BestPals

30/11/2024

His spirit wild, yet calm in glow,
Beneath the sun, amidst the snow,
A simple moment, pure and bright,
A golden heart in winter’s light.

15/11/2024

My perfect Pal. We moved on your birthday (Nov 4th) so I am just able to write some words now. My scorpio king. You are such a resilient pup and have shown me how to be present. I can’t believe you are already 3 years old 😭😭😭 Love you Pal.

01/11/2024

Happy Halloween 🎃 👻

25/08/2024

🗣️Sometimes we over complicate our lives with our dogs. Keep it simple with these four tips.

I often do what I call a “vibe check” before we start out on our walk. I’m checking the vibes, are we connected, is he relaxed and engaged, what time of day is it, has he been extra sensitive today? AND I don’t skimp on the rewards, including utilizing toys 🧸. Walks can be so much fun when you start implementing more than just walking. Adding play, training, sniffing will make a world of difference in your outing’s.

I don’t rush out and you know what, sometimes I even skip walks! Reducing stress is part of the reactivity puzzle 🧩. There’s no shame in staying home.

What do you do to prepare for your walks? Share in the comments.

08/07/2024

A little Monday inspo 🦴🐩 from one dog enthusiast to another…

We all feel the pressures of the internet. We want to provide our dogs with healthy diets with the newest food, supplements and coolest enrichment toys. But dogs don’t care! They probably love all the food you already have in the house so don’t feel the pressure to get all the boujie items (everytime 😉). A lot of us are living in expensive cities with rising costs of just about everything. So here’s my usual go to’s that I almost always have in the house.

Some faves that didn’t make the slides:

▶️Superstore, frozen meat section, 4 logs of ground turkey for $10! Defrost as is, pop in the oven. Wrap and put in the fridge once cooked. It makes the perfect sliceable treat.
▶️Grow or buy carrots or zucchini’s. Boil them in broth and freeze.
▶️Check out your local dog groups, many have dog folks giving away food.
▶️Shop the sales. This one’s obvious but don’t forget to check with your local pet supply store for upcoming deals!

10/06/2024

Hi 👋 I’m a new dog trainer to Winnipeg and am doing a ✨deal✨until the end of August. If you have a reactive dog and are feeling overwhelmed my “Big Feelings” package is for you. It doesn’t have to be a nightmare walking or meeting new people. Let me help you live more harmoniously with your canine pal. Contact me today!
www.bestpals.ca
[email protected]

04/06/2024

📣 Exciting news 🤩 my new website is up and running! I loved building it and can’t wait to see what it brings me. Hoping to meet some Winnipeg amazing dog guardians in 2024!

Check it out www.bestpals.ca 🐕

30/05/2024

I meet so many wonderful guardians who give so much to their dogs. But a lot of us with dogs with big feelings (or not, all dogs are work) are burntttt out! Our flames 🔥 barely flickering as we juggle everything in life. This is just not a sustainable way to live. So here’s some things you can do for yourself…

🔅 Before rushing outside to walk them make sure you eat, have coffee & take 5 minutes to check in with yourself.
🔅 Struggling with reactivity? Audit your vibe. How are you feeling? What route is best today? Am I feeling strong? Do I need fresh cooked steak today?
🔅 Positive affirmations, “I trust in my ability to handle challenging situations calmly and confidently.”
🔅 Go for a walk alone without guilt
🔅 Join a support group
🔅 Try a non dog related hobby
🔅 ALLLL the self care! Whatever that looks like to you.
🔅 Be compassionate to yourself. Training takes time and patience.

Send a message to learn more

29/05/2024

Is your dog pulling like a freight train? 🚂 Let’s talk pulling and harnesses.

Many clients ask me about tools, collars, harnesses and which one is the best. I get questions like, “Will this Halti stop my dog from pulling?”, “Will this -insert certain brand- harness fix my dog’s pulling?”

First off there is no special harness that will “fix” your dog’s pulling. 🛑Period. Most folks I meet use a harness. So let’s get one thing clear, harnesses don’t make dogs pull! Can they make it a little bit more comfy to pull, yes. But loose leash walking can be taught without a leash at all, with any harness or collar.

When we think of our dogs we know we want to keep them safe. For me harnesses are the safest and most humane option. They can prevent injuries to you and your dog. Especially if they are reactive. Some harnesses also double as a seat belt. They can prevent your dog from choking as they learn not to pull. Some harness designs have convenient handles and multiple leash clip points.

So don’t listen to the Tik Tik “trainers”. Keep using your harness and treats. Keep training. Keep marking and rewarding for position. Keep practicing inside in low distraction areas to build those skills. Use a longer leash. Teach a let’s go cue to change direction’s. Keep at it 💪🏻 because you are doing great!

If your dog’s pulling is relentless contact me today [email protected].

I’m currently working on a pro/con list for harnesses. Please comment your favourite collar or harness in the comments ✴️

28/05/2024

Hi 👋 Winnipeg! I’m here and ready to meet new 🐾people and dogs🐕.

I’m a force free, positive reinforcement trainer with a passion for connection. Dogs & people go together like peanut butter and jelly. They are great together but they are still totally different. Sometimes you need a little milk to help break it all down 🥛. I’m so eager to help you put the right ingredients together so you and your dog’s cups are full!

Building understanding and connection is what I do. If you are looking for some clarity and support contact me today to get started.

Introductory rates for first time clients💸

Email me or call me today!

26/05/2024

🫂Compassion. It’s always been at the forefront of my life & business. It’s something many of us have difficulty showing our dogs and ourselves when we’re struggling. Yet it’s what we need 🩶.

❔What do I specialize in? Adolescent and reactive dogs. Dogs from shelters/rescues. Dogs with issues with handling. Simply put, dogs with big feelings who need compassion and understanding.

📣I’m the coach for the first time dog guardian overwhelmed with the mouthy teenager. I’m for the neurodivergent guardian who is completely overstimulated by their dogs barking. For the burnt out mom caring for her new puppy who’s shredding furniture. I’m the coach who will help you feel empowered and inspired. Let me help you understand your pup more so you can have the beautiful relationship you always wanted.

What you can expect when booking with me…

🔸 One-on-one coaching that is specific to you & your dog

🔸 Validation. Coexisting with dogs isn’t always easy. I’ll help you feel less alone.

🔸Accessible training. I’m not into anything overly complicated or hard.

🔸I will set expectations.

🔸 Support! I will listen 👂 and be in your corner cheering you on.

🔸 Let’s set some goals!

🔸 Mechanics. Let’s build your technical skills.

🔸 Visual skills. Learn to read your dog like a book.

🔸 You’ll learn to meet your dog’s needs.

🔸 Humour. If we can’t laugh are we even training dogs?

Dogs ONLY get 10-15 years if we’re lucky to “get it right”. We get 70-100 years on the planet 🌎 to figure out life and learn to navigate frustration, fear and anger. So consider this the next time you feel frustrated with your pup. And when you feel the frustration building give me a call. Let me help you!

Email me today [email protected].

24/05/2024

📣🐾Exciting announcement 🐾📣

Like everything & everyone in life we are constantly changing & evolving. When I created Mals & Pals it was well before my Pal. I had no intention of naming my dog Pal but it just fit his personality. I was Mal and he was my Pal.

As many of you know having a reactive dog forces you to grow as human. It makes you look in the mirror and see that the growth you want in your dog, is the growth you want in yourself. Pal wasn’t my instant bestie, our relationship was rocky, emotional and resentful. Whenever you think you know what you are doing, there is a dog to show you just how clueless you are! He was that dog. With the support of many friends in the industry and family support I got through it. We got through it. Pal & I.

We are here now in Winnipeg eager for this new journey. He isn’t just Pal anymore he’s my best Pal. We’re BESTPALS. That’s what I want for my clients. I want to create the best relationships ever. I want them to be full of compassion and kindness. I want to help you, help yourself so you can help your pup. Let me help you bring joy back into your life today.