Bravo Dog Behavioural Health

Bravo Dog Behavioural Health Specialized behaviour consulting focused on fear, anxiety and reactivity.
(70)

A whole-istic approach integrating physical and emotional wellness to create optimal behavioural health. I specialize in remote consulting for fear, aggression, reactivity and newly adopted dogs. I take the shame and blame out of behaviour challenges and empower YOU to foster growth and improvement with tangible training techniques.

“I just want my dog to stop barking all the time!”You may be facing a behaviour challenge with your dog that seems so si...
11/13/2024

“I just want my dog to stop barking all the time!”

You may be facing a behaviour challenge with your dog that seems so simple. It’s barking, just stop it!

Well, it’s never that simple.

Behaviour never functions in isolation and there are many considerations that an ethical behaviour consultant will investigate when helping you and your dog.

I encourage you to think on a deeper and more curious level when it comes to your dog’s behaviour.

As always, get in touch so I can help 😊

We can all feel hopeless sometimes.Whether you’re struggling with personal relationships, your dog’s behaviour or curren...
11/09/2024

We can all feel hopeless sometimes.

Whether you’re struggling with personal relationships, your dog’s behaviour or current political developments…

It’s all valid and it’s normal to feel like things won’t ever change.

Your dog doesn’t know why you’re feeling these ways, they just pick up on the general energy and your behaviour.

In these times I recommend you do a few things:
- Block out the noise. Avoid online groups, YouTube, chats and advice forums
- Read more books that bring you joy
- Music. Listen to music and not the tv
- Get outdoors as much as you can. Find spaces that are safe for you and your dog that don’t cause stress

I hope you prioritize seeking peace for you and your dog(s) no matter what you’re facing.

Does your dog eat everything?Have you had to take them to the vet for digestive blockages?Do they eat 💩?My newest articl...
11/03/2024

Does your dog eat everything?
Have you had to take them to the vet for digestive blockages?
Do they eat 💩?

My newest article discusses the possible reasons this is happening and what you can do about it!

Link in stories and highlight

If you haven’t already tried Mantrailing this is an extremely generous offer and I would jump on it!
10/30/2024

If you haven’t already tried Mantrailing this is an extremely generous offer and I would jump on it!

EXCITING NEWS 📢📢📢
NOW OFFERING A FOUNDATIONS 101 SKILLS UP
4 WEEK MANTRAILING CLASS🥳🐶🥳🐶
✨️
For those that have done the Intro to Mantrailing Workshop and haven't been able to join any drop-in progressions, or you've only done a couple drop-ins or maybe you've had to pause your trailing for a bit and want to get back into it. This foundations class will provide you with consistent weekly practice to progress in this unique scentwork sport.
✨️
Introducing 4 week Foundations 101 Skills Up Class -
This will be foundations class for beginners (I will also be starting an advanced 4 week Skills Up class in the New Year)
✨️
I'm offering this at a discounted introductory price for November and there are only 3 spots so this is your opportunity to see weekly progress in the sport before the price increase🥳🥳
✨️
You will learn Line handling exercises, target sniffing, establishing your dog's indication behaviour and advancing to Scent Article starts by week 4🥳
✨️
Weekly break down of goals are up on my private FB group if you have done Trailing with me and haven't joined the Facebook group for my Trailing students just message me and I'll send you the link!
✨️
90min class for 4 weeks! Discounted rate for the first 3 to sign up $140 + GST. ONlY 3 SPOTS!!! Mondays 6:30pm - 8pm Starts NOV 4th!
✨️
Email me today to sign up and unlock your dog's full sniffing potential!
[email protected]

#

A reminder that your dog’s behaviour is never black and white.Emotions can shift from interested to fearful.From excited...
10/28/2024

A reminder that your dog’s behaviour is never black and white.

Emotions can shift from interested to fearful.
From excited to frustrated.
From curious to cautious.

This is why understanding your dog’s body language is SO important.

We can also see a dog who approaches with interest ALSO show body language that shows fear.

Dogs can be conflicted about certain situations and while it may be difficult to understand WHY, it doesn’t really matter because it’s our job to help them out in these cases.

Space is your friend.
Having a tried and true method of calling your dog away to engage with you is crucial!

❓What do you think your dog can be conflicted about?

🥺If you’re working on reactivity challenges with your dog, if you’ve had a bad day or there’s been a reaction, it can be...
10/20/2024

🥺If you’re working on reactivity challenges with your dog, if you’ve had a bad day or there’s been a reaction, it can be so disheartening.

Sometimes it feels like you’re not MAKING ANY PROGRESS!

But, you likely are :)

Progress is NOT perfection, and it’s not “fixing” reactivity or removing it completely.

Behaviour change needs to be reframed in the dog industry. We need to realize that the process is not easy, and it’s complicated.

These Pillars of Progress may put things into perspective for you!

If you’re new here, welcome. I haven’t done one of these I don’t think ever!I’m Renée, and this is my sidekick Penelope....
10/17/2024

If you’re new here, welcome. I haven’t done one of these I don’t think ever!
I’m Renée, and this is my sidekick Penelope.
My background working with dogs started when after 15 years in the corporate world I started school to become a registered vet tech. I changed direction and started a dog walking business and what I saw horrified me. I saw a lot of dominance based approaches being used on dogs and I saw a lot of misunderstood dogs. I knew I could do more to help.
So, I started my educational journey (which never ends) to work in dog behaviour. In the last 13 years I started my business, taught thousands of classes, mentored and supported others entering the field and now specialize completely and work with highly sensitive dogs and dogs who suffer from reactivity. I also serve on the Board of Directors for volunteering my time as an advisor for behavioural cases, developing policies and ensuring our mission as a force-free shelter prospers. Phew!

I feel blessed to work with clients around the globe. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help!

A few tidbits:
- we live in British Columbia, Canada
- we spend a lot of time roaming remote areas in the Jeep working on wildlife photography
- I volunteer with RCMSAR which is search and rescue on the water (not land)

I’ve seen misinformation out there for years about dogs marking and how this is a sign of “dominance” or indicates the d...
10/16/2024

I’ve seen misinformation out there for years about dogs marking and how this is a sign of “dominance” or indicates the dog could become possessive or aggressive. There is no evidence that this is the case!

Urine marking overall is normal and is a communication tool.

What are they communicating?
Right now, the data is unclear. Dogs could be leaving their information to let other dogs know they live in the vicinity, but right now that is pure speculation.

When it becomes excessive, or starts to happen indoors this can be an indication of stress or anxiety.
Un-neutered males can mark to attract females in heat.

So, if anyone tells you that you shouldn’t “let” your dog mark on walks, it’s not based in truth.

“Just” a Picky Eater? Probably Not.When we feel well, we have a healthy appetite. Your dog may have always had little ap...
10/13/2024

“Just” a Picky Eater?

Probably Not.

When we feel well, we have a healthy appetite.

Your dog may have always had little appetite however that doesn’t mean it’s normal or healthy.

I’ve seen a lot of cases recently in which low food motivation is a result of anxiety and behaviour issues.

Read my article outlining what could be going on with your dog. Link in stories…

10/12/2024

Join us at Hunter Gather for a heartwarming evening of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and the thrill of a 50/50 draw and raffle—all for a great cause!

Every year, WAG provides life-changing care to countless cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens at our Whistler Animal Shelter. Now, more than ever, we need your support to build a brighter future for animals in need.

Event Link: https://www.huntergatherwhistler.com/event-details/wag-paw-sitive-support-fundraiser

Leash reactivity is the number one reactivity challenge that clients come to me for help with. For those of us living in...
10/10/2024

Leash reactivity is the number one reactivity challenge that clients come to me for help with.

For those of us living in urban environments this makes things even more difficult as space is crucial for us to be able to successfully work on training exercises. At the very least some of these tips I hope will help you on your journey. You DO need an incremental plan that takes many other details into consideration however, the non-negotiable are in my opinion food/toys, space, avoiding on leash interactions and increasing engagement with your dog!

Is there anything Ive mentioned that has helped you or something else you can share that may help someone else?

True kinship with dogs is only achieved when we prioritize their emotions & welfare over our desire to compartmentalize ...
10/04/2024

True kinship with dogs is only achieved when we prioritize their emotions & welfare over our desire to compartmentalize their existence to meet our own needs.

I have seen great changes in the last decade but we have a way to go.

Like & share if you agree!

Muzzles are excellent safety tools.❌ They are NOT permission to put your dog in a situation they aren’t ready for.❓What ...
10/02/2024

Muzzles are excellent safety tools.

❌ They are NOT permission to put your dog in a situation they aren’t ready for.

❓What does that mean?

Your dog and the general public may be safe from a bite BUT you may be:
- Putting your dog in situations that are compounding negative associations
- Risking your dog reacting towards triggers and rehearsing a behaviour you should be trying to prevent in combination with a training plan
- Flooding your dog, putting them in the deep end of the pool and suppressing emotions that WILL come out at some point likely even more pronounced
- Exposing the general public to a dog that attacks (charges, pins, snarls, etc) and impacts them negatively, a muzzle protects from a bit but not a reaction

If your thought process is “well, it gives my dog more freedom off leash”, I get it. It absolutely can. But, you are still taking some big risks that may not come with a bite but are going to be VERY difficult to to try and undo down the line.

Muzzles should:
- ALWAYS be conditioned and introduced, trained with regularly before your dog even wears it
- Be part of a plan that integrates the right environments to set your dog, and anyone interacting with your dog, up for success
- Combine behaviour modification to address your dog’s emotions with use of a muzzle
- Always fit properly and in some cases be custom made

Resources:
The Muzzle Movement .muzzle.movement
The Pet Rescue Resource thepetrescueresource.com/muzzle-training

Reminder that we offer 2 FREE Online courses, no strings attached!🐾 Adoption: Before & AfterIf you’re thinking about ado...
09/30/2024

Reminder that we offer 2 FREE Online courses, no strings attached!

🐾 Adoption: Before & After
If you’re thinking about adopting a dog, or have already adopted, we created this course to address all of the highs and potential lows you may experience… because it’s not always cupcakes and butterflies!

🐕 Body Language Basics
If you don’t understand dog language, you won’t ever understand what they are thinking and feeling!

Share far and wide!

Changing the culture of how humans work with dogs starts with language.The word “command” when referencing dogs is deriv...
09/25/2024

Changing the culture of how humans work with dogs starts with language.

The word “command” when referencing dogs is derived from the military.

Dogs are family.
I never command anyone I care about to do anything.

I ask for or cue behaviours.

Do you feel the same?

If you think you have a highly sensitive dog (HSD) then you may have noticed your dog can become overwhelmed easily. If ...
09/16/2024

If you think you have a highly sensitive dog (HSD) then you may have noticed your dog can become overwhelmed easily. If you don’t know if you have an HSD read our article (found in Highlights).

Highly stimulating environments can be difficult for sensitive dogs. Noises, unpredictability, smells and a generally busy atmosphere can be challenging for their nervous system.

✔️Seek out quiet spaces when possible
✔️If you have to go into these environments, try to be brief and give your dog downtime for decompression afterwards in a quiet space
✔️Try your best to have a predictable routine for them, predictability can ease anxiety

Does your dog become overwhelmed easily?

Address

North Vancouver, BC
V7J2K9

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 7pm
Tuesday 10am - 7pm
Wednesday 10am - 7pm
Thursday 10am - 7pm
Sunday 10am - 7pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Bravo Dog Behavioural Health posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Bravo Dog Behavioural Health:

Videos

Share

Category

Our Story

We work with clients and their dogs to change undesirable behaviour, create lasting bonds through reward-based training and educate the public through seminars and courses.

Renée is a Graduate of the Academy for Dog Trainers, the Harvard for Dog Trainers, an accredited BC SPCA Animal Kind Trainer, and holds certifications through The International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC), Companion Animal Sciences Institute (CASI), Fear Free® and Professional member of the Pet Professional Guild dedicated to force free training. Her passion and dedication to dogs with behavior issues and coaching guardians how to better understand their companions is the driving force behind her work.


Other Pet Services in North Vancouver

Show All