Diamond in the Ruff Inc. CDBC, cpdt-ka

09/13/2024

Diarrhea treats...lol?

Wait🤔

Treats to help RESOLVE diarrhea.

Recipe in the comments.

The treats were a big hit.

Pud loved this treat more than any other. I can't even tell you what that happened wag means to me.

Now we wait and see...

09/13/2024

Celebrate the life of John Lindebner, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Parkland Funeral Services.

09/11/2024

A little something new to help reduce his sadness, if only for a little while.

09/04/2024

A heartfelt thanks to everyone ❣️

I'm so grateful for the love and support, and the space you have given me over the past few days.

I woke up this morning to my dad's dog, Pud (Bud), wanting to get the day started.

Pud has chosen to sleep in Daddy's room and I am keeping my promise to Johnny to make this as easy as I can for his bestie...

This morning was a little bit different here. A tentive bark at 5:59 a.m. and a happy tail.

Not as somber, though I'm sure his heart is as heavy as mine, Pud bounded out of bed and proceeded to show me his butt... The routine that we've had for so long...

"Where's that Puddy bum?"....
Puds cue to stop dead in his tracks, turn his head back over his shoulder and wiggle his little buttinsky until Johnny and I collapsed into laughter.

One would think that being in the profession I have been in for so long, I would know what to do when a dog, an entire acreage in fact, is grieving.
I have to tell you, I wasn't prepared.

I'm not sure what's guiding us through but I have pretty good idea...

When my mama passed away, the very morning in fact, just after the paramedics left our home with my mama for the last time, I found a nickel where I know, there was no nickel before.

My mom continued to send us nickels and each one brought my dad and I so much comfort. We did however, get immense pleasure in joking about Mama leaving nickels instead of the quarters that her mama left her. My mom was like that. Anything for a joke...

I don't know all of the nuance surrounding these gifts but on the day of my dad's stroke, when he was still squeezing my hand, still looking into my eyes, I found a nickel stuck to the bottom of my apple juice from the hospital, with my bandaide that had fallen off. If you know, you know....🤦‍♀️

Now, some might consider me foolish, if you do, that's okay. Just don't share it here lol
I'm hanging on to this for dear life..

I checked my cup holder in the following days for anything else, maybe a nickel from Mom too, letting me know that they're together again.

Yesterday, I swear to you on everything holy and loved in my life, I found a dime.

Another dime. 🤔

To me, that is without a doubt, two nickles.

I miss them both more than words can say. My dad's absence is felt in a way that just about brings me to my knees right now.

I believe that he is here, they are here, helping us get through, sending us signs and cheering us on.

I'll be back to work on Sunday.

09/01/2024

My dad (Johnny), passed away in the hospital yesterday after suffering a devastating stroke at home on Friday morning.

My dad and I have lived together for the last 3 years. 1 1/2 years of that, we took care of my mom as she was nearing the end of her battle with Alzheimer's.

I've known Johnny since I was 4 years old, but over the past 3 years, I found out what an exceptional person my dad truly was.
He was kind-hearted, funny, hard-working, respectable, trustworthy, selfless, and everything good.
I discovered he was also an animal lover, like no one I've ever met....

We were a team, he was the very best roommate, we took care of each other.

I've never lived any part of this life with the amount of comfort, and freedom to be completely myself, as I have over this last three years with my dad.

I'm not able to write all that should be written about the best human ever.

Not yet, but in all honesty, this is my way to ask to be left alone in my grief.

His dog Pud (Bud), is inconsolable and everyone is searching for him.
He's around every corner of this place, but no longer here. HOW?!? 💔💔

Life isn't fair.

Hug your loved ones.

Treat every day like it may be your last.

Please be patient with me in my absence.

08/29/2024

Shock jock, Ivan.

This is how he feels about dogs.

This is the man that spends his life working with dogs and their people and defending his right to use shock collars in all of his training.

This, this right here, is exactly why we fight against punishment, against misogyny in dog training, against this kind of ideology.

Choose your trainer wisely.

Find out not only what their credentials are, how long they have been in the industry, how much time they have spent with different dogs, different body language presentations, but how they feel about your dogs right to understanding and pain-free training.

Dig deeper than "I've been doing this for X number of years"...

Please, if a petition comes across your feed, requesting your signature to support a ban on the use of aversive tools, SIGN!

Shock collars, prong collars, choke chains, and those "professionals" continuing to turn a blind eye to the science, SCIENCE that clearly refutes the need or acceptability for aversive methods for tools in any type of training or behavior modification, need to be regulated out of this industry.

Your dog, regardless of their quirks, challenges, breed, age, history....
is SOMBODY!!

It’s here, finally, the opportunity to make your dog SOMEBODY, rather than the NOBODY they currently are. Training without conflict is a fantastic name and isn’t problematic at all. It’s clear and it’s unambiguous - dogs love being shocked and pronged - no conflict whatsoever, none at all, zero, zilch, nada. Can’t wait for my useless little nobody dog to be a Somebody. PRAISE THE LORD - OUR SAVIOUR IS COMING.

08/26/2024

08/22/2024

Introducing MorEnergy Veterinary Services Ltd. New mixed animal Veterinary Clinic in Onoway,AB.

Please share and follow to see updates!

08/16/2024

Dis Boy ❤️

Marshmallows filling, coated in love..

08/13/2024

This person (video of Mila) actually took this video of her "training skills" and posted them with pride.

Do we need regulation?

Thoughts?

08/07/2024

LOOSE LEASH WALKING

Are you struggling with "Loose Leash Walking"? (Say that 10 times really, really fast) 👅🥨

Some things seem to come into more focus, in cycles.

Loose leash walking is currently occupying one of these cycles in a big way.

I'm noticing so many posts about loose leash walking and, just as many recommendations for tools of one kind of or another, to help "resolve" this training challenge.

While I completely understand and respect the need for control that we all must have when walking our dogs in public, I also know what is possible, and how to achieve a pleasant walk regardless of your dog's age or size.

No two dogs are the same. My techniques respect that fact. I help to set every team up for success, without the use of aversive tools.

Did you know that service dog prospects, at least the ones that I help owners train, need not be trained in any way uniquely specific to service dog work?

If you are interested in a loose leash walking, two part clinic, Let me know in the comments below.

08/06/2024

Did you know?

Pure tea tree oil, commonly used for a variety of human skin ailments is EXTREMELY TOXIC to your house pets. Cats, dogs and other animals.

Tea tree oil in less concentrated amounts, can be found in pet products for its claimed tick and flea repellent attributes.

I had a client from several years back call me this morning with terrible news.

Due to seeing tea tree oil on labels of dog products and hearing about the flea and tick repellent claims, her family used 100% tea tree oil on their dog during a trip to BC.

They understandably assumed that because they had seen it used in pet products and the tea tree oil that they already used at home was of good quality, it would be safe, even safer for perhaps than the products that they had seen.

Within a very short period of time, they witnessed what looked like neurological symptoms. Before they could make it to an emergency veterinarian on the long weekend, their beloved friend passed away.

I'm sharing this information on behalf of Mitzi and her family.

As little as 6 drops can result in a severe toxic reaction and even death.

Please do your research, and then do some more.
Speak to your Veterinarian or animal health care professional, before ever trying anything that you are not 100% certain of.

My heart breaks for this family.

08/04/2024

Professional regulation in the dog training and behavior consulting industry.

Let's talk about it!

Everyone's perspective is valuable. Please participate.

I'll be scheduling a live after this post has run its course. The live will be for both professionals and non-professionals to share their views and ask / answer questions.

The reason for this conversation is twofold.

1. To gather data based on "population perspective", of both professional and non-professional interest on this topic.

2. I was asked to participate in an ongoing discussion regarding regulation in the dog training and behavior consulting profession.

This discussion is currently limited to our province, but results are intended for use in creating a potential model for transparency and growth in the Professional Dog Training and Behaviour Consulting industry.

This post/poll is purposely limited to only two questions.

I understand the broad perspective that these two questions will illuminate. Please be patient , there will be more discussions to follow.

For now, please share your response to only these two questions, below.

I am determined to create an environment of civility and respect, in both this post and in the "live" to follow.

Any responses, no matter your perspective, that stray from a civil and respectful discussion, will be deleted.

Thank you in advance.

Question 1.

Would you consider using an E-Collar, a.k.a Shock Collar for Recall training?
Please explain.

Question 2.

Do you believe that the profession of dog training and behavior consulting, should be regulated.
Pros/Cons?

Pic for tax.
My dog Ocean. Not as mean bone in her body, she's a poser 😜

08/01/2024

Grampie went to the dentist for a root canal today. 😨

Harvard came along to provide a little support.
..and maybe for the treat afterward?!?

07/06/2024

P U P P I E S

Ruff N' Tumble Puppy Classes

Taught by moi 😁
Certified Trainer and Behaviour Consultant CPDT-KA, CDBC
Fear Free Certified
Family dog mediator FDM

For - Puppies and their entire Family

Safe socialization

24 different cues

Desensitization to scary things

Problem solving

Cooperative care

Grooming maintenance/husbandry

Nutrition

And so much more...

Next Class begins -
When
Sundays, July 21st at 5:00 p.m. for 7 weeks

Where
Britannia Youngstown Community League (West Edmonton)

Cost
$299.00 + tax

**How to Register**
Text Colleen at 780 999-2002
with your name and email address
*Please specify the class type "puppy class"
You'll receive a registration form via email.

💥Text only please💥

07/03/2024

Problems Resolved...FULL STEAM AHEAD!!

People have been having a difficult time reaching me and I have had an equally difficult time tracking down those that I have missed.

I'm so sorry for the issues and am happy to say that problems are resolved and we are back, better than ever.

Upcoming classes -

🐾 Ruff N' Tumble puppy class -

Date - Sunday, July 21st (7 weeks)

Time - 5:00 p.m.

Where - West Edmonton

Register - 780 999-2001
(text only, please) Due to my schedule, phone calls are by appointment only.
Your name, pups name, email address - I'll send you a registration form via email

I will be adding both -

Therapy Team Certification Classes
and
Reactive Dog Group Classes
in upcoming posts

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

06/30/2024

My pups FAVORITE interactive treats on a warm day..or any day.

Tux Toy by WestPaw Design (if I could only choose one interactive toy, this would be the one). No matter the dogs size, I always purchase the large.

Plain yogurt, lower in fat or fat free with as few ingredients as possible. Always with active bacterial culture and no artificial sweeteners of course.

***Very important*** do not use Activia yogurt. It contains grape juice 🐾☠️🐾🤬

Nutritional yeast. Adds a "cheesy" scent and delicious flavor ...and so many health benefits. About a half a teaspoon sprinkled on top of the yogurt.

Finally, a chunk of beef lung, roasted beef lung to be exact.

All of my clients will tell you that this is a crowd favorite.

Pop them into the freezer. I always place them on a coffee cup so that they don't "rock and roll" as the bottom of the tux toy is round.

Pass them around and watch your dogs enjoy!

05/16/2024

Purina.

I hate to say it but, I told you so

Finally. I'm not sure why this took so long or how they managed to pull the wool over so many intelligent, dog loving humans eyes..but here it is.

If reading the garbage (literally) ingredients was not enough, this may just be their undoing.

Consumers deserve better.

Their dogs? Well, let's just say this company should be ashamed over there "corner cutting" consequences.

A balanced and fact-based response to the online rumors of animals getting sick after eating Purina dog food.

05/16/2024

It's too much.

The straw...ya know.
The last freakin one?

Stop the planet.
I wanna get the hell off!

How is this an acceptable way to engage with someone.

Today was HORRIBLE.

This was the second UNWARRENTED issue today.

The first - jumping through multiple hoops while trying to drive...in order to accommodate a last minute change of address.

And by last minute, I mean that I was already enroute to the client's home.

The entire exchange was demanding and unpleasant.

The result, additional miles/time, anxiety while driving and trying to follow GPS, too many received tests, multiple pullover stops, call to other clients in an attempt to accommodate request, and ZERO appreciation..actually worse than that, the response to my efforts was curt, at best.

What the hell have we become?!?!?

It's TOO MUCH!!!!

A picture of my angry chicken to drive the message home.

So much for sleeping tonight.

05/16/2024

05/03/2024

No laughing..

🤣😂

04/23/2024

Congratulations to our Therapy Class Graduates!

Next Therapy prep and Certification Class begins May 5th at 5:00 p.m. in West Edmonton.

This is a great class for anyone looking for a fun, bonding Skills/manners class whether you want to become an active Therapy team with your dog or not.

Register at - [email protected]

Or

Text Colleen at 780 999-2001
Please include -

🐾Your name

🐾Pups/dogs name, age and breed (X)

🐾Your email address

💥7 weeks (Sundays)
💥 Team building/bonding
💥Loose leash walking
💥Social skills & public manners
💥Advanced Cues
💥C.A.L.M
💥 Impulse control
💥Learn how to ADVOCATE for your dog
💥....and so much more

$325.00 + tax

Colleen is Fear Free Certified
CPDT-KA Cert. Dog Trainer
CDBD Cert. Behaviour Consultant
Cert. First Aid Instructor Trainer

04/23/2024

Next Ruff N' Tumble Puppy Class begins May 5th at 5:00 p.m. in West Edmonton.

Register at - [email protected]

Or

Text Colleen at 780 999-2001
Please include -

🐾Your name

🐾Pups name, age and breed (X)

🐾Your email address

💥7 weeks (Sundays)
💥24 Cues (including DITR's EMERGENCY RECALL)
💥Safe Socialization
💥Cooperative care
💥 Desensitization
💥Problem Solving
💥....and so much more

$299.00 + tax

Classes are Fun, Effective and for the entire Family.

Colleen is Fear Free Certified
CPDT-KA Cert. Dog Trainer
CDBD Cert. Behaviour Consultant
Cert. First Aid Instructor Trainer