Southern Alberta's Advanced Certified Dog Trainer is Perfect for your Private Training needs! Utilizing the natural environment - where learning happens!
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Providing professional dog training and behaviour consultation in the comfort of your home and your community! By using the science of positive training and behaviour modifications, Tara has the tools to help each individual succeed with their fur-pal! Taras programs start from her unique and individualized assessments, consultations and training from Puppy-hood, through Junior's self-control, and
Adult basic obedience for urban confidence and safety! Educating every canine companion pet owners through, positive, ethical and science-based skills and motivation.
01/18/2025
A sleeping puppy is a better emotionally regulated puppy.
Monitor your dogs resting times with these questions:
🐾 Is my dogs sleep of quality?
🐾 What is the duration of each rest?
🐾 Do they fuss, and if so - how long?
🐾 Describe your dogs fussing?
🐾 How long does it take to settle?
Remember, try and have your dog go potty before down time.
If your dog goes to daycare, there should be designated down time to support emotional regulation and self control.
Miss Fry-Fry is going to need a bigger house soon. 😬
01/18/2025
So, what's your plans for the next few days with your dogs?
For Benji: more station down stays and grooming with focus on nails. I won't do them all in one go as that's stressful for him, so it'll take a few days to capture moments when I can.
For Freyja: Mouthing control with play and I think the basic skill to work on today will be "Leave It".
There are some things I cannot teach Freyja when it comes to dog to dog play. What I can do is politely and appropriately interupt with small breaks to reduce her arousal level and constructively use her mouth on something else as she's teething and working on self regualtion.
Play ⬆️, Chew ⬇️, Play ⬆️, Chew ⬇️.
When weather is this cold, there still lots that can be done!
This is the ONLY time I'll allow indoor play - when it's unsafe to be outside for long periods of time.
If you're still struggling for ideas, check out the "Sniff N Seek Studio" with True North K9 Compound . It's the best place to be for working meals and a fun time!
I got this collegen chew at Animal World for under $5 and I cannot remember where I got the rubber toy.
Currently it's the most effective combination for redirection into a functional behaviour for self control.
Sometimes I'll hold it while she chews and sometimes it'll go into her kennel with her for a full nap.
I had a cancelation for today, so it's now a train, play and study day!
If you're strugging with your multi-dog home, a new puppy or need ideas on training - registered clients reach out!
I am happy to social media announce that my registered clients can now book through my website in advance!
🐾 My cancellation policy remains as is - for any reason; by any party; at any time - zero fee. I get it - life happens and priorities can change from day to day and sometimes hour to hour. We'll just reschedule!
🐾 New clients can still complete the registration intake e-form on my website, and after careful review, I have modified a few questions, removed some and yes...added a few more.
✅️There has also been a few minor restructuring of fees:
⬇️️I have lowered the deposit requirement for complex cases by $100. It is now $95 across the board.
⬆️The virtual consultation fee has increased by $30 and also works as a deposit for any future in-person sessions.
↔️The Half Day Out of the Hat service has been modified to a calculated travel fee by address in addition to the service level fee.
🔃The New Client Registration Intake process now includes the $95 deposit payment within the Eform.
This post was brought to you by Freyja aka "Fry-Fry".🥰🐾🙌
01/11/2025
Attention fans, followers and clients!
Please meet Miss "Freyja"
She comes to my home with prior knowledge of sit and dog-to-dog interactions.
At approximately 3 months of age, she loves tug of war! She's a super chewer and in the first 24 hours we have already been working on:
🐾 New home orientation
🐾 Going potty outside
🐾 Offered and Name Attention
🐾 Mouthing Control
🐾 Alone Training
🐾 Dog to Dog play
🐾 Self-regulation/Self-control
🐾 Socialization with people
As a rescue, we'll have to obtain a DNA test. Can you guess what she is?
My circle has a few ideas for sure. 🤪
Benji has been stellar in our new addition to our fam-jam!
Next up:
🐾 Orientation to the Vet, groomer, other dogs and lots more people!
01/05/2025
One amazing pioneer in the Dog Training industry has crossed over.
About Karen Pryor Karen Pryor, publicity photo for Oceanic Institute, about 1968. Karen Pryor had many interests. She was an observer of the smallest detail (as a child she studied butterfly anatomy) but what made her life’s work exceptional was that she also saw the big picture. It would have bee...
12/31/2024
I've chosen this as my 2024 year-end message in review of all my cases to date.
Thank you Susan Garrett's DogsThat !
Regardless of your level in animal training or guardianship, understanding communication is half the battle with any species.
🐾 Continued elevation in education.
🐾 Small operational changes.
🐾 Increase reach with traveling.
🐾 Bridging skills for full works.
🐾 Industry targeted volunteerism.
To my valued and hard training clients and followers, I will be closed for the following days for the Seasonal Holidays:
DECEMBER 24TH, 25TH AND 26TH.
DECEMBER 31ST AND JANUARY 1ST.
Now, just because I'm closed on those days - doesn't mean I don't want my registered clients to stop sending in those training updates - keep sending them in!
This image was taken on my last road trip west. As I got to see south west of Alberta this autumn, I had several revelations and "Ah-Ha!" moments, that are now in play!
Subscribe to my broadcasts and get the First Sniff on upcoming supportive service additions, seasonal reminders and training tips on my website!
🐾Find your focus in every season!
🙌Train with meaningful goals!
👍Obtain reminders for success!
11/18/2024
Connect with an industry-leading Certified Professional Dog Trainer who takes a behaviourist approach.
Currently supporting communities like Brooks, Lethbridge, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw SK and GROWING!
Connect for 2 hours virtually through " Google Meet"!
You can address everything from before you rescue/foster/adopt/purchase to addressing complex behaviours like fear, anxiety, reactivity and aggressive responding behaviours.
The $95 fee is also used as your deposit for any future in-person or remote/virtual training and consultation services.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dog Training with Tara Martice posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
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Videos
A sleeping puppy is a better emotionally regulated puppy.
Monitor your dogs resting times with these questions:
🐾 Is my dogs sleep of quality?
🐾 What is the duration of each rest?
🐾 Do they fuss, and if so - how long?
🐾 Describe your dogs fussing?
🐾 How long does it take to settle?
Remember, try and have your dog go potty before down time.
If your dog goes to daycare, there should be designated down time to support emotional regulation and self control.
Need help? 👇
https://www.taramartice.com
Miss Fry-Fry is going to need a bigger house soon. 😬
So, what's your plans for the next few days with your dogs?
For Benji: more station down stays and grooming with focus on nails. I won't do them all in one go as that's stressful for him, so it'll take a few days to capture moments when I can.
For Freyja: Mouthing control with play and I think the basic skill to work on today will be "Leave It".
There are some things I cannot teach Freyja when it comes to dog to dog play. What I can do is politely and appropriately interupt with small breaks to reduce her arousal level and constructively use her mouth on something else as she's teething and working on self regualtion.
Play ⬆️, Chew ⬇️, Play ⬆️, Chew ⬇️.
When weather is this cold, there still lots that can be done!
This is the ONLY time I'll allow indoor play - when it's unsafe to be outside for long periods of time.
If you're still struggling for ideas, check out the "Sniff N Seek Studio" with True North K9 Compound . It's the best place to be for working meals and a fun time!
I got this collegen chew at Animal World for under $5 and I cannot remember where I got the rubber toy.
Currently it's the most effective combination for redirection into a functional behaviour for self control.
Sometimes I'll hold it while she chews and sometimes it'll go into her kennel with her for a full nap.
I had a cancelation for today, so it's now a train, play and study day!
If you're strugging with your multi-dog home, a new puppy or need ideas on training - registered clients reach out!
New clients please register through my website at https://www.taramartice.com
Happy Saturday!
Dogs that want to be under our skin. AKA "Velcro Dogs".
A dogs connection is a basic need, however it can get out of control with our personal space needs.
Alternative: teach to sit on lap or beside you when your sitting. Reinforcemrnt: Calm and not too repetitive.
To my local dog trainer colleague and friend Funny Farm Canine , Benji accepts the challenge of the Half Labs!
However, as his guardian and knowing what he likes and doesn't like, he is not so used to tight enclosed indoor places with lots of people and feels Miss Princess has the advantage.
He's used to outdoor fun like swimming and learning to paddle boad.
See you this Friday for some game fun!
Yo, Funny Farm Canine ,
My bad for sending my Ben - Bens reply late, as I was not feeling well these past few days and he was too busy working on his snuggling techniques to comfort me.
Now, I don't speak for him when it comes to his circle of doggos, so please don't shoot the messenger!
As proactive pet parents, it my be high time that they hash out their differences in a more constructive way.
#battleofthehalflabs
Dear Funny Farm Canine ,
Benji recognizes that he really needs to stop mounting her and her sister and his mom is very appreciative for all the appropriate tell offs and learning opportunities.
However, in regards to Aurora's superiority complex, and the fact he lives a different lifestyle then her, he has this to say in responce to your post yesterday.....
Benji reminded me to let you know that there are some upcoming days that I will be fully closed.
March 30th, 31st, April 1st, 2nd and 3rd with bookings to restart on the 4th.
Please keep in mind that I am currently booking 2 weeks in advance without triaging.
Thank You and Happy Training!
Tara Martice, dcbc, cpdt-ksa
Fear Free Certified Trainer
www.taramartice.com
I started just like you, a pet dog owner and guardian to share my life and adventures with. I never knew it would take me where I am today, a multi-certified dog trainer and advocate.
When I made the decision in 2010 to get a dog and made sure that I have the home, lifestyle and budget to sustain this new life. I went on the hunt to find my match, and it wasn't easy, as I wanted to make sure that this life was going to be able to keep up with my outdoor activities, but also have the ability to be calm and cuddly. Large breed dogs always had my heart, and there are so many different breed types, I had a hard time determining what was right for me.
So after doing 6 months of online assessment matching and researching every breed type for their individual requirements, I came across the Chesapeake Bay Retriever - I fell in Love! Their reserved but focused temperament matched mine, and the fact that they are bred to be outdoorsy even in winter was a great quality! However, there came a warning of having a Chessie...”They are not for the average dog owner”. This particular breed needs to have their training maintained as they are very independent, again I recognized that as an additional positive for my match as I always loved to learn and grow. So, I decided to start looking for my Chessie and found a family just outside of Calgary, Alberta.
Mac came from clean breading lines as his father was a 95-pound very reserved stud and his mother a sleek, calm and engaging 65 lbs beauty. Mac got the best of both worlds with one little hiccup - a genetic blip that made his coat go shaggy and soft, not the short, tight curly coat in typical Chessies. We bonded instantly and with Mac’s mom's content, I started the transition into my urban world and home.
Mac stayed with his littermates for an additional 2 weeks, and what I know now - defiantly made the difference in bringing him home with some training already started and obtained. Mac was super quick to be house trained, and thank the Dog Gods for that! I lived in a 3 story rental walk up and made a quick study on Mac’s “I Got To Go!” signals and stair running exercises! In less than 1 week we got kennel training, alone training and house training done! What sweetness for my first dog as a single adult!
This - this right here is where I started really training Mac and got the idea to become a dog trainer. Our first Camping trip! I had no idea what I was doing in regards to training an animal. What I did know, is that I wanted my dog to remain calm and collect when other dogs and people walked by our site. That he did not lose his marbles when I needed to go get wood. I also want Mac to be happy learning and to trust me. So, I started training on some sit stays with distance using his food and some treats. I had the help of my neighbours to watch him for me as it was too hot to leave him in the car for any length of time. I got great feedback from my neighbourly observers and happily reported that he was doing just fine. Apparently, Mac would be watching the spot where he last sees me, waiting patiently for me to come back. On the 3rd day of our campout, my neighbours were packing up, and stopped by to talk. “We have been watching you train your dog, and we love what we have been seeing. We are retired dog trainers who wanted to know if you ever considered becoming a dog trainer?
Wow, I had no idea....”Dog Trainer” That's all that was needed to plant the seed. As the rest of my vacation carried on, I started to think about what I would need to know and do, to become a dog trainer. What’s a dog trainer? Well, that's a loaded question! So, I made some tasks to address when we got back home, like talking to the local shelter, researching dog trainers...and well - all I got was more questions. So, I reached out to the first opportunity to start volunteering with people and dogs at the Calgary Humane Society. Within a few years, I had accumulated experienced hours walking shelter dogs, learning about instructing people with the foundation aspects of canine communication, learning theory, basic obedience and handling as a Behaviour Class assistant in their Polite Pooches class. These were great starting resources and experiences for me, but I wanted and needed more!
Southern Alberta's Advanced Certified Dog Trainer is Perfect for your Private Training needs! Utilizing the natural environment - where learning happens!
