Liefdog

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Liefdog

Dog training and behaviour modification available worldwide. Science-based, force-free methods. At Liefdog (formerly: The Centre for Canine Education Inc.)

we use humane, science-based training methods to work with dogs. Our focus is primarily on positive reinforcement: offering dogs something that they like (food, play, human attention, environmental rewards, anything that your dog finds fun) in exchange for behaviours that we would like to see repeated. We also use negative punishment (reward removal) in order to discourage behaviour, however, we m

ust always teach the dog what we want them to do instead. Our approach must always start with the least invasive, minimally aversive. When addressing behavioural concerns it is advised that we start with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as a way of working through each layer of challenges to resolution. We do not use or condone the use of positive punishment (adding an aversive to decrease a behaviour) as the fallout from using such techniques is far too great. While we recognize that such consequences can be very effective in the moment, we also understand the effects that suppression can have on a learner and are not interested in taking that risk. Our aim is to change behaviour in the most stress-free way possible for the learner and to help create and nurture the bond between our students and their dogs.

08/07/2025

Training Tip Tuesday!

Never, in the history of life, has a dog ever relaxed because someone hollered “RELAX!” at them.

Just like with humans, relaxing is not something we can do on cue. We need specific conditions to be met before we can let down our guard and soften our focus.

Our brain needs to feel safe so it can stop scanning for danger and our body needs to feel regulated—free of pain, tension, or stress—so it can shift from a state of high alert into one of rest and restoration. When our environment, relationships, and internal state align to signal safety, only then can true relaxation happen.

Rather than trying to force it, simply practice it with your when they're already in that zone.

We like to teach "Calm on Cue" where we name the exercise and slow-feed by hand in a relaxed position in a safe space.

How many times we've had highly reactive dogs in our Cranky Canine group classes, FALL ASLEEP during this exercise...mere feet away from their triggers (behind a visual barrier, of course).

It tends to be a fan favourite here because eventually we can help them recover from stressors much faster than before.

07/07/2025

MONDAY MOTIVATION:

Connection before correction - make sure your dog feels safe.

We (as a species) are very reliant on punishment and it can be a slippery slope.

If your dog is behaving in a way that makes you want to correct them, stop for a moment and try to connect with them.

What is it that they need in that moment? Are they feeling overstimulated? Confused? Overwhelmed? Tired? Frustrated? Worried? Scared? Thirsty?

There are so many reasons why dogs do what they do, but I can almost guarantee that they're not doing it just to p*ss you off.

Look a little deeper and connect with your dog before you try anything else. You mind find them to be very receptive to it. Even just helping them get some space to breathe and think is often enough.

@ Tag someone you know needs to hear this today. 💚

30/06/2025

MONDAY MOTIVATION

If your dog isn't having fun, they're not learning in the most optimal way!

Find your dog's currency and use it to motivate and reward them.

Remember currency changes; you won't be motivated by pizza if you just ate lunch. Your taste also changes as does your mood. Currency changes based on the situation and demands of the environment, as well.

Your dog is no different.

29/06/2025

Kathy Sdao says "Every kibble you pour into your dog’s bowl is a lost opportunity. That bit of food could be used instead to reinforce any behavior you like, or to entertain your dog." and she's not wrong!

Leaving food out for your dog to graze and ignore is what causes low food-motivation and picky eating in dogs.

Increase the value of your dog's food by closing the economy and using food to reinforce desirable behaviours and have fun with your dog!

26/06/2025

THURSDAY THANKS!

24/06/2025

Training Tip Tuesday!

I’m shocked how often I still see dogs tied up outside shops and left alone. It might seem harmless, but it’s risky—for your dog, for others, and for you.

Dog theft is real. Dogs left unattended are stolen and sold on Kijiji or Craigslist, used in research, as bait in dogfighting rings, or end up wandering with people who can’t meet their needs.

Tethered dogs can also block sidewalks or store entrances. This creates problems for people afraid of dogs, parents with kids, dog walkers, and especially service dog users. A lunging or tangled leash can be distressing—or dangerous.

There’s also the emotional toll on your dog. If they struggle with separation anxiety, tying them up alone in a busy area can undo your training progress. If they’re reactive, it gives them repeated chances to rehearse unwanted behaviours.

Other risks? Strangers may feed or interact with your dog in ways that encourage jumping or rough play. Kids might tease or scare them. Well-meaning people may try to “rescue” your dog. And if they panic and slip their harness? They could bolt into traffic or vanish.

Liability is another major concern. If someone claims your dog bit them—even falsely—you may have little recourse, and your dog could pay the price.

No errand is worth that kind of risk. If your dog can’t come inside with you, please leave them safely at home or with a trusted person.

Even if you’ll “just be a second”—it’s never worth it.

23/06/2025

MONDAY MOTIVATION

Dogs don't misbehave to spite you - they're just communicating their needs.

Dogs don't communicate like humans, so when you see "misbehaviour", think "what does my dog lack that they need right now?" and dig a little deeper with curiosity rather than frustration.

22/06/2025

When we bring dogs into our homes and feed them out of bowls, we’re asking them to do something that goes against what they are programmed to do…they need an enriched environment!

Mealtime shouldn't be a race to the finish line or stale kibble sitting out all day, collecting dust. Mealtime is just one more opportunity to make your dog's life more interesting than the same neighbourhood walk and the same four walls.

Food toys, food scatters in the grass, scavenger hunts, food rewards in training, brain games, trick training...there are so many ways to enrich mealtime.

Try something different today!

17/06/2025

Training Tip Tuesday!

When you're preparing a meal for you and your family, your dog cannot help but show interest. This is not as a result of you teaching them to beg - this is 100% normal. Dogs see and smell the food and of course they want it...it smells fantastic! They're opportunists...genetically!

Do you think their ancestors saw a rabbit hopping by and thought "oh gee. I'm not sure I'm ALLOWED to have that...I should check with someone..."?

Yeah...no.

So instead of hollering at our dog, shoving them off when they jump up to investigate, or resorting to harsher punishments, let's teach them what it is we prefer they do as we prepare our meals in peace.

I like placing my dog's mat or bed inside the kitchen to start, and having some chopped treats on the counter, ready to go.

While I'm prepping food, I'm intermittently "feeding the mat". In the beginning I'm feeding the mat every few seconds and then I start to decrease the frequency just a bit. The dog realises quickly that hanging out on the mat is what gets the snack delivery. They'll start sitting and lying down on the mat and waiting patiently for the arrival of the food.

Think of it as hitting "save" on a document. Save frequently! Auto-save doesn't exist in dog training.

16/06/2025

MONDAY MOTIVATION

Dog training (much like all other skills) is all about successive approximations.

You know the saying "baby steps" - that's because baby steps lead to longer strides and greater distances.

Celebrate tiny victories as they bring you closer to your goals.

You've got this!

15/06/2025

Alpha rolling is NOT an acceptable human behaviour and it is no less inappropriate and damaging than pinning a 3 year old child on the floor when they're having a tantrum.

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