EvolvingDog

06/11/2021

10/06/2021

Control

The word “control” has never sat well with me when it comes to dog training. For anyone that knows me, the word control in general, suggests an inverse correlation.

“I want more control of my dog”. “I need to control my dog’s behaviour”. “My dog’s behaviour is out of control”.

It’s interesting to me, that this is the language we choose to use when speaking about our ‘loving companions’.

A response I often hear when I question the word control is; “That’s not what I meant”, oh but it IS what you said.

When we start with the dialogue “more control over our dog”, we tend to go into disciplinary action, because in our minds, the dog is misbehaving. This often leads to a negative opinion of our dogs, and then to more ‘controlling’ tools and techniques, and an overall training attitude that is led from frustration.

Instead of control, perhaps we can consider replacing that dialogue with “I need more responsiveness from my dog”.

This change helps us transition to a place of understanding the WHY to our dog’s ‘misbehaviour’.

When we reassess what we actually want from our dog, more responsiveness for example, we back up to interpreting our dog’s motivations in challenging (or not so challenging) circumstances.

WHY did my dog respond that way, vs my dog shouldn’t act that way, because I told him not to.

When we come from a place of understanding, we can BUILD (vs expect) responsiveness from our dogs from a place of leadership, compassion, and trust.

Consider the words you use when you are describing the work you do wth your dog, or your dog in general. Is this the attitude you want to have, when working with your ‘loving companion’?

Food for thought.

10/05/2021

Let me reintroduce myself!

Hi! Courtney here, owner and creator of Evolving Dog, formerly known as Livingdogknowledge.

We made it! We’re now at our new home in Kamloops, B.C (or, should I say, the boonies of Kamloops) for the foreseeable future.

I want to bring my passion to your rescue organization or into your home (and/or computer screen)!

I’ve spent many years studying dog behaviour in home and shelter environments and applying behaviour modification strategies in both situations. I’ve been fortunate enough to take part in shadow programs (learning from the great Aimee Sadler with Dogs Plays for Life and her team), apprenticeships and behaviour centred conferences. In addition, I’ve rebuilt a behaviour program branded as Deciphering the Shelter Dog, at the Georgian Triangle Humane Society in Collingwood, ON. I have also provided my services to other shelters and rescue organizations across Ontario. Now, I’m ready for you B.C.!

I pride myself in thoroughly assessing dogs with any or many behavioural concerns. An in-depth assessment is what leads me to distinguishing the driving force(s) behind your dog’s challenging behaviours. I believe in a holistic approach to dog training. This means satisfying innate drives, working with motivations, considering diet, collaborating with your vet and stimulating your dog mentally and physically before expecting ‘good’ behaviour. When we aren’t thinking of dogs in this holistic way, we often rush into harsh judgements of our dogs and assert ‘more control’ over our dogs vs understanding WHY our dogs are acting the way they are in the first place.

My experience has shown me these recurring themes; frustrated drive behaviour, pent up energy, underlying health concerns, and overall misunderstood behaviour. Let’s get to the core of these challenging behaviours together! Once we’ve determined your dog’s needs, we can apply behaviour modification techniques that fit into your life, and that make sense to your dog.

I’m currently offering in-home / facility consultations as well as online consultations. If you are a dog owner, an employee or volunteer at a rescue organization and are looking not only to address but understand your dog’s behaviour, I’d love to help you!!

Please zip over to my website at evolvingdog.ca to see which service is right for you or go ahead and contact me at [email protected] . I’m excited to hear from you!

As always, I will continue to offer online services to those outside of BC.

14/04/2021

14/04/2021

LIVINGDOGKNOWLEDGE NEWS!

WE'RE MOVING!

Exciting things are happening for me! I have decided to follow my dreams and move to Kamloops, B.C. It’s something that I have always wanted to do. The mountains and the ocean have been calling my name for quite some time now. Although I will miss my clients, family and friends, I am beyond excited for this new adventure. I will be headed West at the end of April.

With this new journey, comes another change. LivingDogKnowledge will be rebranded to Evolving Dog: Canine Behaviour.

I would like to thank all of my current and past clients as every person I come into contact with helps me grow and evolve, both personally and professionally. It is because of your support that this move is possible.

I will be continuing to offer online services to clients in Ontario as I settle into my new home. Please be sure to spread the word if you have any friends or family in the Kamloops area for in-home consultations, and as always, EVERYWHERE for online consultations.

Thank you! Take care and stay safe,
Courtney*

20/10/2020

Hi everyone!

Thanks for landing on Livingdogknowledge!

The changing of seasons is happening and it's hard to miss with all of these beautiful colours all around us!

Seasonal changes bring changes for us all, including our furry companions! In dog world, this season makes me think of a different kind of preparation for the holidays. Hear me out!
When you think of Christmas what do you think of? Snow? Lights? Decorations? Food perhaps?
A few things that come to MY mind are: schedule / routine changes for our dogs, guests visiting when you have a dog at home who is aggressive to strangers, reactivity (or fear) from unfamiliar stimuli like costumes and decorations, resource guarding (new toys or delicious fallen food for example), and maybe even adding new fury family members!

I know, I know, my brain is programmed to think ‘dogs’. Consider this though… if any of the things I mentioned made you think of YOUR dog, or YOUR family, maybe it’s time to reach to me! Let me help make the holidays more enjoyable this year for you and your dog!

To find out more about the services I offer, please visit my website at https://livingdogknowledge.com/ .
You can also email me at [email protected] to arrange a free, 20 minute phone consultation to discuss how I can help you!

Don’t wait too long, the holidays will be here before we know it!

Until then, take care :)
Xoxo Courtney

25/05/2020

Hello all! My name is Courtney Hancock.
I am a Behaviour Consultant with over 10 years experience working with dogs with challenging behaviours.
After over 4 years working with an organization that has been, and always will be dear to my heart, I am starting onto new adventures!
My specialty, and my heart centre is working with dogs in shelter and rescue. Over the years I’ve realized how misunderstood so many dogs, and their behaviours are.
In rescue, this often leads to longer wait times before adoption, returned adoptions, and in some cases no chance for adoption at all.
My specialty is helping handlers understand the motivating factors behind reactive (‘aggressive’ or withdrawn / shut down) behaviours in shelter and rescue.
Once the motivation(s) are determined I teach those handlers to apply behaviour modification that is specific to the motivation, and the dog.
The result is a higher adoption success rate - both hitting the adoption floor, and remaining in the adopted home.
I am very interested and now available to help the colleagues and rescue partners I’ve grown so close to over these past few years.
If you, or an Animal Centre, Shelter, or Rescue Organization close to you, are looking to launch or revamp a Dog Behaviour Program, please contact me for details on how I can assist you.
There are so many behaviours, DOGS, that are misunderstood and consequently, those dogs miss opportunities for success.
I am here to offer prospective, understanding, tools, and training that will help to change the world of animal care. Starting with dogs!

Please let me know how I can help you so we change the world together!!

In the meantime, enjoy a picture of Baxter. A shelter dog that will always have a piece of my heart!

05/05/2020

The same old, same old can drive us all crazy! Switch it up, teach your dog something new!
Encourage natural drives by funnelling them into productive and fun behaviours!
If you’re not smiling by the end of it, you’re doing it wrong 😉.

02/04/2020

Sunshine and dog snuggles. That about sums up my needs.

02/04/2020

Use all forms of reinforcement in a structured way.
🐾👍🐾
Every day. Every way.

27/03/2020

Who doesn’t love a little game of tag!

Jo’s pivoting skills and therefore avoiding a tackle from his sister (skills) are improving!!

An off leash romp - what a great form of mental and physical exercise, and FUN! for you and your dog(s)!

Keep smiling 🙂!

21/03/2020

15/03/2020

Hi everyone!

Welcome to Livingdogknowledge, the soft launch to my Online Dog Behaviour Consulting business!

I am available to service you evenings and weekends Sunday through Thursday.

Please don't hesitate to send me a message if you have any questions and / or are looking for your first online consult!

I'm looking forward to speaking with you and helping you and your dog understand each other.

lots of love!
Courtney