Naturally Fluent Animal Training

Naturally Fluent Animal Training I offer private, in home sessions and group to focus on what matters most to you.

04/08/2025

Pyrenees have a reputation for doing things their own way… and today, Apollo decided to put her own spin on recall training!

03/18/2025

It’s easy to think that obedience is where training begins—but guess what? That part is actually the easiest to teach at any age!

For puppies, the real magic happens in socialization—learning about the human world, navigating new experiences, and building foundational skills.

So, does that mean our training journey has just begun? Nope! Moo has been busy working on leash skills, polite greetings, sit, leave it and recall while out and about socializing.

Today, we introduced the “down” cue! Now that Moo understands what it means, we can start refining it—adding an automatic stay, increasing speed, and even practicing from a distance!

Training isn’t a one-and-done deal; it’s all about layering skills like building blocks. Keep stacking, and you’ll be amazed at what your pup can do!

Turning Zoomies into Recall Wins!Got a little puppy tornado?Use that energy!Next time they come flying your way, call th...
02/12/2025

Turning Zoomies into Recall Wins!

Got a little puppy tornado?

Use that energy!

Next time they come flying your way, call their name, hype them up, and reward them like a champ. Before they know it, running to you will be their favorite game!

❄️ Stuck Inside? Let’s Play Cold Weather Bingo! 🐶It’s way too cold out, and the dogs are getting antsy. We’ve all been t...
02/04/2025

❄️ Stuck Inside? Let’s Play Cold Weather Bingo! 🐶

It’s way too cold out, and the dogs are getting antsy.

We’ve all been there! That’s why we put together Cold Weather Bingo—a fun way to keep them busy while we wait for warmer days.

How many squares can your pup check off? We’d love to see photos or videos of their indoor adventures! Got other fun ideas? Drop them in the comments! ⬇️

02/02/2025

Quality control in action! 🐶👅 These three are making sure the treats are up to standard—because every training session with Nina comes with something tasty.
Moo still needs to figure out the art of licking, but we’ll get there! 😆🐾

”

At 14 weeks, Moo has decided she no longer wants to sit on the sidelines, and jumped right into her role. It’s a big job...
01/31/2025

At 14 weeks, Moo has decided she no longer wants to sit on the sidelines, and jumped right into her role. It’s a big job for a little pup helping other puppies and their guardians learn proper play and socialization!

For the past week, she and Bear have been hard at work, coming up with fun and effective ways to support your training journey. With their help, Nina has some exciting new programs in the works to help you and your pup succeed.

Stay tuned—Naturally Fluent has some big things coming your way!

Why Puppy Socialization Is Key to Raising a Confident DogWhen we think about puppy socialization, we often picture them ...
01/14/2025

Why Puppy Socialization Is Key to Raising a Confident Dog

When we think about puppy socialization, we often picture them meeting new people and other dogs. But it’s so much more than that! Socialization is about introducing your puppy to a variety of experiences—new sights, sounds, textures, and environments—so they can handle life’s surprises with confidence.

Why Start Early?

From 6 to 12 weeks old, puppies go through a crucial developmental phase where they’re like little sponges, soaking up information about the world around them. This is the perfect time to help them feel safe and comfortable with all kinds of new experiences. But it’s also when issues like guarding, fear, or aggression can start to take root if left unaddressed.

By using this time wisely, we can set the stage for lifelong confidence while minimizing behaviors that might become challenging as they grow. With the right exposure and guidance, you can help your puppy learn that the world is full of good things—not scary ones!

Moo’s Story

Take Moo, for example. When she first joined us, car rides were her worst nightmare. She’d avoid the car entirely if possible, once inside she’d howl and shake the entire drive.

To help her, we started small:
• First, we just practiced walking up to the car without any pressure to get in.
• Then we worked on sitting in the stationary car, making it fun with lick mats, interactive toys, and scattered treats.
• Once she was okay with that, we took short drives around the block, always keeping it positive and stress-free.

After just a week of these baby steps (practicing once or twice a day), Moo began to see car rides as exciting adventures instead of something to fear. Now, they’re one of her favorite things!

Why Socialization Is Ongoing

The thing about socialization is that it’s not a “one and done” kind of thing. Puppies go through phases—like adolescence—where they might become more cautious or nervous. Keeping up with positive experiences throughout their life is key to maintaining confidence.

Whether it’s helping your puppy explore new textures, meet unfamiliar people, or tackle specific fears, every little step you take builds a foundation for a happy, well-adjusted dog. And when you tackle potential problem behaviors early—like guarding, aggression, or fear—you can prevent them from becoming bigger issues down the road.

So let’s help our puppies see the world as a place full of curiosity and joy. After all, every little adventure counts toward shaping the amazing companion they’re meant to be!

’Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.The stockings w...
12/25/2024

’Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
But the puppy was sniffing—was something amiss there?

The humans were hopeful but weary of dread,
While visions of puddles danced in their heads.

When out in the hall there arose a soft yip,
I leapt from my bed and nearly did slip!

Away to the door, I flew like a flash,
Snagging the leash, from its hook with a dash.

The moon on the snow lit the frosty backyard,
As I trudged out barefoot—why is this so hard?

The pup wagged his tail, his eyes big and round,
Then he sniffed and he spun on the cold, frozen ground.

With a sniff and a circle, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment he’d mastered the trick.

More rapid than reindeer his potty dance came,
And I whistled and clapped and called him by name:

“Good boy, little Baxter! Good job, Spot and Rover!
No accidents inside!
The training’s not over!

Keep sniffing, keep circling, keep lifting that leg!
For treats and for belly rubs, you’ve earned every peg!”

He squatted and wiggled, he took his sweet time,
While I whispered, “Please hurry, the clock’s nearly nine!”

And then, in a twinkling, he squatted to go,
Leaving no yellow puddle nor brown in the snow.

I spoke not a word, but went straight to my sack,
Rewarding with treats and a pat on his back.

And laying a finger aside of my nose,
I gave him the signal:
“Back inside we go!”

Back in we hurried, he ran to his bed,
While dreams of no cleanup danced in my head.

As I lay down
From his space came a cheer
“Happy Christmas to all, and no messes inside!”

When we think about bringing home our new puppy we’ve typically made all the usual considerations. What food will they e...
12/23/2024

When we think about bringing home our new puppy we’ve typically made all the usual considerations. What food will they eat? Where will they sleep? How will I start training and socializing them once they’re vaccinated? But if there’s one factor that can make or break your training experience and success, it’s changing the way we think about socializing our puppy.

Many times we believe socialization to mean meeting new humans and dogs and that is accurate but it’s limiting. Socialization goes so much deeper than that and starts long before their first set of vaccines. It starts the min they enter the world.

Exposure to different surfaces, textures, sounds, sights and even smells is important in their young brains development. The more they explore the more they learn about the human world they’re about to enter.

While everything here in her new home is new and a little nerve wracking, Moo has been handling it like a pro! New things are normal for her, because the home she was born into was constantly introducing something new. It’s. evident in her confidence navigating new situations.

Stay tuned for tips on housetraining (we’ve only had ONE accident since Moo’s arrival) , when to start training and raising a puppy without kennel (without having the house destroyed )

We’re thrilled to introduce the newest (and possibly cutest) member of our team: Moo!While young, she’s ready to step in...
12/22/2024

We’re thrilled to introduce the newest (and possibly cutest) member of our team: Moo!

While young, she’s ready to step into her new role as Head of Puppy Development, where she’ll be helping us create fresh, fun ways for guardians to lead their pups through every stage of life. From early wobbly puppy steps in socialization to identifying and working through precursors of reactive behaviours, Moo is here to show how starting young makes all the difference!

As we welcome Moo, we’d also like to wish all our amazing clients and their four-legged friends a magical Christmas filled with love, joy, and treats! Here’s to an exciting and tail-wagging year ahead! 🐶✨

With love,
The Naturally Fluent Team (and Moo!)

I am heartbroken to share with Turtles many friends that she has crossed the rainbow bridge. From her humble beginnings...
10/18/2024

I am heartbroken to share with Turtles many friends that she has crossed the rainbow bridge.

From her humble beginnings to becoming the star of every room, Turtle’s journey was nothing short of inspiring. Transforming from a frightened rescue to a teacher, leader, and a cherished friend who impacted countless lives—both human and canine.

Turtle was no ordinary dog. Her spicy little personality was always plotting, often on a path different from mine. But together, we grew—her, teaching me the art of patience and connection; me, guiding her through the once terrifying world. Her bite prevention seminars saved dogs and protected people, from children to animal care officers. She helped those around her understand that sometimes the greatest wisdom comes from the most unexpected places.

Seven years ago, Turtle entered my life when a construction crew in Fox Lake, AB, brought her to me. A misidentified “puppy” with a swollen belly, she was in fact an expecting mom, scared and unsure of her new surroundings. The bond we built was slow, steady, and meaningful. From snarling and snapping at anything too close, to being snuggled in my arms she became a shining example of trust and connection. Turtle wasn’t just a rescue—she was my training partner, my sidekick, and, most of all, a teacher for us all.

Through hard work and the help of her Fairy Godmother Lillian and Berkeley's Place, Turtle’s Cinderella story unfolded. She raised her pups, took on new challenges, and earned her place as a Karen Pryor Academy Graduate.
She reminded me, time and time again, of the importance of perseverance, love, and patience.

Her impact didn’t stop with me. Turtle’s work with responsive dogs showed the world what a difference love and understanding can make. She found joy in play and comfort in companionship. And though her journey started in fear and uncertainty, it ended in warmth, trust, and endless love.

Rest in peace, sweet Turtle. Your light will always shine bright. 🌈

Teaching can be tiring! Turtle is absolutely exhausted after becoming an honorary Beaver with a local troop. Offering he...
10/10/2024

Teaching can be tiring!

Turtle is absolutely exhausted after becoming an honorary Beaver with a local troop. Offering her dog safety tips and bite prevention knowledge, in return the kids taught her the importance of sharing with their thoughtful gifts.

Huge thanks to the troop for the fun adventure—Nina and Turtle loved every minute!

09/06/2024

“Can you teach recall?”
“Definitely! Whether it’s your dog, cat, or your backyard chicken squad, we’ve got it covered!”

She’s been found!! Thank you everyone for helping bring her home!!‼️ATTENTION LAMONT‼️This sweet girl has taken herself ...
08/02/2024

She’s been found!! Thank you everyone for helping bring her home!!

‼️ATTENTION LAMONT‼️

This sweet girl has taken herself on adventure away from her kennel, and is lost in unknown territory.

Please keep your eyes peeled, and call the number listed.
Raya is an incredibly sweet girl, and absolutely loves humans and dogs. If she approaches, she means no harm.

**Tip: Dogs in these situations are often terrified and don’t know who is safe and who isn’t. Sometimes they don’t even recognize their own guardians as their brain has switched over to fight/fight.

Never chase. They are faster.
It also risks them running blindly into traffic, or venturing further away from the original site.
Instead try sitting down, avoid looking directly at the dog and toss food away from yourself.
This will build trust and bring them to you.

Thank you to everyone searching!

This heat isn’t just tough on our dogs physically… it can turn their brains into mush too!When a walk with Tango wasn’t ...
07/20/2024

This heat isn’t just tough on our dogs physically… it can turn their brains into mush too!

When a walk with Tango wasn’t possible due to scorching temperatures , we decided to give his brain a workout instead!

Scenting is an awesome way to keep those mental gears turning without breaking a sweat.

So, under the cool shade of a tree, Tango learned a new scent and played “Find it,” moving his head around and stretching his neck like a furry little detective.

When his brain was nicely tuckered out and the heat started to creep up, Mr. Tango trotted back to the house for some A/C and a well-deserved nap!

*Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It:*Are you ready for the ultimate adventure with your canine partner? Join u...
06/21/2024

*Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It:*

Are you ready for the ultimate adventure with your canine partner? Join us for *Mission: Untangled*, a three-day, action-packed workshop where dogs and guardians come together to master the art of tangle-free leash skills and seamless communication. This covert operation kicks off soon, and spots are limited!

🔍 *Day 1: Operation Leash Code*
Decode the secrets of effective leash handling and learn to communicate with your canine partner using subtle signals and body language.

🎯 *Day 2: The Tangle Tango*
Navigate dynamic drills designed to eliminate leash tangles and enhance cooperation under the guidance of our undercover agents (expert trainer).

🌍 *Day 3: Adventure Protocol*
Embark on an adventurous mission walk, applying your newfound skills to overcome real-world obstacles and maintain tangle-free strides. Celebrate with a classified graduation ceremony, complete with mission certificates!

*🌟 Special Announcement for Past Graduates:**
We’re excited to announce that group walks are returning for previous Mission Impossible graduates who have completed private or group classes with Naturally Fluent.
Reconnect, refresh your skills, and continue the adventure with your fellow agents!

*Are you ready to accept the challenge?*

🚀 *Book your mission now:*
Mission Untangled: Leash Skills and Communication Workshop
https://forms.gle/sboqhbVkdHfpcYP77

Mission Reconnect: Group Walks
https://forms.gle/2jZFbrt7oa5CcnNz8

*Join the ranks of our elite agents and embark on Mission: Untangled. Your dog’s leash skills depend on it!*

*This message will self-destruct in 10 seconds.* ⏳

When a new puppy comes home or unwanted behaviors arise, many guardians automatically seek group classes. In-home option...
06/02/2024

When a new puppy comes home or unwanted behaviors arise, many guardians automatically seek group classes. In-home options are often overlooked.

Life can be busy, and finding time to add another “event” to the calendar can be a challenge. Furthermore, finding time and space to practice homework can add to an already full plate.
Private training sessions offer the flexibility to schedule sessions around your own busy life and build a training plan as unique as you and your dog.

One of the greatest benefits of private sessions is the ability to create a customized training plan. Whether evolving with your puppy or addressing your dog’s unwanted behaviors, private sessions provide the opportunity to have assistance every step of the way.

In-home training allows you and your dog to receive undivided attention. This focused approach enables a deeper understanding of your dog’s unique behaviors and personality. Any challenging behaviors can be addressed more effectively with immediate feedback and modification of training techniques to suit your dog’s specific needs.

Experience the positive change in your dog and your peace of mind with our comprehensive and convenient private training plans!

05/27/2024

We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate Lucy and her amazing guardian on overcoming her reactiveness to other dogs! 🎉🐾

Lucy had a challenging history of responding to the sight or sound of other dogs on leash. An altercation with her litter mate, owned by another family member made visiting challenging. Through hard work, patience, and dedication, they have achieved remarkable progress.

We are incredibly proud to report that during the recent Fort McMurray evacuations, Lucy co-existed peacefully with her litter mate. She was able to walk alongside a dog park, watch other dogs play and frolic, while maintaining her incredible leash skills without any responses. She walked beautifully with us, showing just how far she has come.

Huge congratulations to Lucy and her guardian for their unwavering commitment and perseverance. Your progress is an inspiration!

Keep up the fantastic work! 🐕❤️👏

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Edmonton, AB
T7Z1H8

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