B2B Dog Training / Your Family Dog Trainer

05/06/2022

It’s been a good few days hanging out with Mocha. She’s stayed with us for two nights while her mom was out of town.

She’s a sweet girl, but having just been spayed recently, we wanted to make sure she didn’t have unlimited access to our family dog.

Setting up your space to allow for calm interactions is a huge part of living with pets. If you’re struggling, your pet might be getting too much freedom with not enough boundaries and over site.

We all want a dog who can be left to their own devices, but truth be told, offering this too soon can lead to more trouble than it’s worth.

Happy Mother’s Day weekend!

04/19/2022

Are you a customer of Dogtopia? (If not, you could be...) We are excited to be collaborating with Dogtopia Kitchener!

Loose leash walking is a HUGE pain point for so many dog parents. These seminars are for Dogtopia of Kitchener clients only. Reach out to Dogtopia Kitchener to learn how to become a customer!

Dogtopia Kitchener goes above and beyond to make sure the care of the pets in their care is at the highest standard of animal welfare. Not to mention a strong emphasis on FUN for your pet.

Dogtopia Kitchener is starting dog related seminars for our customers and our first one is on Loose Leash Walking!!⁠

Does your dog pull when walking on leash?
Do you want to understand why and how you can control this unpleasant behaviour and not letting it turn in to a dangerous situation?
We can show you how to manage this behaviour using positive reinforcement methods. ⁠
Trainer - Bill Verbakel : Positive Reinforcement Trainer ⁠
Check out Bill's IG page ⁠
⁠
April 23 : Loose Leash Walking I — Theory + Practical Indoors⁠
- Understanding your dog (example: how dogs learn)⁠
- Intro to marker training⁠
- Teaching your dog to follow⁠
- Reward placement / shaping new behaviour⁠
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May 7 : Loose Leash Walking II — Theory + Practical Outdoors⁠
- Leash handling skills⁠
- Holding focus for longer⁠
- Teaching your dog to look to you in new environments⁠
- Transitioning to higher distraction environments ⁠
⁠
Spots are limited so sign up now by calling 226 317 0628 or emailing us [email protected]⁠

12/16/2021

Take the stress out of Christmas this year with your kids & dog!

Get your game plan ready for the big day and have the relaxing time you really want.

https://www.yourfamilydogtrainer.com/blog/dog-christmasy-day?preview=on

Discover professional tips for a successful family Christmas Day with kids & dogs! Learn how to manage excitement levels and keep everyone safe & happ

12/11/2021

We’re so very thankful to all who donated toward the KW Pet Food Bank today!

We got to see some old friends and meet some new ones. A good day for us here at Your Family Dog Trainer.

Because of you, we were able to collect 110 lbs of dry pet food, plus wet/canned food, treats and a bulk pack of bedding for small animals. In addition, approx. 45 dollars cash was collected for donation as well.

A big thanks to REN'S PETS & KW Pet Food Bank

PS. To all those who gave Jersey love and affection, she is greatful and now sleeping from the days excitement.

11/18/2021

Ah, the walk. Some people love it, some dread it everyday.

So why is there so much variation in feelings around walks? It’s simple, not all dogs are created equal. One day you’ve got the easiest dog in the world who happily trails behind at a jolly pace, and the next time you get a dog, its as if there is a sled race happening every time you go outside.

When I think about a walk with a dog there are a few key components.

1. Structured
2. Social

These two categories are what dictate what my dogs can do and when. Before we go on, its important to note not only the order I’ve placed these, but also that each has an important role.

The structured walk:

A structured walk is where we humans set an expectation for the dog. They will walk nicely, without pulling, without passing, without darting back and forth. I know what you’re thinking… “That sounds lovely BUT, that won’t work for my dog”.

Well, the truth is it can. The question is, how long will you let your dog practice pulling, passing and darting back and forth before you decide to provide the direction and boundaries required to achieve this structured walk?

For me, a walk is not about a destination and for a dog who is not understanding my expectations, there is a lot of work to do in communicating those expectations before we get very far up the road.

Ok… But dogs need to sniff, play, p*e. Right?

Of course! That’s where the social part of our walk comes into play.

The social walk:

The social aspect of the walk is also important. Dogs have needs, desires, instincts. And, if we demand only structured walking without providing for the dogs needs we will have a rebellion on our hands!

That being said, a walk needs to start with calm energy. A walk needs to start with focus on the human. Then, once this is achieved our dogs can explore, sniff, p*e and get their needs met.

So, how do we achieve this? Well, unfortunately there is not ‘magic pill’ It requires effort. There is not sugar coating it. If you’re feeling frustrated or having walks that aren’t joyful with your dog then you need to consider what investment of my time / effort in communicating what I want from my dog is worth the number of walks we will have over the next 10-15 years?

Lets get right down to the numbers…

Lets say you’re like the average pet parent who walks their dog twice a day. That’s 14 walks per week, times 52 weeks. That would be equal to 728 walks per year. So over the course of a conservative 10 year period you will take your dog on approx. 7,280 walks!

Whoa! Seven THOUSAND walks… if you’re taking your dog for 20 min walks that would be equal to over TWO THOUSAND HOURS of walking.

So lets imagine that you had to dedicate 10 min a day to teaching your dog how you’d like them to walk? Whats the investment?

So if it took you even 6 months to get this sorted at 10 min per day you would be looking at an investment of approx. 30 hours of training time.

So for an investment of 30 hours you can have over 2000 hours of awesome walks? Hmm. This seems like a no brainer to me!


What will you do? Will you carry on with your walks the way they are? Or will you invest in your own happiness and reap the rewards of a small investment?


Don’t spend another minute letting your dog practice the pulling, darting, sniffing routine on your walks. Ask for calm, expect calm, teach calm and you will surely achieve calm walks.

Happy Training!













11/16/2021

Traditionally people choose whether or not to attend puppy training classes when they first bring their new dog home. But beyond those puppy classes, how do you know when it’s time to get some help from a professional dog trainer?

Training isn’t just for puppies. And reaching out for help isn’t a sign of failure or a BAD dog.

If you’re having some troubles, you might have consulted Google or watched some dog training videos on YouTube. And while these can provide some guidance, the biggest issue is that they’re not considering your specific situation and the contributing factors which could be vital to solving your problems.

So, what is there to consider and when should you reach out to a professional? We’re going to look at four things that will help you decide if its time to get some extra help.


COST — Is it expensive?

One of the first things ppl consider when looking at dog training is cost. It makes sense.

BUT...

We have to remember, the longer the problem goes unchecked, the more work it can take to undo. (And therefore more cost)

We humans spend money on all sorts of things to 'solve' problems. From gadgets (leashes, collars, toys) to medications and everything in between. We tend to overlook the value of expert advice and tailored support.

I encourage everyone to consider the cost of NOT getting help? Your stress levels, the joy factor, the long-haul of tolerating or even resenting your dog. The cost of doing nothing can be REALLY high.

Signs its time to get help:

1. Frustrated, angry or scared
2. Avoiding places & situations
3. Surviving… Not thriving

Lets take a look at each one.

Frustrated, angry or scared

Emotion runs high when things aren't going how we expected.

Are you finding yourself angry with your dog or other ppl when you're out together? Are you frustrated that your dog 'just doesn't get it'. Maybe you feel scared of your dog or what the future holds.

Family life is full of emotions on its own, and trying to care for everyones needs is hard.

Often, an outside perspective and a solid plan is just the relief you need to make things feel manageable again.

If you find your emotions running hot, it's a good sign that it's time to call a professional for help.

Avoiding places & situations

Sometimes, finding ways to manage a situation that’s getting out of hand allows us to get through the day to day.

However, if you find yourself avoiding having friends and family over or dodging going to certain places because you know it’ll be a hassle, this is a solid indication that you need some help to address the underlying problems.

Ignoring or avoiding the problems won’t make them go away, and you may find that this leads to resentment over time.

Surviving… Not thriving

I’m pretty sure that when you decided to welcome a dog into your family, you imagined feelings of joy and happiness.

You envisioned fun family days out together and lazy afternoons snuggled up hanging out after a nice family walk.

If the reality feels more like you’re muddling through and coping with troublesome behaviours, it’s time to ask for help.

At the end of the day, we all have a choice to make. If you’re not sure whether you would benefit from professional help, reach out to a few trainers and start a conversation. Finding someone that you like, that gives you the attention you need and has the right skillset for your concerns is a great starting point.

You can always book a call with us by visiting our website: www.yourfamilydogtrainer.com

Happy Training!













11/11/2021

Lets get silly...

Drop your favourite dog meme in the comments below!

11/08/2021

Having a dog and young children is a real blessing.

Dogs offer loyalty, friendship, cuddles (some dogs, not all enjoy this) And so much more!

BUT…

What about when it’s NOT all going to plan? What about those dogs who aren’t comfortable around kids? Maybe their unsure of themselves, lacking confidence. Possibly you’ve had a close call where your dog has shown your child they aren’t happy with them in their space?

It’s important to remember that teaching our kids how to treat our dogs and respect their dogs space AND setting up boundaries using management and supervision is a REALLY important consideration in a household with young kids and dogs living together.

It’s not just about worse case scenarios either. Often, we feel the need to give ultimate freedom to our dogs but what they actually crave is structure and boundaries. When we set things up correctly, not only do we limit the possibility of a worse case scenario, but we ensure our dogs and kids learn how to interact appropriately around each other.

This can only be achieved when we use ACTIVE SUPERVISION & MANAGEMENT.

Management + Supervision = Child safety around dogs



Management tools like baby gates, a crate, and sufficient exercise for your dog will make life much easier for everyone. Having stuffed kongs and long-lasting chews on hand will help you successfully encourage short periods of alone time for your dog when you cannot give your full attention.


Equally, having a busy bag for your toddler or some fun activities that you only bring out when you cannot give your attention will make it easier for your little one to occupy themselves while you tend to your dog or household chores.


Supervision is the time when you can proactively be present with your dog and your toddler in the same space. This isn’t the time to be scrolling on your phone or trying to clear the table after lunch. This time needs your full attention.


It is here that you can lay the foundations of understanding between your toddler and your dog. You can teach mutual respect at an age-appropriate level.

Always remember:

"When active Supervision is not possible, the solution is Alone Time."



Want to learn more? Checkout this blog to learn about warning sigs from your dog and how to teach your kids to respect your dog.

https://www.yourfamilydogtrainer.com/blog/dogs-and-toddlers-how-to-keep-your-child-safe

Happy Training!













Dogs & toddlers need understanding & management so they can have a lifelong friendship. Discover how to keep your toddler safe around dogs.

11/05/2021

Teaching a DROP

This is a fun little exercise to play with your kids & dog.

Keys to success:
1. Keep it fun
2. Keep it fast
3. Keep it simple

To start, get some of your dogs favourite food treats. Next, say the word drop and through a handful of SMALL treats on the floor.

Point out to your dog where the treats are (not because they can't find them, but so that they get used to your hand coming in close after hearing "drop")

Do this over and over again and take turns with your kids. You're teaching your dog that the word 'drop' means good things are coming. After you've practiced a few times and your dog is getting the hang of it, have them holding an item that they would normally give up pretty easily (don't start with their most treasured item).

Use your 'drop' word and toss the food as usual. This time, when they go for the food, pickup the item that they would have put down in order to get the food.

**Please note: if your dog struggles with resource guarding, DO NOT practice this exercise. Seek professional help BEFORE starting this game**













11/03/2021

This Years Reader's Choice Awards has B2B Dog Training & Your Family Dog Trainer as GOLD winner in the Dog Trainer Category.

Thanks for all the support from clients, friends and family.










10/31/2021

9 Halloween Safety Tips For Dogs

Keeping your dog safe, happy and stress free on Halloween is something every dog owner should be thinking about.

The scents, sights and sounds of Halloween can be anxiety-inducing for some dogs. If you live in a neighborhood with a lot of festive fireworks, then you’ll need some management tips to keep your dog safe and as relaxed as possible this Halloween.

1. Keep curtains closed to reduce the visual stimulation for your dog as people go by and fireworks flash in the sky

2. Set your dog up in a safe, quiet area in the house with something to keep them busy

3. Play white noise to reduce the sounds of fireworks, doorbells and comings and goings

4. Ensure your dog has a collar and tag just in case they get out on Halloween night

5. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water. Anxious dogs drink more

6. Keep the kid’s candy and treats up high and out of your dog’s reach

7. Keep lit Jacko Lanterns out of your dog’s reach

8. Use a baby gate, crate or pen to keep your dog from charging out the front door when trick or treaters arrive

9. Check that your yard’s secure and consider keeping your dog on leash for toilet breaks













Halloween is a world of fun for families, but you might find it’s a scary period for your dog.

10/29/2021

HELPING YOUR DOG COPE WITH SCARY COSTUMES

Some dogs will find the sights, scents and sounds of Halloween challenging to cope with. To help your dog, you can have your kids play dress-up while you have your dog on a leash at a distance.

When your dog notices your child’s “costume” reward them with their favourite treat. I like to start this with something that I know my dog is already comfortable with. So maybe your child puts on a hat that your dog has seen before. When your dog notices, reward them with their favourite treat.

Have your kids continue to change outfits and put silly things on. Your dog will start to associate all these silly things with nice tasty treats. Remember, we're doing this at a distance where your dog is noticing, but not having an inappropriate reaction.

Repeat this in the days and weeks leading up to Halloween, exposing them to a variety of different outfits.

In this way, we are not trying to put a costume on our dog, but helping them to be comfortable with others wearing strange things.

Taking it slow and monitoring your dog for their body language is SUPER important (Checkout this link to a previous post on common dog body language: https://www.facebook.com/B2Bdog/posts/1003789633497800)

Remember to ALWAYS practice this exercise at a distance and on leash so that your dog remains calm & your kids are kept safe. If your dog gets spooked, create more distance and try again from further away on a new day.

Ask your kids not to be jumping around and over exuberant. Calm, slow movements at a distance is best. Every time your dog notices your child in the costume (looks in their direction) you'll reward them for NOT reacting.

If your dog is struggling with this exercise, please stop immediately and consult with a professional trainer who can provide guidance and coaching.

BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT ON THE BIG DAY

Parents should have a talk with their kids before going out trick or treating. Reminding kids to give LOTS of space to anyone they see with a dog out on the streets.

Keeping kids safe is easy when we give the dogs space.

From our family to yours, we wish you a very safe, happy and stress free Halloween!













10/28/2021

IS IT OK TO DRESS MY DOG UP FOR HALLOWEEN?

It's a ton of fun to play dress up. But, our dogs aren't always as excited about the idea as we are. Today we're talking about how to tell if dressing up is right for your dog and what you can do if its not.

The first thing to ask yourself is whether your dog has ever been dressed up before? If not, take it slow. Has your dog ever worn a doggie sweater, rain jacket or other fashion item?

So, lets say your dog HAS warn items before. Does that mean they are ok with it? Let's look at how to tell if our dog is communicating that they're uncomfortable and how to overcome this.

3 SIGNS THAT YOUR DOG IS UNCOMFORTABLE:

✨ Licking lips
✨ Yawning
✨ Moving away / avoidance / ducking out

Does your dog ever start showing these signs when you've tried to put on a collar, harness or article of clothing?

If you answered yes, you're not alone. A lot of people have experienced this and its OK. But, we want to meet our dogs where they are, not treat them as we would like them to be. This means it's important to take it slow and make wearing a harness, collar or clothing a positive and happy experience.

HOW TO START:

✨ Present a new item and lay it on the floor. Let your dog smell it. Toss a favourite food treat AWAY from the item and then when they come back and notice the item again, repeat.
✨ Next, hold the item and feed your dog their favourite food treat DON'T try to place it over their head at this point. If there is a hole in the item you can hold the food treat on the other side and allow your dog to choose to put their nose through to get it. AGAIN, DO NOT try to trick them and push it over their head.
✨ Practice this exercise over and over each day until your dog is happy to place their nose, and then head through the opening of the item.

This is not a race. If your dog chooses to move away, let them. If they are getting agitated, STOP. You are working on building trust, and letting them go at their OWN pace. No expectation or agenda.

If your dog is struggling to be comfortable with putting something on, don't force the issue. You can always consider a Halloween themed bandana instead.

In conclusion, take your time, give your dog space and pay attention to what they are telling you by how they respond. At the end of the day, your dog doesn't understand what dressing up is anyways, so if going "O-natural' is what makes them happiest, let them just be a dog for Halloween this year!

Happy Training 😀













10/27/2021

SHOULD I TAKE MY DOG TRICK OR TREATING

When considering whether to take your dog out trick or treating, its important to consider how they manage everyday life without the added extra's that come along with Halloween.

If your dog is normally happy go lucky and loves other people and dogs (but isn’t over excited around everything) they may be a good partner out for halloween.

A few things to pay attention to if you take your dog out on Halloween:

1. Not everyone loves dogs & some people are afraid. Give people lots of space, and don't walk your dog up to people's door with your kids

2. Don't let people play with or pet your dog on this outing. Although it's always tempting and people will ask to pet, understand that your dog is experiencing ALOT already. You'll be doing them a favour by protecting their space.

BEFORE THE BIG DAY:

Try dressing your kids up ahead of the big day and record it with your video camera (phone) to watch back. This will help you see how your dog reacts.

This will help you in deciding if it's too much for them and you'll get to see the body language and reactions to seeing your kids dressed up on the video recording. If you already thing that this might spook your dog, I would say you shouldn't be considering taking your dog out on the big day.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF I SHOULDN'T TAKE MY DOG?

If your dog struggles while walking or gets over excited, growly, barks or lunges while out on normal walks, they will NOT feel safe, happy OR stress free on Halloween night. It’s going to be best to leave them at home in their safe space. There is no shame in leaving them home. Your dog will thank you, because you've noticed where they are at and given them just what they need.

Often we hear people say things like, maybe my dog just needs to be exposed to it more (they think this is socialization). I am here to tell you that this is NOT the right way to socialize a dog who is already showing signs of fear, stress, discomfort and over excitement in everyday situations and while on walks. Tackling these issues the right way requires the guidance of a trained professional with experience working with reactive dogs.

In conclusion, each family has a choice to make. I encourage you to consider seeing things from your dogs perspective. Think of how you would feel if you were in their paws. You can always set them up with their favourite chew toy in a safe, quiet spot in your home where they can enjoy a quiet evening in.

Happy Training!













10/26/2021

KEEPING KIDS & DOGS SAFE, HAPPY AND STRESS FREE AT HALLOWEEN

Stay tuned for our 3 part Q&A on the best ways to keep your kids and dog safe this Halloween.

Each day for the next 3 days we will answer a popular question around Halloween safety for kids and dogs.

A lot of new dogs have become family members over the last 18 months. This will be a first Halloween for many families and we want to share how to keep it safe, happy and stress free!

Here’s what you have to look forward to:

1. Should I take my dog with me trick or treating?
2. Is it ok to dress my dog up for halloween?
3. Helping your dog cope with scary costumes













10/25/2021

Walk BEFORE you run...

This isn't a new idea. From a young age learning to roll back and forth, then progressing to an army crawl, the worm, or some variation. Then the crawling starts, and before long pulling oneself up and starting the road to balance and walking...

This process takes weeks, months and even years to get to the place where running without face planing is possible. (think about every 2 year old you've ever seen on a sidewalk running) -- It's not long before they're toppled over and screaming.

What does this have to do with training dogs? Well... EVERYTHING.

As humans, we like to see results. And, we like to see them fast! This isn't all bad. It's great to see progress in order to feel a sense of accomplishment and keep us motivated.

BUT...

It often plays out in a way which is unhelpful in how we train our dogs. We start off with the best intentions, but if things don't go to plan, we quickly get discouraged and label the dog as a lost cause.

So why do we treat our children with love and patience, but our dogs with an almost impossible expectation that they'll be "obedient" and never make mistakes, and learn perfectly at an accelerated pace.

Today, I want you to take a breath. I want you to look at your dog and tell everyone ONE thing that you absolutely LOVE about them. Then, I want you to look your dog in the eyes (not right up in their face) and tell them you're sorry for all the times you were impatient, pushy, and struggled to offer grace while they were and still are learning. Today, you get a fresh start. Today we get to choose to walk BEFORE we run.

Your dog is a gift. Embrace your life together, and if you're feeling stuck, reach out to someone for help. There is SO much available to help you move forward.

Here's to our dogs. The most patient family members on the planet!

Happy Training!

PS. I don't exclude myself from the reality of what I've said and I make it a point to apologize to my dogs regularly.












10/16/2021

B2B Dog Training talk to Rogers tv on Your Region This Week. Dog safety for families with kids & dogs

https://www.rogerstv.com/show?lid=12&rid=22&sid=8068&gid=608022

Bill Verbakel from B2B Dog Training gives us the dos and don'ts on how adults and children should interact with their dogs.

10/13/2021

12 fun halloween activities to do with your kids & dog

There are plenty of fun activities you can enjoy with your dog and kids this Halloween. Here are 3 ideas to get the holiday fun started:

Here are 3 ideas to get you started:
*Use the scooped-out pumpkin leftovers to make some yummy Kong stuffings
*Go to a Pumpkin Patch together
*Carve a dog-themed pumpkin - find some great dog-o-lantern stencils (checkout the main blog for a link)

Not only do we have ideas for fun, but learn the 9 ways to keep your dog safe and happy this halloween!

https://www.yourfamilydogtrainer.com/blog/halloween-safety-dogs





 






Halloween is a world of fun for families, but you might find it’s a scary period for your dog.

10/08/2021

3 Things EVERY New Pet Parent Should Know

For most of us getting a new dog is exciting. And it SHOULD be!

What is often overlooked is that our dogs (whether puppies, older rescues or adolescents) are learning from the moment they meet us.

Consider these 3 things if you're new to being a pet parent:

1. Consistency - Start as you intend to go on. Boundaries are healthy AND important for your new dog.
2. Energy (not exercise) - Be mindful of your energy AND your dogs energy
3. Training - Practice makes perfect... Let your dog practice the naughty behaviours and like magic, they become experts. Train them to respond in the ways YOU want and they will live up to the occasion.

Want to dig in a little deeper... Take a look at this article:

https://www.b2b-dogtraining.com/blog/first-steps-for-dog-owners



 






There are some fundamental areas we see people fall down in the way they share life with their dogs. Discover what you SHOULD be doing.

10/06/2021

WHY YOUR DOG DOESN'T COME WHEN CALLED

Learn our top tips for getting a reliable recall...

So, why won't your dog come? Here are the top 4 reasons:

1. Not enough practice (or not generalized into new environments)
2. The cue means the fun has ended
3. Negative association to the cue
4. Irrelevant cue

So how do you fix it?
- Find your dogs REAL motivation
- Use your dogs motivation and supercharge it
- Re-train recall with the super charged motivator
- Gamify your recall training
- Practice and level up!

Share what works for you!



 






10/04/2021

It starts in TWO hours! The Crazy Calm Dog - 5 Day Challenge is here.

You can still register to participate:
https://www.yourfamilydogtrainer.com/f/crazy-calm-dog-challenge

Dog training advice for parents raising kids & dogs together. Is your dog on the go 24/7? You've tried everything to calm them down but NOTHING works? This Challenge is for you!