No Bad Dogs

07/03/2024

3 spaces remain for the puppy class starting this weekend. This is an ideal class for anyone with a young dog between 7 and 17 weeks weeks of age. There are no group classes in August so this would be your last opportunity for a puppy in this age range to join a class this summer!
e-mail me at [email protected] or message me here directly for more information.

Send a message to learn more

06/22/2024

06/22/2024

Positive enrichment is the name of the game come to the Morden Park Bowl today for the steps for pets walkathon!!

05/28/2024

There is still time to join in on classes starting this coming Sunday.
There is room in the life skills level 1 class and the puppy class.
If you know someone with a new puppy in their life this is the ideal time to get in some socialization, puppy play time and some good foundation training. Message me here or at [email protected] for more information and to reserve your spot!

05/14/2024

New summer schedule for classes!

1st session (weather permitting) June 2 - June 23

2nd Session July 7 - July 28

3rd Session Sept 8 = Sept 29th

All Classes will be Sunday afternoons, weather permitting and I will be requiring a $25 deposit to hold your space due to high demand.

Life skills older dogs (5 months and older) 3-4pm (a second life skills class may be added depending on demand for the June and Sept sessions 1:30-2:30)

Puppy classes (7 to 20 weeks of age) 4:30-5:30pm

Loose Leash classes (any age) 6:00 - 6:45pm

An advanced obedience, rally class will be held during the July session from 1:30-2:30pm

All classes are $135.00 for the 4 weeks except for the loose leash class which is $125.00.

A maximum of 6 dogs accepted per class so don't wait and miss your chance.
message me here or at [email protected] for more information or to secure your spot

Send a message to learn more

05/11/2024

Super important information. More info can be found directly on the CDC website

04/10/2024

I put this off as long as I could but due to continuing uncertainty over access to an indoor space I have had to make the decision to cancel the planned indoor classes for April. The next group classes will be the start of the summer outdoor sessions in June. I will be taking reservations for spaces starting anytime.

In the meantime this does open up my schedule for 1 on 1 training sessions if anyone is looking for more specific help with training or you have a dog that would not do well in a group training environment.
Message me here or at [email protected] for more information on available dates and times for appointments.

01/26/2024

STUDY FINDS HIGH LEVELS OF PROBLEM BEHAVIOURS AND USE OF AVERSIVE TRAINING METHODS IN PANDEMIC PUPPIES

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=690996779862520&id=100068566121079

The study found that:

"Four in five (82%) ‘pandemic puppy’ owners have reported using aversive training methods in attempts to address their dog’s problem behaviours, according to a new study by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). However, this rise in negative reinforcement/positive punishment (e.g., owners shouting at their dog or using training equipment that is unpleasant for dogs, rather than using reward-based methods such as praise and treats) not only negatively impacts animal welfare, but is often poorly effective, and in some cases, can even result in new problem behaviours in dogs due to the fear and anxiety it can cause."

Since the above linked post was shared by the Royal Veterinary College, the comments section has been absolutely bombarded by punishment-based trainers and owners supporting and promoting the use of aversives. They claim that R+ doesn't work, that it fails "difficult" and aggressive dogs, that "purely positive" is just shoving biscuits into dogs, and not everything can be fixed this way. These people have also rallied each other to ridicule and attack ethical professionals who follow the science, adhere to best practice, work hard to keep up to date with their training and knowledge, and care about the physical and emotional welfare of their clients' dogs. Apparently, "there is no evidence that aversive tools and the use of punishment cause harm". Or, so they say ...

American Society for Veterinary Behavior’s position statement on punishment in training:https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf

Efficacy of Dog Training With and Without Remote Electronic Collars vs. a Focus on Positive Reinforcement:

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00508/full

https://www.uu.nl/en/news/the-negative-effects-of-the-electronic-collar-on-the-welfare-of-dogs-and-positive-training-methods

https://petprofessionalguild.com/shockcollars

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animal-emotions/202201/the-use-shock-collars-dogs

https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2020/01/why-you-should-never-train-dog-to-come.html?m=1

https://avsab.org/positive-reinforcement-is-more-effective-at-training-dogs-than-an-electronic-collar-study-shows/

List of scientific articles about the implications of using punishment in training:

Study by DEFRA (UK Department of the Environment and Rural Affairs) into the use of shock collars and punishment based training
https://banshockcollars.ca/pdf/Defra_Study.pdf

The Welfare Consequences and Efficacy of Training Pet Dogs with Remote Electronic Training Collars in Comparison to Reward Based Training
Jonathan J. Cooper , Nina Cracknell, Jessica Hardiman, Hannah Wright, Daniel Mills https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0102722

Electronic training devices: Discussion on the pros and cons of their use in dogs as a basis for the position statement of the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787818300108

University of Lincoln
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0102722

Dr. Karen Overall
https://banshockcollars.ca/pdf/Karen_Overall_Journal_of_Veterinary_Behavior.pdf

If You're Aggressive, Your Dog Will Be Too, Says Veterinary Study
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090217141540.htm

Applied Animal Behaviour Science
Volume 132, Issues 3–4, July 2011, Pages 169-177
Training methods and owner–dog interactions: Links with dog behaviour and learning ability
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159111000876

Journal of Veterinary Behavior Volume 9, Issue 2, March–April 2014, Pages 58-65
Effects of 2 training methods on stress-related behaviors of the dog (Canis familiaris) and on the dog–owner relationship
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787814000070

Journal of Veterinary Behavior Volume 19, May–June 2017, Pages 50-60
The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs—A review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787817300357

Implications of using punishment in training
https://www.dogwelfarecampaign.org/implications-of-punishment.php?fbclid=IwAR1QJg1SRrSA-reWvsRGTIIKXGvB1HiCqsOD522UTg-f6hAYCoSznRl_f3c

Companion Animal Psychology
https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2017/04/new-literature-review-recommends-reward.html?fbclid=IwAR2BrtRa6rPa3xeGrm2sqdAwpZT2c5IsYhBDbSMMP2gPQio69uWvRptDBU4

Companion Animal Psychology, Zazie Todd https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2018/06/study-outlines-reasons-to-ban.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR0YRt5-_MkeGs3L3tcK1VYWjxgtV5qkkFIcMA2F7Wzh-0xI6tXzLv3Id
(contains links to other studies)

Companion Animal Psychology
https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2020/07/positive-reinforcement-is-more.html?fbclid=IwAR2GP7hovvmrIGI6qtDxknqTs2AnSMVgT4Kda8Wi7wcLqdLaqifaqMwHEXA
(contains links to other studies)

https://fearfreepets.com/electronic-collars-versus-positive-reinforcement/?fbclid=IwAR1BLFSmJ02q7coF-iLEOefXK1mMUCBHU52ob0CeDeNvGf5CCq-3nNqqtlI

Dog Training Requires Respecting the Deep Emotional Lives of Dogs
Exploring the affective dog behavior approach. Dr, Mark Beckoff
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animal-emotions/202202/dog-training-requires-respecting-the-deep-emotional-lives-dogs?fbclid=IwAR3DvJCLup60WiDyzuV2m4MJBBJo2eQK508Kt1nR4CkI0b6kVWEg6RdG2GQ

As you can see, there is diddly squat to provide concrete evidence that R+ is the most ethical option, with the least chance of fallout, and the least likely to cause physical and psychological harm ... 🤔

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www.trailiepawsforthought.com

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01/02/2024

I have one full class for life skills starting this Sunday, january 7th. If there is enough interest I would add a second.
4 weeks for $135.00.

I am also scheduling 1 on 1 sessions for problem solving, in person or a 1 hour zoom consultation for $50.

Please message me for more information.

I will have a more complete 2024 class schedule out soon.

11/30/2023

Content warning ⚠️
This is what could happen if you choose to foster kittens from the Pembina Valley humane society. You may be exposed to vicious cat fights like the one I had to witness this evening.
Stay safe everyone

11/08/2023

It's cold and it is just the beginning of winter. No one wants to go out this time of year. The November class schedule is being put on hold until the new year. I am going to concentrate on catching up with the inquiries I have had for 1 on 1 training sessions. If you are wanting to schedule a private session for training or you are dealing with behaviours that have you at a loss contact me to schedule an appointment.

11/04/2023

New classes starting November 12, life skills and puppy basics. The life skills in particular are great classes as they are small (maximum 3 dogs) and there is lots of opportunity for 1 on 1 engagement.
Puppy classes are a great way to start the socialization process with your puppy while building your connection and relationship at the same time.
send me a message for more information and to reserve your spot.

10/31/2023

New training sessions November 12th. Registering for the puppy class now. 4 weeks to a better understanding of your puppy and what they need from you! For more information please contact me here or by email at [email protected].

10/08/2023

It's a little cool but I don't think the puppies will mind. Games day for the last class!

09/14/2023

09/04/2023

This is the last chance this year to get your doggo into a loose leash class! Sessions start next Sunday! Don't miss out!

I also have had interest in running the Rally Obedience session one more time this season! If you feel your dog has the basics down pat and you want to challenge them with the next level this is your opportunity! Really dive into your connection with your dog and see what they are capable of by your side! it is a 4 week class Starting next Sunday! email me for more information.

09/01/2023

We are heading into fall and the last outdoor classes for 2023. I have limited availability left in the following classes:
Life Skills class - 5 months and older
Puppy class - 7-17 weeks of age
Loose Leash class - 5 months and older

All classes start on Sunday September 10th and run for 4 weeks (1 hour afternoon classes) Please message me for more information or to reserve your spot! Don't miss out on this opportunity!

07/14/2023

Only a few days left to sign up for the puppy class that starts this sunday. If you have a puppy between 2 and 6 months of age don't hesitate or you will miss out. We are rapidly coming to the end of summer and you don't want to miss out on the opportunity to train your puppy. Please message me here or at [email protected] for more information.

07/04/2023

I am now taking registration for the new classes starting July 16. Puppy, life skills and loose leash walking. 4 weeks (we skip August long weekend) to a better relationship with your dog!
Message me here or email me at [email protected] for more information and to reserve your space!
There will only be one more session of classes this summer (september) so don't miss out on this opportunity!

06/17/2023

Set up and ready to go at the Pembina Valley humane society steps for pets! Not too hot or too cold this year, come down and enjoy the afternoon!

06/04/2023

I had hoped the weather reports were going to be right and that the storms would hold off until this evening, unfortunately that was not to be.
Classes starting today have been postponed until next Sunday.

This leaves everyone 1 more week to sign up though! While the puppy class is full I do have 2 spots open in both the life skills and loose leash classes. Please email or message me for more information.

I have, in the past, attempted to find a warehouse or other type of larger space in Morden to use in the summer so that the weather would not be an issue but that was unsuccessful (due to high fees or the unsuitable space) if anyone may know of a space that may be usable in the Morden area please message me with the information.
The Morden vet clinic has been so generous with the use of their space for my winter classes, however, it is not large enough to teach the loose leash walking and I can only, safely, accommodate 3 adult dogs at one time. I will continue to utilize that space during the winter months.

05/29/2023

Don't let time run out! Classes start next weekend and I only have 1 spot left in the puppy class and loose leash class and 2 spots left in the life skills class. This is a great way to start your summer with a better connection with your dog!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

05/23/2023

Safe to say the Safy and Brad are getting along just fine