Walk With Me Ottawa

08/26/2024

WWMO is eleven years old today.
Here are some throwback photos of the journey.
From walking two packs a day at Conroy pit in my little red VW golf, then my Kia, to renting property to walk at, to buying my first property, meeting , doing a two week shadow program with in PEI, travelling to St Louis, Florida, Colorado for IACP conferences, speaking on a panel about women entrepreneurship, hosting workshops, getting Toro and then Riggs, starting a PSA club-- a lot has happened in 11 years.

We've said hello and we've said goodbye. We've been betrayed, backstabbed and imitated. We've had great times and made some lifelong friends.
We have built our very own custom training facility in Dunrobin to better serve our clients (and keep ourselves out of Canada's winter!).
We will continue to host the best dog training workshops in the region.
We will continue to train trainers to be the best they can be.

Running this business has taught me so much about life and also myself. Looking back, there's very little I would change- a better understanding of accounting / bookkeeping is probably the main one 😂🙊

People become so paralyzed about starting something. Just do it. Figure it out along the way.
It will be okay. The joy of running your own business is the freedom to change things if they're not working. You have freedom and flexibility. Owning a business is one giant experiment.

Just do so with integrity and you'll be okay 🖤🫶

06/21/2024

Calling all pet professionals and pet owners!

It's vitally important to be up to date in pet first aid and CPR. This is the best pet first aid course I've ever taken and gave me the confidence to handle an emergency if one pops up.
Dawn is an amazing instructor and not only did we learn a lot, we had so much fun doing so! Course price included an extensive manual and a pocket guide to pet emergencies.

Bring your own lunch (or order in). Bring your own chair and bring a dog if you have a friendly quiet one who won't mind being handled!

Register by sending an email to [email protected]

06/21/2024

Calling all pet professionals and pet owners! its vitally important to be up to date in pet first aid and CPR. This is the best pet first aid course I've ever taken and gave me the confidence to handle an emergency if one pops up.
Dawn is an amazing instructor and not only did we learn a lot, we had so much fun doing so! Course price included an extensive manual and a pocket guide to pet emergencies.

Bring your own lunch (or order in). Bring your own chair and bring a dog if you have a friendly quiet one who won't mind being handled!

Register by DMing me "first aid" or send an email to [email protected]

05/30/2024

BACK TO SCHOOL! Next intake is June 25th. Reserve your spot NOW before it's too late.

For more info about day school, DM DAYSCHOOL

05/24/2024

We must know SOMEONE who knows someone who would love this dog.

He gets along great with people and dogs!
Super social cuddly buddy who's down to do anything with you so long as he's getting activity and running or playing through the day!

05/11/2024

Weekend crew

05/09/2024

We're excited to be hosting the one and only Joeri Veth in Ottawa 🇨🇦 Aug 9-11 for his famous HEG seminar! This area is in DESPERATE need of something like this.

Book tickets directly with Joeri!
We will have catered lunch available for purchase.

Development is impossible without strong foundations. Our Protection 101 Seminar develops the essential principles required to develop and raise exceptional protection dogs.

05/08/2024

Seeking donations for our raffle table at our PSA trial to help cover costs!

It's so expensive to host a trial- flights for decoys, judges, hotels, equipment, food, porta potties etc.

Clubs really need the support in order to continuing hosting trials in the region!

If there's something you'd like to donate or you know a business who would like to donate, please have them email

[email protected]
Or send me a message!

You can tag people in the comments as well!

🙏🙏🫶🫶🇨🇦🇨🇦❄️❄️🐺🐺

05/07/2024

Accepting new pack walk clients in BARRHAVEN/KANATA/STITTSVILLE/BELLS CORNERS/NEPEAN

We are excited to announce we've managed to hire three new walkers- one to take over the WESTBORO dogs that were left without a walker, and two in Barrhaven area.

Let the dog days of summer begin

04/29/2024

FOR ADOPTION:
Street • Malinois • Intact Male • approx 8-10 mths • 65lbs

He wants to be your best friend, be your world.
You could take him anywhere and do anything with him.

He's drivey and could succeed in a bitework home. IGP, PSA, Ring. Or agility.

He is SMART.

-vacinnated for rabies, core and lepto. dewormed. Neg for tick born diseases.
- social with dogs- he's pushy in play but will back off when told repeatedly, and he never retaliates, doesn't get offended easily.
- social with people, can be a bit more cautious with men, but is comfortable with proper introductions
- untested with kids and cats
- non-reactive- wants to just vibe with you.
- high food drive
- high toy drive
- high possession
-calm hard grips
- GREEN dog (no formal training- a bit wild currently).
- does not show resource guarding towards humans
-will tell off dogs he doesn't know that try to steal his toy but he doesn't want to fight
- does not kennel guard
- will bark when excited (ex./ when you let him out in the morning to start the day, might piddle a bit too but not consistently)
- mostly crate trained. He sleeps through the night, but has a little fomo during the day naps. Will let you know if he HAS to p*e!
- extremely agile, will jump over anything, zero environmental fear/ self preservation. Has been started on agility equipment (a frame, low jumps)
- pushy with other dogs and humans, but listens to corrections well and is learning very well!
- does not want to fight
- wants to be a good boy
- shows no hander aggression/redirection
- started in herding, was cautious, trusting of handler and attentive
- doesn't destroy toys or bedding
- eats anything and has a strong tummy
- cuddle bug
- loves to hike, swim, run and just generally spend time with his humans
- will likely have a good off switch when he’s older, but is still learning how to be in a home, and he's young and crazy
- 100% best boy and ANYONE would be lucky to have him

Email or DM if interested

[email protected]

04/23/2024

Job: pick up dogs in Westboro, drive them to our private fenced dog park in Dunrobin, hike them off leash for one hour, drive them home again.
We are currently accepting summer students.

Ideal candidates will live near Westboro to reduce driving time for themselves and the dogs.

Job qualifications:
▪️Reliable hatchback vehicle🚗
▪️Enjoy driving (lots of km).
▪️Enjoy nature & the outdoors 🌳☀️
▪️professional and reliable 🗓️
▪️Excellent customer service skills 🖤
▪️Love dogs and have patience 🖤🐶
▪️Weekday availability for 4-6 hours between 9am-3pm⏰
▪️Administrative skills involving emails and invoicing the company for your work as an IC 💻

Job perks:
▪️ flexible hours during the day 🌞
▪️can do your entire roster in 4 hours (allows for another part time job) ⏰
▪️dogs 🐕
▪️nature 🌳☀️
▪️great team and support 👏
▪️competitive pay per dog with room for growth 💰
▪️boarding is an option for added income
▪️evenings and weekends off (if not boarding :P)

Email [email protected] to apply

04/23/2024

We're in a tricky spot! Three of our walkers in Westboro have moved on to other careers all at the same time. We are seeking qualified candidates to service this area. If you know anyone at all, please share with them. We are currently accepting summer students.

Job: pick up dogs in Westboro, drive them to our private fenced dog park in Dunrobin, hike them off leash for one hour, drive them home again.

Ideal candidates will live near Westboro to reduce driving time for themselves and the dogs.

Job qualifications:
▪️Reliable hatchback vehicle🚗
▪️Enjoy driving (lots of km).
▪️Enjoy nature & the outdoors 🌳☀️
▪️professional and reliable 🗓️
▪️Excellent customer service skills 🖤
▪️Love dogs and have patience 🖤🐶
▪️Weekday availability for 4-6 hours between 9am-3pm⏰
▪️Administrative skills involving emails and invoicing the company for your work as an IC 💻

Job perks:
▪️ flexible hours during the day 🌞
▪️can do your entire roster in 4 hours (allows for another part time job) ⏰
▪️dogs 🐕
▪️nature 🌳☀️
▪️great team and support 👏
▪️competitive pay per dog with room for growth 💰
▪️boarding is an option for added income
▪️evenings and weekends off (if not boarding :P)

Email [email protected] to apply

04/22/2024

Your dog doesn't need leashed walks.

Hear me out. They do need exercise- mental and physical stimulation. But most people think a walk around the block on leash once or twice a day is sufficient.

It isn't.

Your dog needs to run - off leash - and explore, and sniff, and play (with you or with other species). Climb and jump on different surfaces and just generally TRAVEL across ground.

Now if you ENJOY going for walks on leash with your dog that's perfectly fine- but it certain isn't sufficient for 98% of dogs out there.

Fulfilment is a large part of our training plans. Ensuring your dog is getting what they need each day plays a large role in their behaviour output.

Instead of putting your dog on anxiety meds, let's see if more natural types of fulfilment will help them.

Examples:
•Scatter feed (throw kibble in grass)
•Off leash runs (we have fenced 46 acres you can do this on- privately or bring friends!)
•Scent games - in the house you can hide their toy or food or yourself and have them find!
•Fitness exercises- can work on mechanics of sit and down and stand without moving either the front or back feet (as an example).
•Trick training (so many options and fun for you both, also a great party trick that brings people joy. Don't want people petting your dog? Teach your dog tricks and then show them off in public. People aren't inclined to try and pet your dog if they're deemed to be "doing work". This way, your dog can still brighten someone's day without them having to invade your dogs space.
•Dog sports (so many options! Find what you like!)
•Field trips- take your dog to cabelas or a pet store for fun interactive day together
•Play- play tug and fetch with your dog. Be fun. Try to actually PLAY the game. Not just mindless activity but have fun with it!
•Play dates with compatible dogs- this is also an option! As long as both dogs are playing equally and enjoying their time.
•And if you do go for a walk, work on your thresholds before leaving, work on the engagement with you outside, get them jumping up onto things like benches or boulders, change your pace, walk in S turns etc. don't always go the same route.

Hope this helps! 🫶

04/03/2024

This perfect pic had to go on the feed 😍😍 look at this angel.
Gemma did so well at a store today with lots of people and dogs around. She also made big progress in her box feeding, her heel command, her e collar silent recall. ALL THE THINGS. Breakthrough day for sure. Love to see it.
I forgot my tripod when I went to train at building so don't have any of the dogs' sessions of course- but they all did so well 👏 which is great cause I'm having a rough day haha.

04/02/2024

More Yes. Less No.
This is something I tell all my new puppy owners or owners of adult dogs who are struggling with behavioural issues- biting the leash, jumping up, counter surfing, running away etc.

Focus more on:
▪️setting your dog up for success--> managing the environment so they're able to make good choices (crate, pen, place, leash)
▪️rewarding often when your dog is doing something you like and want to see more of (resting on their bed, sitting, looking at you, coming to you, waiting patiently etc).
▪️addressing the things we don't want effectively and then rewarding the alternate behaviour. This is ✨teaching✨ and it's YOUR job to teach your dog the rules and boundaries of life with you.

When we only tell the dog No No No NO, don't do that, don't do this- we are setting both parties up for misery and frustration. And frustration often leads to more unpleasant behaviours.

Lack of fulfilment, anxiety, arousal- all stem from not properly guiding your dog into the positive expressions of behaviour that we want.

Remember, TRAINED DOGS GET MORE FREEDOM
✌️🖤

04/01/2024

I never formally introduced Gemma.
She is a 5 year old working line GSD.
She is partaking in our hybrid program which involves 3 private lessons//3 weeks board and train.
She is here mainly for confidence building in new environments and a little bit of reactivity, lack of socialization with new dogs and people. She was a Covid puppy so she lacked a lot of experiences and going to the vet was kind of traumatic during that time- especially for a clingy GSD!

It took Gemma a few days to warm up to me and I still see glimpses of uncertainty occasionally- but I'm building her confidence through training and play. It doesn't look like she'll become friends with my dogs but I am hoping they might help give her more confidence in new situations.
Time will tell.
We have two more weeks and we'll see how things shake out.

03/27/2024

Meet ours trainers!

The majority of our trainers were dog walkers for WWMO before taking part of our rigorous 6 month long in person apprenticeship. They attended lecture days on theory, and practiced training concepts on various types of dogs. They also shadowed countless client lessons with our experienced trainers. The apprentices had to pass a written exam with 80% or higher and then completed an apprentice Board and Train to demonstrate everything they've learned with an actual client dog!
We strive to offer continued learning for our trainers via hosting seminars and workshops by some of the best trainers in North America.
All our trainers have their individual niches. We assign clients to trainers based on a few factors- location, availability and of course- speciality! Sometimes even breed plays a role :)
You can follow our trainers on their IGs linked below. Give them a follow!


marisa
tiff
( my personal account )

03/20/2024

Back to my roots today doing a (tiny) pack walk for Ebru while she's on vacation! It was fun and the dogs were perfect- the weather less so. 🌬️❄️

I have been so swamped with the Day School launch and client lessons and other things going on that I haven't been able to make any new reels IM SORRY I promise more good content is coming.

Don't forget about Ask me anything every FRIDAY though! Get those questions loaded up and ready.

Make a note on your phone where you can write it down when it pops into your head so you don't have to wrack your brain trying to remember on Friday when the question box appears!

03/18/2024

We are so excited to announce our upcoming DAY SCHOOL program.
There will be three levels of day school-
🎨 kindergarten for puppies
🧩high school for basics
♟️university for behavioural modification/advanced Ob

This program will take place at our WWMO HQ three days a week.
You will drop your dog off in the morning, pick them up in the afternoon/evening.

*Pick up and drop off available in some neighbourhoods for additional fee*

Your dog will receive multiple training sessions throughout the day as well as off leash walks, structured play time and lots of cuddles.

Day School programs will range from 2-6 weeks depending on the level.
Pricing will be slightly more than our private lesson packages, and less than our board and trains.

We will be opening enrolment in April for May start dates. Very limited spots available.

To learn more or get on the waitlist, send me a DM "DAY SCHOOL".

03/15/2024

This 11 month old ray of sunshine is Scout!

He is doing our hybrid program with me which includes 3 private lessons and 3 week board and train.
Scout's biggest problem is his obsession with eating things off the ground, not coming when called, jumping on people like it's an extreme sport, and pulling like a freight train on leash.

Today we worked on conditioning the marker, PLAY skills to help fulfil that mouth of his, and place command foundation so he can learn some impulse control.
Scout will be with me in May and get fully e collar trained, so stay tuned for much more content with him then!

03/14/2024

This photo just gives me desert vibes and I'm here for it.

03/13/2024

03/13/2024

ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Emma and I started WWMO ten and a half years ago when I was 22. I had graduated with a bachelors in communications and was working various part time jobs- retail, real estate, restaurant & and doggy daycare.
My boyfriend's family dog was reactive as heck and couldn't even go outside without screaming so I started taking him on off leash hikes. And this is how WWMO was born.
I wanted dogs to learn how to be dogs. I wanted them to experience off leash freedom and social interaction.
Fun facts:
• Thomas gave me his red diesel VW golf to start pack walks.
• I had no idea what I was doing running a business.
• I made a lot of mistakes and learned more than you can imagine
But it was the best thing I ever did.

Other random facts about me:
• I started a PSA club from scratch 4 years ago, knowing nothing about protection sports
•my husband is allergic to dogs
•I am newly obsessed with reading romantasy books
•I have never dyed my hair
•I believe in integrity and loyalty above all else
•I met my husband when we were 13/14
•I have a strong phobia of blood draws and medical procedures in general oh, and vomiting. Like if you've vomited in the last two weeks don't come near me.
•I have two teenaged brothers that are very cool
•I got married in Mexico
•I have done so many different dog sports with Crickett specifically. We've tried most things haha.
•I don't eat fruit 😅

Tell me one honest thing about you!!!

03/11/2024

Spring is close friends 🌸☀️🌳
Hang in there 🙌

03/11/2024

We need a pack leader in Westboro.
The job involves picking up groups of dogs, driving to our private dog park to hike for one hour, and dropping the dogs off again. There are administrative tasks as well like setting up client consults, sending in your invoice and responding to emails.

You need:
•a reliable hatchback vehicle 🚙
•availability Monday to Friday for 3-4 hours between 9-3 ⏰
•a love for dogs and the outdoors 🐕🌳🌸
•customer service & administrative skills 💻
•good vibes ✌️
Please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected] explaining why you would be a good fit for this job!
* we are ideally looking for longer term candidates 6 months + but willing to consider a summer student at this time. *

03/07/2024

Zuri photo dump.
This boy is so handsome, so cute and so fun.
Very glad I get to be his trainer and friend 🖤
He's got an amazing owner who's so dedicated to him and he is her very first sport dog, it's so exciting. 🙌✨ Can't wait to see them do all the IGP things.

03/06/2024

A lot of dogs struggle with simple everyday things like going up and down stairs, jumping in the car, slippery floors etc because no one has ever pushed them to overcome.
Your dog can gain a lot of confidence if you believe in them and help them through (seemingly) difficult things. All dogs should learn how to go up and down stairs, through scary thresholds, walk on uneven or slippery surfaces, jump in the car etc.

Focus on installing powerful markers, ensure your dogs motivation levels are high, play with your dog, take them new places and experience things together!

Ps an additional thing I thought of is muscle tone! Dogs who lack muscle tone can struggle more with these things (and vice versa) and I think there is a co relation.

03/04/2024

Join for a Small Dog Social on Saturday March 23rd from 5-6pm at WWMO HQ.

Learn about dog body language, proper greetings, confidence building for your littles, and let them make some friends!

• dogs under 30lbs.
• 6 months +
• friendly with other dogs
• $30 + tax per dog (2 dog households pay $45)
• limited spots available

Register on our websites store ! Link in bio and in stories

Would you like to see other types of socials? Breed specific? Puppies? Tell us in the comments!