Ocean Park Dog Training

08/29/2024

We help people train their dogs effectively & kindly without the use of painful collars & sprays. Let us help you with modern, pain-free solutions that work.

It's a good day to re-share this message. I think shock collars should be banned because of the risks to dogs, and I'm not the only one. Back in 2018, the European College of Veterinary Clinical Ethology published a review of the evidence on the use of shock collars in dog training. They looked at the research on shock collars, bark collars, and collars used with fencing, and concluded that they would like to see a Europe-wide ban on the sale and use of electronic collars. "There is no credible evidence to justify e-collar use and the use of spray collars or electronic fences for dogs. On the contrary, there are many reasons to never use these devices. Better training options exist, with proven efficacy and low risk." You can read a summary of the study on my blog, and that will also take you to the original paper if you'd like to read it: https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2018/06/study-outlines-reasons-to-ban.html

08/22/2024

How your dog might be saying, “I love you!”

Most guardians wonder how their dogs feel about them. Dogs may not be able to tell you how they feel, but there are many ways dogs show you.

08/20/2024

Oodles of scientific research tell us, “If you stick to reward-based methods only, you’ll have a dog who is happier, has better manners, and has a better relationship with you.”

A great read by Dr. Zazie Todd!

https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/fellow-creatures/202408/more-treats-please-no-tugging-the-leash-in-dog-training?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1LmvMZsXXCLCWxF3cV94iGY_oyLt-G-frgVeRLEYue6Zrch0FBoX6tD2c_aem_QzpG7ngWeQZL2UJKDSmu3Q

Science shows that aversive methods have risks for dogs’ welfare, so we have to keep explaining that the best approach to dog training is one that uses rewards.

08/18/2024

Lizzy is the best! On Friday field-trips with Bonnie, she’s gotten better & better! Now all she needs is a good home. Our fingers are crossed!

Can you believe our sweet Lizzy has been in the shelter for over 1 YEAR!

373 days to be exact. While that’s not cause to celebrate, we did throw Miss Lizzy a ‘Pitty Party’ to mark the occasion. She had a wonderful day out and a special visit to the groomers. She’s all clean and fancied up in hopes that her stunning white coat and lovely smile will catch the right person’s eye.

Lizzy is a smart cookie who loves to play on our agility equipment. She’s a quick learner and will do just about anything for a cookie. She leaaaaans right in for pets and will almost flop over in your lap for love. She would thrive in a home that has no other animals. She’s been around livestock with no issue but isn’t a fan of other dogs or cats. She would be an amazing hiking companion and cuddle buddy for that special someone that takes her home.

Lizzy,
Spayed Female, German Shepherd, Approx 2 Years Old
APPLY HERE: https://surrey.simplesurvey.com/f/l/dogadoption

08/10/2024

Ocean Park Dog Training will be at this year’s Delta Community Pet Expo tomorrow! Please join the fun and visit our table to say hi, get your dog training questions answer, enter our draw for a gift bag that includes a pet first aid kit, treat pouch, dog treats & more. Watch our Nose Work teams in action in the arena at 10:30 am. Hope to see you there!

08/05/2024

“Hey, dog guardians looking for a trainer: Get the complete list of dog trainers the BC SPCA recommends at https://animalkind.ca/find-services/

Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, so be aware and make sure you're giving your dog the gift of working with the best trainers in B.C.

On AnimalKind.ca, you can:
🐶 Look for a dog trainer by training needs (puppy training, agility, separation anxiety, etc.)
🐶 Look for a trainer by location (one near your home/work)
It's a matter of strengthening your bond with your dog by using humane dog training methods. “

07/09/2024

Great tips for puppy parents from friend & colleague, Maren Bruin.

https://animalkind.ca/kind-corner-when-how-why-of-puppy-training/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2yC3f4iHM1XlV98IpfUpqZWWHHUIo7ig5kbf0IbNhLEYa6Rd7V18_Y-hc_aem_K2QgwpTIc0ZF2UrMoBOxxQ

Puppies are sponges for learning who are making emotional associations with every experience they have. When to start training? You can head start when...

06/27/2024

A dog’s life really does go by quickly. “So I forgive easily, I laugh often, I stretch my patience & always train with kindness & respect for the animal.” Thank you for the reminder No Monkey Business Dog Training

This is the picture I want you to look at the next time you’re frustrated or mad with your young dog.

On the left is a 6 month old labrador, Andaras (Andy) - she is a lunatic sometimes and will eat ANYTHING and then barf it up in your shoe. She wakes up every morning ready to GO. She wants to swim she wants to dig she wants to bark at the doll my daughter left face down on the sofa that could be the devil. She chews and jumps and does all the things a young dog should do, even with a crooked jaw.

On the right is 11 year old Labrador, Sam. He is here because he lost his family and he is covered in lumps and bumps and it hurts to walk very far and stairs are really hard. He wants to play but gets tired easily and he sits at the door waiting for us to come in because he’s too old and weak to push it open and tear after us like Andy does. He does not have long left on this earth and he knows it, but he still enjoys his long naps and food snuck to him from a willing 6 year old.

The only difference between them is 10.5 years. That’s it. That’s nothing. While we luckily get upwards of 8 times that time, they get the short end of the stick. 10 years seems like a long time; but it isn’t. 10 summers, 10 birthdays, 10 Christmases. It goes by like that. This goes for ANY dog and ANY breed.

I look at Sam and I remind myself that all the energy and crazy that Andy has today won’t last forever. She isn’t my first puppy, she won’t be my last, but I am her ONLY person in her life and I need to give her the best possible one. Not get frustrated when she acts just as she should do at her age. One day, she won’t be able to, and God how I will miss it.

My love and advocating for senior dogs isn’t just because they are the most wise and loving animals out there, it’s also because they keep me humble and reminded of what’s to come. The fate that none of us can escape but comes much faster to our beloved best friends. We owe them so much for what they give us in their short time here. So I forgive easily, I laugh often, I stretch my patience and always train with kindness and respect to the animal. I stay grateful for every day with them, because the time I get with them is a privilege, not a right, no matter what phase it is. Cherish them.

- Helen St. Pierre

06/26/2024

We are so excited for Zazie Todd’s newest book! Many of our clients have dogs experiencing fear, anxiety & reactivity. This book will be a great addition to our behaviour modification work. Thank you, Dr Todd!

Isn't this the most gorgeous cover?!! I am beyond thrilled to share it with you. I was delighted when I heard that Belle Wuthrich--the same person who designed the covers for Wag and Purr--was working on the cover for Bark!, and I think she has excelled herself with this one. Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog is available for pre-order now from all good bookstores and from Amazon https://amzn.to/4cAKSSt Bark! will be published on 1 October 2024 in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and on 17th October 2024 in the UK. Let me know what you think of the cover!

05/29/2024

An excellent post by researcher, Tracey McLennan that sheds light on the value of Nose Work & enrichment games in addressing natural predatory behaviour. “…it’s important to understand that predatory behavior has been strengthened in dogs through selective breeding, and it can impact a dog’s welfare.” For help in meeting your dog’s needs, to reduce problematic prey behaviours, contact us now.

Explore how selective breeding has influenced predatory behavior in pet dogs and discover practical tips to safely meet your dog's instinctual needs. Learn about the predatory behavior sequence and how it impacts dog welfare. Uncover ways to understand and manage these behaviors, offering safe outle...

05/14/2024

Love this! The 3 ways to give your dog choice & control, which also go a long way to avoiding fear & aggression.

Do you do these three things for your pet?

05/06/2024

Expert advice from the AVMA:
“Well-managed puppy or kitten socialization classes are a good way to socialize your new pet within the sensitive period.”

Socialization prepares dogs and cats to enjoy interactions and be comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities.

04/30/2024

A helpful graphic from my friend & colleague at Dogkind LLC. When a dog is worried or upset, it’s not training time. Instead, help your dog move away to a place where they can relax and learn.

Does your dog lunge and bark at other dogs on walks? Have you tried some training but remain frustrated?

One common reason for stalled progress in training is attempting to train in situations that are a bit too difficult for your dog. If your reactive dog is tense and alert, it's time to make a change (like moving farther away from the other dog), before continuing training.

Get step-by-step guidance for training your reactive dog in our online class, "Reactive Dog Basics", now open for enrollment here: https://dogkindtraining.com/online-reactive-dog-basics/

Learn how to make your walks something you enjoy, not dread.

04/29/2024

Register now to join our class tonight & make Spring a happy time to walk with your dog!

04/28/2024

We want to share Ryan and Nahko’s story with you! Ryan is walking across the country to raise awareness (and funds) about mental health. Although he started alone, he knew that the companionship a dog would bring him on this journey would be invaluable!

Today, our Executive Director, Sarah, had the honour of meeting him in her neighborhood. Following him for many months through all weather conditions she has watched as they persevered. The bond he shares with his dog is an amazing example of the importance of the human animal connection. It is this friendship that LAPS mission honours- to ensure people and animals in our community thrive. Mental health is an incredibly important topic to discuss! We want to show our support for Ryan and Nahko by sharing his fb page and encouraging you (and your friends) to follow his journey and show your support however you can.

https://www.facebook.com/bushmanart?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Dr. Adrian Walton from has offered to work with us to ensure that Nahko gets his much needed tick medication for the journey ahead!

04/27/2024

Visit out table, bring your dog questions & support the BC SPCA Surrey!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/thr6RESAsAVd1nKD/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Join us tomorrow, Saturday 27th April 1-3pm for our Open House.

As well as an opportunity to meet the cats, rabbits, goats, chickens and quail currently available for adoption, we'll also have:

🐶 Ocean Dog Training ready to answer any questions you've wanted to ask a dog trainer;
🐔 Tours of our centre;
🐱 Information on volunteering with us;
🐰 Kids' animal-related crafts;
🐐 Microchip scanning; and
🐭 Refreshments

Come on down to find out more about our centre, and celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day with us!

04/14/2024

Ciara, our Tricks & Games Certified Instructor is working on a new title with teen dog, Evie. Well done doggy trick star!!

04/13/2024

We are proud to be a BCSPCA AnimalKind accredited dog training business. Their high standards for dog trainers give dog-parents the peace of mind that dogs will be trained with modern, ethical, reward-based methods, by educated & certified dog professionals. Join us now! New classes are open for registration. We can’t wait to meet you and your awesome dog!

04/13/2024

“The most important thing to do for your puppy is to socialize them during the sensitive period, and a good puppy class is a great way to do it.”
https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2015/12/make-your-dog-happy-puppy-class.html

When people get a puppy, they often think puppy class is about obedience, but it's really not. The most important thing to do for your puppy is to socialize them during the sensitive period, and a good puppy class is a great way to do it. A good puppy class does not guarantee that your dog will never be fearful (for example, genetics and early life experiences also play a role), but it will go a long way to helping you meet your puppy's socialization needs. You can read more on what to look for in a puppy class on my blog. https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2015/12/make-your-dog-happy-puppy-class.html

04/05/2024

Adolescence is an important & challenging time in a dog’s life. Join our Teen Manners classes for expert help to build confidence & manners for a smooth transition to adulthood.

ADOLESCENCE:
As dogs go through adolescence, it’s safe to say things turn a little topsy-turvy! 🙃

If you’re currently at this stage and feeling like you’ve taken one step forward and two steps back, don’t panic! During this stage of life, there’s a lot going on in their busy little brains.

Here are three facts about the adolescent brain 🧠👇

1. The inhibitory neurons of the amygdala that help to dampen down emotional responses don’t fully mature until the END of adolescence.

2. Communication between the frontal cortex and amygdala, which is essential for skills training, decreases during adolescence.

3. Extinction memory is impaired during adolescence, so if your dog has a bad experience it’s much more likely to lead to a ‘hard wired’ fear memory.

Have patience and compassion as you support and guide your dog through this vulnerable period of brain development.

04/02/2024

“Dog Training is unregulated, and unfortunately, this means a lot of poor treatment of dogs being sold as training. I love that AnimalKind does such a thorough job of assessing trainers, providing a clear and simple way for dog owners to shop while ensuring they are going to find someone who will be kind, safe, and effective.” Welcome to our growing list of BCSPCA AnimalKind accredited dog professionals, Erynn! Cultus Lake dogs & their families are lucky to have you!

Creekside Canine's AnimalKind accreditation recognizes their commitment to evidence-based training methods and dog welfare.

03/27/2024

“Genetics aren’t the only factor that may affect dog behaviour; the socialization of puppies is tremendously important.” If your dog is fearful or anxious, know that it is common challenge especially for our urban dogs. We are happy to help build your dog’s confidence. Schedule a Private Consultation to get started on a new path & happier for your dog.

A Finnish study finds that 72.5% of pet dogs show at least one form of canine anxiety..

03/26/2024

Our students frequently see us demo the “three levels” of a new skill. In Level 1, we use food to lure the dog into position, in Level 2, we use an empty hand & in Level 3, we add the word.
Here is Bonnie & Samara’s teacher & mentor, the amazing Jean Donaldson, demonstrating how to fade the first 2 Levels to ask Brian to go in his carrier.
What would you like to teach your dog? We have classes & private training for all life stages & skills. We would love to teach you too!

03/25/2024

Thank you for the lovely keepsake of a special dog, Alamo & the memory of his joy in Nose Work! The photo is his alert on a very high hide. He was a talented & well-loved dog. If only dogs were here forever! Enjoy every day with your dog friend. ❤️

03/09/2024

Celebrating women dog professionals who are dedicated to helping dogs & their people have the best lives together! Happy International Women’s Day from the Team at Ocean Park Dog Training!