Ethical Canine Training and Behaviour Modification

06/26/2024

Recently, I've noticed my youngest dog Felix has had some increased reactions to louder sounds like nail guns. Sound sensitivity can be genetic, and it can get worse with age, so with Canada Day fireworks coming up, this is something I need to keep an eye on. I'm not just going to "wait and see", I'm going to be proactive to make sure he has a peaceful July 1. Stay tuned to see what we do this weekend!

06/26/2024

Dogs kept as pets have restricted control over their lives, as they are subject to the decisions and regulations of their owners.

Their activities, diet, and socialisation are all managed by their owners. When we keep dogs, we need to meet their natural needs to ensure their physical and mental wellbeing. Meeting their natural needs helps to provide them with a sense of security and comfort, reducing stress and anxiety, as well as preventing boredom by providing them with physical and mental stimulation.

06/23/2024

Looking for more information on how enrichment can be used to improve your dog's life? Own a reactive, older, heat intolerant, or fearful dog and are curious about how to engage and entertain them? Interested in learning about how enrichment looks different for different breeds?
Check out my event next Saturday in Langford! Free entry, humans only, lots of fun :)

06/22/2024

If you don't feel comfortable asking your pet pro for a different way or to train something differently? You need a different pro. You're the expert on what works for you, your life, and your pet.

Sometimes there are reasons a pro wants to train something a certain way, or suggests a certain behavior to replace one you are struggling with. But other times, we're just following the basic road map- and the directions for where you want to end up are unique to you.

06/19/2024

One part of behaviour consulting that is sometimes overlooked is the creation of a support network. Behaviour challenges are isolating , and life is hard sometimes. Having people who can help, even if only in an emergency, can make all the difference. Ask your behaviour consultant for help with getting your dog comfortable with another team member!

06/16/2024

Many dogs get really excited around food, and it absolutely makes sense to teach them some alternatives to grabbing food off counters, crowding the kitchen, or snatching food from hands. But I've moved away from teaching dogs to stay away from their food bowls because it can cause stress and/or frustration. Fortunately, there are many other ways to practice good manners around food, so you can let them freely enjoy their favourite time of day ;)

06/13/2024

Have you signed up for our free enrichment workshop and toy swap yet? Coming up on June 29th in Langford. This event is for humans only, so it will be a great opportunity to socialize with some other reactive dog guardians, too!

06/05/2024

Another fun summer activity is coming up! I'm hosting a human social event, but don't worry, it's still about dogs :)

This event will go over enrichment options for different dogs, and you'll get a chance to fill out a personalized enrichment calendar for your own dog.

In addition, we will be giving folks a chance to recycle enrichment games or toys their dogs dont use or like. Bring one, take one! Extras will be donated.

Saturday June 29 at in Langford from 3-5pm. Send me a message or email to register!

06/01/2024

05/31/2024

Last call for Hot Dog Summer club! If you're a previous student, check your email ;) It's gonna be a fun time!

05/31/2024

Instead of traditional "Grad" photos, I am starting an album to feature graduates of my Leash Lungers Classes or private sessions, having fun and at their best. Just because dogs are reactive or aggressive does not mean they cannot be happy and live good lives!

05/29/2024

Every day in little ways, you can make your dog's life better. Small changes add up, and your dog will thank you for it.

05/26/2024

Happy Sunday! Here's a cute puppy pic of Quincy to chase the rainy day gloomies away :)

05/25/2024

FOUND IN LANGFORD

❤️❤️Jasper is going home❤️❤️

FOUND AT 11:30 AM ON 05/25/2024

Location found: Renart Place, Langford (Thetis Heights)
Other sightings: N/a
Collar? No
Tags?:
Tag details:
Breed, colours, description: Shepherd/husky?Black, ran, greyPointy ears, double coated, grey muzzle
Gender: Male
Spayed / Neutered? Yes
General Health: Appears healthy
Tattoo? No
Tattoo details:
General temperament: Friendly toward people and dogs, seems calm and relaxed
Contact ROAM:
778-977-6260 or 778-977-6265
[email protected]

05/24/2024

I feel like I see more people walking or trying to train dogs with slip leads lately, so I wanted to share some facts. To be clear, I don't demonize slip leads: I own a few and use them in limited situations. But they are not recommended as a regular walking lead or for behaviour modification. Read the post for more info!

05/24/2024

Encouraging dogs to sniff on walks is not only natural and instinctual for them but also has many benefits for their physical and mental well-being.

Sniffing provides mental stimulation for dogs, which is important for their overall mental health.

A good sniff also helps them to learn about their environment, identify scents, and understand the world around them. Through sniffing they can also release pent-up energy, which can help to reduce behavioural problems.

Additionally, sniffing can help to alleviate stress and anxiety in dogs, making them feel more relaxed and comfortable on walks.

05/23/2024

Why is this so important and yet so hard?? Not only do I struggle with keeping good records of my own dog's progress, but I'm also always thinking about how to best help my clients with this -it's essential for both sides of the team. Personally, I like to use photos and videos in combo with a number or letter grade rating system. But I'm far from perfect! What's your go-to tracking system? Did I miss any?

05/23/2024

Separation anxiety isn't something you cause by loving your dog. It's a combination of genetics, environment, and your dog's own experiences. And it's something that CAN be helped.

05/22/2024

If you have a dog in the Sooke area, and you'd like some extra support for leash reactivity, basic manners, or puppy socialization, day training might be for you! This program involves a combination of me taking your dog to do hands-on training, as well as sessions with you to transfer over the skills. Day training is ideal for busy dog guardians, those who are feeling extra stress about handling their dogs themselves, or those who just want to set a solid foundation early in their training plans.

Availability is very limited for this service, and an initial consultation is required. Send me an email if you're interested, as it's not yet listed on my site.

05/18/2024

I'll be there!

Veterinarians and RVTs, this free CE opportunity is for you!

The BC SPCA’s AnimalKind and BC Pet Registry invite veterinarians and RVTs to register for the free webinar Behavioural Medicine in Shelter Dogs for Primary Care Veterinarians & RVTs, with speakers Dr. Claudia Richter and Dr. Emilia Gordon.

📅 Date: June 9, 2024
⌚ Time: 9 am – 12:30 pm (PST)
*CE credits pending approval by RACE
To register >>> https://ow.ly/2Iyj50RzmMY

❗ Share this opportunity with vets and RVTs in your network!

05/18/2024

Here's what you will get with the summer membership! The punch card is good for a year, and the other perks are until September:) I plan to open up registration tomorrow! I'll also have an option just for the online support package if you can't join in person drop ins.

05/17/2024

Are you ready, reactive dog friends? Check out what is coming up this summer for you! Plus, there's a super special workshop coming in August!
Info on how to sign up coming up this weekend, watch this space!

05/16/2024

It's almost here! This summer, I wanted to keep busy and* continue to offer support to my previous and current students. Enter: the Hot Dog Summer program! An extension of my Socially Distanced Dog Club drop-in program, this membership is designed to allow you to keep up your training goals while also being flexible. Drop ins on various days and in various locations, no long-time commitments, online support and Q and As from wherever you are, plus a fun contest! If you're a current or past student of mine, you can join (not all dogs would be suitable for all the group in-person activities, but we can chat about that). I'm finalizing pricing right now, but there will be an option that includes drop ins and one that just includes the online support options.

Watch for an email soon, and if you aren't on my mailing list but we have worked together, let me know!

05/15/2024

Please note: the intention of this post is not to make anyone feel badly for how they feed their dog: I'm not here for that. The intention of this post *is* to let you know that you don't need to do things that make you feel uncomfortable when it comes to feeding your dog. As someone who has previously only owned dogs who are VERY enthusiastic for their meals, having Felix, who is a fussy boy about food both for meals and treats, has sparked a lot of new thoughts for me. I would love to hear yours!

05/12/2024

Felix and I are doing some learning this summer, working on building some much needed listening ears around wildlife. Admittedly, we're a bit behind in the lessons currently, but we are practicing! Stay tuned for updates :)

05/11/2024

Summer can be a tough time to commit to dog training. There's travel, events, kids, and chores. That's why, for this summer, I've got a special, flexible, fun opportunity coming for students I've worked with who want to keep making progress. Full details will be released next week, so watch this space!

05/10/2024

Hey, all you barky-lungy dogs out there! I've got one more set of Leash Lungers Reactive Dog classes running before fall. Could your human benefit from all that this class has to offer? Tell them to apply today!