Heeling Souls K9 Training

Heeling Souls K9 Training Service Dog Training
KPA-CTP Certified
Peterborough, Ontario

🐾 Quick Tip: Keep It Short & Sweet! 🐾When training your dog, less is more! Dogs learn best in short, focused sessions of...
01/21/2025

🐾 Quick Tip: Keep It Short & Sweet! 🐾

When training your dog, less is more! Dogs learn best in short, focused sessions of 5-10 minutes. This keeps them engaged, prevents frustration, and makes training feel fun—not like a chore!

Here’s how to get the most out of your sessions:
✅ Pick 1-2 skills to focus on.
✅ Keep it positive—use treats, toys, or praise.
✅ End on a win, even if it’s a small success.
✅ Practice consistently a few times a day.

Remember, dogs (like us!) need breaks to process what they’ve learned. Stay patient, and celebrate progress along the way.

What’s your pup’s favorite skill to work on? Drop it in the comments! 🐕✨

Congratulations to Heather on winning our Santa picture contest!  Little Ru is just the cutest ever. I’m so in awe of ho...
01/16/2025

Congratulations to Heather on winning our Santa picture contest! Little Ru is just the cutest ever. I’m so in awe of how much you guys get out and train even after being graduated for a while. Hope you enjoy your Tim’s gift card!

Stay tuned for more giveaways and contests coming up!

💙🧠Is Anxiety a Disability? 🧠💙Let’s clear something up: anxiety isn’t “just in your head” or something you can “snap out ...
01/15/2025

💙🧠Is Anxiety a Disability? 🧠💙

Let’s clear something up: anxiety isn’t “just in your head” or something you can “snap out of.” For many, anxiety is a legitimate, life-altering disability that impacts every aspect of daily life.

Here’s why anxiety qualifies as a disability:

💥 It’s More Than Feeling Nervous: Anxiety disorders can include panic attacks, phobias, social anxiety, or generalized anxiety that interfere with work, school, and relationships.

🔄 It’s Physically Draining: Anxiety doesn’t just affect the mind—it impacts the body too. Rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and muscle tension are just a few symptoms people live with daily.

🛑 It Creates Barriers: For some, anxiety makes leaving the house, attending events, or even making a phone call feel impossible. These barriers can prevent individuals from participating fully in life.

🌟 Support Makes a Difference: Recognizing anxiety as a disability allows people to access accommodations, therapies, and tools—including service dogs—that can help them regain control of their lives.

💬 Remember, everyone’s experience with anxiety is unique. Let’s continue to build a world where invisible disabilities are respected, supported, and understood.

🦮💕Meet Ranger💕🦮Ranger is a golden retriever from As Good as Gold, a lovely local breeder. But Ranger isn’t just any gold...
12/30/2024

🦮💕Meet Ranger💕🦮

Ranger is a golden retriever from As Good as Gold, a lovely local breeder. But Ranger isn’t just any golden—he’s a mobility assistance dog who makes a world of difference for his handler every single day.

Ranger helps his handler maintain balance, navigate curbs safely, open doors, pick up dropped items, and more. One of his favorite tasks is picking up the leash when it’s dropped—he never misses an opportunity to be helpful!

Beyond his tasks, Ranger is a loyal companion and a calming presence. His training not only helps with physical tasks but also provides confidence and independence to his handler.

Did you know? Mobility assistance dogs like Ranger go through rigorous training to learn these life-changing skills. Their work transforms lives, giving people the freedom to navigate the world on their own terms.

Do you know a dog who’s a real hero like Ranger? Share their story in the comments below!

Client TestimonialHeeling Souls made my pup and I into the team we are today. The trainer is amazing to work with and is...
12/29/2024

Client Testimonial

Heeling Souls made my pup and I into the team we are today. The trainer is amazing to work with and is consistently meeting my schedule, respectful towards both me and Oliver, and always is there to listen and help! I couldn’t have asked for a better trainer.
-Caitlyn and Oliver

🎅✨ When you’re on the nice list, you get to meet Santa! ✨🎅These three hardworking service dogs took a well-deserved brea...
12/25/2024

🎅✨ When you’re on the nice list, you get to meet Santa! ✨🎅

These three hardworking service dogs took a well-deserved break to pose with the big guy himself. 🐾🎄 Whether our dogs are providing support for PTSD, anxiety, mobility, or autism, their job is no small task—but today, it’s all about holiday cheer and tail wags!

Let’s give a round of paws for the incredible work these pups do every day. ❤️ Share this to spread some festive joy and to remind everyone that service dogs are heroes in fur coats!

🧸🎅Santa isn’t the only one with a big job this Christmas 🎅 🧸 Meet Cosmo, our pint-sized powerhouse! This little pug may ...
12/23/2024

🧸🎅Santa isn’t the only one with a big job this Christmas 🎅 🧸

Meet Cosmo, our pint-sized powerhouse! This little pug may be small in size, but he’s taking on a big, important job as a service dog in training.

From learning to assist with medication retrievals and reminders, to offering endless love and loyalty, Cosmo is proving that you don’t have to be big to make a big difference. 🌟

Follow along as this determined pup works hard to become a life-changing companion. 🐕‍🦺 Big hearts come in small packages, and Cosmo is here to prove it! ❤️

📅 ❔How Long Does It Take to Train a Service Dog?❔📅 Training a service dog is a journey, not a sprint! 🐾 On average, it t...
12/22/2024

📅 ❔How Long Does It Take to Train a Service Dog?❔📅

Training a service dog is a journey, not a sprint! 🐾 On average, it takes 1-3 years to prepare a service dog for its important role. This includes:

✅ Basic obedience and good manners
✅ Public access training for navigating the world
✅ Learning specific tasks to assist their handler

Each dog is unique, so the timeline can vary based on their temperament, the complexity of the tasks, and how much training time is invested. Remember, great service dogs aren’t born—they’re trained! 🐕❤️

✨ Got more questions about service dogs? Drop them below!

12/20/2024

♿️🐾Opening accessibility doors 🐾♿️

Is a common task we train Service Dogs to do. This task is helpful for individuals with mobility limitations. Here’s Duke demonstrating the task way to go Duke!

❄️🐾 Keep Those Paws Protected This Winter! 🐾❄️Winter can be tough on your dog’s paws, but dog boots can make all the dif...
12/19/2024

❄️🐾 Keep Those Paws Protected This Winter! 🐾❄️

Winter can be tough on your dog’s paws, but dog boots can make all the difference!

Why Dog Boots Matter:
🛑 Protect Against Salt & Chemicals: Ice melt can irritate or even burn paw pads. Boots act as a barrier to keep your pup safe.
❄️ Prevent Frostbite: Extreme cold and snow can cause painful cracking and dryness. Boots keep paws warm and comfy.
🦴 Traction on Ice: Help your dog avoid slips and falls with boots that provide extra grip.
🚫 Stop Debris: Sharp ice, rocks, and snow clumps can get stuck between toes. Boots keep paws clean and injury-free.

How to Choose the Right Boots:
✅ Look for boots with non-slip soles.
✅ Ensure a snug fit but not too tight.
✅ Opt for waterproof materials for snowy or slushy walks.

💡 Pro Tip: Take time to introduce your dog to wearing boots gradually! Start indoors with short sessions and lots of treats to make it a positive experience.

🐕 Boot Alternatives: If your pup won’t wear boots, consider paw balm to protect their pads, but remember to clean their paws after every walk.

👉 Share this post to remind other dog parents about winter paw care!

⭐️Employee of the month… every month. ⭐️Ollie is a “gold-en” star worker! He works very hard to keep his handler safe. H...
12/18/2024

⭐️Employee of the month… every month. ⭐️

Ollie is a “gold-en” star worker! He works very hard to keep his handler safe. His favourite task to do is telling his handler to sit down when they start hyperventilating. Ollie is working on his retrieval skills. So he can start bringing his handler medication daily.

🎄🐕 Santa Paws Picture Contest! 🐕🎄Calling all dog parents! This holiday season, we’re challenging you to combine training...
12/18/2024

🎄🐕 Santa Paws Picture Contest! 🐕🎄

Calling all dog parents! This holiday season, we’re challenging you to combine training with festive fun:
✨ Take your dog for a picture with Santa! ✨
Not only is this a great way to spread holiday cheer, but it’s also a perfect opportunity for training. We want to encourage you guys to get out and train this Christmas season. This is open to anyone in Canada not just clients of Heeling Souls K9 Training.

Here’s How to Enter:
1️⃣ Snap a photo of your dog with Santa. 🎅🐶
2️⃣ Post it on Instagram and tag
3️⃣ Use the hashtag to make sure we see it!
4️⃣ Tag a friend to join the challenge

🎁 Prizes 🎁
The winner will receive:
-A Tim Hortons gift card of $20.
-Bragging rights as the Heeling Souls Santa Paws Champion of 2024!

Contest Ends:
📅 December 24th at 11:59 PM EST.
Winner announced on December 27!

💡 Tips for Success:
-Practice “sit” and “stay” at home to prepare for the photo.
-Bring treats and rewards to keep your dog focused and happy.
-Be patient and have fun, this is about bonding with your dog!
-If you're local to Peterborough the mall downtown Peterborough square has FREE santa pictures and allows pet dogs!

Let’s celebrate the holidays with wagging tails and festive fun! 🎅🐾 We can’t wait to see your Santa Paws pictures.

12/17/2024

🐾 3 Tips for a Better Heel with Your Dog 🐾

Training your dog to heel doesn’t have to be stressful! Here are three easy tips to make your walks more enjoyable and focused:

1️⃣ Reward Eye Contact 👀
Your dog’s attention is key to a great heel! Reward them every time they look up at you, especially when walking. This builds focus and reinforces that you’re the most exciting thing around.

2️⃣ Keep a Loose Leash 🚶‍♀️
A tight leash can create tension for both you and your dog. Focus on guiding your dog with your body and voice, keeping the leash slack to encourage calm, relaxed behavior.

3️⃣ Reward with the Hand Closest to Your Dog ✋🐶
When giving treats, use the hand closest to your dog to keep their position aligned and avoid crossing your body. This helps reinforce proper heeling and reduces confusion.

💡 Remember: Consistency and positivity are key to success! Celebrate small wins and make training fun.

✨ Transform Your Life with a Service Dog ✨Are you ready to experience the freedom, confidence, and independence that com...
12/16/2024

✨ Transform Your Life with a Service Dog ✨

Are you ready to experience the freedom, confidence, and independence that comes with a trained service dog? 🐾 I specialize in helping people train their dogs—or matching them with a prospect—to provide support for:

✔️ Anxiety
✔️ PTSD
✔️ Autism support
✔️ Mobility challenges
✔️ And more!

💥 LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Get $50 off for new clients

With customized training plans, I’ll guide you every step of the way to ensure your service dog meets your unique needs.

💬 DM me today or visit my website to learn more about this special offer and how I can help you on your service dog journey. Let’s create a partnership that changes your life!

📍 Peterborough, Ontario
💻 www.heelingsoulsk9training.com
✉️ [email protected]

❄️🐾 Scatter Feeding in the Snow: A Winter Enrichment Idea! 🐾❄️Looking for a fun way to entertain your dog this winter? T...
12/16/2024

❄️🐾 Scatter Feeding in the Snow: A Winter Enrichment Idea! 🐾❄️

Looking for a fun way to entertain your dog this winter? Try scatter feeding in the snow! 🌨️ It's simple, engaging, and full of benefits for your pup.

🐕 What Is Scatter Feeding?
Scatter feeding is tossing small treats or kibble around for your dog to sniff out and find. It transforms mealtime or snack time into a rewarding scavenger hunt.

❄️ Benefits of Scatter Feeding in Snow:
1️⃣ Mental Stimulation: Your dog uses their nose to search, which taps into their natural instincts and keeps their brain sharp.

2️⃣ Physical Activity: Encourages movement and exploration, especially great on days when long walks aren’t possible.

3️⃣ Stress Relief: The act of sniffing has been proven to calm dogs and reduce stress.

4️⃣ Fun Enrichment: It’s an easy way to spice up your dog’s day and make the snow more exciting!

💡 Tips for Snowy Scatter Feeding:
-Use treats or kibble that stand out against the snow.
-Start small and scatter in an open area to help your dog catch on.
-Make sure the snow isn’t too deep or icy for your pup's comfort.
-Supervise to ensure they don’t eat anything harmful in the snow.

Give scatter feeding a try and watch your dog have a blast while reaping all these benefits! 🌟 Share your pup’s snowy scavenger hunt with us—tag us in your photos! 📸🐾

🦸💕Not all hero’s wear capes… 💕🦸 some wear Santa hats, sleigh stress and provide cuddles. Charlie is the official facilit...
12/15/2024

🦸💕Not all hero’s wear capes… 💕🦸 some wear Santa hats, sleigh stress and provide cuddles.

Charlie is the official facility dog for Peterborough Paramedics. Her role is to support paramedics in their demanding and often stressful work, foster mental health and well-being, and help open pathways for meaningful communication.

🎄🐾 Keep Your Pup Safe This Christmas! 🐾🎄The holidays are full of delicious food, but not all of it is safe for your furr...
12/13/2024

🎄🐾 Keep Your Pup Safe This Christmas! 🐾🎄

The holidays are full of delicious food, but not all of it is safe for your furry friend! Here’s a quick list of Christmas human foods you should NEVER give your dog:
🚫 Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
🚫 Grapes & Raisins: Can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts.
🚫 Onions & Garlic: Harmful to your dog’s red blood cells.
🚫 Alcohol: Extremely dangerous and can cause severe poisoning.
🚫 Cooked Bones: They can splinter and cause internal injuries.
🚫 Xylitol (Sugar-Free Sweeteners): Found in some desserts and candies, it can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar.

Instead, treat your pup to safe options like:
✅ Plain, cooked turkey (no bones, seasoning, or skin).
✅ Unsweetened pumpkin or green beans.
✅ Dog-friendly holiday treats (store-bought or homemade).

🛑 Pro Tip: If your dog accidentally eats something toxic, contact your vet or an emergency pet poison hotline immediately.
Let’s keep our pups healthy and happy this holiday season! 🎅🐶💖

👉 Tag a fellow dog lover to share this important info!

12/13/2024

🛒🐾 Shopping Cart Skills: Training Your Dog to Heel! 🐾🛒

Got some more Christmas shopping to do? Take your dog with you and use it as an opportunity to train together. Teaching them to heel beside a shopping cart is a great skill for public outings and service work! Teaching this skill strengthens your bond and makes shopping trips a breeze! 🛒❤️🐕 Here’s a simple guide to get started:

Step-by-Step Training:
1️⃣ Start Without the Cart
Teach your dog to heel on your left or right side (pick one for consistency).
Use treats or a clicker to reward them for staying in position.
2️⃣ Introduce the Cart Slowly
With the cart stationary, reward your dog for calmly standing beside it.
Gradually move the cart slightly while encouraging your dog to stay in their heel position.
3️⃣ Practice in Low-Distraction Areas
Start in a quiet parking lot or open space.
Walk slowly, keeping your dog in position while pushing the cart. Reward often!
4️⃣ Increase Distractions Gradually
Transition to a busier environment like a store.
Use high-value treats to reinforce focus and calm behavior.
5️⃣ Focus on Turns & Stops
Practice tight turns and stopping with the cart, ensuring your dog stays in position without pulling ahead or lagging behind.

Tips for Success:
✅ Patience is Key: Go at your dog’s pace and keep sessions short and positive.
✅ Stay Consistent: Use the same cues and hand signals every time.
✅ Reward Calm Behavior: Praise and treat your dog for ignoring distractions and focusing on you.
‼️Important: If your dog isn’t a service dog make sure you go to a pet friendly store.

👉 Save this post for your next training session and tag us in your progress pics!

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