Bravo Dog Behavioural Health

08/27/2024

Do you have an HSD?

Discover what it means to have a highly sensitive dog and how you can support them.

Read the full article on the BravoDog website! 💻
https://www.bravodog.ca/post/understanding-highly-sensitive-dogs

08/26/2024

Anyone else wish every day was National Dog Day?

08/22/2024

Penelope and I will be on CTV Morning Live at 7:45 am pst Friday talking about safety for you and your dog and reactivity. Wish us luck!

08/20/2024

Lace Up, Leash Up, and Live it Up!

Join us for the first ever WAGFest on Sunday, August 25th for the ultimate summer celebration for you and your furry friends! WAGFest is a full day of activities starting with a 5km run around Lost Lake. Follow your run up by enjoying a tasty lunch by Splitz Grill in Rebagliati Park while checking out local pet vendors showcasing their goods and an exciting dog trick contest. We will wrap up the day with an afternoon Down Dog Yoga Class. Come for the run, stay for the fun, and help support your local animal shelter, WAG 🐾

Head to https://www.whistlerwag.com/wagfest2024 for more details and to sign up for all the events.

**Dogs not necessary! Don't have a dog but want to join in on the activities and surround yourself with furballs, feel free to sign up and support WAG❤ **

Thanks to all our community partners RMOW Whistler, FirstMate Pet Food, Splitz Grill, We Run Whistler, Lululemon, Whistler Happy Pets, Fox & Oak, Little Pine Pet, Gruffies, and Firetail Pets.

08/19/2024

Guess what’s NOT good marketing?

The truth.

It doesn’t bode well when someone has a problem and you tell them you can’t “fix” it.

Well, I’m here to tell you some hard truths.

Because I’d rather you have someone tell you the truth then set you up for unrealistic expectations and heartbreak.

I’m not saying do nothing.
I’m not saying you can’t make improvements and see a LOT of positive change.
I’m just saying it’s not a given, it’s not a guarantee and sometimes it’s not realistic.

If that means you don’t want to work with me, so be it.
I’d rather be able to sleep at night.

08/10/2024

Penelope and I have been listening…..

We are here to help!

The Compass Program for Reactivity is designed to bring you and your dog back to calm, confident walks. 🐾

With easy-to-follow steps, video demos, and expert guidance, this program will help you tackle those challenging moments and transform your walks together.

💰 **Pre-sale: Just $49 for 6 months of access!**
⏳ **Grab this limited-time offer before it’s gone!**

Let’s make walks enjoyable again—join today!

08/07/2024

WAG is looking for a Unicorn foster home! Please check out the poster and contact [email protected] directly for more information if you meet the requirements and are available to help.

08/03/2024

Resource guarding is a common behaviour where a dog guards things they value, such as food, toys, or even a favourite spot. This behaviour is rooted in their natural instincts to protect valuable resources. It is an instinctual behaviour passed down from wild ancestors who had to protect their food and belongings to survive. While domesticated dogs live in secure environments, this instinct can still surface. It's important to understand that resource guarding doesn't mean your dog is aggressive or bad. Instead, it reflects their instinctual need to safeguard what they consider important.

While common, it’s important to recognise the signs and address them appropriately to prevent potential issues. Contact us for professional guidance and support in managing resource guarding effectively. We can provide strategies to reduce guarding behaviour and ensure your dog feels secure. By addressing resource guarding properly, you can help your dog feel more relaxed and confident, improving your bond and their overall well-being.

07/28/2024

Many dogs have experienced trauma that profoundly impacts their behavior and health. It's crucial to understand the full extent of this impact to provide better care and support for our canine companions.

Many dogs have experienced trauma that profoundly impacts their behavior and health. It's crucial to understand the full extent of this impa

07/24/2024

“My dog won’t listen to me!”

One huge mistake I see is lack of ENGAGEMENT.

I think people are too afraid they will be judged.

I always say, people will find something to judge you about. Who cares what a random stranger thinks.

Engagement means connecting with your dog through:
- your voice
- motion
- play
- reinforcement

This strengthens your connection with your dog.
Often times this results in your dog seeking feedback from you, aka a dog that “listens”.

Give your dog a reason to listen!!! (& not a negative one)

07/22/2024

Victoria Bulldog Society does so much for the smooshy faced breeds who are often medically compromised and when guardians can’t afford their care, Melanie steps in.

🎶 UPDATE ON ART! 🎶

Art was scheduled for enucleation of his right eye last night by the emergency team. However, after checking his bloodwork, his hematocrit was critically high, requiring stabilization before it was safe for surgery. Art spent the night in the emergency hospital receiving crucial meds and IV fluids. The surgeon who was supposed to perform the procedure is off shift today, but we just received an update: two vets are tag-teaming the enucleation of Art’s right eye right now!

The initial quote for his treatment was $4,390 last night, but this morning it has risen to over $5,260 😳. This is if he stays stable and can be discharged tonight. Overnight, we have raised $245 towards Art’s emergency care. We’ll provide a detailed update soon, but in the meantime, we urgently need to raise funds to cover his emergency care. Please consider donating to support Art’s urgent journey to recovery. 🙏

**URGENT DONATIONS NEEDED NOW!**
📧E-transfer: [email protected]
💳 PayPal: https://paypal.me/VicBulldogSociety
🍾Bottle Drive Drop off 1064 Lodge Avenue

Online Auction Postponed to August

We need items for our auction, such as:

📌 Gift cards or vouchers (restaurants, retailers, services)
📌 Wine, beer, or liquor
📌 Professional pet services (grooming, photography, training, pet stores)
📌 Fitness services (gym memberships, personal training sessions)
📌 Electronics (smartwatches, Bluetooth speakers)
📌 Experiences (spa days, cooking classes, guided tours, event tickets, adventure activities)
📌 Virtual experiences (online classes, virtual wine tours)
📌 Custom & handmade crafts or products
📌 Any other items or services that would make fun raffle prizes

Your generosity will help us create exciting raffle prizes and support our cause. Thank you for making a big difference!

07/11/2024

06/18/2024

This course is FREE for the next 24 hrs!

❓Want to make this course free forever?
✅ share and tag your favourite shelter or rescue
✅ leave us a five star review in Google for our free courses as a thank you!

06/18/2024

It may not make sense to you, but that doesn’t mean it’s not valid to your dog.

“You’re being dramatic”

“Stop being a baby”

“Drama queen”

It’s time to start validating that our dogs have REAL feelings about things we might not understand. And, while you may not be able to relate, you CAN have their back and support their need for space.

Does your dog have a fear of something that doesn’t make sense to you?

06/12/2024

This time last year I was consumed with socializing Penelope and doing everything possible to try and ensure she was feeling safe, happy and secure.

What a ride and a big responsibility it is to have a puppy in your care!

I know that genetics are responsible for behaviour as well and that despite doing everything in my power, issues can still crop up.

What I’ve learned in this last year is to embrace all the quirks and continue to focus on our relationship and giving her what she needs to ensure she is behaviourally sound.

I have also learned that you can dislike your dog’s behaviour without disliking them.

I couldn’t be happier going through this part of life with Penelope.

❓What has your dog taught you?

06/11/2024

Do you live in the United States and does your dogs behaviour fit into this category?

Animal Behavior Wellness Center is looking for dogs to enroll in a clinical trial investigating an oral behavioral support supplement in dogs with separation anxiety Please share!

Does your dog tremble, vocalize, pant excessively, or become destructive when you leave the house? Has your dog been diagnosed with separation anxiety? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, please contact us about enrollment in our double-blinded, placebo controlled, fully funded clinical study. This is a completely remote study, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your dog into the clinic. During the 30 day study, your dog will receive either a placebo or an oral behavioral support supplement. When you leave home (for example, to go to work) your dog will be evaluated via a 20 minute video, using a provided web cam.

Your participation is confidential, and you will be compensated for your time. At the conclusion of the study, regardless of the test group to which you’re assigned, you will also receive 3 FREE months of a nutritional behavioral support supplement.

Scan the QR code or visit https://www.abwellnesscenter.com/clinical-behavior-trial for more information. Thank you for helping to promote the behavioral wellness of our best friends.

Animal Behavior Wellness Center
Treatment. Training. Compassion.



11230 Waples Mill Road
Suite 125A
Fairfax, VA, USA 22030
888.438.0788 ext.1

06/11/2024

❓ Does your dog hate fireworks?

Now is the time to contact your veterinarian if your dog suffers through fireworks.

If your dog:
- Trembles and shakes
- Hikes
- Drools
- Pants
- Is frantic
This is a serious medical concern. Do not fiddle with natural supplements, talk to your veterinarian about proven medications that are designed to help your dog.

They don’t need to suffer this fireworks season!

06/08/2024

Simply put, if your dog is not enjoying the interaction it’s not healthy “socialization”.

Your dog’s body language tells the entire story.

If you are teaching your dog that if they don’t do what YOU want around other dogs, it results in something negative happening like a “correction” or “stim”, you’re actually doing harm.

If you are unsure whether you’re doing more harm than good, ask yourself: “is my dog enjoying this?” If not, it’s time to rethink how you’re approaching dog interactions and calling it socialization.

06/05/2024

How often do you see this?

Guardians forcing their dogs to meet or spend time with other dogs when clearly they don’t want to.

Heaven forbid your dog doesn’t like a person they meet!

Let’s be honest. We don’t like everyone we meet. So why are we trying to force our dogs?

✅ If you aren’t sure when your dog isn’t interested in another dog or person please take our FREE Body Language Course.

🐕 It’s just as important for dog guardians to recognize when OTHER dogs aren’t interested in your dog, or you for that matter.

05/30/2024

Adopting a dog can be an exciting time!

I’m sharing in this new online course how to set you and your newly adopted dog up for success.

So many of my clients over the last decade have regretted not preparing properly and not knowing what to expect!

Just a few things covered:
✅ How to prepare
✅ Safety
✅ Decompression
✅ What Impacts Behaviour
✅ How to Integrate Other Pets
✅ How to Introduce New Dogs
✅ What to Avoid
✅ Vital Concepts & Training Skills
… so much more!

More information in the link or head to our website under Online Courses

05/27/2024

I know it might not feel that way, BUT…. your dog can truly have a wonderful life without dog friends.

Some dogs just won’t want to be social with other dogs no matter how hard you try… and that’s ok!

For whatever the reason, sometimes it just doesn’t work out.

So, of this is your dog and you’re feeling guilt about this I want you to stop. And I want you to make a list of all the things your dog DOES enjoy!
⬇️ AND share that list below!!

05/25/2024

IRELAND TO BAN SHOCK COLLARS!

We've heard about pending bans before. Let's hope the people who've worked so hard to bring this ban to fruition gets the follow through they deserve, sooner rather than later.

"Electronic shock collar for dogs and cats that are controlled using hand-held remote controls are to be banned in Ireland following a public consultation ordered by the Minister for Agriculture."

05/24/2024

We know that puppies are extremely vulnerable to develop behavior issues if they have had negative experiences during the socialization window.

If you’re depending on a puppy class to socialize your puppy, I’d like you to reconsider. I empower my clients to set up meetings and interact with dogs in their community BUT you must be able to read body language so that you can remove your puppy if anything looks suspect.

A puppy class or “social” can be a great experience, but it comes with a lot of risks when there is free play. Whomever is running them should have plenty of hands on deck and a lot of experience.

So, if you’ve been told you need to take a puppy class remember, the dog training industry isn’t regulated. Be careful and always listen to your gut if anything seems off.

05/23/2024

❓Does this sound like you?

“I feel like our progress has stalled.”
​
“I’m embarrassed and tired of friends & family giving me advice and judging me.”
​
“I’ve tried following Youtube and other social media advice but it’s confusing.”
​
“I don’t feel motivation a lot of days. The reactive behaviour is taking a toll.”
​
“I don’t want to go for walks with my dog. I’m always on edge.”

If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and you’re ready for an expert-led, focused 4-week program...
You’re in the right place!

If you have any questions let me know!

📩 Get notified when doors open by heading to bravodog.ca/compass

05/20/2024

Tito needs some donations so he can be free of eye irritations!

🐶💖 Help with Tito's upcoming surgery! 💖🐶

Tito, our sweet compassionate care English Bulldog, needs your help! He battles skin allergies, a hiatal hernia, dry eye, and needs a second Entropion surgery on May 23rd. His medications and treatments are costly, and we can't do it alone. 🩺💊 We have been quoted $4000 for his eye surgery on the high end.

🙏 Your support can make a huge difference in Tito's life. Any contribution helps cover his medical expenses and keeps him happy and healthy. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! ❤️ Click here to learn more https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/13dc24f9-6458-4fb0-a3a7-1a416d39c00f

Because the surgery is so soon we are hoping people that can't donated drop off returnable beverage containers asap to 1064 Lodge Avenue.

05/19/2024

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but I keep seeing the advice of “don’t avoid your dogs triggers” floating around.

Every time your dog reacts, their behaviour is rehearsed and a pattern continues.

To the best of your ability, if you are not training around triggers when your dog is in the “green” learning zone (work with me to find out what that is), you are doing more harm than good.

Incremental training plans.
Training set-ups.
Ruling out underlying issues.

If you set your dog up to react and then try to “correct” the behaviour, it’s the same as tossing a kid into the deep end of the pool that can’t swim.

✅ If you want to fully understand the truth behind reactivity and the lies that have been told to you for other’s financial gain, head to my website to book.

05/15/2024

Humans and dogs have co-existed together for many years.

Sadly, there is still a lot of misunderstandings about how dogs feel and what they need from us.

Please take our free body language course.
It’s been revised since its first edition and we have so much more to share!