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Dog Grrrl Canada Your Dog has SUPER POWERS! LEARN how to DISCOVER them! Reward based Dog Training in North Simcoe 🐕💙 Ready to finally resolve those behaviours? Contact me!

I teach dog owners how to discover their dog's SUPER POWERS and create an ethical canine relationship

I provide customized in person private dog training to teach owners how to go above and beyond with their dog training goals. I offer in person services to residents located within a 30 minute drive of Midland Ontario. If you live out of our service area, we may be able to accommodate you virtual

ly or on weekends with a travel free that will be based on distance. All new clients will start with a free phone call to go over your goals & discover what your customized program will look like. This is an opportunity to get to know one another, ask questions and discuss pricing and your ability to commit to the training process. Modern dog training is different than the way we have raised and trained dog in the past. The dog owners that have success in reaching their goals are dedicated and diligently working on the training process and understand it takes time to get long lasting results. If you’re looking for a quick fix or shortcut you will not be able to get them using ethical training methods. To get long lasting results that support a relationship based on real respect you will need to commit to the training process which involves patience. Many serious behaviour problems that include aggression or anxiety can take months or even years to resolve. Minor and common issues or goals can often be reached in 2-3 in person appointments if you follow the directions and protocols in your training plan.

Over the past 5 years, I’ve fallen in love with the beauty, charm, and peace of the countryside. 🌾✨ But I’ve also come t...
30/06/2025

Over the past 5 years, I’ve fallen in love with the beauty, charm, and peace of the countryside. 🌾✨ But I’ve also come to realize I miss the vibrant energy of urban life. 🏙️💫

So this month, I decided to blend both worlds—moving into town! And I couldn’t be happier. The dogs are loving it too! 🐶❤️

A huge thank you to Tiny Township for all the adventures and support over the past half decade of growing my small business. 🙌💙

Hello 👋 to the town of Penetanguishene! Excited for this new chapter!

I was flattered when I was contacted by The Global Podcast Network this week in search of a unique Animal Behaviour Spec...
26/06/2025

I was flattered when I was contacted by The Global Podcast Network this week in search of a unique Animal Behaviour Specialist (what a title!) to be showcased on their podcast.

I'll be speaking about canine connections and my dog training business today at 2:40pmEST.

Please tune in directly here; https://player.cloudradionetwork.com/gpn6/

"The problem with parroting this old meme, that dogs are 'pack animals' who need a 'pack leader,' and to train a dog you...
15/06/2025

"The problem with parroting this old meme, that dogs are 'pack animals' who need a 'pack leader,' and to train a dog you need to be the 'alpha,' is that is all based on bad science. The best we had at the time, but we know better now."

Breath a sigh of relief because you can take the pressure off as a dog guardian once you understand your job isn't to be the "pack leader: or "alpha" because in canine communities that doesn't exist.

DOGS DO NOT NEED A 'PACK LEADER!'

This is me with a wolf in 2009. The photo was taken at Wolf Park in Indiana when I attended a dog behavior seminar presented by the late Dr. Ray Coppinger. I have also attended educational programs and volunteered at the International Wolf Center (IWC) in Ely, Minnesota.

The IWC was founded by wildlife biologist and wolf researcher, Dr. L. David Mech. I completed a graduate level course in wolf ethology at St. Thomas University in Minnesota with a practicum at the IWC, so have had experience with wolves as well as formal and information education about their behavior.

For the past 15 years, since being on Facebook, I have been trying to educate people about the difference between wolf and dog behavior. Finally, it seems the outdated idea that dogs are 'pack animals' that need an 'alpha' and a 'pack leader' is fading.

But, not entirely! Recently, I have heard several people refer to that old myth as if it were truth. So disappointing. We live in the Information Age, and yet there seems to be a problem with getting people updated.

I get weary of revisiting this, but here goes. Dogs are not 'pack animals.' They are scavengers, foragers, and opportunists. Although dogs and wolves share a common ancestor, dogs are ethologically different from their wolf cousins.

Only wolves can be described as true 'pack animals.' There is more that goes into the definition of 'pack' than simply hanging out in a group. For example, adult male wolves regurgitate for pups that are part of their pack, and the whole pack of wolves works as a team - in hunting and survival in general.

So, while it's true that wolves are pack animals, they do not have an 'alpha,' except in captive, unrelated groups of wolves. Non-captive wolves are comprised of a family unit with the parent wolves being what we call the breeding or mating pair. They are not 'alphas.'

In captive packs of wolves, which are usually comprised of unrelated wolves, a hierarchy needs to be worked out, so an alpha female and an alpha male will emerge.

The idea of dogs being pack animals originated with studies on captive wolves in a Swiss Zoo. Rudolph Schenkel studied wolves in a zoo in the 1930s and 1940s - almost 100 years ago, in an attempt to define the social behavior of wolves.

In 1947, he published a paper, “Expressions Studies on Wolves," in which he drew parallels between dogs and wolves, in discussions about how wolves vie for dominance within the pack.

The problem is, he was observing CAPTIVE wolves, an entirely different scenario than a non-captive pack.

I have seen this behavior firsthand, how captive wolves work out a pack structure, and how that structure can change any time there is a change in the pack membership or the health status of any one member.

The problem with parroting this old meme, that dogs are 'pack animals' who need a 'pack leader,' and to train a dog you need to be the 'alpha,' is that it is all based on bad science. The best we had at the time, but we know better now.

In the name of being the 'alpha' or 'pack leader,' horrendous methods and tools have been used to train and modify behavior in dogs. For example, the infamous, 'alpha roll.' People still do this! If I had a nickel for every dog with aggression someone has told me they alpha rolled to gain dominance, I could retire today!

When wolves and dogs roll on their back they are displaying deference to the animal in front of them or standing over them. The animal is not being actively rolled! We can get ourselves into a lot of trouble when we try to act like canines! Dogs are smarter than that, and all we do when trying to act like the 'alpha' is frighten and confuse the animal. Worse case scenario, the dog becomes more aggressive.

Let me be clear, I do not deny the existence of dominance in the animal world. Dominance exists. It can appropriately be used to describe the relationship between any two animals. The animal that maintains ownership of preferred resources is said to be dominant over the one who does not.

For example, my late dog Ginger, was definitely dominant over my larger dog, Opal.

It is improper to describe any dog as dominant because dominance is only correctly used to describe a relationship, not a personality. A dog who is dominant over another may not be dominant in another dog-dog relationship.

Dog training is based on science, and science is important because it requires that we continually re-evaluate our beliefs to see if what we think we know and understand, is still valid. Science asks questions, and as dog owners and trainers, we should do the same.

Please let go of the outdated idea that dogs are pack animals that need to be dominated. Training based in behavior science gets far better results without harming your dog or your relationship with your dog.

Cindy Ludwig, Canine Connection LLC
Voted Best Springfield Missouri Dog Trainer

Dogs have this magical way of getting people to be more like the kid they used to be.The kid who still truly believed in...
13/06/2025

Dogs have this magical way of getting people to be more like the kid they used to be.

The kid who still truly believed in magic.

The kid who had one goal, and that was to have fun.

The kid who hadn't had their heart broken yet, so they were overflowing with love for everyone.

The kid who remained curious and optimistic about life.

When I work with clients I feel like I've done a good job if I have a held a space for them to be able to be that kid they once were.

It's time to stop taking everything so seriously.

This weekend, get silly with your best fur friend and remember that nobody said that only kids were still allowed to play and have fun!

Happy Friday ✨️ 🐕

When I was in grade school I had many parent-teacher meetings because I was not focused on my math lessons.Instead, I ha...
12/06/2025

When I was in grade school I had many parent-teacher meetings because I was not focused on my math lessons.

Instead, I had been spending my time drawing pictures of DOGS. 🐕 🐶

(Yes, this is a true story!)

Little did myself, my mother and my math teacher know I was actually dreaming of my future.

In the picture, Im actually is around 4 years old, and this is my first childhood dog.

His name was Dylan, and he was a Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

I remember setting up the patio furniture in the backyard to make homemade agility runs.

I remember taking him to the park with my friends and showing off his master Frisbee skills to the other neighborhood kids.

I remember learning a lot about dogs at a young age because of Dylan.

And Im so glad I focused on what I loved and ignored my teachers concerns.

I still am really bad at math.

But my dogs don't care.

Happy Throwback Thursday

The great weather has finally arrived and as Canadians, most of us are trying to get outside as much as possible.Over th...
07/06/2025

The great weather has finally arrived and as Canadians, most of us are trying to get outside as much as possible.

Over the next few months, there will be a variety of different outdoor events and local urban festivals filled with vendors, music, food and fun.

Of course it seems natural we'd like to bring our dogs with us everywhere we can now that we are going to be spending most time outdoors.

However, not all outdoor events that happen over summer will be something your dog would find as fun as you do.

In fact, many experiences could be very stressful for your dog who would have preferred to have been left at home in peace.

We have big street festival in this area next weekend, and it's guaranteed to be overcrowded, loud and potential dangerous for your dog to join you.

While you may convince yourself a crowded street festival could be a great opportunity to socialize, bond, and experience new things with your dog, you could be risking a lot.

1. Over stimulation: Crowds, loud noises, and unfamiliar environments can stress or scare your dog.

2. Safety Risks: There’s a risk of your dog getting overwhelmed, accidentally escaping, or getting injured by vendor equipment or other animals.

3. Health Concerns: Potential exposure to heat, food vendors’ spills, or spilled drinks that may harm your dog.

4. Vendor Restrictions: Some vendors may not allow pets or may have policies against animals on their stalls.

5. Other Dogs and People: Unpredictable interactions with dogs or people that might lead to aggressive behaviour or accidents.

My personal opinion? Leave your dog at home and enjoy the summer time street festivals with your human companions.

04/06/2025

How can you tell if it is an appeasement signal?
Is there suddenly something new around them or in their environment?
What is happening around them right now?
They can be such innocuous actions to us but can be a BIG sign that dogs can give.

Another clue❓

They are often shown in combination.
For example a dog may blink slowly and yawn.
They may scratch and turn away.
The lowering of the head can cause a posture change and curving of the body.

Individually they can be just everyday, ordinary behaviours....context is everything here.
Just because they show these doesn't necessarily mean something needs addressed, it just means we need to look a bit deeper at what that licking, nibbling or yawning may be trying to communicate.

(This isn't available yet but should be in the shop in the next week or so.)

Want to enjoy your walks again?I know the secret on how to get there!I am taking on new clients for walking programs sta...
30/05/2025

Want to enjoy your walks again?

I know the secret on how to get there!

I am taking on new clients for walking programs starting in July of 2025.

Please DM me if you'd like to tackle these goals and learn how to enjoy your walks with your dog again and get on the waitlist.

22/05/2025

DO I SOUND REDUNDANT?!

Let me explain what I mean and why its important as a dog guardian to understand your behaviour and responses need to change in order to reach your training goals;

Leash Pulling - Each time your dog puts tension on the leash and you step forward, you are rewarding the tension

Countersurfing - If you leave plates of food or snacks on your counters by habit, your dog will never stop countersurfing

Personal Space Invasion - You have no consistent rules or boundaries with your dog, and until you do, they will always pester you

Reactive Barking - You allow your dog to look out the window all day and practice their barking skills at any and everyone who passes by

The good news is, I know how to help you make these changes!

Forgive yourself and take charge of your dogs behaviour by learning how to respond different to unpleasant behaviour.

My late brother's passion for living inspired me to really live a full life.My brother died very young but had a very fu...
20/05/2025

My late brother's passion for living inspired me to really live a full life.

My brother died very young but had a very full enriching life filled with risks, travel, adventures and inspiring moments.

After graduating high school, he spent months travelling Europe and Asia alone. He made many new friends who lives and grew up in different cultures and places all over the world.

At one point he helped turned many states that were red leaning into blue leaning during the Obama campaign as he had an opportunity to work with influential political people.

He spent years in China teaching English to young kids and did theatre and dancing with them as well.

When he passed suddenly, it was a big wake up call for me.

At the time I wasn't really living my life to its fullest, I was playing it safe and acting on what was expected of me versus following my dreams and goals.

Everything I knew as life was actually just mediocre.

I made a promised to myself then that I refused to die with regrets.

I refused to die with "what ifs?"

I put my promise into action and decided to take a trip myself, to travel alone. Which is something I would have died at the idea of before being so inspired.

Getting out of my comfort zone was by far the best decision and life change I have ever made.

The more I did this and kept my promise to myself the easier doing new things and living life to its fullest became.

I would never have left my hometown. I would never have moved out of the city. I would never have started my own business, if I decided to play it safe.

If you're feeling like your life is mundane and want to escape the mediocre - this is your sign!

You have one life, take a risk and LIVE IT.

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