Wild at Heart Dog Training & Behaviour Consulting

06/11/2024

We woke up with heavy hearts this morning. When we're stressed, we often have less bandwidth when it comes to training, setbacks in progress, or just being present mentally.

Self-care is often touted as massages, dinner with friends and candlelit baths. Self-care isn't always sexy, though. Sometimes, we put off the big self-care things. Instead, it can be checking things off your to-do list, folding laundry, doing the dishes and wiping the counter down. It might be going to the dentist or another appointment you've been putting off.

If you don't have the mental capacity to work with your dog around their triggers or deal with their reactions, stay home and do something fun instead. Play is a fantastic way to give your dog something to do and have fun. Trick training is fun, even if you don't get a dog that can compete on America's Got Talent. You don't have to walk them today. This one is also hard to swallow, but you have permission to walk without your dog! You'll come home with more energy for them.

We are going to be reeling for a while. Give yourself permission to take time off training. If you can manage the environment to prevent issues, you won’t be making things worse if you go easy on yourself and your dog. Give yourself some R+ today.

02/11/2024

I was interviewed on The Pawsitive Post podcast and chatted with the amazing hosts Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson! Check it out today while you're out walking the dog!

Podcast Episode · The Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal Psychology · 10/31/2024 · 43m

24/10/2024

I am thrilled by the feedback and support I've received since publishing Reactivity in Herding Breed Dogs just a few days ago. Although hitting the best-seller list was unexpected, I am so grateful it happened!

Thank you to everyone who has sent me feedback so far and screenshots of your favourite pages, what made you cry, or where you had a lightbulb moment.

My first book, Urban Sheepdog, was designed to help you understand your dog. Working dogs in non-working homes are sometimes challenging, and fitting them into their new urban lifestyles can be hard. Reactivity in Herding Breed Dogs is for those of you who have dogs struggling with big thoughts and feelings about the world. Unfortunately, these breeds are well represented in this category.

I'm so glad that both books are helping people who feel otherwise alone with their reactive dogs. If you know someone who needs a lifeline, tag them below, or, better yet, scratch them off your Christmas list and order them a copy today!

Keep sending me your amazing feedback- it means so much to me!

https://amzn.to/48eQP6w

21/10/2024

It's here! My new book, Reactivity in Herding Breed Dogs, is ready for you!

While my other book, Urban Sheepdog, is part user manual and part love story about living with working dogs in non-working homes, Reactivity in Herding Breed Dogs is a life line for those struggling with reactive border collies, Australian cattle dogs, Aussies, Shepherds and more.

You are not alone. Your dog is not a jerk. And as I always say, understanding them is half of the battle. As trainers, we know we should avoid guessing what the dog is thinking, but in my books, I get into your dog's head and help you understand exactly how they tick.

Understand what they are thinking.

Understand what motivates their reactivity.

Complete with plans to use with your trainer to help improve how your dog responds to triggers.

Focus on you.

Focus on supporting your relationship.

Find out what else could be going on.

Instead of suppressing these behaviours, it's time to address the root of why they happen in the first place.

Along with Urban Sheepdog, it's the best stocking stuffer for that reactive dog mom in your life!

ORDER TODAY!

Herding breed dogs are growing in popularity in pet homes, and the number one complaint is that they are reactive on walks. Lungling, growling, barking, and other seemingly over the top behaviours can make it challenging to walk our dogs, and most of us are embarrassed or frustrated with them. It...

09/10/2024

Coming soon! Do Ewe Hear Me is a new podcast by two people who are passionate about herding. 

Lisa Wright is a retired professional dog trainer turned open sheepdog handler. These days, Lisa and her dogs are multi-USBCHA Open trial winners, Canadian Championship double lift finalists, Calgary Stampede finalists and Meeker semi-finalists. Lisa is the past President of the Canadian Border Collie Association and past vice president of the APDT. Lisa has been handling and training sheepdogs for over 15 years and brings her knowledge to listeners in an easy-to-understand way. Lisa is launching an online program and book soon to help those who want to start their dog on livestock.

Emily Priestley, CTC, CDBC, is a trainer specializing in helping herding breed dogs struggling in pet homes. She’s the author of Urban Sheepdog- a guide to understanding herding breed dogs in pet homes. She’s been working with dogs in a sheltering and welfare context and her private practice for over a decade but is new to herding and here to ask and find the answers to all of the questions other novice handlers want to know. Emily works with clients worldwide, is launching a series of self-paced programs soon and supports other trainers as they learn the nuances of working with these dogs. 

Together, Lisa and Emily will take you on an intimate inside look at training, handling, living and competing with sheepdogs. This isn’t your grandpa’s herding! Stay tuned for new episodes, and be sure to follow Lisa at and Emily at

03/10/2024

Thanks for the info, !

What is your nightmare? Drop it in the comments! 🎃👇

14/09/2024

Do you need an off switch for your on dog? My Off Switch Manual can help!

Last day to take advantage of the introductory pricing!

Find out how I can get my household full of high-octane dogs to chill out and be calm.

Get enrichment and exercise ideas, find out when your dog's lack of relaxation might be due to something bigger, and get a training plan to take your dog from unsettled to chill.

Offer good until midnight!

Just over $7 USD!

Get it immediately here:

https://wildatheartdogs.com/product/1033622

12/09/2024

Your dog will look “herdy” when they are excited, happy, stressed, tired, hunting, playing….

BECAUSE WE MADE THEM THIS WAY!

Giving our dogs a safe outlet can help them cope better in problem contexts. For example, the car chaser needs training, management, and legal herding outlets, not suppression.

Suppression seems to feel better because we don’t see it. But behaviours are deep inside your dog, not just on the surface!

Find the outlet that works for your dog. Jolly balls, jolly eggs, flirt poles, fetch… what does your dog love to do?

11/09/2024

OFF SWITCH MANUAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE! 50% OFF FOR THREE DAYS ONLY!

Do you have a border collie, Australian Cattle Dog, shepherd, Aussie, or other high-energy dog? Are you constantly dealing with their energy but can't seem to find that elusive "off switch" to get them to settle?

I've lived with pit bulls, a Malinois, working-line border collies, terriers, hunting breeds, and Australian Cattle dogs. My dogs were not selected for their quiet personalities, yet I live harmoniously with them. How? I apply the same techniques that helped thousands of shelter dogs settle in care. I meet their needs, train them, and manage their environment to help them relax.

In my new ebook, you'll learn the recipe I've always used, learn about deeper issues that might affect your dog's ability to switch off and get training plans to go from wired to relaxed. Going to the washroom alone IS possible!

CLICK HERE TO GET THE MANUAL AT INTRODUCTORY PRICING!

https://wildatheartdogs.com/product/1033622

09/09/2024

Why do we assume border collies are the smartest? We’re usually ranking “the smartest dog in the world” by how many human words a dog knows and how many cues they can follow. So, are we saying intelligence is solely understanding and responding to human words?

We’ve bred other dogs to be more stoic and independent, work away from us, and make decisions on their own. Livestock guardian breeds need to work when we’re not there, and they can’t wait to find out what we think before they act. That might mean that they don’t respond to our cues as quickly. It doesn’t mean they aren’t smart; it does not mean they aren’t trainable. It means that all dogs are smart, but we just think we see it better in border collies!

Having said that, I think Griff is the smartest dog in the world! Make sure to follow for more border collie information, and if you think your dog is the smartest, share this post with your friends or tag them below 👇

08/09/2024

I love these dogs, and seeing them end up in homes that aren’t expecting what they are like is sad for the dog and the guardian.

I don’t mind that Mozzie doesn’t like strangers. We keep her feeling safe. But if you’re looking for your next dog, look beyond the cool look and the Instagram lure of these dogs.

There’s nothing wrong with admitting they might not be the right fit- they are my favourite breed, but even I will only adopt adults moving forward.

What is your favourite blue or red heeler trait?

07/09/2024

Don't forget that your dog was bred for very specific tasks and traits that gave them the skills to do the job. You'll see these come out in your non-working home. This might be in a "cute" way that doesn't bother anyone, like herding a toy, or it could be on a scale that causes issues for you, like chasing cars.

Understanding how these dogs process their world is key to understanding them, and understanding them is key to working with them! To gain insight into your working dog's mind, check out my book, Urban Sheepdog, today. It’s available on Amazon worldwide!

05/09/2024

TRAINERS! Are you struggling with your reactivity cases or wishing you were ready to take these clients on? If so, this class is for you.

Reactivity cases are becoming commonplace. Because there are many causes behind what we call “reactivity,” many trainers struggle to identify the cause and work through cases.

This course is designed to help you, as a trainer, identify the underlying root causes of your cases, work through the issues, coach your clients to track their progress and identify comorbid issues.

Designed for trainers, behavioural consultants, and shelter staff, Emily will guide you through working these cases from start to finish, explain the current best practice methods that are commonly used, and show you how to develop a well-rounded case plan and help your clients move forward.

Classes are approximately one hour long and run weekly for four weeks. The class starts on October 8th at 10 a.m. Pacific. All classes are recorded and provided, and a private Facebook group for students will be provided.

Emily's proven track record and experience handling dogs of all breeds and behaviour types in shelters and her private practice means you're in good hands as you prepare to work these cases.

Students may bring questions to the class/group regarding a specific case during the duration of the class.

CEUs are pending.

Prerequisites: Certified trainers, shelter staff, and veterinary staff. This class is force-free and does not support balanced training methods, including prong and shock collars.

Introductory Price: $425 CAD

Class is 4 weeks, starting October 8th, 2024

https://wildatheartdogtraining.as.me/?appointmentType=68227629

04/09/2024

Many behaviour cases are medical cases. We think dogs yelp, limp, and act in a way that we would know they are in pain, but that’s not the case. Many of the issues that clients come to trainers with are not training issues but symptoms of pain. In a perfect world, all dogs would have medical support for behavioural issues!

Some of my “behaviour cases” have been diagnosed with:

-hip dysplasia
-shoulder issues
-elbow dysplasia
-ACL tears
-arthritis
-ear infections
-dental pain
-back/spine pain
-allergies/skin conditions

It’s time to rethink pain and behaviour!

28/08/2024

Do you have a fearful pup? Whether your new addition has always been fearful or is showing fearful behaviour, it’s time to take action. Fear is a default setting for dogs, but it should not affect their quality of life.

It very rarely gets better on its own. If your dog is under 3-4 months, you can (with a qualified trainer) work hard to combat where you’re at with your fearful pup. This is the prime time. If your puppy is older, you can only work on counter-conditioning, as the chance to take advantage of the socialization period is over.

This is hard to DIY. If your pup is struggling, find a trainer from The Academy for Dog Trainers. There is help, but it’s crucial to find the RIGHT help!

27/08/2024

Have you heard that certain breeds “need a heavy hand”?

Some dogs are harder to motivate, and some dogs are less expressive. Some dogs are bred to be independent. Combined, these things often lead to dogs being misunderstood and frustrated handlers. That’s when they resort to punishment. But it’s not because the dog needs it; it’s because we need to improve our handling.

Independance, eagerness, forward behaviour and being bred to be impulsive often get spun as “stubborn.”

In my book, Urban Sheepdog, I shed light on how these dogs think and move through the world.

But did you know Malinois and Australian Cattle Dogs, two breeds usually touted as needing a heavy hand rank in the most biddable in studies? Biddability means “obedient” and “capable of being trained,” think: “able” to do your “bidding.”

If your dog seems stubborn, ask yourself: how can I, as the guardian, teach my dog what I’m asking? It’s very likely your dog doesn’t know!

26/08/2024

Do you worry your dog might have anxiety?

23/08/2024

If your dog acts like the breed they were bred to be, and it’s not a good fit for your lifestyle or offensive to you, consider how hard it is for these dogs. We made them this way. When we choose to go to a working farm and buy a puppy, we cannot ethically expect them to be able to change who they are because we don’t like it.

You have a working dog. He’s intense. He’s active. He might be more intelligent than you! That’s ok. I know that sometimes it’s a lot to live with. But instead of fighting against his genetics and butting heads with him, fall back in love with that side of him.

In Urban Sheepdog, I write about these dogs and how wonderful they are. I’ve helped thousands of people fall back in love with their dogs and see them in a new light. If you’re struggling with a herding breed dog in a pet home, order Urban Sheepdog today and reconnect with your dog!