BestPals

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.

12/10/2023

I saw wearing bandanas and harnesses, so I bought bandanas and harnesses.

Epic beach day on Sunday connecting with friends 🖤

10/10/2023

Class is cancelled tonight as I am sick. Sorry folks! North Shore Neighbourhood House

15/08/2023

Fall is just around the corner! 🐕 Classes start this September 🐩!

We are so excited again to be providing dog training to our community. The North Shore Neighbourhood House mission is to work together to enhance the lives of our neighbours, especially the most vulnerable. For some dog training cost can make training inaccessible. These classes are affordable and allow us to help so many more puppies, dogs and humans live happily together.

Please share with everyone you know!
For sign up:
t: 604.987.8138
Visit us at www.nsnh.bc.ca

20/07/2023

I am so proud to offer this service at helping pets and their humans. Does your pet is struggle with veterinary visits and need some extra support? Or do you have a puppy or kitten that you’d like to get off on the right paw? This is the service for you!

Book in today, https://www.westviewvet.com/services/cooperative-care.

17/07/2023

His heart, a canvas of emotions wide,
Reactive soul, with feelings deep inside.
We embark on a journey, hand in paw,
Together, facing challenges with awe.

Resilience blooms like a fragile flower,
As we navigate each tumultuous hour.
Through highs and lows, we forge a bond so tight,
I'll be his shelter through the darkest night.

It's not an easy road that lies ahead,
But compassion and empathy, I'll spread.
Positive reinforcement lights our way,
Force-free training brings hope to each new day.

11/06/2023

I find it easier to make these posts when I am truly going through it. And guess what, that time is now!
I’m that person crying after my dog had a huge reaction. I feel so badly when I see him so upset and when my response isn’t perfect. How I wish people could look at us with empathy and compassion instead of disgust. I wish they could see the countless hours we spend training and doing behaviour modification. Hours spent decompressing in forests and oceans away from this apartment. Hours spent coming up with escape routes and best practices for coming and going from my apartment. The time I spend reading, researching and learning how I can help him best. All this time spent, all this effort and I still can’t completely control everything for him. I know it’s okay but it doesn’t always feel okay. Sometimes I just can’t help him and I have to sit with that. And it makes me really, really sad. I love him. I see so much growth and progress but when a series of unfortunate events occurs I’m lost. Just like any dog guardian.
It’s really hard to have a reactive dog when you still are a reactive person. He’s not an out of control dog like someone said to me tonight. He’s my dog and he’s a really good boy.
What every journey I take with a reactive dog does do, it helps me, help you. I get it. I often see my gift with dogs and people is my ability to connect. I get it. I see you. Life is really hard and having these extra layers of difficulty are challenging. I want to help you feel better but also to know that this is normal. Your feelings are valid. Let’s just stick together, create a community of support and at times have a little or a big cry.

If you need support join support group. Find resources and a trainer you connect with. All I want is for dogs and people to get the help they need.

18/05/2023

I think they call this a 💩

10/05/2023

Yesterday was a series of unfortunate events. My hurt my hand during a dog walk, a dog got tangled badly in a leash, there ten bologna sandwiches found on the trail. Then PAL had an incident with another dog. By the time I arrived at the vet I was crying. Even shed a few tears during the exam. Pal is incredibly in-tuned with my feelings and when I’m upset he often interrupts me or jumps up on me. He doesn’t really jump up unless he needs me or I need him.

Body handling, cooperative care is a huge passion of mine. This is also Pal’s strongest skill. He is naturally very good and with some consent work he really has done so well with any procedures, vaccines, exams etc.

But yesterday just wasn’t our day. Nothing horrible happened but he opted out quite a few times. Didn’t want a paw exam and looked at the doctor during his vaccine. While I find this disheartening because I always want everything to go so well for him. I know it’s ok to have a crap day. And honestly it was. Everything was off yesterday.

I share these moments because it doesn’t matter how much experience or knowledge you have, navigating life with dogs isn’t always easy. And for neurodivergent folks like myself it can be really hard emotionally. I am incredibly hard on myself and over analyze all situation with Pal especially.

What helps?
Amazing friends and supportive community of like minded people. No one understands getting overstimulated by your dog more than neurodivergent friends♥️.
It’s normal to break down, feel badly about how things didn’t go as well as you had hoped.
Go right into decompression mode after. Both you and your dog. Do activities that remind you why you brought this dog into your life. Nature walks, quiet snuggles and long sniffs. Read a non dog book, binge bad TV, eat delicious foods and connect with friends.

And remember, we are communicating with a different species here. It’s not going to be perfect. And that’s ok. We can still blossom in the shade.

04/05/2023

Exciting new announcement! I will be now offering cooperative care training sessions at 🐩 🐈

So what is cooperative care?! Cooperative care involves training an animal to not only tolerate handling and husbandry (veterinary) procedures, but to be an active, willing participant in these experiences at the veterinarian. Your pet learns that you listen to them 💕

For many pet parents who practice cooperative care already this is an opportunity to practice in clinic.

This service is for all pets! Cooperative care is for puppies, kittens, rescues, dogs and cats who struggle at the veterinarian. If you want to improve your pets experience when they have to have exams, nail trims, medication administered, this is your opportunity! We care so deeply about our pets, show them by booking a session today.

16/03/2023

My big majestic boy and his big feelings. Look at him. He just looks emotional. And he is. All feeling. Sensitive. Silly and so playful.

It’s been a year since I brought Pal home. He continues to teach me how to be kinder, more thoughtful and as cliche as it is, live in the moment.
Today my heart filled with joy as he swam with his bestie, walked the off leash dog trail like a pro and didn’t rush up to a single dog 🥹.

Not all days will like today but I’ll always hold these memories in my heart. Love ya Pal.

12/03/2023

My dog may be reactive but…

•He is actually really great with dogs
•He happily mirrors other dogs play style and can give space when needed
•He can help fearful dogs feel safe especially if they are nervous of dogs, loud noises and cars etc.
•I know he knows that I keep him safe
•He gets over things quickly, which has helped me not obsess over reactions
•He is very affectionate and loves the love
•Body handling king 👑 a dream at the veterinarian

We often use the word reactive to describe displays of barking, lunging and growling. Dogs who displayed these types of reactions were often labeled as aggressive.

Now we often hear the word reactive.

While I think some labels can be unhelpful in the dog training world I think some are okay! When I think of the word reactive, I think of an action not a label. Moments where we have big feelings. All dogs have them but reactive dogs may have them more often with greater intensity. So yeah when I describe my dog I will say he is reactive or can be. Not because I want to label him forever but because I want to be able to explain to people what it means. It’s an opportunity to explain to dog guardians and people a like. So maybe if they see a dog barking at another dog they don’t just see a dangerous dog but a dog who is feeling uncomfortable, overstimulated, or unsure.

So tell me about your reactive dog! What are THEY amazing at? What have they taught you?

01/03/2023

Emotions often have negative connotations. But they are there for a reason, anxiety and fear to keep us safe, envy to obtain resources.

While emotions can always tip into being more harmful than useful. It can be easier to cope by accepting and recognising them.

Envy can remind us where we want to get to. Who we aspire to and what our desires look like. If we want something someone else has, that’s a great way to confirm our goals then set about enjoying our individual journey to get to them.

17/02/2023

We all know visiting your veterinarian can be super stressful and for some dogs even exciting! Consider booking at a fear free clinic to set your pup for success. Check out these do’s and don’ts of visiting the veterinarian and how you can help your dog cope 🤍🐩🦴

25/01/2023

Say it with me, “regressions in behaviour and training are normal”.

Sometimes things are just of our control. The environmental triggers increase for one reason or another. Maybe your sick and have been missing those decompression walks. Maybe a stranger or dog spooked your dog and your both struggling to recover. Whatever the cause, it happens. This can be hard to accept and can be especially disheartening. If you are out there supporting your dog everyday I see you and your progress.

When we suddenly see reactivity sneak back in, in full force we need to give ourself some grace. Reactive dog guardians are some of the most selfless people I know. Just know your progress hasn’t floated away into a parallel universe. You’ll get back there. We all have bad days, weeks, months. That doesn’t mean you stopped growing. Your roots are just hidden but you’ll blossom soon.

Continue to test your theories, audit yourself and know when to take a break.

If you need support please join .

30/12/2022

20/12/2022

Behaviour is only labelled good or bad because it’s what we have perceived it to be. To our dogs, behaviour is is explored or repeated simply because it is reinforcing in some way.
When we start to think of behaviour just as meeting a need. We can start to change our response to it and work on our own reactions.
And of course tell Santa all dogs are on the good list.

06/12/2022

TRAINING TUESDAY

Have you ever been advised by your trainer to put management in place to limit the rehearsal of a behaviour?

Maybe your dog was jumping up to steal the roast turkey 🦃 that was resting on the counter or they got too excited when you put up your Christmas tree🎄and started stealing the decorations to run away with?

No matter what your struggle is, good management is the first step of your success as a team.

Management options for excitement around the Christmas tree could look like this:

🐶 - Using a play pen to limit access to the Christmas tree

🐶 - Using a baby gate to limit access to the room where you put up the Christmas tree

🐶 - Using a playpen to create a resting area for your dog to stay in the room where the Christmas tree is located. (Make sure to provide your dog with some type of enrichment activity to prevent boredom and negative association with the playpen)

🐶 - Having your dog on a leash when they are in the room with the tree.

All of these suggestions limit the rehearsal of the behaviour. When your dog isn’t able to practice a behaviour such as having access to the Christmas tree to steal the decoration, they won’t receive the reward of being chased by you to grab that bauble they have in their mouth. Hence, they are less likely to repeat the behaviour.

The next step after implementing a management plan is to start teaching your dog alternative behaviours. An example could be a solid “Place” cue!

Checkout the full article on our website to learn more about management and how to teach some of the alternative behaviours for the above example.

https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/page-1862226

What management plan have you implemented in your home to limit the rehearsal of a behaviour?

Share your photos with us in the comments.

15/11/2022

11/11/2022

09/11/2022

“One of the great pleasures of being with dogs is their spontaneous expression of what they are feeling.”~Suzanne Clothier

🍁