07/13/2024
King Neo ❤️
Sleeping is a very important part of his days!
Instinct to Heel
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VANCOUVER ISLAND BC — Real life training for real life situations - A Certified Master Trainer. She has experience using different techniques and tools.
As a Certified Master Trainer, Ellie works with dogs and their families to create a peaceful balanced existence in the home and out in the community. She is always up for a challenge and is most passionate about rehabilitating nervous and aggressive dogs. Ellie knows that every dog and their family have unique needs and goals. There is no one size fits all when it comes to training/rehabilitation,
but by using intuition, calm energy and leadership, Ellie is able to resolve the most difficult situations while providing a unique and rewarding learning experience for dog and human family alike.
07/10/2024
This is my latest writing called Neo: A tale of loss love and renewal.
It’s dog training meets self-help by really opening to the possibility of seeing something more.
https://www.facebook.com/share/UdLicRfHtnzfUofP/?mibextid=WC7FNe
This is a deeper look at our relationship with man's best friend
07/09/2024
I enjoyed writing this. Also my new pups names!! Let me know your thoughts!!!
This is a deeper look at our relationship with man's best friend
07/01/2024
HAPPY_CANADA_DAY!! MESSAGE NOW
Back in Kelowna - 1 week
10%off 1week Happy-Canada-Day
06/11/2024
Friends - have a look
The other day we were all like, "Tux, can you do something with puppy dog eyes? We need to get the attention of our people". Let us know in the comments if you think Tux delivered👇
👋🐾Adoptable boy, Tux, here with his favourite toy and PSA and what we think are some VERY effective puppy dog eyes!
FOSTER ORIENTATION WEDNESDAY, June 12th at 7 pm by ZOOM!
🐾❤
We can't save more dogs without more fosters!
What do we need?
YOU!
When?
RIGHT NOW!
Well, Wednesday! June 12th, 7 PM
Who?
Well, we don’t have all the details on the dogs quite yet, but we work hard to match the dog with the foster.
How?
APPLY TO FOSTER on our website
👇
https://pawsitforward.org/fosterhomeprogram/
This is SUCH a fulfilling volunteer position. You are literally saving a life (plus, you get to love on a dog which is pretty sweet!)
PLEASE SHARE OR TAG A FRIEND!
06/06/2024
Just finished a series of a lesson with this nugget - Okie. Super smart, breed specific as**at with aggression toward the neighbours Boston terrier - in an apartment building.
2-3 hrs ——- watch us go!! Many great lesson for any dog owner through out.
Okie - seriously reactive to the boston next door in an apartment. Smelling him in the hallway even states to set her off. Over months her behaviour and reactivity got worse and worse to the point of unmanageable.
Full out attack mode.
A couple of hours and we walked together and even rode the elevator together.
She had some breed specific hate on for these guys likely due to the general inability to not look hostile.
This is cuddles after first session in becoming chill with the Boston next door. We were both a little worn out but after the break we kept on task.
Most dogs, this would take a couple sessions, but knowing okie from 2 years prior for a different issue - our relationship, the consistency of her owner and how smart she is allowed us to move a little quicker than usual.
She’s a super cool, ridiculously smart girl who loves to work.
Brady was sweet and chill (Boston style) but Okie def wanted a piece lol and the neighbor couldn’t have been more pleased at the change. Creating peace and harmony in the building.
Check out her vids!! More coming.
06/06/2024
Okie - seriously reactive to the boston next door in an apartment. Smelling him in the hallway even states to set her off. Over months her behaviour and reactivity got worse and worse to the point of unmanageable.
Full out attack mode.
A couple of hours and we walked together and even rode the elevator together.
She had some breed specific hate on for these guys likely due to the general inability to not look hostile.
This is cuddles after first session in becoming chill with the Boston next door. We were both a little worn out but after the break we kept on task.
Most dogs, this would take a couple sessions, but knowing okie from 2 years prior for a different issue - our relationship, the consistency of her owner and how smart she is allowed us to move a little quicker than usual.
She’s a super cool, ridiculously smart girl who loves to work.
Brady was sweet and chill (Boston style) but Okie def wanted a piece lol and the neighbor couldn’t have been more pleased at the change. Creating peace and harmony in the building.
Check out her vids!! More coming.
05/31/2024
Thanks for your help this morning Jess has a beautiful rottie that she rescued and she certainly came with some issues.
Sojo is the only one I underestimated in who she was to become. It’s a team like this that will forever be a reminder to me for dogs like Ollie. It’s this team that has me out the doubters at bay and say never underestimate what’s possible.
When people doubt the possibility of change I always remember how incredible sojo’s turn around was. I honestly thought she was always going to have some “psycho” in there. She even got her own song “sweet but a psycho”. Haha
Jess gave me a hell of a time in training, questioning every statement or training suggestions.
Through this we gained a respect for each other and Sojo is one of the coolest dogs you’ll meet. And Jess learned how to advocate for her pup and never looked back.
Thanks to Jess and Soj I’ll never doubt what’s possible, and always give 1000 to each dog and owner.
Never more happy to be proved wrong and a lesson I will take forever in my dog rehabilitation adventures. And a story often told in lessons.
Ollie certainly is a different dude to any I have met. He’s unique and at times a little scary. I can never say the dog will be “fixed” as they are not an engine. They are living being with the complications of human relationship.
This is why it’s so important to educate and support the owners throughout. What they do from there is up to them. I love a challenge and Ollie certainly brings that.
Thanks to Soj and Jess, I will never underestimate the possibilities- Jess eventually believed me in what I was teaching and now they are a rockin team. Mad respect and love.
05/06/2024
04/23/2024
I have to say, to have a rescue remove others comments being judgemental of me and uneducated
of tools seems small!
No, this is HUGE… to have truth win over emotional misinformation is one of our biggest wins - “our” being dogs!!
It’s not about methods or human idealism. It’s about dogs staying in their homes.
Some one else got DELETED! And rightfully so!
04/13/2024
This is why I advocate for the right training. Why I spend so much time giving free info and advice. Why it’s important to educate when possible.
Trainers are taking people to the bank, making it incredibly unaffordable and often aren’t even helping in the process
The ones who can make a difference are charging for 3 or 4 week board and trains in which can be done in a few private lessons. I’m talking 3000/4000 bucks vs 600.
A company in the OK taking more than 1000 bucks a dog a week. Up to 10 dogs at a time year round.
They act like they are helping the community with marketing and little value given back as they gain more traction. There’s no competition there now really. All this while a rescue tries to find funds for a full 4 week b&t cost, for an abused woman in a shelter to keep her dog.
Also dominating with classes and private lessons - let’s give back people. Dogs are suffering.
All this is caused in large part by by not only for becoming a but being extremely irresponsible with their messaging. Knowingly lying to the public about tools and the “science” (pseudo) behind it. (Website blog for more info on the science.)
They make trainers like myself look like an abuser which isn’t further from the truth. So I become a last resort, after family’s have already often spent thousands getting no where under false pretences. They’re making money off training programs creating trainers charging money for it, yet they can’t help shelter dogs? They still euthanize dogs than can be helped - just not by their trainers from their own programs.
For “facilities” as above in OK that have no integrity whatsoever when it comes to giving options - always taking the longest board and train (most expensive) for issues I know they can resolve in private lessons.
Why? Because there are less of us (balanced trainers) and even less that can deal with bigger issues like aggression, severe fear or anxiety etc.
This allows people to capitalize on your emotions, love and relationship with your dog. You may need help too one day.
They can charge you what they like because we love our dogs And often would do anything.
Well not everyone can!!
isn’t about science or about changing dogs behaviours. They largely can’t. But knowingly take people’s money for as long as clients pay. Years sometimes. These are FACTS
It’s in part people believing idealistic marketing and thinking medication will solve issues. With out actually looking into it properly.
It doesn’t often help dogs, they are human drugs. Mostly not even tested on dogs. It confuses and creates terrible experiences for dogs who can’t speak or understand what’s happening. Not too mention the many accounts of death defying side affects for some.
Re homing is at an all time high, causing beautiful beings to be euthanized. Or caged, longer than ever. Rescues full and exhausted.
Find the right help the first time around. I assure you, reactivity I can help with in a couple lessons. I can work with any thing fear related and help make it affordable to those struggling.
Aggression? - call me.
I have been rehabilitating for years. Supporting families and doing what I can! At the same time doing what I can to educate. I’m only one person.
Please speak up for the dogs! Your neighbours, colleagues, family and kids friends parents.
Advocate and share anything you can that can help owners find the right help the first time.
This is a reality!!!! Dogs are losing their families. Their homes. Their happiness and their ability to live the best life.
I feel like the general public has no idea what the animal crisis currently is. So here's an update:
- The animal shelters are full
- The rescues are full
- No kill shelters are full
- Adoptions are at an all time low
- Intake is at an all time high
- Euthanasia for space is at an all time high
Breeders are surrendering ENTIRE LITTERS, parents included. They arent selling. Puppies, pregnant moms, and good young pets are being euthanized daily. There is no space. The chances that there is a "really nice" home just waiting for your dog or cat are slim. Spay/neuter your pet. Train your dog. They are fine being home while you work. They sleep most of the day anyway. There isn't magically someone who has more time or can take better care. Stop trying to rehome them or surrendering them to the shelter because you don't have time. If you need help, there are organizations that can help with food and possibly medical. And/or direct you to an organization that can. Please keep your pet.
-Signed, an exhausted rescue volunteer
04/13/2024
Not long left! I am as chuffed this time to receive an email being nominated for as I was receiving the Canadian choice award. Humbled.
To get to the next round we need your vote.
I feel so appreciated and loved to have y’all recognize my skills and effort with your dogs and so many more I’ll never meet.
Thank you .
And to my clients, thank you for your trust and support. It takes less than two minutes to give your tick off approval.
04/11/2024
Who needs a challenge!! Breeds don’t matter that much when it comes to what’s possible.
Leadership! Teamwork! Communication! Dog Language!!!
Pure joy!
04/10/2024
This is about kids and how parenting affects them - this IS no different to our pups and the phenomenon of giving them no security through trying to make their experiences “less”. Less hard, less scary, less ….(add yours)
This is life, life lessons. Pet what you get.
04/09/2024
Another step closer to undoing reactivity - Learn how team Bandit has had amazing success!!!! Watch the first video if you missed it!!
Visit https://www.instincttoheel.com/ for more videos
04/08/2024
Part one of team bandits second lesson.
Learn how to give positive positive reinforcement without treats, correctly.
Also learn how to actively lead by being connected and having our dog follow for success in the next steps. Next video Will be too bring out bai to start the process of teaching team bandit a new way of being in the streets.
Then finally Will use Toby an uncontrolled terrier, to really put it all into practice in the real world.
Real life training for real life situations!
Visit https://www.instincttoheel.com/ for more videos
04/05/2024
Today would be his 10th birthday. He’s been in my dreams for 3 days. I finally broke this morning, wondering why I’m still suffering.
Then it hit me.
Naguu!!
04/05/2024
No matter what I’m doing or where I go, my best mate would never leave my side given the option.
Whether I’m up late writing for my website, at a lesson or pondering life’s absurdities…this boy would never willingly leave my side.
So many have a companion, buddy, soul dog etc who would do the same. And like mine, it is important that yours too don’t get separations anxiety or become worse in their separation anxiety.
Dogs are a product of us, our environment and how we treat them. if we don’t lead them into the right states of mind or the right way of being in our world, we fail.
And as always, it’s OK to fail. If you learn the lesson, you don’t make the same mistake twice.
They rely on us to lead them through this world, and make sure they aren’t left to make decisions that are above their pay grade.
LEADERSHIP. DOG LANGUAGE. LOVE
04/01/2024
From “reactive” to giving to another. Bai isn’t in a sitstay, bai put himself in this position to allow this unwell fella to pet him.
In 5 mins, by understanding my boy, his language and being able to communicate gently and with clarity he is as able to happily give this unwell gentleman a chance to pet a big dog again, for the first time in a while.
Ecollars are amazing in giving the ability to give communication in situations like this! Without creating unclear or unnecessary stress, drama and confusion, taking away the need of a leash and giving him the ability to move in and out freely and naturally creates a beautiful picture!
Verbal communication may give off the wrong idea as well as any other emotions I may accidentally give off created by past situations.
Bai is notoriously protective and doesn’t think much of men generally. If I fall short in my leadership with Bai in any given day, very quickly he will be what is commonly called “reactive”.
Bai is a very sensitive being. And it’s arguably not “reactivity” as many would call his biting etc but rather him in a position of decision making creating choices that aren’t within the bounds of what’s appropriate in our society.
He is being appropriate according to dog, his genetics his personality and his position of taking the lead when i am lacking.
This is pretty natural. He’s not fearful in his actions around men. He’s not reacting out of anything other than my lack of leadership. So I guess, reactivity can be used here but not in the same way as it’s being overused in the world of dog today.
Communication through - in this situation - the least amount of pressure (because hes been taught the communication) on his neck is the most beautiful and rewarding of outcomes not only for me as an owner, but for this fella who really benefited from giving my big boy some loves by way of petting Bai’s neck/back.
04/01/2024
This is a product of leadership and education.
By giving our young friend some help in understanding dog, showing him how to create space safely, effectively and with respect when he got overwhelmed and uncomfortable by their affections - this.
By giving him that and helping him by leading two very loving but over affectionate smaller dogs he was able to “be” with Little Miss Ellie snuggled beside him.
Leadership. Education. Dog Language.
03/28/2024
Check out my blog post creating clarity around the necessity of leading our dogs. Lack of leadership is a leading cause of "behavioural issues". Behavioural issues are in large part "dogs doing dog" due to them having too much feeling of responsibility. Dogs following our leadership are those who are relaxed happy and looking to us for the answers, rather than making decisions above their pay grade.
Euthanasia, re-homing and over-medicating for behavioural issues are at an all time high. By understanding dog language and leadership dogs will live their best life once again with their owners.
Support dogs and owners by sharing create more awareness. https://wix.to/KGrbyfd
https://wix.to/wTkx7oC
By nurturing trust and connection with our dogs, we enable them to relax, explore, and deepen their bond with us as they rely on our guidance.In the world of canine companionship, effective leadership hinges on consistency, clear communication, and an understanding of dog language, alongside ensurin...
03/27/2024
Separation Anxiety: It's been a while since I have written a blog...enjoy the latest I finished today... let me know what you think!!
Dog rehabilitation and separation anxiety:Separation anxiety in dogs can be one of the most challenging behavioral issues to tackle. The severity of the condition often leads to destructive behaviors as dogs grapple with the distress of being apart from their owners. From chewing everything in sight...
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Videos
#itsubitsu the #chihuahua is the first to make friends and play with little (not so) Neo. #neothestafford King Neo has been very much hated by #baitheblackmouthcur and #turbotheterrier (Toby). His hard head Stafford self hasn’t seemed to greet a complex yet and certainly will help to have one friend between the three he sees often. Itsu is a feisty girl and I often have to call her off the hold she gets on his ear- obviously great place to control. Ensuring fair play on both sides for his #socialization is important. For him to have to defend himself could be detrimental in the long term - especially given his breed. And he also needs to learn respect of others when they say “no”. These are very important parts of his #puppydevelopment stage. #boundaries And #leadership are key for my boy at this time while having a clear understanding of #doglanguage to know what’s on and what’s not To leave dogs to their own devices ## cause big issues! Responsible ownership and education are key. #bullybreed #dogtraining #dogtrainer #victoriabc #dogsofvictoriabc #pitty #staffordshirebullterrier #breedspecific #pitbullpuppy #pitbull #pitbullsofficial #doglover
My new guy - help him!!! Your howl? Did you make your dog howl???? How #wolves #doglanguage #nome #dogtrainer #dogrehab #whathesay?? #doglife #victoriabc
MESSAGE - #happydogs 10 years of experience - 10years of thousands. 10years of to be educated by the teachers who matter most. DOGS themselves. Don’t be tricked. To hate. To lose focus of what’s important. Be better. No more anxiety, fear, unruly behaviours largely created by a complete absence of understanding your dogs reality. “Behavioural issues” or dog doing doing dog. Most of 1000’s, dogs are dying or being medicated incorrectly for the ease of human lazy and for greed. #dogsarefamily #dogtraining #dogrehab #puopies #stafford #kidsanddogs #resilient #fearfuldogs #victoriadogs #dogsofkelowna #doglife
This little baby, 3 months looks like a little terror to most. Put your hand down and she goes into attack mode already. #fearful she needs to be advocated for not by #babying her. But actually by being a pillar. Showing her the world or things aren’t so bad. A big part of this is also stopping people touching her. Reaching for her. Picking her up etc. you break #trust. Also, continue to build the wrong behaviour. #dogs will build confidence quickly given the opportunity. Don’t #bubblewrap. Instead #leqd them through our #world and allow them to catch up. #dogs are smart. They are also dogs! #loveyourdog by realizing who they are and what they are saying. #learn #doglanguage. It cool. It’s simple. #communicating clearly with your dog is one of the biggest issues for dogs today.
Education is the most important aspect of dog ownership. I have many clients with kids and friends too. It’s our responsibility to help kids understand the difference a live animal vs their squishy toys. Dogs can not only be hurt but dogs can also hurt. No matter big or small, reach your kids to ask for permission! Teach what it looks like when the dog is over it, or when a dog is happy. Dogs do have teeth they may use to move kids / humans away. Let be more aware to be fair in our furry friends and keep your littles safe. #dogeducation #doglove #doglife #kids #kidsanddogs #awareness #fearfuldogs #bigdogs #smalldogs #dogrehab #dogtraining #advocateforyourdog
#discount #CANADADAY #kelownadogs #dogtraining ##last chance #opportunity #doglanguage #leadership #mAstertrainer #doglife #dogtrainer #bigdogs #smalldogs #puppydogs
#baitheblackmouthcur has been nothing and everything to me since Chess’ passing. A true gentleman, honest and loving. I’ve let him down as many of yall out there have let yours down. Well it’s time I pick up the pieces and move forward and let this true legend in my heart be everything he can possibly! Bai-boo we got this now. New chapters, a new goddam book baby. Love ya mate. #change #dogtraining #dogrehab #newhorizons #lookatmego #dogrehabilitation #dogtrainer #doglove #love #dogsofkelowna
This guy was a disaster 4 weeks ago. Hating life, scared of his own shadow with no confidence in the right places. Miles became confident in moving people by making quite the scene - scary, bucking bronco, alligator rolling, stress ball that would have bitten. It’s the best when you take away all that stress, lead and find out who they really are. At 4 years, Miles has struggled to do life outside the house for more than half his life. Now he gets to explore, be curious and trust again for more than double his life now. He gets to live and adventure with his family. Did you see him and the fish?? It’s never too late message now 👊 NICE TO FINALLY MEET YOU, SIR! #dogtraining #ridgeback #Happydog #kelownaliving #kelownadogs #ridgeback x #dogrehab #boardandtrain #lifelessons #responsibledogownership #dogkisses #dogoftheday #dogtrainer #🐾🐾🐾
He’s a new dog this guy. Check out the difference from the day before, and the weeks before that. Message for private lessons in Kelowna now. Miles is an absolute legend. #dogtraining #dogrehab #doglove #dogkissess #dogsofkelowna #doglife #dogoftheday
Love this guy! #boarandtrain #kelownadogs #homedepot #patience #confidencebuilding #babysteps #dogtraining #dogrehab #dogtrainer
Cool lesson with rescue Breeda and new owner Brandie. Brandie is not new to handling big dogs and is also all about horses. Makes a difference in handling experience when you’ve been leading horses and know the importance of leadership. Brandie and Breeda are on the right path to success after Breeda was rescued only 2 months ago. At 5 years old Breeda doesn’t have a tonne of life experience. So now Brandie has some new skills and better leadership Breeda will be able to relax and enjoy life a lot easier. Message now for help with your pup. #rescuedog #guardianbreed #horsegirl #dogtraining #doglife #dogtrainingtips #kelownadogs #pentictondogs #victoriadogs
Dogs don’t have to live in fear. 4 weeks miles will be walking through stores with his owners. Building confidence takes understanding that dogs are different to human in this. In Kelowna for one more week - book your lesson now #fearfuldogs #ownermistakes #doglanguage #dogtrainingtipsdogtrainer #leadyourdog #dogrehab #kelownadogs
Renè is not pressuring Miles by paying attention to him. Miles just gets to hang out and be around a man as well as all the weird noises of the digging etc. all this is typically quite tricky for miles. You’ll see miles is looking to me for reassurance. The reassurance tho is me being a pillar and not buying into the insecurity. He’s fine, and he’ll learn so by my attitude also. If I were to try make him feel better by a soft voice or treating the anxious mind we will get more of it. He’s of course is not allowed to growl or act like Renè is a problem. And positive reinforcement is essential to teach what to do. This will be done when he relaxes!! #dogreactivity #doglanguage #dogrehab #dogsofkelowna #doglife #positivereinforcement #buildingconfidence
In #kelowna building confidence with miles. I did a video previously talking about the stories we hold of our dogs past, thereby doing dogs a very big injustice. In this video, regardless of miles’ story, regardless of fear and insecurity we are out and about watching the humans human. In this he gets to catch up. This is his 3rd week training and in that we have a relationship. We’ve built trust and confidence in my leadership and so you can see a pretty relaxed miles. I also have full control as he’s well versed in the #ecollar. He’s been through intense training learning the communication. This makes it fair, fear free. Consequence is important. #doglanguage #leadingdog #dogrehab #strongdog #reactivedogs #fearfuldog #insecuredog #buildingconfidence #kelownadogs
Hailey and Daniel! The #trust on the #parents behalf is super awesome. Thank you. I caught Bai going in too fast on Hailey creating a teaching moment for all. Teaching #kids how to give #treats to #baitheblackmouthcur Bai can be a bit of a flighty boy at times. #ultimatecontrol is what keeps everyone safe on both sides. These 2 did a stellar job at listening and following my lead. #leadership is what makes this a #success #teaching these guys to lead is super fun and #rewarding. Building confidence and self control for Bai and creating new skills for the kids. Thanks To Christina for videoing and capturing a cool teaching moment! #winwin #funtimes #doglanguage #kidsanddogs #dogtraining #dogtrainer #doglovers #rescuedogsofinstagram #dogsofkelowna #dogsofvictoriabc
Miles has been on struggle at for a very long time. He’s nervous sometimes. Over confident in others. Generally an insecure needy fella. Doing place with #baitheblackmouthcur is a great way to build his and see he’s ok. I’m not going make a huge deal of it. Both treating him like nothing new is happening at the same time as advocating for him - stopping Bai obsession. Miles is going great guns with heel, recall, sits, downs, place and stays all now on the ecollar. Now he understands the communication- who’s doing, how to turn it off and why there’s no mistaking where it comes from and should he choose not to listen he understands there’s a consequence. The consequence is totally dependant on him, adrenaline, excitement, self reward and of course defiance. Yes dogs will turn there back on you sometimes and test it the recourse. Every dog just like human has a different threshold. As long as he knows what you’re asking for a correction while loading the “no” - making no mean something - most dogs are likely to come off it in most circumstances after two months. This really creates a solid foundation and ability to relax and enjoy each other. It’s not about turning it high for every situation. It’s based on choice according to them. This is what makes it a great tool! Miles actually enjoys working his obedience and is giving up his control issues more everyday. #dogtraining #ecollartraining #boardandtrain #insecuredog #fearfuldog #workingdog #dogrehabilitation #loveyourdog #ridgeback x
OKIE DOKE - final episode of winning at the Boston next door. OKIE has some breed specific issues - maybe starting with Brady the Boston as her sh*tty behaviour built from tool to full out asshat. Theres many videos showing different parts and different lesson along this 2-3 hour lesson with breaks. #reactive #dogagressive #breedspecific #hater #dogtraining #dogtrainer #doglover #dogowner #dogneighbors #peace #dogsofinstagram #doodle #boston #inawe #dogsofkelowna #dogoftheday #legends
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