Sit Pretty Behavior & Training

02/13/2025

You know I couldn’t leave this golden meme material alone.... but in all honesty, this provides the opportunity to address a very common myth.

The belief that a reactive dog needs punishment for training or rehabilitation is a misleading notion. There are numerous reasons why positive reinforcement training is the favored method for these (and all) dogs.

First, positive reinforcement strengthens the trust and bond between the dog and the owner, while punishment can lead to fear and anxiety. This approach reduces stress and anxiety in reactive dogs, creating a secure environment that fosters better behavior.

Additionally, dogs learn more effectively when motivated by rewards, making training an enjoyable experience. Positive reinforcement promotes long-term behavioral change by teaching acceptable behaviors and addressing the root causes of reactivity, leading to lasting improvements.

Moreover, punitive measures can provoke aggression, whereas positive reinforcement encourages dogs to respond calmly to triggers. This training method also encourages accountability among owners, as it requires them to be proactive and observant, enhancing responsible pet ownership.

In my professional view, there is no justification for using a training method that could negatively impact a dog's mental and physical health when alternative options exist. While selecting an effective training approach is important, it should never take precedence over the need for a humane method that safeguards the learner's mental health and overall wellbeing.

Reactive dogs can be taught with a compassionate, and respectful approach - just like aggressive, fearful, frustrated, and excited dogs can.

This year, let’s make the choice to train without pain.

02/04/2025

Have you ever witnessed a "light bulb" moment during your dog's training?

That moment, where all of your hard work, patience, and training repetitions seems to finally click and your dog connects the dogs for one grand, behavioral epiphany.

These moments are one of my favorite things to witness, and are so gratifying for not only you, but your dog, and myself as your trainer!

Through consistent training, reinforcing your dog for the behavior you like (and want to see more of in the future), these light bulb moments will happen as your dog figures out what you are asking of them!

Be patient, set your dog up for success (help them "win" at the training game, more than they lose), and your training will progress!

01/21/2025

Fear is a complex emotion.

From an evolutionary perspective, fear serves as a survival mechanism, prompting the individual to avoid a potentially dangerous situations.

Fear is something that is easy to learn, but can be incredibly difficult to undo.
It is a powerful and instinctual emotion that often defies logic, making it difficult to fully understand someone else’s fears when they differ from your own.

Fear can be learned even in the presence of numerous positive experiences.
For example, you might love swimming and do it frequently, with numerous happy memories of the activity. However, if you experience a near-drowning incident you can easily develop of fear of the water, despite having previously enjoyed countless safe and pleasurable swimming experiences.

Fear can overwhelm us, pushing all logical thinking aside while our body does what it thinks it needs to do in order to survive the threat.

Understanding and supporting a fearful dog requires patience, empathy, and an informed approach. Punishing a dog for behaving fearfully can increase the dog’s anxiety, inhibit their learning, reinforce their negative associations, and damage their trust in you, their guardian.

By approaching a fearful dog with patience and understanding, and avoiding punitive measures, you can help them regain confidence and lead a happier, more comfortable life.

01/13/2025

It’s common to images online of dogs and children engaging in some way. However, these interactions often raise concerns, as they may expect our dogs to endure handling that they genuinely find uncomfortable.

We must educate our children on appropriate ways to interact with dogs, setting realistic expectations for what our pets can and should tolerate from their human companions. Just because a dog doesn’t react when its tail is pulled doesn’t mean it's acceptable for a child to do so.
Dogs deserve our respect, and it’s our responsibility to recognize their boundaries, uphold those limits, and supervise children to ensure they are mindful of them. This way, both the child and the dog can remain safe.

Here are a few interactions I would advise against asking your dog to tolerate:
* Hugs & Kisses - Dogs often do not genuinely enjoy these physical interactions; they may only tolerate them. Instead, encourage your kids to blow kisses or express their affection verbally.
* Tail Pulling - There is no justification for pulling a dog's tail, except perhaps during a medical examination (and even then, with caution).
* Sitting, Leaning, or “Riding” a Dog - Dogs are not meant to be treated like horses. Very few dogs appreciate being leaned on, and it’s unlikely you will find one that enjoys being sat upon. Such interactions can lead to discomfort for the dog, both emotionally and physically, and can pose a risk to your child.
* Dress Up - While clothing may be necessary to protect dogs from harsh weather, it is essential to teach them to be comfortable when wearing it. Dogs are not toys and should not be dressed up for entertainment purposes (including Halloween) unless we can ensure they are genuinely happy to participate.
* Sleeping Dogs - Dogs that are lying down, resting, or sleeping should not be disturbed by anyone, including children. There is no need to approach, pet, or speak to a dog when they are trying to sleep unless it is absolutely necessary for them to move. It is unfair to allow our kids to disturb a sleeping dog and then be surprised if the dog reacts negatively.

How else can we ensure our dogs are comfortable around kids? Share your thoughts below ⬇️

01/10/2025

Puppy classes are important part of your puppy's upbringing, to introduce them to new puppies, other people, to teach them basic manners, and to capitalize on their socialization in a controlled, positive environment.
However not every puppy class is equal, and it can be difficult to determine which class is the right one for your puppy, and you.

Here are a few criteria I would look for in a good puppy class:
1. Safety - this includes physical/health safety as well as mental safety. The instructor should have disease prevention measures in place, to keep class safe for young, naive immune systems. Additionally, puppy class should be a safe space for all puppies - including those who are shy or require more space.
Class size can influence the experience is positive for both puppy and guardian, and ensure each team gets ample time and attention from the instructor.

2. A educated trainer
Dog experience provides excellent training skills, but there is more to training than simply working with dogs. Formal education and certifications can help you ensure that the instructor you choose is well educated in animal behavior and learning, and proper training techniques and their implementation. If your instructor has not offered their credentials, ask them, and take the time to research what their credentials mean.

3. Force Free Training
While there are many ways to train a dog, not all methods are without risk. Force free training is the best way to ensure that you do not compromise the puppy's well-being during the training process. There is no need to use force such as punishment, coercion, or manipulation to train a dog - they can learn just as well without it!

What do YOU want from a puppy class? Share your answers in the comments below!

01/06/2025

✨ Myth Busting Monday ✨

A common belief about force free dog training is that we "spoil" our dogs.
We see a problem, we throw cookies at it, and never require our dogs to learn boundaries, respect, or compliancy.

While yes, we reach for calories over corrections, force free dog training is not permissive. We still teach and implement boundaries, set expectations and and teach our dogs what we need them to do, and when.

The difference lies in how we accomplish these things.

If our dog is performing a behavior that we do not like - whether it's annoying, or destructive, or unsafe - we don't approach this situation with the mindset of "shutting down" that behavior, but instead we first ask questions, in an effort to determine why the behavior is happening in the first place.
Is the dog bored? Does the dog need additional outlets for normal dog behaviors? What is the dog trying to accomplish with this behavior? Is the dog fearful/upset?

Once we have more information on the "why" behind the behavior, we can better come up with a plan to address it. This generally includes management (prevent the dog from practicing the problem behavior), redirection (channeling their behavior to more appropriate outlets/responses), and training to teach the dog what they SHOULD do in this situation in the future - something that is generally missed when we approach things with a correction based mindset.

If the dog is behaving inappropriately in certain situations, we don't focus on stopping the behavior, rather, we focus on teaching the dog alternative/better ways to behave in these situations so they can be successful in the future. When we teach the dog what we want them to do, and reward them for doing so, the problem behavior(s) go away, and we have a dog who knows what is expected of them and can happily do so.

Dogs who are trained without force are not wild animals.
They have rules, we impose consequences, and we still ask them to do things. We don't need to utilize coercion, pain, or intimidation to create a well-behaved dog.

Positive does not mean permissive, so let's not get the two confused.

01/02/2025

I figure after a lengthy hiatus from this app, and with the fresh new year ahead if us, it makes sense to (re)introduce myself!

My name is Vanessa Charbonneau, and I am the face/voice behind this account.

Here's a little bit about myself:
* I'm a multi-certified force free dog trainer of 10 years,
* I live in Northern, BC, Canada (not in an igloo, contrary to popular belief),
* I am a Mom to two girls,
* I am fortunate enough to be the guardian to Kaslo (pictured here less than enthused about this photo op), a 13-year-old (🤯🥹) cattle dog mix,
* I specialize in working with fearful, aggressive, and reactive dogs, with a special interest in cooperative care
/husbandry training,
* I am a Registered Vet Tech and work part-time at a local canine rehabilitation practice ,
* I am a published author (book deets in my bio),
* I am training to run my first half marathon in 2025,
* I'm an avid reader and read 150+ books in 2024.

I am so happy to have you here and am hoping to have a more steady presence in 2025, focusing on sharing content that is educational for dog guardians!

I'd love to know who you are, as well! Please introduce yourself/your dog(s) in the comments!

Let's make 2025 a good one! ✌️

12/30/2024

With 2024 coming to a close, and the year 2025 breathing down my neck, I find myself reflecting on who I want to be as a dog guardian and trainer in the New Year to come.

This year I want to give my dog (and my client's dogs) more choices and less commands.
I want to give my dog a voice, show him how to use it, and make a valiant effort to hear him, understand him, and respect his voice.
Instead of telling my dog what I want and what I think he should do, I want to give him agency and control over his body and what's done to it.
Instead of barking out orders to my dog all the time (no! Stop that! Go lie down! Leave it!) I want to equip him with the appropriate skills for the situations he might find himself in so he can be successful in those environments.
I want to meet his needs through enrichment and other outlets, instead of becoming frustrated and shutting down his attempts to meet those needs himself.

What are you hoping to give to your dog(s) in 2025? Share your answers in the comments below, or save this graphic and share your answers in your stories (be sure to tag me so I can see them too!)

11/15/2024

Let's extend our heartfelt congratulations to this fantastic group of our latest "Mind Your Manners" graduates!

Our Mind Your Manners class is specially designed to guide you in teaching your dog to become a well-mannered, well-rounded, and responsible member of the canine community. We focus on essential life skills such as polite walking, settling in place, friendly greetings, leave it commands, and coming when called, all while navigating various distractions.
This remarkable group of graduates has done an outstanding job helping their dogs understand what is expected of them in different situations, paving the way for their success!

Congratulations to all the graduates!

Interested in teaching your dog to be a well-mannered companion? Our final Mind Your Manners class for 2024 is already full, but you can get your name on the wait list for the New Year by contacting us at [email protected]
Learn more about our class offerings here: https://www.sit-pretty.ca/group-training

11/08/2024

Year-End Sale on Group Dog Training Classes! 🐾

Hey dog lovers! 🎉 As we wrap up the year, we’re excited to announce a fantastic sale on all our group dog training classes. Whether you have a playful puppy or a mature dog needing a little extra guidance, we have the perfect class to help you and your furry friend thrive together.

Here's What We Offer:
🐶 Puppy Preschool (puppies under 25 weeks)
Start your pup off on the right paw with our Puppy Preschool! It's the perfect environment for socializing and teaching basic commands.
Discount Coupon (at time of booking): SALE2024

🐾 Mind Your Manners: Obedience Training (all ages)
Does your dog need a refresher on obedience? Our Mind Your Manners class focuses on essential commands and good behavior, making every outing a pleasure.
Discount Coupon (at time of booking): MYMSALE

🚶 From Pulling to Strolling - Loose Leash Walking Workshops
Transform your daily walks with our Loose Leash Walking Workshops. Say goodbye to pulling and hello to peaceful strolls together!
Individual Workshop Discount Coupon: LLSALE
Class Bundle Discount Coupon (at time of booking): SALE2024

🏆 K9 Jump Start - An Introduction to Sports Program
Unleash your dog's potential in our Introduction to Sports program. Whether you're interested in agility, flyball, or another exciting sport, this class is a great start!
Discount Coupon (at time of booking): SALE2024

Sale Details:
Discount: Up to 20% off all classes!
Duration: Now through the end of the year
Spaces are limited, so book now!

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your dog's skills and strengthen your bond. Message us or visit our website for more details and to secure your spot. Let’s make this year-end memorable for you and your canine companion! 🐕❤️

11/04/2024

Are you a dog guardian frustrated with your furry friend pulling on the leash? Are walks turning into tug-of-war sessions? We have the perfect solution for you!

From Pulling to Strolling is designed specifically for dog guardians who want to enjoy stress-free walks with their dogs. Using force-free training techniques, we ensure your dog learns to walk with slack in the leash, regardless of the distractions around them.

What You’ll Learn:
Understanding Your Dog's Behavior: Learn the reasons behind pulling and how to address them effectively.
Positive Reinforcement: Discover the power of reward-based training to encourage good behavior.
Practical Skills: Gain hands-on experience with techniques that ensure reliable results.
Effective Communication: Build a stronger bond and mutual understanding with your dog.

Benefits of Our Class:
Gentle and Kind Methods: Our approach is compassionate and respects your dog's well-being.
Long-lasting Results: Techniques that are proven to work and maintain success over time.
Small class sizes: to ensure you and your dog receive one-on-one coaching and attention.

Date: Multiple dates - next Level 1 class is Monday, Nov 11th
Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Location: Family Resource Center
Registration Fee: $75.00/class or bundle and SAVE!

Spaces are limited, so don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your walks with your dog into a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

Register Now and take the first step towards leash-walking bliss!

For more information and to register, visithttps://www.sit-pretty.ca/training-options/group-training-polite-walking-workshop or contact us at [email protected]

We can't wait to see you and your canine companion there! 🐾

10/28/2024

📣 We are excited to announce that our popular introduction to dog sports class, K9 Jump Start, is now available as a private training program! 📣

This tailored program is designed to prepare dogs for various dog sports, including agility, flyball, and more.

By enrolling in our private K9 Jump Start program, you can address your dog's specific weak spots and work at your own pace with the guidance of a certified instructor who has extensive experience in the world of dog sports. This personalized approach ensures that your dog will receive the focused attention they need to excel.

Moreover, K9 Jump Start is the only program that guarantees entry into beginner agility classes with our local agility trainers, Pawsitive Steps.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to set your dog up for success in the exciting world of dog sports!

➡ Visit https://www.sit-pretty.ca/training-options/group-training-k9jumpstart or contact us today to learn more and get started on your dog's journey to becoming a sports star!

10/26/2024

Meet Finley.

Finley is our most recent private training graduate. Finley is a nervous fellow and struggles with visitors at the house, going to the vet, and visiting the groomers.

We have been working hard to build Finn's confidence around strangers, and teaching him that strangers predict good consequences for him, while also teaching him different ways of responding to people entering the house. Finn has also learned how to appropriately greet new visitors, should he desire to do so (the choice is always his.)

Finn has made such great progress allowing visitors into his home, and I cannot wait to see how much further his guardian can guide him on his training journey.

Congratulations Team Finn!

10/21/2024

Meet Leo, the most recent graduate of our private training program (you may recognize him as one of our previous Puppy Preschool & Mind Your Manners graduates!)

Leo started showing signs of fear and reactivity as a young puppy, which understandably concerned his guardians. Recognizing the importance of early intervention, we implemented management strategies to prevent Leo from becoming more frightened around unfamiliar people or dogs. Our focus was on building his confidence and equipping him with the skills to successfully navigate his triggers.

Through dedicated training, Leo has grown more comfortable and secure in the world around him. His guardians have played a crucial role in this transformation, ensuring that Leo explores his environment safely, without being placed in situations that may cause him distress.

One of the keys to Leo's success has been addressing his fears proactively, rather than forcing him to confront them head-on when he was not ready. This approach has strengthened the trust between Leo and his guardians, allowing him to rely on them for guidance in new and potentially challenging situations.

Congratulations to Leo for his incredible progress, and kudos to his guardians for their unwavering support and commitment to his well-being. Together, they have shown that with patience and understanding, even the most anxious of pups can overcome their fears and thrive.

Great work, Leo!

10/15/2024

Welcome to our Puppy Preschool Class, specially designed for puppies aged 6-25 weeks!

🐾 One of our main class focuses is to assist guardians in productively and proactively socializing their puppies, helping them grow into confident and secure adult dogs.
In our classes, your puppy will be introduced to play and learn how to interact with other puppies safely under close supervision.
We also cover essential life skills and manners that are crucial for your puppy's development. Moreover, we prepare your puppy for vet visits, making these experiences less stressful for both you and your furry friend.

🐾 Our classes feature small sizes to ensure each puppy receives individualized attention, and our instructors are multi-certified, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to each session. With open enrollment, you can start whenever you and your puppy are ready.

➡ Don’t wait! Register today and give your puppy the best start in life. Contact us now to secure your spot!
https://www.sit-pretty.ca/training-options/puppy-preschool
(Link in bio for IG users!)

GROUP CLASS For PUPPIES Offered in PRINCE GEORGE, BC, by Saira, and FORT ST JOHN, BC, By Miranda.

10/15/2024

A selection of our graduates from the group training classes this Fall!

From puppy preschool for pups under 25 weeks to Mind Your Manners for dogs of all ages, these furry friends have been diligently learning.

Our class sizes are purposefully kept small to allow instructors to provide individualized attention to each student during lessons. While these dogs acquire vital life and social skills, they’re also honing their ability to focus amidst distractions, including other people, dogs, and new surroundings.

We take immense pride in our students' dedication to helping their dogs navigate this busy and overwhelming world with poise and good manners, as well as their commitment to force-free training!

Congratulations to all our graduates!

➡ Want to learn more about force free training and the group classes that we offer? Head on over to https://www.sit-pretty.ca/group-training or send us a DM with your questions!

10/04/2024

Congratulations Saira on completing your Fear Free Professional Certification!

Achieving the Fear Free Professional Certification is a significant accomplishment for Saira, as it equips her with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle animals with care and empathy.
This certification underscores her commitment to recognizing and addressing the signs of fear, anxiety, and stress in dogs. By doing so, Saira can create an environment where dogs feel more at ease and willing to participate in training sessions.

In practice, this means Saira will be adept at reading a dog's body language and behavior to identify any signs of discomfort. She will use this information to adapt her approach, ensuring that the dog remains as calm as possible. This might involve altering the pace of a training session, changing the environment, or using positive reinforcement techniques that prioritize the dog's emotional well-being.

Ultimately, Saira's role is to act as a compassionate advocate for the animals she works with, aiming to build trust and reduce stress. While it's impossible to eliminate stress entirely, her training helps her to minimize it and create a supportive atmosphere where dogs can learn and thrive without fear.

Good work Saira! We are so lucky to have someone as dedicated as you!

You can learn more about the training philosophy we embrace at Sit Pretty on our website: https://www.sit-pretty.ca/training-philosophy

09/27/2024

Reactive dogs are stressful - they require management, foresight, more management, and often times it feels like you are stuck in a constant loop of one steps forward, and two steps backwards.

It may seem like reactivity is a behavior problem that will involve stress no matter what - but maybe it doesn't have to.

Force-free training can reduce stress for dogs and guardians by promoting a positive and nurturing environment that encourages learning through rewards and reinforcement rather than punishment. This approach helps build a trusting relationship between the dog and the guardians, reducing fear and anxiety.
Dogs are more likely to engage and respond effectively when they feel safe and understood, leading to more consistent and long-lasting behavioral improvements. For guardians, knowing that they are using humane and ethical methods can alleviate concerns about causing harm or discomfort to their pets, contributing to a more enjoyable training experience.

➡ Reactivity Reclaimed is an online training program emphasizes the overall well-being of both humans and dogs by incorporating techniques that focus on emotional health and stress management.
The program is designed to help guardians understand their dog's triggers and body language, providing tools to manage and reduce reactivity in a compassionate manner. Guardians will learn to handle challenging situations with confidence and empathy, while dogs benefit from a supportive and understanding environment that promotes positive behavior changes.

📣 Don't miss out on this limited opportunity! Secure your spot now and be part of something amazing. Act fast, as spaces are filling up quickly, and registration is closing MONDAY! 📣
https://www.sit-pretty.ca/training-options/reactivity-reclaimed-open (link in IG bio!)