Swell Hound Dog Training & Behaviour Consulting

11/22/2024

REMINDER: Be sure to drop by 1090 Moselle Cres., tomorrow (Nov 23) between 10am-2pm with your human and companion animal donations!! 😇

Gather Round All Ye Swellions 🐶☀ For Tis the Season of Giving!

Join us Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 10AM-2PM at 1090 Moselle Cres., Orleans for the FIRST ANNUAL Prancing Paws Ottawa & Friend's Holiday Food Drive!

There will be...

- Complimentary Hot Chocolate
- FREE Holiday Pet Photos
- Pop-up Vendors with an array of different gifts and services (ideal for Holiday gift-giving)
- A chance to chat with ME, your Friendly Neighbourhood Force Free Dog Behaviour Consultant about anything dog training and behaviour (...who may or may not have fun little coupons to give 😉)!

We will be collecting for...

Ottawa Humane Society:
- Unopened pet food and treats (cat, dog and small animal)
- New or gently used: toys, beds, leashes, grooming supplies
- A Donation Box available on site for any cash donations.

For the Ottawa Food Bank:
-Non-perishable food items
- Hygiene products (in high demand!!)

You can find a full list of requested items online or on our social media pages.
https://donate.ottawafoodbank.ca/.../649319d528634e48ba16...

The Ottawa Mission:
If you’re in a position to help, please consider donating through our fundraising link.
https://donor.ottawamission.com/-/NBEWSCGR?member=SVBJQURD

For more information about this event, go check out the event page and SMASH that "going" button!

https://www.facebook.com/events/473753732350012/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22your_upcoming_events_unit%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

Hope to see you there! 💙🐶💛

11/20/2024

⚠️Trigger Warning: Pet/ Companion Animal Loss.

Y'all...no matter how many times we've been through this, it never get easier.

Yesterday, November 19, 2024, my family had to say goodbye to our other beautiful ol' girl, Coco. Coco gave us 13 amazing years of truly unconditional love- not only to the human Ruscitti's, but to to many of the furry members of the family as well.

Coco and Zoey definitely shared a special bond, being nearly inseparable their whole lives. We would often humorously and affectionately referred to them as "The Butts"; wherever one went, the other was sure to follow. If one was getting into mischief, surely the other was the lookout. I'd say they were as Thick as Thieves, but they took nothing from us, and instead gave us so, so much joy.

As you can imagine, the loss of Zoey in September of this year was particularly hard on Coco. The last two and half months have been a grieving journey for all of us, with no shortage of ups and downs. While we didn't think we were going to have to say goodbye again so soon, Coco let us know that she was ready and went peacefully in her human parents' arms.

I have nothing profound to say, but I know there are multiple truths that exist simultaneously:

🌈 Zoey was waiting patiently on the other side of the rainbow bridge to greet her Little-Big sister.

🌈 My family has been extremely blessed to have had so many amazing animals in our lives and we are eternally Grateful to each and every one of them.

🌈Grief is just Love with no where to go, and is truly Love's Grand Finale.

🌈 This s**t sucks.

Please, go Love your animals for who they are- they give us so much in the short time they're here with us 💙🐶🌈

11/12/2024

Swellions 🐶☀
It's the most wonderful time of the year...until someone get's Kennel Cough!! 😫🐶😷

Despite it's misleading name, Kennel Cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica) isn't exclusive to dogs in kennels; it can be spread in any area where dogs congregate, such as parks, daycares, training groups, grooming salons, etc. Kennel Cough can be spread quite rapidly through direct contact, air droplets or contaminated items (toys, water bowls, etc.).

This is your yearly reminder to be mindful of your dog's change of B.E.A.T- Behaviour, Energy Levels, Appetite and Thirst. Now of course, I'm a Behaviour Professional, NOT a vet. So, if you see any changes in these departments, your first course of action should be to give your Veterinarian a call to rule out medical conditions such as Kennel Cough (especially before accidently spreading it within your canine community).

It's your responsibility as a Dog Guardian to be aware of the signs to limit the spread; you can also check out this handy little pdf. below for some basics on Kennel Cough.

https://kingsroadvets.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Kennel-Cough-Handout.pdf

This is one of those cases where NOT sharing IS caring! 😇

11/11/2024

Gather Round All Ye Swellions 🐶☀ For Tis the Season of Giving!

Join us Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 10AM-2PM at 1090 Moselle Cres., Orleans for the FIRST ANNUAL Prancing Paws Ottawa & Friend's Holiday Food Drive!

There will be...

- Complimentary Hot Chocolate
- FREE Holiday Pet Photos
- Pop-up Vendors with an array of different gifts and services (ideal for Holiday gift-giving)
- A chance to chat with ME, your Friendly Neighbourhood Force Free Dog Behaviour Consultant about anything dog training and behaviour (...who may or may not have fun little coupons to give 😉)!

We will be collecting for...

Ottawa Humane Society:
- Unopened pet food and treats (cat, dog and small animal)
- New or gently used: toys, beds, leashes, grooming supplies
- A Donation Box available on site for any cash donations.

For the Ottawa Food Bank:
-Non-perishable food items
- Hygiene products (in high demand!!)

You can find a full list of requested items online or on our social media pages.
https://donate.ottawafoodbank.ca/.../649319d528634e48ba16...

The Ottawa Mission:
If you’re in a position to help, please consider donating through our fundraising link.
https://donor.ottawamission.com/-/NBEWSCGR?member=SVBJQURD

For more information about this event, go check out the event page and SMASH that "going" button!

https://www.facebook.com/events/473753732350012/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22your_upcoming_events_unit%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

Hope to see you there! 💙🐶💛

11/07/2024

✨AWWW SWELL YEAHHHHH✨

Swellions🐶☀!! It's been a hot minute since I've made any posts, and this is why.

During the last year or so, I've been working really frickin' hard to advance my career with the The International School for Canine Psychology and Behaviour - ISCP's Advance Diploma in Canine Behaviour. 12 modules, ~21x 1500-2500 word essays, 1x 16,500 word dissertation, and a 93% average later, I come to you feeling levelled up, and even more ready to serve you and your pups.

In an unregulated industry, it is so hard to discern between what is fact and what is fiction, which is why continuing education is so important to me. I love YOU and YOUR DOGS so deeply that I want nothing more than to make sure you can not just survive, but THRIVE in today's high paced, over-stimulating, often oppressive modern world. If I can do anything to help make sure you reach that goal, I will.

I still do not claim to know everything, but I am ✨HOUND✨ and determined to deliver the absolute highest quality of behaviour support I can to you (and NO, I will NEVER stop with the puns).

This is unlikely to be the last course I take, but your girl is in much need for a little academic breather- at least for a little while.

A special shout out to Jay at Good Guardianship for her undying support and expertise as my tutor throughout this journey, and to all my friends and family who cheered me on throughout this process.

My heart is so full 💙🐶💛

09/12/2024

⚠️Trigger Warning: Pet/ Companion Animal Loss.

Hey there Swellions 🐶💙
On Sept 03, 2024, my family had to say goodbye to one of our beloved dogs, Zoey. While it wasn't entirely surprising, and we know it was absolutely the right decision, it was rather sudden and still quite upsetting. Since then, we have all been processing our loss, but admittedly, life has felt nothing short of surreal. Being over 600km away from my family, I'm not sure it's really sunk in yet.

I don't claim to have anything profound to say, and I'm certainly no grief expert. However, some realizations I've come to, having been through this countless times, in case it provides *anyone* *any kind* of solace:

🌈 Pet Loss is still loss: despite the societal stigma that still remains. In my experience, it's *never* "just an animal". Our companion animals are with us every single day *for years*; in some cases, their companionship is more consistent and unconditional than some human/human relationships.

🌈 Companion animal loss can be compounding: In my experience, the loss of Zoey triggers the loss of Tasha, which triggers the loss of Bailey, which triggers the loss of Nicky, which triggers the loss of Zack, etc., etc. Sometimes when we grieve one, we grieve them all, simultaneously.

🌈 Everyone grieves differently: some people are able to do their initial grieving and move forward. For some, it might not hit until some kind of significant event (Holidays, birthdays, etc). In my experience, it comes in waves, and these ebbs and flows last months.

🌈 The only way "out" is through: I put "out" in quotations for a reason (see next point), but you have *got* to feel your feelings, no matter how unpleasant, inconvenient or big they are. Repressed emotions will *always* seep through the cracks and impact other emotionally significant relationships.

🌈 Loss is not something you get over, but rather, it's something you grow around: for some, there never is an "out". All the more important to circle back to the point above, and to...

🌈 Choose your support system carefully: Some people will not understand how significant these types of losses can be. Be highly selective about the people you let in during this vulnerable time. You deserve people in your life who can validate and create space for your pain.

🌈Grief impacts the intellectual, emotional and physical bandwidth: This one is self explanatory, and therefore Self compassion is an essential practice.

🌈 Anticipatory Grief is real: As mentioned, this wasn't an entirely surprising loss (though I didn't think it was going to happen so soon). In my experience, the grief actually started well before we had to say goodbye.

For anyone who may be struggling through similar circumstances, I do highly recommend the book The Pet Loss Companion by Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio and Nancy Saxton-Lopez. It's very easy to digest and covers a wide range of concepts surrounding the topic.

For anyone who may be seeking support, here are a few links to some different Pet Loss Groups:

https://ottawahumane.ca/your-pet/pet-loss-support-groups/

https://ontariopetloss.org/

https://www.westhillvet.com/grief-support/

I thank you all in advance with your continued patience, and should anyone need a safe space to vent their grief, I'm always just a PM away 💙🐶💛

08/27/2024

I know I'm late to the party, but Happy [belated] International Dog Day! In the spirit of working WITH dogs- a little ol' soapbox rant! 😇😈

Being Force Free when working with animals is not a topic that is up for debate, despite what some other "professionals" claim. There is far too much scientific evidence at our disposal now to even humour the thought of using harsh and/or aversive tools and/or techniques in training. WE👏ARE👏PASSED👏THIS👏.

There are people (who call themselves "professionals") out there who put more effort into trying to save outdated and dying techniques by kicking, screaming and threatening lawsuits than they are putting in efforts to increase their own repertoire of skills, knowledge and understanding on the topic. It takes a certain amount of emotional and intellectual maturity to commit to Force Free training, and it's 100% the human's responsibility to achieve that. If a "professional" is unwilling to put in the work to crossover into common sense and compassion, then there is no room in the industry for that "professional"- put bluntly, sucks to suck 💁‍♀️.

Dog Guardians, Be Aware! Check out this excellent article that Eileen Anderson wrote on the many tropes of these "debates" against Positive Reinforcement/ Force Free training. Don't be fooled by someone else's lack of understanding in an industry that is unregulated (and unnecessarily polarized).

https://eileenanddogs.com/blog/2024/08/26/the-real-facts-about-science-based-dog-training-a-bad-faith-argument/?fbclid=IwY2xjawE6xq1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXTfmPCYkp-TXUBQB9U_cuz5IjrWwhoD38TxfA2BuSppHqASFCLghrRMPw_aem_cAgbPyUZ8Sanpm53-v6k5Q

In February 2023, Ivan Balabanov gave a podcast called The Real Facts About Science Based Dog Training. There were problems. Let's learn about Gish Gallops.

08/01/2024

🐶☀️SWELLIONS!!☀️🐶
I am SO proud to announce that Swell Hound Dog Training and Behaviour Consulting received GOLD in the CommunityVotes - Ottawa Pet Training Category!! 🏅🎉

Y'all, I cannot thank you ENOUGH for coming together and taking the time to place your votes. As a small business owner, I wear ALL of the hats- the Behaviour Consultant & Trainer, the Administrator & Secretary, the Social Media Content Creator & Coordinator, the Educator, the [forever] Student, the Accountant, etc.

I work out of my home when you're not welcoming me into yours- there is no fancy facility, no training team- just yours truly. It's always risky to take a leap of faith and be your own boss (especially in THIS economy), but it's moments like this that serve as a reminder that following your heart is ALWAYS 👏 WORTH 👏THE 👏 RISK 👏.

Special shout out to Natasha Stanzel, Real Estate REMAX Affiliates Ottawa for notifying me of this momentous achievement, for her unrelenting expertise and support on growing my small business, and most importantly, for being damn good friend 🐶💙

Congratulations to ALL of the winners, and THANK YOU ALL!!

https://ottawa.communityvotes.com/2024/03/pet-and-pet-care/pet-training

07/30/2024

Alright, Swellions, its time to move inside...'cause it's SWELLtering out there!☀️🥵🙈

We all know that hot weather poses a safety risk to our dogs. They simply cannot regulate their temperature as well as humans can. Best to stay indoors on those days, but it doesn't have to be boring! Here are 6 Ways to Beat the Heat- Indoors Edition!

Post a picture in the comments on how you and YOUR dog(s) are staying COOL inside 😎👍

07/27/2024

If you haven't already, there's till time to vote! 💛🐶💙
🥹
🫶

Official 2024 Community Voting Awards Platform for Ottawa, ON. Where the community votes for their favourites every year.

07/12/2024

Good moring, Swellions! 🐶☀️Did you know? Swell Hound Dog Training & Behaviour Consulting has been featured in Das Lokal Ottawa's "The Best Expert Dog Trainers in Ottawa" review! 🥳 What an honour!! Go check it out (if you feel so inclined) by following this link, below:

https://www.daslokalottawa.com/dog-trainers-ottawa/ -hound

07/10/2024

Today was one ☀️SWELL☀️ of a day, folks! I got to do my favourite thing ever: talk about dogs and body language, all thanks to the Canderel Group in Constitution Square for putting on the Puppies on the Plaza event, in conjunction with Freedom Dog Rescue!

Today's event was so successful that I didn't even get a chance to take many photos, so this post is all ya' get (photo 1 was before the event started, and photo 2 wasn't until it was finished) 🙈.

Thank you to everyone who came out and shared our love of dogs. I had an absolute pleasure and I can't wait to do this all again next year! 💙🐶💛

07/04/2024

Hey there Swellions 🐶☀️
I'm so excited to announce that Swell Hound Dog Training & Behaviour Consulting has been nominated in the Community Votes Ottawa 2024 in Pet Care (Pet Training) as an Outstanding Business and Service!

As a small and growing business, I take pride in building rapport with my community, sharing my knowledge and making the lives of humans and dogs easier (and more fun)!

With your help, we can all ☀️RAISE A LITTLE SWELL☀️ and promote the power of Force Free Dog Training! Follow the link and vote for Swell Hound Dog Training & Behaviour Consulting today!

https://ottawa.communityvotes.com/2024/03/pet-and-pet-care/pet-training

Official 2024 Community Voting Awards Platform for Ottawa, ON. Where the community votes for their favourites every year.

06/17/2024

Hey there, Swellions 🐶☀️!!

It's been a hot minute since I've made a post...and it's gonna be an EVEN HOTTER MINUTE all this week if you're in Eastern Canada & US! 😱🥵🫠 No better time than the present to discuss some ways to Beat the Heat with your dog!

Feel free to post pics of you and your dog(s) in the comments to show off how y'all are staying cool this week 👇😎

06/05/2024

Swell Hound has reached a new Milestone- my 10th Five Star Review on Google!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I preach to my clients A LOT about celebrating small wins, yet this is something I struggle to do myself. So, let me tell you a little bit about Molly the Border Collie, and the adventure her and her Guardians have been on, which I am so Grateful to be a part of.

Molly's people (Megan and Alan) reached out to me shortly after her adoption from the OHS in the summer of 2022, and we have been working together ever since. Molly had been through quite a bit before ending up with her people, including a lengthy recovery from a broken leg. Even after her adoption, Molly had a few challenges with another household move and an overall busy outdoor environment. As far as we know, Molly had never lived with other animals before, and has struggled with fear-based reactivity towards people, cars, other dogs and all kinds of other critters.

In our last session together, Molly was able to watch a "neighbour" (unfamiliar human with whom we've never had an interaction) walk passed in her at ~25ft distance. This would be unheard of a year or so ago- what a huge win!!

Molly also initially had some pretty big concerns about her big and little feline brothers (Smudges and Pretzel, respectively). While Smudges was already a senior citizen upon Molly's arrival, Pretzel joined the family as a rambunctious kitten in the fall of 2023. As you can imagine, Molly's interest in her new brother was "border collie intense"; anytime Pretzel moved, Molly would chase! While Smudges is still happy to remain his own company, with some patience and conditioning, Pretzel and Molly are now solid playmates who enjoy a good wrestle (spoiler alert: Pretzel usually wins 🙈)

I cannot thank Megan, Alan & Molly enough for letting me in on their wild and wonderful journey together, and for their kind words about my services. While we still have some goals we want to reach, Molly has made leaps and bounds in her behaviour modification process, all with the help of her wonderful humans! 💖

05/21/2024

What does a Canine behaviour consultant do in her free time?...Study Advanced Canine Behaviour, obviously 💁‍♀️🙈 ?

This is the face of 75% completion...your girl is in the home-stretch of this course!

05/14/2024

⚠️ATTN: Orleans folks!⚠️

Please be mindful while out on your walks for food items (specifically bread) that are laced with poisonous substances.

This is a great time to brush up on your Leave It & Drop It cues!

Not cues your dog knows, or not confident they will listen in a moment of need? Reach out for a consultation. These are extremely important safety skills to have (and actually very fun to learn)!

Stay vigilant and safe out there, y'all! 💙🐶💛

05/14/2024

⚠️ATTN: Orleans folks!⚠️

Please be mindful of food items (according to this article, specifically bread) you may find on your walks.

This is a great time to brush up on your Leave It & Drop It cues, best practiced at home, outside of a safety context.

Does you dog not know Leave it/ Drop it, or are you not confident your dog will listen in a moment of need? Reach out to book a consultation. These are extremely important cues to have (and are actually really fun to learn)!

Stay safe out there, y'all! 💙🐶💛

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/pills-believed-to-contain-poisonous-substance-found-in-bread-in-area-dog-walkers-frequent