Being With Dogs

03/05/2025

Important information!

Is an Autism Service Dog Right for Your Child? 🤔 A Reality Check

Thinking about getting an autism service dog? They can be amazing, but going in with realistic expectations is crucial! Before diving in, consider this:

𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗲: A dog 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 fix autism, rewire brains, or change sensory sensitivities. They're companions, not miracle workers.

𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Many autistic children don't enjoy dogs due to sensory sensitivities. Dogs are slimy and smelly and demand attention, sometimes the opposite of what is helpful.

𝗣𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗗: They're messy, bitey, and require constant supervision - a considerable burden, especially for already stressed families.

𝗠𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻: If your child has violent meltdowns, having a dog around is not safe, no matter how well-intentioned.

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗿: The parent is responsible for the dog, and the child, meaning extra work.

𝗕𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗺𝘀: Sadly, predatory trainers may exploit vulnerable families seeking quick fixes.

If you decide to proceed, know that matching an autistic service dog is more than just adding a few skills; the dog is willing and happy to be there with your kid through the good times and the bad.

02/13/2025

Hope to see you there!

Are you struggling with a dog who is reactive on leash?
Join our virtual event with Valerie and Katie! They'll share proven training and management strategies to help make your walks enjoyable again.

Thursday, Feb 27
5 pm PT
Tickets only $30, or FREE if you join PACTA BC!
Can’t attend live? Get your ticket now to receive the recording.
Tickets at pactabc.ca/events

02/07/2025

Hello Kamloops puppy people! Get yourself a spot in this class!

Why attend a Puppy Class with your new puppy?

A puppy class helps build a strong foundation for lifelong good behavior, socialization, and confidence. It provides a positive environment for learning essential skills, bonding with your pup, and setting them up for success in the real world.

Only two spots left in our upcoming class. Here is the link to register directly.

https://beyondtheleashk9training.as.me/PuppyClassRegistrationFeb20th

Check out our website for more information www.beyondtheleashk9.ca

02/03/2025

This isn’t news to all the clients we send to TTouch Canada for the very best leashes and harnesses. Spread the word!

Support Canadian owned and produced products!

All of TTouch Harmony Harness products, including our revolutionary TTouch Connectors are made in a small, ethical factory in Ontario.

Dog friendly while helping guardians have easier, more harmonious walks on leash!

Check it out at ttouch.ca or harmonyharness.com!

01/23/2025

Fun fundraiser!

🐾 Introducing the Winter Tail Gate Series! 🍺

Tickets available here:
https://can.givergy.com/wintertailgateseries/?controller=home

🚫 Watch for scammers, tickets are only available at the link above^^

Buy a ticket, get a free beer, enter the 50/50 draw and take a chance to win BC SPCA Animal Trivia all while supporting fur babies in need! 🙌

🎉 Event Details:
📅 February 20 – Red Collar Brewing
📅 March 5 – Bright Eye Brewing
📅 March 20 – The Noble Pig
⏰ Trivia kicks off at 7:30 PM (3 themed rounds, wraps up by 9:30 PM).

Tickets are just $20, and each includes a beer at the venue! 🍻 Rally your team (max 6 people) and show off your trivia smarts.

Beat the winter lull with friends, fun, and philanthropy. Tickets are limited—don’t miss out on this exciting spin-off of our summer favorite!

📢 Tag your trivia crew and grab your tickets today! 🐾

01/08/2025

This workshop will be fabulous. Highly recommended!

Have you heard of ‘Shaping’ before? 🤯

Saturday January 18th, 12:00 - 3:00 PM
Audit spots $45 plus gst per
Working spots $85 plus gst
Location: 101-780 Windsor Ave, Kamloops.
Register today, spaces are limited!
www.canineconnectiondt.ca/workshops

Maybe you’re new to this training method or maybe you already have some experience with this FUN way of teaching your dog new skills. Shaping is a skill for BOTH the handler and the dog as well as a great way to boost your dog’s thinking and problem solving skills which in turn boost their confidence and optimism!

The first portion of the workshop will be handlers only and then move into handler/dog work and demonstrations.

Auditors participate during the handler portion and audit during the handler/dog working portion.

There are 4 Handler & Dog Working Spots Available!
Working dogs must be comfortable in your vehicle (while not working), have an established marker and release word and be able to work with you around other people. Working spots ARE suitable for dog-reactive dogs as only one dog will be working in the building at a time.

11/02/2024

Coming up this month in !

📣 Upcoming Dog Handler Workshop 📣
Ever thought the 'Trainer makes it look easy'?

Sunday November 17th, 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Location: SRD K9s Facility @ 101 - 780 Windsor Ave
$30 plus gst per person
Register today, spaces are limited
www.canineconnectiondt.ca/workshops

Join us for this FUN, interactive workshop (for the humans only) focusing on improving your handler communication skills, reinforcement delivery mechanics, placement and timing!

At this workshop focused solely on the HUMAN and your skills to teach your dog. As a result, your dog will be able to learn faster as well as stay focused during training sessions. Having clear mechanics will also help your dog to stay motivated and engaged during training sessions instead getting frustrated and showing high arousal behaviours like barking, jumping up, sniffing, walking away or mugging your hands.

This workshop will come with a booklet to take home with the steps to continue practising.

** Registration is per person. If you would like multiple people in your household to attend, please select multiple dogs. If you only have one dog, please email me so I can manually enrol/invoice you**

09/21/2024

Is it pain? This is a good list of things to watch out for.

Dogs are much loved members of the family - they're often social and can be much more dramatic then our feline friends when it comes to showing signs of pain.

Our canine family members can show pain in a variety of ways including:
- General vocalization or increased vocalization with certain activities including howling, whimpering or grunting
- Self mutilation like overgroooming certain areas of the body, biting or chewing at themselves
- Self protection activities like limping or avoidance
- Changes to their activity level including restlessness, reluctance to move or do certain activities, hiding, and difficulty laying (and standing) or sitting in certain positions.
- Changes to posture such as arching their back or tucking their abdomen, or hiding their paws underneath them
- Changes to their coat including it being more dull or standing up in strange spots
- Facial expressions like grimaces, flattened ears, or panting
- Previously affectionate pets may become more aggressive or have shorter tolerances

If you feel your canine friend is showing subtle signs of pain, please contact us to book an appointment and have further discussion with our veterinarians - there are things we can do to help!

09/20/2024

Great class for the young pups!

If you’ve welcomed a new pup to your family, October 9th is when puppy classes start!🐾 Sign up today if your pup is between 8-13weeks old!

09/05/2024

This is why a visit to your veterinarian is often a preliminary step before we begin working on behaviour.

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month!

Do you fee like your pet may be showing subtle signs of pain? Are you unsure if some of their changes are pain related?
Some signs can even be subtle and overlooked.

The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management () has tons of good resources on their website including coveted Pain in Animals Checklists that can help direct your observations.

If you feel your pet may be showing subtle signs of pain such as decreased activity, difficulty with stairs, jumping, or standing after laying down, decreased appetite and overgrooming - please reach out to us to book an appointment to discuss options to help!

07/14/2024

The BC SPCA makes learning about animals fun for kids! We offer youth workshops, summer camps & special events focused on pets, farm and wild animals.