Around the Flock - Companion Animal Training

07/04/2025

“Why is your dog wearing a muzzle?”

A question we love to answer! 🙂

Too many people still assume a muzzled dog is dangerous. That it’s aggressive. That the human on the other end of the lead has failed. But the truth? That muzzle is often the result of love, training, and responsibility.

🐾 Some dogs are muzzle trained because they get overwhelmed in busy environments.

🐾 Some wear one at the vet… because they’re in pain, and pain makes behaviour unpredictable.

🐾 Some have a history of trauma or reactivity, and a muzzle gives them safe access to the world.

🐾 Others have a habit of scavenging… things like chicken bones, trash, or even medications left on the ground.

🐾 And for many, it’s just about being prepared. Emergency situations happen fast, and a muzzle trained dog is safer to handle when things go wrong.

Pain, fear, stress, overstimulation… these are real, valid reasons a dog might struggle. A muzzle doesn’t mean they’re a threat. It means they’re protected.

The more we educate, the more we create empathy. 💕

The more we normalise muzzles, the more we protect dogs from judgment… and from situations that could cost them their lives. 💕

We muzzle because we care. Let’s start changing the question from “What’s wrong with that dog?” to “How can I learn more?”

Who is with us?

10/03/2025

Dr. Connolly and I will be hosting a virtual kitten kindergarten in April!
(Prices listed are in USD).

NEW! 4 Week Online Kitten Kindergarten 🐱
With kitten season around the corner what better way to start on the right foot with our new online class. Cats of all ages welcome.

Those who sign up will get personalized coaching during each class. Limited spots available.

🌐 https://apptwithdrconnolly.as.me/kittenkindergarten
📌Sessions are VIA Zoom
💰 $40.00 + Tax (Spring Special)

03/03/2025

There is still a lot of stigma and misinformation around behaviour medications. If you're on the fence or wanting to learn more this will be a great watch for you.

🧐 Thinking about starting behavioral medications for your pet but worried about doing so? What are the things holding you back? 💊

Join us for Dr. Valli's Facebook live on the top 5 myths and misconceptions of using behavioral medications with animals.

When: Tuesday, March 4th at 5:00 PM PST

❓ Have any specific questions you'd like answered? Comment below or feel free to message us!

For our veterinary professionals: there will be several presentations at the Rose City Veterinary Conference on behavior, including ones by Dr. Valli and some of our team!

17/02/2025

Check out this new class I will be offering at Parrot Partners Canada
No experience required :)

🐦 NEW! Hands-On Parrot Training Class! 🐦

Ever wanted to train a parrot? Now’s your chance! Join our Parrot Training Foundations Class, a unique in-aviary experience where you’ll work directly with our parrots, helping them build skills for their future homes—while you build yours! No experience required!

✨ 2 hours per week for 4 weeks
✨ Small class size (max 4 students)
✨ Hands-on training at our aviary
✨ Perfect for bird / animal lovers & future trainers!

📍 Carleton Place, ON
💰 $169 + HST

First class: Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 2:00pm
Second class: Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 2:00pm
Third class: Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 2:00pm
Final class: Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 2:00pm

➡ Register now: https://learning.parrotpartners.org/course/foundationsclass

🐾 Learn. Train. Make a difference. 🐾

13/02/2025

Today was a snow day, with 32cm dropped I was not going anywhere. What better way to spend it then hanging out with my feathered crew and enhancing my knowledge on cooperative veterinary care.

What did you do on this snow day? ❄⛄❄

11/02/2025

Testimonial Tuesday 🇨🇦🐶

Our experience working with Rebecca has been incredible! She has guided us through everything from normal puppy concerns to more serious behavioural issues. Rebecca, is incredibly knowledgeable, supportive, non-judgemental and goes above and beyond for her clients. We are in a really great place with our pup now, with much credit going to Rebecca and the exceptional services, resources and support she has provided us with. I am eternally grateful that our Vet recommended Around The Flock to us!

10/01/2025

Did you know I do tours at Parrot Partners Canada on Fridays? Come help me train the birds :)

18/12/2024

Testimonial Tuesday 🇨🇦🦜

As a new small but mighty parrot owner (Cookie, pineapple conure), I had multiple questions. I search the net and came up with confusing information (and exactly the opposite as well). I decided to pursue an Individual Parrot Training with Parrot Partner Canada. Rebecca was our trainer and I cannot fully state how glad I am. She was calm, happy to meet and interact with cookie. She was able to answer all of my thousand of questions, off course, but provide general knowledge (foraging, sleep, UV light, food, entertainment, toys, etc.) and context based information to understand and act in a suitable manner when he bites (with he does a lot). All of this online. He is now fluent in the clicker training approach and I am almost certain that when he ups on his perch to go inside, he is making that decision himself (with a small raisin as payment).

~ Claudie & Cookie

11/09/2024

The perks of being a Registered Veterinary Technician and an animal trainer. We can achieve low stress veterinary care in the comfort of your pets home. Here we have Hollywood getting subcutaneous fluids as part of managing her kidney disease.

If you're interested in these types of services you can find me through Felix and Fido at home nursing care.

www.felixandfido.org

27/08/2024

Testimonial Tuesday 🇨🇦🐶

Rebecca is incredibly knowledgeable, great communicator, compassionate. She had immediate and very useful suggestions and tips and tricks for us, even helped us teach our dog a new “touch” skill on camera in the first online consultation (which was a game changer for us!).

Rebecca follows up with lots of resource information, had great suggestions for groomers, trainers and vets in our area, and is an open door for questions and further consultations. A caring and cost-effective solution for companion animal behaviour quirks or problems. Highly recommended, thank you Rebecca!

24/08/2024

1 MORE WEEK!

AUGUST 31st - 9:00AM to 10:00AM EST

Are you looking to transform your parrot’s daily routine into an exciting adventure? Join us for an engaging and informative webinar on parrot enrichment, where we delve into innovative strategies and practical tips to keep your feathered companion mentally and physically fit.

In this comprehensive webinar, we will cover:

🌟 The different types of enrichment and how each type can benefit your bird.

💥 Safe and unsafe products to use when creating enrichment.

✨ Learn how to introduce foraging to your bird.

☀️ Learn how to increase the value of your birds enrichment.

⚡ How to implement enrichment to curve and reduce risk of problematic behaviours.

🌙15 minute Q&A.

Whether you’re a seasoned parrot owner or a newcomer to the world of avian care, this webinar will equip you with valuable knowledge and actionable ideas to enrich your parrot’s life.

To sign up visit 👉 https://learning.parrotpartners.org/course/webinar-parrot-enrichment

This webinar uses a Donate What You Can model, that means you can participate in the live webinar for a suggested donation, to Parrot Partners Canada, of 1$ to 1,000,000$ 😜! Donate What You Can is based on the honour system. The link to donate is ➡ https://give-can.keela.co/Webinar-August-31-2024

17/08/2024

2 MORE WEEKS!

AUGUST 31st - 9:00AM to 10:00AM EST

Are you looking to transform your parrot’s daily routine into an exciting adventure? Join us for an engaging and informative webinar on parrot enrichment, where we delve into innovative strategies and practical tips to keep your feathered companion mentally and physically fit.

In this comprehensive webinar, we will cover:

🌟 The different types of enrichment and how each type can benefit your bird.

💥 Safe and unsafe products to use when creating enrichment.

✨ Learn how to introduce foraging to your bird.

☀️ Learn how to increase the value of your birds enrichment.

⚡ How to implement enrichment to curve and reduce risk of problematic behaviours.

🌙15 minute Q&A.

Whether you’re a seasoned parrot owner or a newcomer to the world of avian care, this webinar will equip you with valuable knowledge and actionable ideas to enrich your parrot’s life.

To sign up visit 👉 https://learning.parrotpartners.org/course/webinar-parrot-enrichment

This webinar uses a Donate What You Can model, that means you can participate in the live webinar for a suggested donation, to Parrot Partners Canada, of 1$ to 1,000,000$ 😜! Donate What You Can is based on the honour system. The link to donate is ➡ https://give-can.keela.co/Webinar-August-31-2024

10/08/2024

3 WEEKS TO GO 💪

AUGUST 31st - 9:00AM to 10:00AM EST
Are you looking to transform your parrot’s daily routine into an exciting adventure? Join us for an engaging and informative webinar on parrot enrichment, where we delve into innovative strategies and practical tips to keep your feathered companion mentally and physically fit.

In this comprehensive webinar, we will cover:
🌟 The different types of enrichment and how each type can benefit your bird.
💥 Safe and unsafe products to use when creating enrichment.
✨ Learn how to introduce foraging to your bird.
☀️ Learn how to increase the value of your birds enrichment.
⚡ How to implement enrichment to curve and reduce risk of problematic behaviours.
🌙15 minute Q&A.

Whether you’re a seasoned parrot owner or a newcomer to the world of avian care, this webinar will equip you with valuable knowledge and actionable ideas to enrich your parrot’s life.

To sign up visit 👉 https://learning.parrotpartners.org/course/webinar-parrot-enrichment

This webinar uses a Donate What You Can model, that means you can participate in the live webinar for a suggested donation, to Parrot Partners Canada, of 1$ to 1,000,000$! Donate What You Can is based on the honour system. The link to donate is ➡ https://give-can.keela.co/Webinar-August-31-2024

01/08/2024

WEBINAR ALERT!
AUGUST 31st - 9:00AM to 10:00AM EST

Are you looking to transform your parrot’s daily routine into an exciting adventure? Join us for an engaging and informative webinar on parrot enrichment, where we delve into innovative strategies and practical tips to keep your feathered companion mentally and physically fit.

In this comprehensive webinar, we will cover:

🌟 The different types of enrichment and how each type can benefit your bird.

💥 Safe and unsafe products to use when creating enrichment.

✨ Learn how to introduce foraging to your bird.

☀️ Learn how to increase the value of your birds enrichment.

⚡ How to implement enrichment to curve and reduce risk of problematic behaviours.

🌙15 minute Q&A.

Whether you’re a seasoned parrot owner or a newcomer to the world of avian care, this webinar will equip you with valuable knowledge and actionable ideas to enrich your parrot’s life.

To sign up visit 👉 https://learning.parrotpartners.org/course/webinar-parrot-enrichment

This webinar uses a Donate What You Can model, that means you can participate in the live webinar for a suggested donation, to Parrot Partners Canada, of 1$ to 1,000,000$! Donate What You Can is based on the honour system. The link to donate is ➡ https://give-can.keela.co/Webinar-August-31-2024

26/07/2024

Cooperative Care 🦜🌟
At some point in their life, your pet will need to take medications.
Having your pet consent to doing so alleviates so much stress (for both parties!) and ensures they are getting the proper amount prescribed.

Be proactive and teach these skills before you need them.

If you'd like to see your pet engage in medical care like Hodari, reach out or take a look at Parrot Partners Canada learning centers Taking Medicine from a Syring course.

https://learning.parrotpartners.org/course/taking-medicine-from-a-syringe

23/07/2024

Testimonial Tuesday 🇨🇦🐶

We were researching training options for our very spirited puppy Mocha. She's a Husky/Shepherd mix coming in at a tiny 85+ pounds.

We almost signed up with another company that used Aversion therapy (essentially scaring your dog into submission), when we came across Rebecca and Around the Flock. After our initial assessment, it was clear that Rebecca would be the right person for the job.

She was patient with Mocha (and us!) and immediately taught us some tactics that we could put into practice. Over the course of 5 sessions Mocha went from walking uncontrollably on a leash to walking beside us. She went from constantly jumping on people to settling more quickly. She stopped digging up the backyard and has become generally calmer overall.

It's evident that Rebecca is great at her job, but more importantly that she loves what she does. We highly recommend her for you and your animal training needs.

09/07/2024

Testimonial Tuesday 🇨🇦🐶

Rebecca is amazing to work with! Super easy to talk to and learn from her. Helped me understand how to help ease my Yorkie's anxiety and how to deal with stressful situations. Super recommend her!

27/06/2024

Some great tips to keep your pets stress free during the Canada Day festivities Mer Bleue Vet Hospital

Canada Day is just around the corner, and while we all look forward to the festivities, our furry friends might not share the same excitement. Fireworks, while beautiful to us, can be a source of intense fear and anxiety for many pets. Here at Mer Bleue Vet, we care deeply about your pets' well-being and want to offer some tips to help you manage their firework phobia.

Tips for Keeping Your Pets Calm:

1) Create a Safe Space: Set up a cozy, quiet area in your home where your pet can retreat during the fireworks. Include their favorite toys and blankets to make them feel secure.

2) Sound Masking: Play soft music or turn on the TV to help drown out the noise of the fireworks. This can be soothing and reduce the startling impact of loud bangs.

3) Stay Calm: Pets can pick up on our emotions. Stay calm and relaxed to help your pet feel the same.

4) Exercise Earlier: Take your dog for a long walk earlier in the day. A tired pet is generally less anxious and more likely to rest.

5) Use Anxiety Aids: Consider using anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers, or calming supplements. Consult with us for the best options for your pet.

6) Avoid the Celebration Zone: Keep your pets indoors during fireworks. Ensure all windows and doors are closed to minimize the noise and prevent them from running away if they get scared.

7) Consult Your Vet: If your pet has severe anxiety, speak with us about possible medications or other treatments that can help manage their stress.

We are here to support you and your pets through the holiday celebrations. If you have any concerns or need more personalized advice, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Let's make this Canada Day a joyful and stress-free experience for everyone, including our beloved pets! Happy Canada Day! 🍁🎉🐶🐱
Feel free to share your tips and experiences in the comments below!
****************************************************************************************
La Fête du Canada approche à grands pas, et bien que nous attendions tous avec impatience les festivités, nos amis à quatre pattes pourraient ne pas partager le même enthousiasme. Les feux d'artifice, bien qu'ils soient magnifiques pour nous, peuvent être une source de peur intense et d'anxiété pour de nombreux animaux. Ici, à Mer Bleue Vet, nous nous soucions profondément du bien-être de vos animaux et voulons vous offrir quelques conseils pour vous aider à gérer leur phobie des feux d'artifice.

Conseils pour Garder Vos Animaux Calmes:

1) Créez un Espace Sûr: Aménagez une zone confortable et calme dans votre maison où votre animal pourra se réfugier pendant les feux d'artifice. Incluez ses jouets et couvertures préférés pour qu'il se sente en sécurité.

2) Masquez le Son: Jouez de la musique douce ou allumez la télévision pour aider à couvrir le bruit des feux d'artifice. Cela peut être apaisant et réduire l'impact surprenant des explosions.

3) Restez Calme: Les animaux peuvent ressentir nos émotions. Restez calme et détendu pour aider votre animal à ressentir la même chose.

4) Exercice Plus Tôt: Promenez votre chien plus tôt dans la journée. Un animal fatigué est généralement moins anxieux et plus susceptible de se reposer.

5) Utilisez des Aides contre l'Anxiété: Envisagez d'utiliser des enveloppements anti-anxiété, des diffuseurs de phéromones ou des suppléments calmants. Consultez-nous pour connaître les meilleures options pour votre animal.

6) Évitez la Zone de Célébration: Gardez vos animaux à l'intérieur pendant les feux d'artifice. Assurez-vous que toutes les fenêtres et portes sont fermées pour minimiser le bruit et éviter qu'ils ne s'enfuient s'ils ont peur.

7) Consultez Votre Vétérinaire: Si votre animal a une anxiété sévère, parlez-nous des médicaments ou autres traitements possibles qui peuvent aider à gérer son stress.

Nous sommes là pour vous soutenir, vous et vos animaux, pendant les célébrations. Si vous avez des préoccupations ou avez besoin de conseils plus personnalisés, n'hésitez pas à nous contacter. Faisons en sorte que cette Fête du Canada soit une expérience joyeuse et sans stress pour tous, y compris nos chers animaux! Joyeuse Fête du Canada! 🍁🎉🐶

N'hésitez pas à partager vos conseils et expériences dans les commentaires ci-dessous!