*All Services By Appointment Only* Classroom Dog Training & Behaviour For Puppies & Adult Dogs
(19)
06/26/2024
We will be closed for the Summer from June 28th – September 22nd, 2024.
Online class enrollment form submissions will be followed up on during our closure and all other inquiries will be returned on September 23rd.
For more information such as classes, schedules, links, private training options or to enroll in an upcoming class, visit our website at: www.delightfuldogs.net
For training behaviour tips or advice, visit the resources page on our website or do a keyword search on this business page.
*Business Will Return To Normal Hours Again September 23rd, 2024*
Wishing you a Safe and Wonderful Summer! ☺️
06/22/2024
06/20/2024
This is such a habit for us....and it really is US that needs to look at a solution to this issue.👀
Everyone has done this and even after clients have this pointed out to them, they will still repeat themselves (even straight after having this explained)
Why ?
Because habits can be so hard to break and when we are unaware of them they are even harder to break.
If your dog is off looking at a leaf, head down and interested in it...repeating yourself 5 times (and raising your voice and altering the tone each time) does nothing but frustrate you....and create a habit.
It is a bad habit.
We don't wait for focus before asking.
We repeat their names over and over and get grumpier each time we say their name.
Even when you have focus repeating a cue "sit...sit...sit...SIT...SIT" is habit and pattern forming. Some dogs are so clever they will wait until you repeat "sit" five times.
We expect "immediate" results when a dog may not actually know what you want or has never done as you ask with heavy distractions outside.
The best thing you can do is SHOW your dog what the cue means again.
Give them time to process what you have asked....you will be surprised if you stop, say it once and wait 3 - 4 seconds they may just show you exactly what you wanted.
Processing time IS important and as a society we expect instant results from everything in life, including our dogs.
Take a step back (especially if it is more miss than hit when you ask).
Gradually increase environments, use rewards, use praise and when your dog has done well listening in the trickier times....that is especially praise worthy.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collection of graphics.
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Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
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06/20/2024
06/20/2024
05/29/2024
With summer festivities kicking off, we want to remind you about the symptoms of heatstroke and prevention tips:
🚗Never leave your pet unattended in a car
☀️When hot/humid, keep your pet’s time outdoors limited
💦Keep your pet hydrated
🌬️Ensure your pet has ventilation and a cool environment
➡️Dogs with short noses are at higher risk due to their condensed facial anatomy and restricted ability to cool themselves
If any signs of heat stroke appear, please contact our team immediately.
Please help us spread awareness by tagging your pet parent friends in the comments and by sharing this post!
Shared from Vernon Veterinary Clinic
Want to learn more? We cover this in our dog first aid programs! Check out our upcoming course offering on our website 🐾
05/29/2024
Blue-Green Algae is very dangerous for dogs, as well as people and other animals❗
What is is though?
Warm weather promotes the growth of cyanobacteria in bodies of fresh water which is toxic when ingested.
The Algae can stick to the dogs fur and then when they clean themselves it gets into their system, so even if you think your dog will not drink the water do not let them swim in it either!
Here are some signs of toxicity from blue-green algae to watch for:
❗ Panting
❗ Excessive Drooling
❗ Diarrhea
❗ Disorientation
❗ Respiratory Failure
❗ Seizures
❗ Liver Failure
❗ Vomiting
❗ Collapse/Unconsciousness
❗ Weakness / Lethargic
❗ Death
If your dog is showing any symptoms of toxicity contact a vet immediately! Monitor vital signs and provide emergency first aid assistance.
THE LOOK AWAY
Looking away is one of the calming signals in dog body language.
Just like a hard stare or prolonged eye contact may be a sign that a dog’s about to react, looking away is meant to calm a situation down.
The head position when looking away will vary – from side to side, holding in one position or subtle quick turns are all common variations, all while avoiding direct eye contact.
I have often watched in fascination when one of my dogs uses this form of communication with an insect! Her favourite thing to do is to hunt, catch and then play with a Parktown Prawn (King Cricket).
She means them no harm (I think) and just wants to engage in a game of how high can you jump before I can catch you.
She will carefully carry the cricket in her mouth without hurting it to the middle of the garden where there are no bushes where it may escape to.
After a quick play bow (from her, not the cricket!) the games begin. The game can go on for some time and when the cricket gets tired or plays dead, she will stop playing, sit quietly, avoid eye contact and keep looking away before starting the game again.
By this time, I usually feel really sorry for the cricket, will rescue it and put it out of reach, but I think this is a good example of how she uses the body language of looking away to try to calm the situation down, even if her intentions are completely selfish! I have no idea if the cricket understands what she is trying to communicate.
Body language can be subtle and fleeting, but with careful observation and knowing what to look for most of us can learn to recognize and interpret what our dogs are saying.
It’s always important to look at the context, the situation and especially what the rest of the body is doing when deciphering this amazing language.
Being able to understand a dog’s emotional state through their body language helps us to predict behaviour, prevent potential problems or allows us to just enjoy observing their language.
05/16/2024
Have a wonderful and safe long-weekend everyone! 🤗
Keep your pets safe this long weekend!
05/10/2024
So proud of my puppy classes this week! 🥰 Everyone did amazing. 🥳🤩 I actually remembered to bring out my phone and take some great pictures and video clips of these superstars! (and couldn't resist to add a few grad hat bloopers too! 😆)
05/10/2024
Wishing lots of love to all our moms out there as we celebrate them on Sunday for Mothers Day ❤
05/06/2024
We love hearing about your successes! It's always nice to hear how clients are doing after completing our programs. If you'd like to share your experience working with us or even share a fun picture or story, click here to review us on Google: https://g.page/r/CV7gUtms1GbpEAI/review
05/02/2024
Set them up for success
05/02/2024
Important information for this time of year.
I do have to start this post by saying that your dog doesn't need to meet other dogs.
I know that is controversial for some to hear but very few dogs are truly dog social....many are highly selective.
They may only like their own breed.
They may only like female dogs....small brown dogs...or curly coated dogs.
They have (and are ALLOWED) their own social preference....just as we have our own social preferences.
Or they may just dislike any other dog outside their/your family and friends.
Encouraging dogs to meet a dog walking down the street (even with the best of intentions) can cause some serious issues.
Reactivity and/or aggression.
Injury.
A lessening of the strong bond they may have with you as they can no longer trust your judgement.
So meeting dogs on a walk, just because there is another dog there is something I highly discourage.
However....
There are some circumstances where you may have to introduce dogs. So these are a few tips which have been written about before (separately) in graphics but I have squeezed them together for a clearer reference.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is only concentrating on their own dogs emotional state and not watching the rising stress in the other dog involved....
These cause those "Out of the blue" reactions....
They weren't out of the blue, they were just missed.
🔵Micro meetings are essential.
🔵Parallel walks are a must.
🔵Avoid face to face.
🔵Keep your voices light and happy.
🔵DON'T make a dog sit or lie down.
🔵Tension creates more tension so keep those leads loose.
🔵NEUTRAL territory....not your yard, your house or even your immediate area around your house....go somewhere else.
Biggest tip though (as mentioned) watch the body language of both dogs.....IGNORE the tail wags and watch the whole body and all the little tell tale signs given.
If it doesn't feel right...it likely isn't.
Trust your own intuition.
ALWAYS advocate for your own dog no matter how "friendly" you are told the other dog is.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.
05/02/2024
If a dog is repeatedly not following a cue, it's important we don't decide they are being 'stubborn'. Dogs are not stubborn because they choose to be.
It may be that they haven't actually learned the cue properly.
They may be feeling unwell.
There may be distractions in the environment that mean they can't concentrate and respond to the cue.
The reward on offer might not be motivating enough for them in that moment.
Look at the environment for distractions, look at the coaching history to see if the cue has been fully established and proofed in the wider world, and look at the value of the rewards you are offering.
04/22/2024
Socialisation.
Play is NOT socialisation. Play is a separate and important skill.....but it isn't socialisation.
What is socialisation ?..... Calmness and acceptance.
What it isn't......over excited, scared, hyper, wary behaviour or PLAY.
I know that seems like a big statement to make for some people but society has some strange ideas of what socialisation is.
That doesn't mean dogs and puppies shouldn't play, it simply means one of the FIRST things they need to learn in life is be calm and accepting of dogs in general....then play can be added as a separate skill.
Calmness and acceptance IS socialisation.
Play is play.
Two completely separate things.
Dogs and puppies are a very small part of having a socialised dog. An important small part... but a very small part in a much bigger picture.
The word socialisation seems to be associated with play and that is a big issue with new puppy guardians/owners.
How you let other dogs meet yours and how your dog meets other dogs forms patterns of behaviour.
The more these dogs have over excited, over aroused and hyper behaviour around other dogs...........the more they understand this IS exactly how to meet dogs....and that is really problematic for many dogs.
True socialisation is acceptance and calmness in ALL the world has to offer.
Everything you encounter in everyday life...is exactly what you need to expose your dogs to.
Little and often
Positively and calmly......and you are well on your way to a well socialised puppy or dog.
One of the best lessons you can teach your puppy or dog is they do NOT need to interact with others.
They don't need to go to that hyper excited behaviour when other dogs are near.
They can be calm, assess the situation and choose to play and interact if they wish.....
That is true socialisation.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.
04/22/2024
DON’T GET A DOG…UNLESS YOU CAN MAKE A COMMITMENT
In an ideal world dogs would be included as part of our family and we would commit to sharing our time and life with them.
In an ideal world, we would take the time to learn about how they communicate, their emotions, their needs and updated, modern, scientifically based methods to understand or modify behaviour.
In reality, dogs are so often seen as an item of property, a commodity to be bred and make money from, a cheap, replaceable security system with a built-in barking alarm, a garden decoration, a toy to play with when the kids are bored or an accessory that looks good while out walking, running or taking selfies.
Dogs are not objects, just like us they are sentient beings with the capacity to feel a range of emotions.
A life spent confined to a backyard or fenced in with little or no human companionship is not a life.
Dogs are naturally social beings and need to spend time with their human family.
They need love and attention, exercise and mental stimulation.
They need routine, consistency and predictable patterns to feel secure in our world.
They need to feel safe, secure and protected if they are to be the best version of themselves.
Having a dog requires commitment, patience and dedication.
It’s hard work, it’s sometimes messy, dirty and stinky, it costs money and requires changes to our lifestyle.
It’s a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly or without making a commitment, but the rewards of forming a secure bond with another sentient being can bring so much joy and enrichment to both our lives and theirs.
04/04/2024
Tips on how to keep your pets safe for the upcoming solar eclipse 😎:
During the total solar eclipse on April 8, dogs and cats might react to the sudden shift to darkness, according to Erica Cartmill, a professor of animal behavior at Indiana University
04/04/2024
We are truly honoured to have been rated once again as one of the Top 3 Trainers in Waterloo!! 🥰🐶
04/01/2024
We're Back! 🥰 I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing winter season. Been a busy day catching up. I will try to post some great articles for you again soon! 🐶🌷
12/15/2023
Delightful Dogs will be closed for the Winter from December 15, 2023 – March 31, 2024.
Online class enrollment form submissions will be followed up on during our closure and all other inquiries will be returned on April 1st.
For more information such as classes, schedules, links, private training options or to enroll in an upcoming spring class, visit our website at: www.delightfuldogs.net
For training behaviour tips or advice, visit the resources page on our website or do a keyword search on this business page.
*Business Will Return To Normal Hours Again April 1st, 2024*
❄️ Wishing you a Safe and Wonderful Winter Season! ❄️
Address
792 Sawmill Road, Bloomingdale Kitchener, ON N0B1K0
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Videos
My Angel...Mishka
Mishka's Tribute Video <3
(Had to post without the music as fb wouldn't allow. It's about 10 min. long - from 17 days after she was born to her last day)
Thanks for watching and being a part of her life xo
A good friend helped to find my little man a big boy pool (with a drain plug yay). Now he can really have some fun diving and bobbing for his toys in the water. He wouldn't even let me finish filling it before he started splashing away! 😝
This is how Mavrick stays cool when outside on a hot day like today....bobbing for his toy balls in his pool 😎
Hello everyone! I hope that all of you had an amazing Holiday Season 💖 I'm back to regular business hours again and new classes will commence this week. Our next round is in March and we have already been getting bookings for those. If you are trying to get through by phone today, it may be difficult and emails may be delayed also as I'm working hard at catching up on over 100 emails and voicemail messages so please be patient. I will do my best to slowly begin posting things again to this page as the week progresses as well. In the meantime, here is a video of Flame and Mavrick sending best wishes and cheers (literally) to all of you for an Amazing 2018! 🎉 (note, this is only a 13 second video...they do this several times/day and sometimes it can last up to 5 minutes....Lol my silly monkeys)🐾
Since opening the doors of Delightful Dogs in 1999, our 'teach instead of punish' approach to dog training has earned the admiration of dog owners and trainers alike. Our concepts are based on teaching the owners to understand, motivate and train their dogs in order to create the loving companions they so desire.
Our goal is not only to teach you and your dog valuable training techniques, but more importantly, to prevent problems, create good manners, and help you resolve any behaviour challenges you may be experiencing.
All classes are taught by Sylvia Gottschalk, CTB.ccs, IPDTA-CDT, a qualified award winning, certified dog trainer/behaviour therapist, who has worked with dogs for over 25 years, and has taught over 500 classes, 5000 dogs and 8000 owners. Sylvia is a dedicated professional who upgrades her skills and education on a regular basis to bring you the most proven and up-to-date techniques.
Our methods of training use force-free non-physical aversives or corrections. We utilize hand signals and voice commands along with tools such as reward markers, lures/treats and real-life rewards to teach. We believe in establishing manners and leadership with trust and respect and not with any form of fear, pain, force or intimidation.
Our modern newly built heated and air-conditioned facility is large, clean and spacious with many safety features in place. Classes are held indoors and outdoors on our 1/2 acre property centrally located to the tri-cities in the quiet town of Bloomingdale, Ontario in Canada.
