gets to run off all the things, rather than being a dog I'd bring to town for a walk. If someone brings a dog over, we kennel him and Poppy. Why? Because I'd rather enjoy my visitor than teach Garth and Poppy how to be polite to a strange dog on their property around their family.

So for the most part, my dogs have to fit in to my life. Which is why I choose wisely with the type of dogs we get. If Poppy didn't show up at our place years ago, we'd never have a lab border collie cross. She's worked out great but those first few years were challenging to keep her entertained. Herding, Hounds, and Sporting dogs have a tendency to need more physical and mental exercise than I'm willing to give time to right now.

Sometimes, those busy dogs really need us to change for them (walk them longer, engage their brain with obedience or sports, and give them a job of some sort) or else they make your daily life really difficult and trash your house and/or yard. Your time with them turns into something to just get it over with so you can get on with what you want to be doing.

So when you pick your next dog, don't only consider the breed, but also the energy of the pups you’re looking at because there can be lazy Labs and crazy Mastiffs.

Many of us want a dog to fit into our busy lives, and that's okay. Just be smart about who you bring home.

03/27/2023

Want to know what your dog is thinking? Book a card reading.

Want to stop your dog from pulling on the leash? Book an in home training session with me.

Want to know what your dogs reason is behind pulling on the leash and learn how to help them so you enjoy your walks? Book both.

In today's dog world, there's many dog training professionals who fall into a variety of terms like purely positive, balanced training, force free, science backed training, etc. Really focusing on getting that dog to change their behaviours.

Now if we look at the metaphysical side of things, specifically pet mediums, their goals are to give messages to the human from the dog. Pretty straight forward stuff: "They like this one toy....there's a karmic soul contract between those two dogs that's why they don't get along..."

You feel pulled to pick one over the other - usually the one that will give you the least judgement from your peers - and either go through multiple trainers because your dog hasn't changed or go to another medium because that last one seemed like really surface level bulls**t.

But here's what's interesting, I've had a dog share that they don't want another dog in the home yet because there needs to be more stability. Another was asked "why do you run away" and, in the dogs opinion, the human was lacking leadership. Some dogs share they don't like change so with information like that, their humans can implement more structure and routine if their schedule allows it.

Dog training isn't just about changing the dog and mediumship isn't always weird s**t you don't understand - are there professionals doing those things though? You bet.

Just know that in a world of either or, when you hire The Dog Intuitive, you can have both. No other trainer is helping you or your dog this way. Let's ditch the by-the-book learning and assume card readings are for entertainment only, and meet your dog where they're at!

03/24/2023

"That was really hard."

"I was bawling."

Not what most businesses want to hear after a client receives a service...but around here? An Angel Pet Reading's feedback is that theme and I'm not surprised.

You're volunteering to bring stuff to the surface that you worked very hard to push down or, you processed the grief, but have finally moved on and don't want to feel all that again.

Your Angel Pet still holds a large part of your heart even though they're not here in the physical form and if you've parted with many; it's like a patchwork quilt of love from all your animals.

Now, I'm not going to sit here and tell you it's an only joy filled experience getting a card reading done for a pet that's passed away - it's tough. But on the other side of the sadness, the re-mourning that gets stirred up, is a relief that they're doing well. That their time with you meant something to them.

I can't tell you when is the right time to hear from your Angel Pet - that's so personal to you as an individual - but what I can tell you is: don't wait until you're not missing them.

That may never happen.

03/22/2023

I’m not sure why Saturn moving into Pisces has made some trainers extra dumb but there seems to be a theme I’m seeing on IG:

”Your walks with your dog are doing more harm than good.”

This advice, obviously justified by its supporters, should be prescriptive and not just a little “Training Tip Tuesday!”

Thanks to my ability to look at a scenario from many different perspectives (once I’ve stopped being huffy about it OBVIOUSLY) I can maybe see some human-dog pairs benefitting from this advice in the beginning of their training; but that’s probably 1%.

I think this advice getting tossed around the internet is so damn harmful for our dogs because more than 1% are going to cling to this.

Why? Because it’s a reprieve. It’s FINALLY a reason for someone to not walk their crazy dog. FINALLY someone “gets it” and has given them permission to be a s**tty dog owner. To keep that dog indoors - promising to keep them entertained (spoiler alert: they won’t) - and they can finally stop fulfilling their dogs needs (because that makes the human uncomfortable) thanks to some nitwit with a bunch of followers on Instagram.

Your dog deserves to be in nature. Pain in the ass on a leash? Try a different technique. Doesn’t like other dogs? Drive to a quiet area where there’s less distractions.

Stopping your daily walk with your dog under the guise of it benefitting them overall is a crock of s**t and the equivalent of 2020 lockdowns.

And we all loved that didn’t we?

Address

Dawson Creek, BC

Telephone

+12502194864

Website

http://www.thedogintuitive.com/

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Each dog runs their own value system. What I mean is not every dog loves their food like the next and some don't care about a tennis ball but if a frisbee comes out - game on. A client's son told me how he tried to take a bone away from their pup and the pup wasn't a fan. So here's what we need to teach our kids: Just because they can take a toy away, or even the food bowl, doesn't necessarily mean they can take everything from your dog. Hell, we had a puppy bite our oldest's hand when she tried to take a pizza crust away. In her experience, she could take things from him so she didn't know this would be any different. As adults, we need to observe our dogs and see what they care about then teach our kids the signs and when they should get an adult. And if you're going, "well sh*t, Amanda, I can't tell the difference?" then you should be the one taking things from the dog 100% of the time. Dogs are animals afterall.

How to use a slip lead ✨ Leave your questions in the comments!

One more confusing thing that the dog training world likes to give their viewers grey hairs about: dog's on the bed. I've been in many homes where the humans have voluntarily "fessed up" that their dog sleeps on their bed, quickly followed up with an "I know they shouldn't be on there..." My response? If they're not growling over you also being on the bed then I don't care. Each dog runs their own value system so if after your dog hops up on the bed, then you move in, and they move out of the way or get off the bed completely: then there is nothing to manage. Your dog doesn't care. Now, if your dog gets on the bed and claims it by growling at you or snapping, then that definitely has to be managed. Those dogs should not be allowed on the bed without permission and if that's not curbing it, then they shouldn't be on the bed at all. Sometimes people struggle to lead their dog effectively within the home, so even if your dog doesn't care about the bed and they come and go as they please, you can still add structure and manners to it for the sole purpose of leading them more. The more we lead them throughout the day, the more we're viewed as someone to pay attention to.

Question: How do I fix separation anxiety? Even if we’re inside and the dog is outside he hates it!⁠ ⁠ My Answer: Practice separation in the home first. Instinctually, he wants to stick near his “pack” so when you go inside and leave him, panic sets in because it’s not normal in the dog world. ⁠ ⁠ If he was living with a group of dogs, they would all travel collectively so separation doesn’t make sense to him. ⁠ ⁠ Teach him “to your bed” or “place” and work on him relaxing on that bed while you move about your house. He’s not allowed to leave without your permission.

ARF’s Tips for Dogs & Kids

Have a collection of dogs and kids? Both can be wildly unpredictable, and sometimes trainable, but at the very least? Always entertaining. Here's a link to my blog to read more about my thoughts on the topic: https://www.arfsdogresources.ca/blog/dogs-and-kids

This reading blew my dang mind. My meditation with their current dog turned into a group meditation when their deceased dog appeared. Let me be clear: I knew their deceased dog so it ""made sense"" as to why he'd pop in. So would your deceased dog appear in a meditation with me (and your current dog) without providing a photo, or making me aware of your previous dog history?.....I actually don't know that answer, ha! I suppose they could...I just wouldn't know the significance of the connection. But hey - one thing we do know is that when that moment happens, I'll come on here and start yelling about it! This reading even got MORE interesting once I sent the reading summary to the humans. ""How Amanda, HOW!?"" you ask? Well, they informed me that the day before his euthanaisia appointment, they went to a local spot by a river and what hung around them for a little bit? AN EAGLE. And what was in the night sky when they had their first night without their beloved dog? Northern Lights! Meditation: eagle and white horse. Card: eagle, white horse, northern lights With each reading, I provide all the information that comes forward because I'm really just the middleman (...middlemanda...?!) and I don't know the significance of EVERYTHING. Because my client recieved a photo of the cards that were pulled, she was able to make the northern lights connection and it just brought more confirmation to the message their dog shared. #dogtrainers #dogtrainerslife #energyinsight #cardreading #dogreading #dogenergy #meditationpractice

Here’s a quick peek into the kind of random stuff that can come up in a reading. From showing a reflection in a well to discovering the deeper meaning behind the dog's fear of winter, all sorts of things can appear! #dogcrystal #cardreading #cardreadings #dogbehaviourist #dogbehavior #dogtrainerslife #dogtrainersofcanada #dogtrainersofbritishcolumbia #dogcrystalhealing #demeter #demetercard #tarotcard #britishcolumbiacanada #understandyourdog

Q: My dog has started snapping at most dogs… he was always sensitive but getting worse? A: All he’s doing is communicating he wants space. It’ll really help him if you can manage the other dog before he has to, so he sees you got it. Usually it starts with a certain look your dog will give this other dog as it gets closer. Once you see him shifting from “this is great” to “...is this asshole really coming over here?” You can intervene by walking into the other dog and blocking them from getting to yours. If you turn around after getting the space and your dog is still eyeballing that dog, walk into your dog calm and confidently until they snap out of it and sit. You’re also teaching your dog: when you feel this way, disengage. By always supervising Garth and Enzo’s initial interactions, I would help Enzo understand what Garth is “saying” and I would help Garth learn there’s other options than just total snap show. In this video, there’s loads of conversations happening between Garth and Enzo that are super subtle. Which is why most dog conflicts appear to have “came out of nowhere” when really, there’s many warnings taking place and it’s when that’s not respected that our dogs amp it up.

Rain = a great day to learn weave poles! Thankful for the lean-to though when it came time to run the course 😂 July’s Beginner Agility Class is full but there are some spots left in August’s! If you want in on the last class of the year, let me know!

If you want to know how subtle dogs can be with each other - watch this video. I was combing Garth out so I tied Poppy up to stay out of our hair (yuk yuk) and she was enjoying a bone. Garth and I agreed combing was getting old so he got up and approached Poppy with the bone. You may have to watch it a couple times to catch it but she’s merrily chewing away and he’s just observing the environment. Watch his breathing (rib cage and panting). He’s doing it one way then his energy shifts, his breathing really slows, mouth closes, and Poppy stops chewing. He takes that as his opportunity to approach her and start chewing the bone. He’s claimed the bone as his for the moment and because of their relationship, she doesn’t argue. What I always find so interesting is he rarely takes the bone away. He usually enjoys it right where Poppy had it. Poppy on the other hand will sometimes stay in that spot (like the video) or she’ll leave the area. It wasn’t explosive, it was silent, and he was confident. He projected to her that she should stop chewing the bone with just his energy and very little change in body language. And we think throwing words at our dogs is the only way to communicate with them.

Holy sh*t - it’s been a hot minute since I’ve been active on social media! I had a look at my “screen time” in my phone settings and it was ridiculous and so here we are. Anyways, we have a winner for the Mug Draw! Stephanie Bijl! Stay tuned for a separate post about how to enter April’s contest and read this months ridiculous question.

Remember when we talked about intermittent rewarding? If you’re new here, it’s when we keep the food reward at random. Once your dog is already trained in the “skill” you don’t want to reward with food every.single.time. (If you want me to tag you in the post that dives more into the theory behind it, let me know!) But what we can do, is not forget about the food reward altogether. Our dog’s recall gets tested at random with treats at random. I probably give treats 40% of the time they do come to the house when called. When I don’t have a treat, I reward with collar scratches, pets, and attention they love. The next few times I do this there’ll be no treats (but still a reward) and because it’s unpredictable, they keep coming for the off chance there’s food. Also, watching Garth’s dilemma unfold of New Toy vs Treat was an added bonus. Wait...maybe they’ve trained ME to do this sh*t...?!

Tilly Bingo Mug Draw!! The winner is lucky number 13, Sam Oikle! If you’re wondering how to get entered in the draw for March - stay tuned for details! If you entered in January or February you’re still in it to win it!