Shake A Paw Dog Training

Shake A Paw Dog Training There's a life you've been dreaming of with your dog. What if you could make that a reality?

šŸ¾ Is Your Dog Getting Enough Exercise? šŸ¾ā€œHow much exercise does a dog need?ā€ Itā€™s a question I hear all the time, and th...
01/21/2025

šŸ¾ Is Your Dog Getting Enough Exercise? šŸ¾

ā€œHow much exercise does a dog need?ā€ Itā€™s a question I hear all the time, and the answer isnā€™t one-size-fits-all.

A dog that isnā€™t getting enough physical and mental stimulation will often find their own ways to entertain themselves. Unfortunately, these ā€œcreativeā€ behaviorsā€”like chewing, barking, digging, or pestering other pets or family membersā€”can quickly turn into habits you donā€™t want.

So how do you provide enough exercise, and how do you know if itā€™s enough?

Types of Exercise

Every dog can benefit from two types of activity: physical exercise and mental enrichment.

One fantastic option for both is a sniffy or decompression walk (as trainer Sarah Stremming calls them). These walks allow your dog to be a dogā€”sniffing, exploring, and moving freely. Ideally, these are done off-leash, but if thatā€™s not an option, a long line and harness work well.

šŸ• Long-Line Walks: Use open spaces like fields and walk the perimeter to give your dog plenty of sniffing opportunities without getting tangled or being dragged.

šŸ• Weighted Long Lines: For dogs that canā€™t be off-leash in open areas, attach weights (like sand-filled detergent bottles) to their harness. This slows them down, allowing freedom to sniff and explore without running off.

I believe every dog benefits from daily off-leash runs or decompression walks. A standard on-leash walk with strict rules (no pulling, staying close, etc.) is great for training but doesnā€™t give your dog the freedom to just be a dog.

If you live in the country, finding off-leash areas may be easier, but even in town, there are options:

šŸ¶ Fenced schoolyards (when children arenā€™t present).
šŸ¶ Baseball diamonds or tennis courts (temporarily fenced areas work well).
šŸ¶ Open parks for long-line walks.

How Do You Know If Itā€™s Enough?

Every dog is different, but here are some signs your dog may need more exercise:
Restlessness at home: If your dog struggles to settle and relax, it could mean they need more activity.

Unusual behaviours: My own dog lets me know when heā€™s under-exercised with a random high-pitched bark.

When your dog gets the right amount of exercise, they should settle comfortably at home. If theyā€™re constantly on the move, itā€™s a sign they may need more physical or mental stimulation.

What About You?

How do you exercise your dog? Do you have a favorite spot for decompression walks or off-leash runs? Let me know in the comments! šŸ•ā€šŸ¦ŗ

šŸ¾ Whatā€™s Your Dogā€™s Favorite Trick? šŸ¾Winter with dogs can be a challenge here in the cold northā€”especially if your pup w...
01/20/2025

šŸ¾ Whatā€™s Your Dogā€™s Favorite Trick? šŸ¾

Winter with dogs can be a challenge here in the cold northā€”especially if your pup wasnā€™t built to brave the chill. ā„ļø

Training tricks is a perfect indoor activity to keep your dog mentally stimulated, strengthen your bond, and even reinforce basic obedienceā€”all while having fun!

The best part about teaching tricks? Thereā€™s no pressure, and it often comes with plenty of laughter. People stress when their dog doesnā€™t sit or come when called, but no one gets upset if their dog doesnā€™t roll over. That levity makes learning enjoyable for both of you!

Need some inspiration? Hereā€™s a short list of fun tricks to try:
šŸ¾ Shake a paw
šŸ¾ Roll over
šŸ¾ Back up
šŸ¾ Sit pretty
šŸ¾ Speak
šŸ¾ Fetch
šŸ¾ Wave
šŸ¾ Bow
šŸ¾ Spin
šŸ¾ Weave between your legs
šŸ¾ Turn on/off the lights

Every dog has a favorite trick they love to show off, whether itā€™s a classic sit, a high-energy spin, or something as unique as ā€œplay dead.ā€

Hereā€™s a challenge for you: Share your dogā€™s favorite trick in the comments! Bonus points if you add a photo or videoā€”letā€™s see those clever canines shine! šŸŒŸ

Letā€™s celebrate all the fun ways our dogs brighten our lives. šŸ¶ā¤ļø

Shhhā€¦ Wicca is Finally Quiet in Her X-Pen šŸ¾The first few days with a new puppy can be tough on everyone. Your puppy has ...
01/19/2025

Shhhā€¦ Wicca is Finally Quiet in Her X-Pen šŸ¾

The first few days with a new puppy can be tough on everyone. Your puppy has just left everything they knowā€”their mom, their siblings, and their familiar environment.

Itā€™s my job to make sure they feel comforted and secure while they navigate all these big changes.

But itā€™s also my job to keep them safe and containedā€”for their well-being, my sanity, and house training success.

Why the X-Pen is a Lifesaver:
Iā€™m not using the X-pen to isolate the puppy. Wiccaā€™s setup is right in the heart of our home: the kitchen.

From day one, she learns how to hang out and watch me cookā€”a skill that will serve us both well in the long run since cooking happens a lot around here!

For me, it means I can focus on making dinner without constantly worrying about what sheā€™s up to.

Whether youā€™re working on house training, teaching your puppy how to settle, or just needing a moment of peace, the X-pen is a fantastic tool to help you and your puppy thrive in these early days.

Whatā€™s your go-to strategy for managing a new puppy in your home?

Share your tips below! šŸ¶ā¤ļø

šŸ“… Upcoming Agility Foundation Classes
šŸ¾ Sun Feb 2 @ 9am
šŸ¾ Thu Feb 20 @ 6pm

šŸ“… Upcoming Basic Manners Classes
šŸ¾ Sun Feb 2 @ 10:15am
šŸ¾ Thu Feb 20 @ 7:15pm

01/18/2025

The Crate Training Debate: Why Iā€™m All In šŸ¾

Thereā€™s a lot of debate about whether or not to crate train a puppy.

Iā€™ll be honestā€”I canā€™t imagine not crate training! Hereā€™s why:

šŸ”¹ Teaches Self-Control: Crate training helps your puppy learn they canā€™t always have everything they seeā€”a critical skill for coming when called and walking nicely on leash.

šŸ”¹ Gives You a Break: Letā€™s face it, puppies are adorable but exhausting. The first two weeks, it might feel manageable to follow them around constantly, but that level of supervision gets old fast. Crate training allows you to reclaim a bit of your lifeā€”whether itā€™s reading a book, watching TV, or just scrolling Facebook.

How I Crate Train My Puppies:

1ļøāƒ£ Start with Rewards: Every time Wicca goes into the crate or X-pen, she gets rewarded. I have a handful of kibble ready, and as I set her down in the crate, I release the kibble in front of her.

2ļøāƒ£ Next Step: After a few days, I notice sheā€™s starting to look for the kibble instead of turning back out of the crate. Thatā€™s when I up the challenge:

I place her just outside the crate door, giving her the choice to go in on her own.
When she makes the right choice, sheā€™s rewarded with a handful of kibble.

3ļøāƒ£ Mistakes Happen: In this video, youā€™ll see Wicca go the wrong way on her second attempt. No big dealā€”I simply pick her up and reset, pointing her toward the crate. When she makes the right choice, sheā€™s rewarded!

If she had kept making the wrong choice, I would have gone back a step and placed her directly in the crate again.

Why This Works:

Crate training gives your puppy opportunities to figure out how to earn rewards, but itā€™s important not to let them fail too many times in a rowā€”frustration doesnā€™t help anyone.

How is crate training going for you?

Has your puppy started to settle in their crate or X-pen?

Let me know in the commentsā€”Iā€™d love to hear your experiences! šŸ¶āœØ

šŸ“… Upcoming Agility Foundation Classes
šŸ¾ Sun Feb 2 @ 9am
šŸ¾ Thu Feb 20 @ 6pm

šŸ“… Upcoming Basic Manners Classes
šŸ¾ Sun Feb 2 @ 10:15am
šŸ¾ Thu Feb 20 @ 7:15pm

Teaching Your Dog or Puppy Manners Around Food šŸ½ļøOne of the top priorities for many of my clients is teaching their dogs...
01/17/2025

Teaching Your Dog or Puppy Manners Around Food šŸ½ļø

One of the top priorities for many of my clients is teaching their dogs proper manners around food. Itā€™s a big oneā€”and for good reason!

In our house, we eat dinner on TV trays in the living room, so I start teaching my dogs what to do when thereā€™s food around early on.

As with any behaviour, the key is simple: reward what you want and manage what you donā€™t want.

Hereā€™s How I Tackle It:

šŸ”¹ Training Time: When Iā€™m actively training, my dogs are loose in the living room with us while we eat.

šŸ”¹ Management Time: If I canā€™t pay attention, they go in their crate or X-pen, where the puppy can observe us eating without any chance of reinforcing unwanted behaviour.

šŸ”¹ Teaching a Settle Spot: I like to teach my puppies to settle down somewhere specific while we eat. With Wicca, I chose the ottoman. She quickly learned to hop up, lie down, and chew on a toy while we had dinner.

The Secret to Begging Behaviour:

Dogs do what works.

If you tell your dog to go away when they approach the table, youā€™re unintentionally rewarding them with attention.

If your dog hangs around the table waiting for scraps to fall, theyā€™ll eventually get rewardedā€”especially if kids or guests sneak them treats!

By teaching Wicca to settle on the ottoman, she learned:
āœ… Lie here quietly = rewards.
āŒ Hovering near the table = no rewards.

As she gets older, Iā€™ll refine her behaviour:

Iā€™ll stop rewarding staring at me while I eat.

Over time, Iā€™ll phase out food rewards altogether, and this behaviour will become part of her routine.

Now, when we have company (who love to sneak treats), my dogs are settled away from the table to avoid undoing their training.

This picture says it all:

My son is holding a bowl of chips. As soon as Wicca spotted it, she hopped onto her chairā€”without being told! No begging, just polite manners. What a good girl! ā¤ļø

Does your dog beg at the table?

Do they become a problem when you have company?

Let me know in the commentsā€”Iā€™d love to hear your stories! šŸ¾

What to Do When Your Dog Gets Overwhelmed on a WalkOne of my private clients asked a great question that I think many of...
01/17/2025

What to Do When Your Dog Gets Overwhelmed on a Walk

One of my private clients asked a great question that I think many of you can relate to:

"We walked by a house, and a little dog came outside barking. My dog got really scared and anxious. The rest of the walk, he was excited, pulling, sniffing everything. What strategy should I use to diffuse this situation so it doesnā€™t carry on through the rest of the walk?"

This is such a common scenario. Sometimes, itā€™s triggered by something obviousā€”like a barking dogā€”or it might feel like your dog reacts for no clear reason.

When this happens, your dogā€™s reaction could look like pulling, sniffing, or even jumping and biting at you. The big question is: What can you do in the moment to help?

Hereā€™s the reality:
You canā€™t always control your environment on a walk. For some dogs, I recommend temporarily pausing walks and focusing on controlled exposure in more manageable settings.

But if youā€™re already out and something unexpected happens, itā€™s a great opportunity to use ODR (Observe Donā€™t React).

šŸ’” Pro Tip: Practice ODR regularly on calm walks so that when something does happen, you and your dog naturally fall into a behavior chain that helps you both stay grounded.

Hereā€™s how ODR works:

1ļøāƒ£ Stop Walking.
If your dog is overwhelmed, pause and stand still. Give them a moment to decompress and observe. Avoid asking for anything at firstā€”patience :) here is vital.

2ļøāƒ£ Wait for Connection.
Pay attention to your dog. Are they still fixated on the environment, or do they check in with you? Once they willingly connect with you, thatā€™s your signal theyā€™re ready to engage.

3ļøāƒ£ Work Through Some Cues.
Start with simple cues like the Name Game or Collar Grab Game. Once your dog is responsive, progress to more challenging behaviours like sit, heel, or stay.

This approach helps shift your dogā€™s mindset from reactive to thoughtful. Once theyā€™re calm and focused, you can continue your walk with a more relaxed, cooperative companion.

Let me know how this works for you! When you stop walking, does your dog check in right away, or do they stay locked on their surroundings? Share your experiences below! šŸ¾

Looking for more help with walking on leash? We have an intensive loose leash walking course starting Tue Feb 4 @ 7:15pm. Message us to register or for more info.

Photo by Robert Gramner on Unsplash

Exciting News! šŸŽ‰Weā€™re thrilled to announce that we now carry Omega Alpha productsā€”our favorite health supplements for ke...
01/16/2025

Exciting News! šŸŽ‰

Weā€™re thrilled to announce that we now carry Omega Alpha productsā€”our favorite health supplements for keeping dogs happy, healthy, and going strong! šŸ¾šŸ’Ŗ

From joint support to overall wellness, these high-quality supplements are trusted by dog lovers everywhere (including us!).

Want to learn more about how Omega Alpha can support your dogā€™s health? Drop by or send us a messageā€”weā€™d love to help!

01/13/2025

Mastering the Sit-Stay: Treat Placement Matters šŸ¾

When it comes to teaching behaviours like a solid sit-stay, treat placement can make or break your training success.

Check out this video of Allison working with Turbo on his sit-stay šŸ‘‡

Notice how Turbo naturally reaches for the food when she goes to reward him. Instead of giving him the treat immediately, Allison pauses until Turbo chooses to settle back into position. Then she rewards by gently pushing the treat into his mouthā€”avoiding rewarding the reaching behaviour altogether.

The dog pulling back is not required but at the beginning it helps us see what action is being rewarded.

Why Treat Placement Matters

If youā€™ve been struggling with what I call the ā€œshort gameā€ of stays, treat placement is probably be the culprit.

Hereā€™s what typically happens:

You offer the treat slightly away from the dogā€™s mouth.

The dog reaches forward to get it.

Over time, this reaching behaviour becomes a habit.

It might not seem like a big deal at first, but eventually, your dog starts anticipating the reward. Theyā€™ll break their position or stand for the treat as soon as you move toward themā€”eliminating the concept of staying altogether.

Pro Tip:

From the very beginning, reward in a way that ensures your dog doesnā€™t move forward. Push the treat gently into their mouth while they remain still. This helps them understand that staying in position is part of the game, even for little puppies.
Start small, be consistent, and watch your dogā€™s sit-stay transform!

Thank you Alison and Turbo for playing in the video.

Do you have a stay story or tips to share? Drop them in the comments! šŸ¶

Walking Two Dogs: Tips and Challenges šŸ¾šŸ¾Walking two dogs at the same time can be a real challenge. Both dogs need to und...
01/12/2025

Walking Two Dogs: Tips and Challenges šŸ¾šŸ¾

Walking two dogs at the same time can be a real challenge. Both dogs need to understand the foundational concepts of leash walking:

1ļøāƒ£ Ignoring Distractions: The world is full of exciting sights, sounds, and smells, but leash-walking dogs must learn to just walk on by.
2ļøāƒ£ Maintaining a Loose Leash: No pulling, no tanglingā€”just calm, steady walking.
If a single dog isnā€™t walking well on leash, trust me, adding a second dog will only make things harder!

Todayā€™s Adventure
I took Peak and Wicca into Kemptville for a walk through Canadian Tireā€”because who doesnā€™t love a little outing with the ā€œkidsā€? (Of course, I had to snap a picture šŸ“ø).

Living in the middle of nowhere means we donā€™t do a lot of on-leash walking at home. This doesnā€™t affect their ability to walk nicely on a leash, but it does impact socialization. Without regular outings, dogs donā€™t get exposed to new and different places.

Peak handles socializing like a pro. Heā€™s relaxed and confident in most situations. Wicca, on the other hand, can get a bit anxious in new environments. Thatā€™s why I make an effort to take her to different places regularly, keeping her experiences positive and her stress levels low.

For adolescent dogs, this kind of exposure is especially important. Socialization is still developing during this stage, and itā€™s easy to let it slide during the winter months when we Canadians tend to hibernate! But those outings, even to a local store, can make a world of difference.

Want to Improve Your Dogā€™s Leash Walking?

Weā€™re planning an intensive loose leash walking course starting on Tuesday, February 4, if thereā€™s enough interest.

This course will help you and your dog master the skills needed to enjoy calm, stress-free walks together.
Interested? Message us to get on the list! šŸ¶

Building the Invisible Leash: The Key to Off-Leash Success šŸ¾One of the first things I work on when I get a new puppy is ...
01/11/2025

Building the Invisible Leash: The Key to Off-Leash Success šŸ¾

One of the first things I work on when I get a new puppy is building the invisible leashā€”that natural bond that keeps your puppy close, even when theyā€™re off-leash.

Puppies naturally want to stay near their people, but this instinct starts to shift around 5 months old when adolescence kicks in.

Suddenly, the puppy who ā€œnever leaves the yardā€ is now testing boundariesā€”and leaving you behind!

Since this behavior is expected, I focus on strengthening the invisible leash early on.
Hereā€™s how:

šŸ¶Take Them to Safe, Low-Distraction Places: Let your puppy explore off-leash in a secure area, like a fenced field or quiet trail.
šŸ¶Let Them Wander: Avoid calling them back or following them around. Instead, simply meander and let them figure out where you are.
šŸ¶Change Directions Often: Quietly change direction every so often. This encourages your puppy to naturally check in and stay aware of your movements.

The goal is to teach your puppy that they are responsible for keeping track of you, not the other way around. Theyā€™ll learn to enjoy their freedom while always keeping at least part of their attention on you.

What I often see, though, is people following their puppies around or calling them back when they wander too far. While it might feel like the right thing to do, this actually teaches your puppy that they donā€™t need to keep an eye on youā€”youā€™ll always be there to follow or fetch them.

By practicing the invisible leash early, youā€™re setting your puppy up for long-term off-leash success, even during those tricky teenage months.

Have you tried building the invisible leash with your puppy? Iā€™d love to hear about itā€”share your experiences in the comments! šŸ¶ā¤ļø

photo credit L Graveline Photography

Do You Thank Your Dog?Years ago, I used to show in confirmation with my Siberian Husky.I was new to the world of conform...
01/10/2025

Do You Thank Your Dog?

Years ago, I used to show in confirmation with my Siberian Husky.

I was new to the world of conformation and learning the ropes, though I already had some experience competing in agility and obedience.

One day, I was standing outside the ring with my Husky, Max, and asked him to sit. He did, and I said, "Thank you."

The judge happened to be standing near me and asked, ā€œWhy are you thanking your dog? He should just do as heā€™s told.ā€

Photo by Kevin Quezada on Unsplash

Keep in mind, this was almost 25 years ago. Thankfully, dog training has come a long way since thenā€”but there are still plenty of people who feel the same way: that dogs should comply simply because we asked.

The opposite of thanking your dog is expectation. Itā€™s assuming that theyā€™ll perform without appreciating their effort.

But hereā€™s the thingā€”dogs are individuals, not robots.

Theyā€™re constantly learning, adapting, and trying to figure out what the hell we want from them.

To meet us halfway in a world that doesnā€™t always make sense to them.

When I thank my dog, Iā€™m acknowledging the work theyā€™ve put in and the relationship weā€™ve built together.

Iā€™m saying, ā€œI see you, I value you, and I appreciate you.ā€

A simple ā€œthank youā€ goes a long way. Itā€™s a moment of connection, a sign of mutual respect, and a reminder that training isnā€™t just about commandsā€”itā€™s about partnership.

So, do you thank your dog?

Struggling with Loose Leash Walking?Does walking your dog feel like you are training for the Iditarod?Winterā€™s ice and s...
01/09/2025

Struggling with Loose Leash Walking?

Does walking your dog feel like you are training for the Iditarod?

Winterā€™s ice and snow make it painfully clear how much your dog pulls on leashā€”and the risks are real. Talk to any physiotherapist, and theyā€™ll tell you how many injuries they treat from dogs pulling on walks.

There are hundreds of devices out there that promise to stop pulling. While some work for a few weeks, most dogs go right back to their old habits.

I get calls every day from people saying, "Iā€™ve tried everything, but my dog still pulls!"

Hereā€™s the truth: No device will fix leash pulling unless YOU change what youā€™re doing.

Hereā€™s why:

If your goal is just to get the walk done, youā€™ll inevitably let your dog pullā€”especially when itā€™s cold, dark, and youā€™re tired.

Even if you stop, wait for a sit, or turn around, youā€™ll eventually give in just to get home.

Sound familiar?

To truly fix leash pulling, you need a multi-pronged approach:

1ļøāƒ£ Stop Walking Your Dog (for Now)
Every walk where your dog pulls reinforces the habit. Your dog still needs exercise, but not through pulling.
2ļøāƒ£ Work on ODR (Observe, Donā€™t React)
Teach your dog to watch distractions calmly. Only when theyā€™ve mastered this can you begin moving forward.
3ļøāƒ£ Use the Right Equipment
For dogs with a pulling habit, the right tool makes a big difference. I recommend a head halter, though there are other effective options.

šŸŽ‰ Weā€™ve Heard You! šŸŽ‰

Due to high demand, weā€™re offering a focused 4-week Loose Leash Walking Course on Tuesday evenings starting soon. Small class size, homework booklet with written and video instruction.

šŸ“© Want to join? Leave a comment below or send us a message to reserve your spot!

Photo by James Padolsey on Unsplash

Puppy biting is such a normal (though frustrating!) part of their development. I expect it and always come prepared!When...
01/08/2025

Puppy biting is such a normal (though frustrating!) part of their development. I expect it and always come prepared!

When I sit down to cuddle my puppy, I make sure I have something of high value for them to chew on in handā€”think bully sticks, frozen Kongs, or a favorite toy. This helps redirect their need to bite onto something appropriate while we bond.

But letā€™s be real: there comes a stage when no matter what you do, theyā€™ll still want to bite. At that point, I hit pause on couch cuddles and focus on structured handling games. These games teach puppies that being handled doesnā€™t mean they need to use their teeth and set the stage for better behaviours as they grow.

I donā€™t believe in correcting puppies for bitingā€”theyā€™re not doing it out of malice. Itā€™s a natural developmental stage, and punishment can harm your relationship with them. Instead, I focus on redirection, management, and teaching them through positive experiences.

Hang in there! Puppyhood can feel overwhelming, but with consistency and patience, this phase will pass. šŸ˜Š

****

NOW ENROLLING: 2nd Feb - Sunday

AGILITY FOUNDATIONS
@ 9:00 AM

BASIC MANNERS
@ 10:15 AM

šŸ“© Message us for more info and to secure your spot!

šŸ“ 3327 Wallace Road, South Mountain, Ontario.

Adolescence and Recalls: Why It Feels Like Your Dog "Forgets" EverythingAdolescence can throw a wrench in recall trainin...
01/07/2025

Adolescence and Recalls: Why It Feels Like Your Dog "Forgets" Everything

Adolescence can throw a wrench in recall training. That once-reliable puppy who zipped to you every time now seems to have their own agendaā€”and itā€™s frustrating!

Why Recalls Falter

šŸ¾ New Fears: During adolescence, dogs often go through a "fear period." Familiar things, like your garden nook, suddenly seem scary. Their brain is rewiring, and they question the familiar.

šŸ¾ Growing Independence: Just like human teens, adolescent dogs are hardwired to explore. This instinct is critical in the wild but can make them prioritize the environment over you.

šŸ¾ Pressure Builds: When you call your dog, thereā€™s an unspoken demand. If they hesitate and you escalateā€”by moving toward them or calling louderā€”it can overwhelm them, especially if theyā€™re sensitive or worried.

The Solution: Smart Training and Fun Games

Every dog deserves off-leash freedom, even during adolescence. Here are my favorite ways to build recall and confidence while keeping training fun:

1. AKA Game (Anti Keep Away)
āœ”ļø Use a long line in a safe area.
āœ”ļø Walk to the end of the leash, step on it, and approach your dog. Reward and walk away.
āœ”ļø Over time, theyā€™ll move toward you when you approach. Back up to reduce pressure, reward the approach, and add your recall cue.

2. Ready to Work & Name Game
āœ”ļø Wait for your dog to approach. Step back and reward them under their chin to prevent jumping.
āœ”ļø Gradually add steps before rewarding. Call their name before stepping back once theyā€™re reliable.

3. Reward Stations
āœ”ļø Create areas where your dog gets a reward for coming, like your car after a hike or a rock they jump on.
āœ”ļø Example: Reward your dog at the front door after a run. Soon, theyā€™ll race you there for the prize.

4. Restrained Recalls
āœ”ļø Have someone hold your dog while you run a short distance away.
āœ”ļø Call them, and when theyā€™re looking, have the person release them. Celebrate big when they reach you!

What NOT to Do
āŒ Avoid situations where you canā€™t catch your dog. Use tools like a long line.
āŒ Donā€™t keep calling if theyā€™re not respondingā€”youā€™re only weakening your recall cue.

Patience is Key
Adolescence is just a phase. By staying consistent, using these games, and respecting your dogā€™s emotional needs, youā€™ll build a solid recall that lasts a lifetime.

****

NOW ENROLLING: 2nd Feb - Sunday

AGILITY FOUNDATIONS
@ 9:00 AM

BASIC MANNERS
@ 10:15 AM

šŸ“© Message us for more info and to secure your spot!

šŸ“ 3327 Wallace Road, South Mountain, Ontario.

šŸ¾Finding Happiness in the Small WinsšŸ¾I came across this quote today and had to share:Dog training isnā€™t always about the...
01/06/2025

šŸ¾Finding Happiness in the Small WinsšŸ¾

I came across this quote today and had to share:

Dog training isnā€™t always about the big milestones. Sure, we all dream of the perfect recall or a flawlessly executed agility run. But if we focus only on those big, shiny goals, we miss out on the magic happening right in front of us every day.

Iā€™ve seen it so oftenā€”owners feeling overwhelmed because progress feels slow or challenges seem endless. But hereā€™s the thing: those little wins youā€™re achieving with your dog? They matter.

Maybe today, your dog held a sit-stay for just a few extra seconds. Or perhaps they walked calmly past a distraction for the first time. These moments might not seem extraordinary, but they are the building blocks of progress. Theyā€™re proof of your hard work, your patience, and the incredible bond youā€™re building with your dog.

When we shift our focus to gratitude for these small victories, training starts to feel less like a task and more like a journey. Your dog offering eye contact during a chaotic moment? Thatā€™s a win. Choosing to come back to you instead of chasing a squirrel? Thatā€™s a win.

Every small success is a step forward. When we take a moment to celebrate them, weā€™re reminded that happiness isnā€™t in the end resultā€”itā€™s in the journey of learning and growing together.

For me, my big gratitude this week is this: even though Iā€™ve been under the weather and all I want to do is curl up and sleep, my dogs have been amazing. My awesome husband has taken them out for runs every day, Iā€™ve managed to squeeze in some training here and there, and theyā€™ve been perfectly content just hanging out. Such good kids.

If youā€™re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, know that youā€™re not alone. Our training classes are here to help you celebrate those wins and build on them, one step at a time. Join us, and letā€™s find joy in the small moments, together.

******

Upcoming Classes:

šŸ“… Basic Manners
šŸ¾ Thu Jan 9 @ 6pm
šŸ¾ Sun Feb 2 @ 10:15am

šŸ“… Agility Foundations
šŸ¾ Thu Jan 9 @ 7:15pm
šŸ¾ Sun Feb 2 @ 9am

Message us to register, only a few spots left.

Want to know where you can find us?

šŸ“ 3327 Wallace Road, South Mountain, Ontario.

We are about 20 minutes to Kemptville, 20 minutes to Wi******er, 40 minutes to Barrhaven, and about 40 minutes to Brockville.

šŸŽ“ Congratulations to Our Basic Manners Graduates! šŸŽ“A huge round of applause to our latest group of Basic Manners graduat...
01/05/2025

šŸŽ“ Congratulations to Our Basic Manners Graduates! šŸŽ“

A huge round of applause to our latest group of Basic Manners graduates! šŸ‘šŸ¾ Over the past weeks, youā€™ve worked hard with your dogs, building focus, communication, and confidence together. Watching your progress has been an absolute joy. Whether it was mastering loose leash walking, nailing that reliable recall, or simply learning to work as a team, youā€™ve all come so far.

Thank you for your dedication and commitmentā€”itā€™s no small feat to invest in your dogā€™s training, and it truly makes a world of difference. Youā€™ve given your pups the gift of a strong foundation that will serve them for years to come.

šŸŒŸ Ready to take the next step or get started on your own training journey? šŸŒŸ

How about trying our agility foundations class or our advanced obedience called TIA (Train It All)

Our next round of classes is starting soon! Hereā€™s whatā€™s coming up:

šŸ“… Basic Manners
šŸ¾ Thu Jan 9 @ 6pm
šŸ¾ Sun Feb 2 @ 10:15am

šŸ“… Agility Foundations
šŸ¾ Thu Jan 9 @ 7:15pm
šŸ¾ Sun Feb 2 @ 9am

šŸ“… TIA (Train It All) - classes already running you can join whenever
Wednesdays @ 7:15pm
Thursdays @ 9:45am

Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early.

šŸ¶ Whether youā€™re starting fresh or continuing your journey, weā€™re here to support you every step of the way. Letā€™s make 2025 the year of progress and connection with your dog!

šŸ“© message us for more info

Once again, congratulations to our graduatesā€”you and your dogs are amazing! šŸ’•šŸ•

šŸ“ 3327 Wallace Road, South Mountain, Ontario.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Peak! šŸŽ‰Last night as I was lying in bed reading, Peak was beside me chewing something. Like any dog ...
01/04/2025

Happy 3rd Birthday, Peak! šŸŽ‰

Last night as I was lying in bed reading, Peak was beside me chewing something. Like any dog parent, Iā€™ve become pretty familiar with the sounds of ā€œapproved chew thingsā€ versus ā€œuh-oh, whatā€™s in your mouth?ā€ Whatever he was working on fell into the latter category.

I wasnā€™t too worriedā€”Peakā€™s never been destructiveā€”but eventually, my curiosity got the best of me. I didnā€™t want to move (of course), so I cued him to ā€œbring it.ā€ You could tell he heard me and thought, ā€œUgh, but Iā€™m comfy hereā€¦ā€ Still, being the good boy he is, he eventually brought it overā€”a new Christmas toy! I gave it right back, praised him, and went back to my book.

This simple moment got me thinking: Peak turns 3 today. Heā€™s sweet, funny, cuddly, and full of character. But we didnā€™t get here overnight. His adolescence was rough, and managing overwhelm has been one of our biggest challenges together.
As a trainer, I see overwhelm as a common theme with my clients too. It often stems from the expectations we set for our dogsā€”expectations that donā€™t always match what our dogs need.

Take puppies, for example. Many people believe the first thing you should do with a new puppy is put them on a leash and take them for a walk. But from the puppyā€™s perspective, this is incredibly overwhelming. Theyā€™ve just been uprooted from everything they know. Their new home feels like the only safe place. Pulling them away on a leash, encouraging every person and dog to greet themā€”while well-intentionedā€”can create stress and bad habits, like leash balking or jumping up.
For my dogs, the first week at home is all about bonding, building curiosity, and gaining confidence in their new environment. We focus on leash work at home and ODR (observe donā€™t react) out in public. With ODR, the goal isnā€™t to get from point A to point B; the goal is to build confidence and understanding of what is and isnā€™t available.

One of my go-to strategies is incorporating ā€œstupid pet tricksā€ to assess how a puppy is feeling. Simple cues like a sit or down can tell me if the dog is functioning well or feeling overwhelmed. I wait until my puppies are around five months old before taking them on a ā€œrealā€ leash walk, where the goal shifts from training to simply walking from point A to point B. By meeting them where they are, I can avoid overfacing them and instead build their confidence slowly.

Overwhelm can manifest in so many ways:
ā€¢ A dog jumping and biting on leash
ā€¢ A dog disconnecting during agility
ā€¢ A dog not coming when called
ā€¢ Rough play or reactivity

Instead of labeling these behaviours as ā€œbad,ā€ it helps to see them as communicationā€”signals that our dogs may be overwhelmed.

With Peak, Iā€™ve learned to walk the tightrope of progress versus overwhelm. He loves to train, but Iā€™ve had to be patient, constantly adapting to his needs. This year, though, Iā€™m starting to see the adult dog heā€™s becoming, and I couldnā€™t be prouder.

Happy birthday, Peak. Youā€™ve taught me so much about patience, balance, and embracing the journey. Hereā€™s to many more years of learning and growing together.

Paola Hoger
Shake-A-Paw Dog Training
šŸ“ 3327 Wallace Road, South Mountain, Ontario.

Address

3400 Wallace Road
Kemptville, ON
K0E1W0

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Shake A Paw Dog Training posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Shake A Paw Dog Training:

Videos

Share

Category

Canadaā€™s Original Dog Trainer.

As the ownerā€™s of the domain DOGTRAINING.CA it should come as no surprise that we have the Experience and Credentials to back up our Results. Shake-a-Paw offers a hands-on training approach arming dog owners with the information, skills and tools to be able to work with their pup through any issue and training desire.

It is important to us that pet owners are well informed and understands the "why" behind each new exercise we help you train your dog on. We give you all the information and training techniques to continue working through training methods on your own at home or on the road.

Shake-a-Paw offers credible and experienced trainers to help work through any issues or concerns that you may have about your dog's training.