Your Favourite Canine Coach

08/23/2024

What do you want your life with your dog to look like?

If you are like most people 😊 you’re super excited to get your puppy and you might have some ideas about the fun adventures you’ll go on.

And that’s where it stops…

Because that’s the fun stuff, the exciting stuff, the vision that makes us get a puppy to start with.

But it’s the other stuff… the planning and doing stuff that’s needed to get your puppy from where they are to where you want them to be.

So, a quick challenge for you. Think of one vision you have of yourself and your new puppy. What are they doing? What are you doing? Where are you and how did you get there?

Now write down all of the steps you need to take, the life lessons and behaviours your dog needs to learn, in order to get there.

Do you know what they are? Do you know how to teach them? Do you know what to do it your plan goes slightly (or very) off course?

If your answer is yes, great!! Keep on scrolling.
but if your answer is no, and for most people, it should be no, then this is for you.

Puppy class and puppy teaching/training is a VITAL part of your puppy’s development. It will start your puppy off on the right paw. Get them going in the right direction towards that vision you have for yourselves.

Could you muddle along figuring it out on the fly? Maybe. But is that fair to your dog?

There are people who’ve done it before you; people who’ve trained for it, and have walked the talk. There’s no shame in getting help before you need it!

I am one of those people and helping people love the lives they’ve dreamed of with their dogs is what I’m passionate about. It’s what lights me up!

So if you need help with your puppy or prospective puppy, I’d love to help you!

I have an in person puppy class starting on September 14 in Delta, BC, but if a class format doesn’t work for you, I see clients privately too.

“Positive, practical dog training and coaching to suit your lifestyle”

08/19/2024

So you’re getting a puppy but you’re not sure about puppy class…

With all the info so readily available on YouTube, IG, Facebook etc. not to mention all of the helpful people who know exactly what you should do with your puppy 😉, puppy class might seem unnecessary.

And perhaps even a waste of time and money….

If this is what you’re thinking, I get it!

You might have already raised a kid so how hard can a puppy be??

Or perhaps you’ve had dogs in the past or grew up with them and you feel like you know enough and are armed with all the info you need. And you might be.

But you also might not be, and you won’t know until it is potentially too late….and an expensive problem to fix.

A puppy socialization, play and fundamentals class introduces your puppy to new concepts, other puppies, people, surfaces, objects, handling and so much more, in a positive way when they are BEST primed to absorb everything.

This is the time that matters, the time that will set your relationship up for success.

A good class will help you learn about your puppy and how to read them. Yes your puppy… not the dog on a YouTube clip.

It can be the difference between a well adjusted dog and a reactive dog.

It can be the difference between a dog that’s great off leash and one that won’t come when called.

And so much more.

Once your dog has learned bad habits, they are expensive and time consuming to fix. But if you get ahead of it and teach them what you want to know, all of that can be avoided.

So please, do your future self and your puppy a huge favour and enrol in a good puppy class.

If you’re looking for one, I have one starting on September 14 in Notlrth Delta. PM me for details. But it doesn’t have to be with me. Find yourself a local trainer and learn how to prevent those future pitfalls from ever happening.

Puppies are one of the HUGE joys in life 😊 make the most of it.

[picture of a my malinois, Cash, as a 10 week old puppy on the rocks playing tug with a stick and a wonderful appropriate older Malinois, Cyd]

08/18/2024

Getting a puppy is so exciting!

Counting the sleeps, making sure you have food, bed, toys, leash…. All the things 😊

But that’s not where it ends.

From the minute you get your new puppy home, they are learning.

All about you, their new home, other dogs, cats, pets.

What they can do, what’s fun, what gets a laugh or smile out of you.

They are learning either what you want them to or what you don’t…

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by this idea, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered.

When you enrol your puppy in Puppy Start Right, you can relax and put your mind at ease, knowing that you’ll both be learning what you need to know, when you need to know it.

Puppy Start Right is a 6 week puppy socialization and play class, where the focus is on what is MOST important for you to raise a happy, confident dog who listens to you 😊

You’ll get homework sheets, fun classes (nothing boring here 🤣) supervised play with the other puppies, as well as a plan for how your puppy can fit in with your lifestyle and family, from the word go.

You’ll learn the foundations for the behaviours your dog will use most - going to a mat, coming when called, and loose leash walking amongst others.

And you’ll get all your burning questions answered… biting, chewing, not sleeping, potty training, how much to exercise and more.

THE DETAILS:
Class starts on Saturday, September 14 from 9-10am and runs for 6 consecutive weeks.

It is held in a safe environment for your puppies, under cover if needed, in North Delta.

4-6 puppies max and puppies need to be 12 weeks or younger on sept 14, at the start of class.

Your investment in your puppy’s education is $240 (plus gst).
As a bonus you will also receive a light weight, reflective 10ft leash and a set of puppy toys 😊

To enquire and enrol, please call Christine - (604) 616-6236 or email [email protected].

“Practical, positive training for you and your dog.”

06/30/2024

Congrats!! You’ve just brought home your new puppy in all their cuteness, which means endless hours of play and cuddles… and maybe some socializing and teaching 🙂

Puppies are designed to make us fall in love with them. But at the same time, there is so much that we can teach them at this early age that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.

Perhaps you’ve heard it said that “from the minute you get your puppy home, they are learning - either learning what you want them to, or what you don't”. And it's so true!

If you have the time, this can be a fun and busy stage and works to your advantage.

But what if you don’t have the time? And in this day and age, between work, kids, family and other responsibilities, time is already short.

With time short, the overwhelm usually sets in and “puppy paralysis” with it, preventing you from doing all the stuff with your new puppy that you think you should....or should you...? You might be sitting on the sidelines questioning every thought and decision and not getting on with it; letting valuable learning and socializing opportunities pass you by.

And then your puppy pees on the floor and quickly brings you back to the present! 😜

Not quite…but if this resonates with you and sounds really daunting, it doesn't have to be.

Introducing Puppy Play School…

Hi, I’m Christine, a certified professional dog trainer with over a decade of experience teaching and living with my own dogs and helping people live their best lives with their puppies and dogs.

And prior to being a dog trainer, I was a CPA in a corporate office often working 50+ hour weeks with not much time on my hands ... .and a very active puppy and then dog. So I really do get it. I know how you feel.

Too much to do and not enough time to do it. And although you know you need to get your puppy out, do lots of socializing and teaching, much of the time you’re too tired, physically and mentally during the week and you just want to enjoy your puppy.

And on top of that, there’s so much information (and misinformation) out there, that deciding what to do and when isn’t straightforward anymore. You probably have a list of things a mile long that you want your puppy to learn and now you’re stuck thinking "there's so much I don't know where to begin".

There is an easier way, and it is Puppy Play School.

With your puppy enrolled in Puppy Play School, you don't need to worry about sifting through all the info and making a plan on your own. I'll do that for you. And teach your puppy too.

At Puppy Play School your puppy will start their learning journey on the right paw.

You drop your puppy off for the day Monday to Thursday with me in North Delta and I do the heavy lifting for you when you can’t do it yourself. Then on Thursday when you pick them up, I'll show you what we’ve done and send you home with fun and easy things to do for the weekend so you can continue to bond with and strengthen your blossoming relationship with your puppy.

Through fun games and lots of conditioning exercises, I’ll teach your puppy the foundations of a rocket recall, walking on a leash, settling at home, greeting people and more, so your lives together are better from the beginning.

During this crucial time for socializing (which isn’t just about meeting dogs and making new friends 😊) I’ll expose them to all sorts of life’s wonders and things you might not think of…

- different surfaces, stairs, concrete, obstacles

- different noises including the vacuum, blender

- appropriate adult dogs

- toddlers and men, things like hoodies and umbrellas, etc.

They’ll have enrichment time with chews and games. And quiet time and alone time to help them transition to less one on one from the family without separation anxiety, as you go about your busy lives.

And one of the most important things they’ll learn is a love for learning. Through my games based approach, work is play and puppies LOVE to play.

if this sounds like it might work for you

Sounds like it might work for you and your puppy? Let’s set up a meet and greet to make sure. Please PM for more details and to set a time.

Remember that your puppy is learning all the time; make it what you want them to learn, and not what you don’t.

(this is not a regular day care! and spaces are very limited to I can give your puppy the care they need and deserve)

06/22/2024

I remember the day Cash, my now 6.5 yr old Malinois arrived in Canada and came to live with us, like it was yesterday.

I was working in a corporate job, transitioning out of my interim CFO role but still there helping the incoming person. It was quarter end and it was a listed company, so it was crazy! And it was just before our filing deadline. Yip…lots happening 🤣

We picked him up from the airport (he’s from Ukraine), came home and I went back to work. And as I worked he slept at my feet 💕

He spent his first night in my bed…and even rolled out once 🤣 fortunately no harm was done.

I had so many dreams for us; things we were going to do together, places we were going to go.

I’d planned what I was going to teach first…and second third fourth…🤣 all the socializing… everything!

And then nothing went according to plan.

He was sick and wouldn’t eat much for the first week, let alone for training. This turned into the worst food drive I’d come across. Every dog trainers nightmare 🤦‍♀️

I tried to play with him at a local park, but he wasn’t comfortable so ended up checking everything else out instead. Yes…a Mal.

He went nuts at our dogs for looking at his crate and his little over arousal button went from zero to kujo in a split second. Oh and he guarded me from the first.

I had my work cut out for me.

Now, 6.5 yes later, sometimes I forget how far we’ve come and how we did it.

Most people I know who want Mals want a Cash.

He is balanced, has great food drive, he is the most neutral and socially appropriate Mal I’ve met. His focus is incredible, and other than his brother Lemmy, he has the highest drive for toys of any dog I know. Period.

Yes, this is genetics. We picked him carefully from a great breeder. But that puppy that got off the plane could have ended up being entirely different with different training and handling.

Foundations count.

If you can start their foundations when they arrive home you’ll be set for life and always have something to fall back on. He is the living proof of this.

I’ll say it again Foundations count!

05/28/2024

Our dogs lives can’t just be broken down into a series of behaviours or skills. They are unique, sentient beings with emotions.

We can either accept and appreciate this and work with them and their emotions, or continue blindly on, ignoring them and wondering why things go wrong.

This is true not only in sport but in life.

As always, it’s your choice.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/2QgviCY6nS2txSZA/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Learning to read and manipulate your dogs emotions is an essential part of getting the most out of your dog in IGP. You will never get your dogs most powerful heeling, or quickest finishes and retrieves without your dog associating those exercises with specific emotions. To me this is where IGP shines compared to other dog sports. Emotions matter, just executing a behaviour isn’t enough and will only take you so far.
Achieving this is a bit more straightforward in tracking and obedience, in that outside factors that might alter your dogs emotional state are limited and more predictable (excluding the occasional random rabbit, etc!). In protection, though, your dogs emotions can not only have a significant impact on your dogs performance, but are also much harder to understand and control.
In trial your dog has to face a helper that is potentially intimidating, get hit in the back, possibly have their toes stepped on, and then switch to focused control away from the helper that is both a threat and source of reward. And they have to do this all while showing dominance and power, outing quickly and cleanly, and staying in perfect control. Imagine the emotional roller coaster this is for your dog.
In training protection it is imperative that we teach our dogs how to manage their emotions so they can perform optimally in different aspects of the trial routine. Ignoring your dogs emotional state and emotional responses to the different parts of the trial routine can deteriorate your dogs confidence and performance. If your dog isn’t totally confident in some part of the routine or is over aroused, and you don't take care of this, it is likely that not only will that exercise suffer, but the exercises before and after it are likely to suffer as a consequence as well. This, in turn, can lead to further consequence and thereby affect the whole routine.
Your dog will have emotional responses whether you want them to or not, so why not try to understand them and work with them to improve your dogs performance? Of course, it could be argued that there is little value in doing this as we are just guessing, based on our dogs behaviour and body language, what our dogs emotional state might be. While this is of course true, it doesn’t mean its not worth doing. In the end it is really the same as how we guess whether a reinforcer “works”, the target behaviour becomes stronger, so we know we guessed correctly. If we do something to improve our dogs emotional state, and the behaviour changes in the way we want it to, we guessed correctly (at least correctly in the inherently anthropomorphic understanding we have of our dogs!).
So how can you go about ensuring your dog is in an appropriate emotional state to perform maximally in trial? I know people get sick of hearing the old maxim “it depends on the dog”, but unfortunately it does. There are, though, several questions that you can ask yourself to get an understanding of what changes you might want to make to your training to improve your dogs performance.
Some of these questions are: What does your dog really think of the helper...what is their overall body language telling you about what their emotional response is to the helper? Be honest, and don't just ask "are they performing the behaviour I want them to?” but also ask whether or not they are they fully engaged and pushing the helper? Or is their body language a bit “back” suggesting some lack of confidence in taking the helper on? How do they respond in the drive? Are they fighting or are they avoiding? How does their emotional state change after the long bite? Do they struggle to have good guarding after the long bite? How has training this affected their confidence in the guarding after the long-bite and how has this affected their out? Overall, how does their emotional state change through the routine? Do they load? Or does their performance deteriorate as seemingly small stresses ignored in training accumulate?
Again be honest about your dog and from the answers to these types of questions you can start to formulate a plan to address your dogs specific issues. If your dogs arousal levels escalate in trial perhaps you need to teach your dog both how to deescalate and to be able to perform the exercises in training in an even higher arousal state than what they will experience in trial. If your dog reacts to the stick hits or is insecure in the drive, you likely need to create arousal in guarding before the re-attack so they are in a better mind set to deal with the drive and stick hits. If your dog is dirty in the guarding as you approach, you might need to break things down better, and reward more, so they understand transference of expectation a bit better.
There is no one answer, and the training path for every dog is a bit different because they are all unique, and have their own emotional responses.

04/28/2024

No fancy training tips, life tips or any other thoughts today.

If this picture ends up in your feed you’re either following me already (🙏👏❤️) or you have a high drive working dog and maybe because you train or would like to train without aversives.

Whichever applies to you, sometimes I just post pictures of my (our) dogs because I think they’re cute 🥰 and I love them LOTS and we have such fun together!! And they’re an example of working dogs who live with us and they’ve been trained without aversives.

Also because I’m fortunate and have a bunch of beautiful photos of them taken by the extremely talented 🙏

No snow in Vancouver BC today but a picture of the snow in Alberta inspired me!

These 2 gorgeous boys are Cash (my dog) and Lemmy (Brad’s dog) iz Gratsiano (full brothers from a different litters.

And they are playing with their favourite toys, .

04/12/2024

19 months ago I became a mum and life changed forever.

Not just for me. For my dogs too.

I thought I knew what I was getting myself in to…I had no clue.

I thought dogs plus baby would be just fine… I had no clue.

I had no clue about a lot of things. Still don’t!

But I love my dogs and my baby and so we figure things out as we go.

It isn’t perfect.
It’s often messy.
I often apologies and promise to do better next time.

But I don’t give up. Even when I have no idea how I’m going to do it.

I have faith. And I put one foot in front of the other.
I know I am blessed. And I am extremely GRATEFUL 🙏💕

Where there is a will and a WHY, there’s a way.

When I’m struggling, I take a deep breath. I take a minute and release the tension with a quick meditation. Then I visualize and reconnect with my why.

If you’re struggling, you’re not alone.

And if this resonated, drop an emoji in the comments and share with someone who might need it ❤️

04/11/2024

This is your wake up call!!

You DON’T need aversives and painful tools to help you train your high drive working dog.

I used to use them too. I thought there was no other option.

I believed the online gsd bloggers who claimed that it wasn’t possible to train a gsd without.

I believed them when they said my gsd would be happier, and it’s what she needed.

I was lucky and connected with people who could show me these beliefs just weren’t true.

Whoever told you to put those things on your dog probably doesn’t know any better.

They have likely persuaded themselves that:
1. they aren’t painful ❌
AND
2. that dogs need them ❌

And if they do know better, show them a bit of compassion, because hurt people hurt others, including dogs.

But know that it is 100% possible to train without aversives and hurtful tools. And it will strengthen your dog’s trust in you. (Amongst other benefits)

There are SO many examples out there now of people training their dogs without aversives. Unlike what I started.

I have done it and I have helped others do it too. So if you need some help or just want to ask some questions, message me to book a free, no obligation call.

You can do it!! I have faith in you and am cheering you on from over here!!

04/08/2024

This looks so good I could eat it!!

I’ve been on a health finding journey with Inga for not that long actually but the results have been remarkable.

We’ve gone 100% as natural as we can. AND IT’S WORKED!! Where antibiotics and anti bacterials didn’t, nature has and I’m so so grateful.

More on that another day.

But don’t underestimate the power of food. And doing little things like this, for us and our dogs, can make that last bit if difference 🐾

03/28/2024

Whoever said time heals was right…
But it also makes bad habits VERY hard to change!

The longer you wait to work on the life you want with your dog, the longer that dream is going to remain out of reach.

I was about to say “because dogs don’t teach themselves”, which is true, BUT they do learn without you.

So either they’re learning things you want them to, or things you don’t. In which, case the longer you wait the more ingrained those undesirable habits will be.

Don’t wait! Start investing in your future with your dog now.

Because if you’re worried about the time it might take or how much it will cost now…it will only take more of both the longer you wait.

I’ll show you how to make REAL progress in six months or less working with me 1:1 for less than the cost of fixed group classes.

It’s easier than you think it is. Especially when you have someone guiding you every step of the way.

DM me if you’d like to find out more.
I’ve opened up limited spots to start in April 😊 why not be one of them.

03/25/2024

What do you need from a person helping you with your dog?

When I was a professional (I was a CPA at an audit firm the …) starting out with my first gsd I can tell you what I didn’t need:
- hour long classes where one size fit all;
- the assumption that sit, down, heel and stay were they keys to life;
- that what would work for the happy go lucky dog next door would also work for my environmental, low food drive, independent dog.
- or that 6 weeks was the right time frame to teach my dog these behaviours.

I needed a coach who:
- listened to what I needed for our life together;
- helped me to question why I wanted these things (e.g. a dog that went to the dog park)
- came up with a plan that would help us achieve our goals while making sure I wasn’t being unrealistic in my expectations, specifically with things like timeframe.
- educated me to ensure I bought into and understood the plan;
- someone who understood my challenges, who’d been in my shoes and knew what I was talking about, and
- someone who was flexible and could think outside the box to problem solve.

If any of the above resonates with you, let me know in the comments. You don’t need to feel stuck or unheard any longer!

03/24/2024

Are you taking the day off? Getting in a little R&R before the week ahead?

As any good coach will tell you, you also need to take time off! And I'm telling you the same.

You work hard all week at work, and work (and play!) hard with your dog. It's ok to take a day off. In fact it's a good idea to take a day off 😊

Take a relaxed walk.
Chill on the couch or in the sun at a park.
Just enjoy each other's company. No string attached.

I'm going to be taking some of my own advice and not doing much. I know the week is always busy with crazy dogs, a business and a baby, so time off is important and it will give me the much needed energy to meet the week with enthusiasm. And the dogs will get to chill too.🐾

What are your Sunday plans? I'm always curious so let me know in the comments.

03/19/2024

And the only step you really need to know is the first.

This insightful quote applies as much to grand scale projects as it does to you, your dog and the things you do to change your lives.

Change happens one step at a time.

So what’s your first step?

And what’s stopping you from taking it?

03/19/2024

If your dog doesn't want to play with you and the appropriate toy(s) you have, it is very likely that there is ONE main thing holding you back...

Take a breath, cos this might be hard to hear.

You aren't playing in a way that your dog enjoys.

Your previous dog might have liked it, or the neighbours dog, but the one in front of you is telling you that the way you want to play isn't the way that they wan't to play.

And that's ok. Because it's just communication and feedback. No judgement.
Your dog isn't judging you, so don't judge yourself and apply meanings that aren't there!!!

The only information you should take away from this is

🐾YAY!!! my dog has a play style that I can learn!!! 🐾

So why am I telling you this? Two reasons:

▶️ There is NOTHING that builds a bond with your dog faster than play. Food is good, petting and praise are good, but toys and play and being the fun, well that trumps it all; and

▶️ I wish someone had been there to tell me that when I was trying so hard and struggling to get my first dog, my medium drive, beautiful, coated, but very environmental GSD to play.

I watched the DVDs by the fancy malinois trainers, tried their stuff, and tried it again and again. I followed the border collie person too! but it didn't work for my GSD.
Collar grabbing an out doesn't work (nor do you want it to) on your tougher working dog, and I wasn't about to use a pinch collar for outs.

If I'd know that there was a way...if I knew what I knew now, it wouldn't have taken me 4 years and another dog to figure it out.

But you don't have to struggle! let me know in the comments if you're finding something challenging about playing with your dog.

If you have a pushy working dog, or an active fairly high energy dog, or even a softer working dog, I have a method that will work for your dog, and you too!

03/11/2024

Play is the most fun thing you can do with your dog…period.

When you see dogs out there going fancy behaviours and tricks…

When you see agility dogs running super fast course…

When you see highly motivated and engaged dogs working with their people

Do you think their dogs are trained with treats alone?

Absolutely not.

What you see is a result of toys + person.

If you aren’t using toys in your training you’re leaving huge potential on the table.

Do you play with toys with your dog? Comment below! Or perhaps you disagree! That’s ok too 😊

03/09/2024

Going back to basics doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

It means:
- you understand the concept of maintenance;
- that forward isn’t the only way to make progress;
- that you can’t do the sexy stuff unless you’re on solid ground!!

Shout out to all the handlers who understand the value of maintenance and tending to the foundations, and aren’t afraid to revisit them regularly!!!

I’m here cheering you on 👏👏👏

03/01/2024

Did you know that playing PULLERS properly is the safest way for your dog to play fetch?

Have you ever felt your stomach drop and your breath catch as you launch a ball for your dog and it hits and an unseen object that sends it off in a direction you couldn’t have imagined….but you know your dog will go for it anyway???

Or you’ve clenched your teeth and held your breath (always the breath holding 🤣) as your dog flings themselves at the frisbee and you’ve no idea what the landing will look like 😬

Well…there none of that with PULLERS.

A proper Puller throw:
💜 places the puller in front of your dog for a clean pick up
💜 it rolls so no fear of crazy bounces
💜 it rolls on the ground so no fear of crazy catches and landings.

And your dog will love them the most!! If they don’t already!!

Play safe and have fun with your dog today

02/25/2024

The topic of dog food has long been controversial, when it really shouldn’t be.

We know as people that to be healthy we should be eating a mostly fresh and whole food diet. Sometimes we take liberties for convenience or fun and eat something we know we shouldn’t. But that’s our choice.

Dogs don’t have that choice. They have to eat what we feed them. And if that is processed food, as many feed, there are and will be health consequences. They will likely survive but probably not thrive….

Dogs are NOT designed to eat kibble and the rubbish that gets put into them. Just as we are not designed to live on fast food!

If you were ever in doubt please read this blog post. And please don’t blame yourself - the marketing and the regulations sadly aren’t designed in the best interest of our pets.

But now you know. So now things can change for the better. It is never too late to change your dogs food to a healthy fresh diet.

If you are at a loss as to how to do this, please don’t hesitate to ask. While I’m not an expert I can direct you to those upon whom I rely.

By Sarah Griffiths, DCH Ok – time to drop a bomb. I’ve been following the latest on what’s been happening in the ultra-processed pet feed space and it’s getting to me. My frustration lies in the