Wild at Heart Dog Training & Behaviour Consulting

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Wild at Heart Dog Training & Behaviour Consulting

Wild at Heart Dog Training & Behaviour Consulting Emily Priestley, CTC, is a graduate of The Academy for Dog Trainers providing service worldwide.

Emily Priestley, CTC, CDBC has been working with and handling dogs professionally for over a decade. Emily's long career with the BC SPCA has allowed her to have a proven track record, having personally handled over 2,000 dogs. With experience with a magnitude of breeds and all problem behaviours, Emily has worked with dogs who are in desperate need of intervention and behaviour modification. As a

graduate of the world renowned Academy for Dog Trainers and accredited by the BC SPCA's AnimalKind program, Emily is committed to using current, scientific and kind techniques, and continuing education to ensure that you’re in the hands of the most advanced methods out there. Emily is certified as an SA Pro to help humanely and effectively guide you and your dog to recovery from separation anxiety. Emily is committed to providing a nonjudgmental, kind, and supportive atmosphere for both dogs and their guardians and will always be transparent about methods and techniques, allowing you to feel comfortable handing over the leash.

12/03/2025

When people hear positive and negative in dog training, they often think good vs. bad. But in learning theory, it’s just math.

• Positive (+) means something is added
• Negative (-) means something is removed

It’s also only up to the dog. Happy talk might be punishing for some dogs, or what I find rewarding, you might dislike!

The quadrants are often misunderstood—even by trainers.

People mix up negative reinforcement and negative punishment, assume positive means “good,” or think negative means bad. But the quadrants only describe what happens to behaviour, not whether a method is a good idea.

Confused? Let us know below! 👇

10/03/2025

Have you been shamed or embarrassed? Chances are, you’re doing just fine.

10/02/2025

I’m opening a few spots for new private virtual clients. If you struggle with your dog's fear, reactivity, compulsive behaviours, or sound sensitivity, I’m here to guide you with a customized plan tailored to your dog’s needs.

Here’s what you’ll get:

-A one-hour Zoom session to discuss your dog’s history, triggers, and current challenges. I’ll provide a clear training plan with recommendations.

-A 45-minute follow-up session two weeks later to check progress and make changes to the plan if needed.

-Unlimited email support and video assessments throughout the month to help you troubleshoot or get feedback as you go.

I’ve worked on many complex cases, including severe fear, reactivity, compulsive disorders, and sound sensitivity. I know these issues aren’t just frustrating—they can be overwhelming. I’m here to help make it more manageable.

New clients should have a vet involved in their case, as this is the best practice for these issues. I can work alongside your vet or help you find someone with experience in your cases.

Most clients see progress within 1-3 months, but I’ll always be honest with you about what to expect. My goal is to help you build long-term solutions and confidence in handling your dog’s behaviours and get you working independently as quickly as possible. Existing clients take advantage of discounted rates after the initial month!

To see if your case would be a good fit for my program, apply today!

https://wildatheartdogs.com/request-services

08/02/2025

Our herders don’t always direct herding behaviour towards the livestock we bred them to control. Sometimes, they have the wrong target. Understanding who your dog is can go a long way in helping you work with them rather than trying to change who they are. You can take the herder away from livestock, but you can’t take the herding out of them!

Find out more in my book Urban Sheepdog! Search the title on Amazon today! Did you read the book? How did it help you and your dog? Answer below! 👇

07/02/2025

When we avoid taking a stance to “appeal to everyone,” we end up supporting the status quo, which often means supporting those in power and leaving marginalized voices unheard. Silence isn’t neutral; it’s a choice. If creating a welcoming space for those who need it most means I lose some clients who feel threatened by that, I’m okay with that. My values and the safety of my clients come first.

03/02/2025

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 problems.

Designed for trainers, behavioural consultants, and shelter or vet med 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 March 12th 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/accredited trainers, shelter staff, and veterinary staff. This class is force-free and does not support balanced training methods, including prong and shock collars.

$425 CAD/Approx. $291 USD

Class is 4 weeks, starting March 12th! Register now! Space is limited. Register here:

https://wildatheartdogtraining.as.me/?appointmentType=73961009

31/01/2025

Our Reactivity Group Class for herding breed dogs is back! Do you have a reactive Border Collie, Australian Cattle Dog, German Shepherd, Aussie or other herding breed dog?

A detailed, step-by-step LIVE virtual program designed specifically for herding breed dogs who struggle on walks with lunging, barking, and over-arousal.

📅 Starts this March – Limited Spots Available!

Reactivity can make everyday outings feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. With personalized guidance, science-based methods, and a supportive community, this class will help you understand why your dog is reactive and give you practical tools to make life easier—for both of you.

What You’ll Get:

✅ 3 Online Live Sessions (always RECORDED if you can't attend live)

-Interactive, live instruction tailored to your dog’s specific triggers and environment

-Step-by-step guidance on creating a training plan focused on desensitization, counterconditioning, and effective management strategies

✅ 1 Month of Continued Support

-Access to a private Facebook group where you can ask questions, troubleshoot issues, and share progress

-Weekly check-ins to help you fine-tune your plan as your dog improves

✅ Detailed Feedback Tailored to Your Dog

-Real-time adjustments and personalized advice based on your dog’s progress

-Solutions for common challenges like reacting to dogs, bikes, or people

✅ In-Depth Training and Understanding

-Learn what reactivity is and why your dog behaves the way they do

-Gain insight into how triggers build over time and why they aren’t ‘just being stubborn’

-Understand the role of stress and over-arousal, and when to consider involving a vet or behaviour consultant for medical or deeper behavioural issues

💡 Bonus: Enroll and receive your first month in the Wild at Heart Training Club FREE. This add on will give you continued support as you work through the plans.

Why This Class Works:

-Designed for dogs who struggle on walks—whether it’s barking at passing dogs, lunging at bikes, or overreacting to loud noises

-Developed by a certified behaviour expert who has helped over 2,000 dogs, with a special focus on fear, reactivity, and herding breeds

-No fluff, no outdated methods—just practical tools that you can implement right now.

👉 Limited spots available—reserve yours today!

Let’s work together to reduce the stress of reactivity.

Class starts on Tuesday, March 4th at 10:00am and runs for 3 weeks. ALL CLASSES ARE RECORDED!

$399 CAD / APPROX. $277 USD (exchange calculated at checkout at current rates)

https://wildatheartdogtraining.as.me/Reactiveclass

29/01/2025

Are you struggling with a young teenage dog whose training seems to have gone out of the window?

Puppies and adolescent dogs often bring chaos and moments that leave us wondering where our well-behaved dog went.

Herding breeds can be especially intense during this stage, with endless energy, heightened instincts, and a sudden case of selective hearing. I know you’re tired, but help is on the way—and trust me, this stage will pass.

In this force-free informed webinar, we’ll explore the unique challenges of raising teenage herding dogs and help you create a plan to manage their behaviour without frustration or confusion. You’ll walk away with hope and practical tools to guide you through the storm!

What You’ll Gain:

A Deeper Understanding: Learn why your dog’s behaviour has shifted and how their developmental stage plays a role. We'll get inside their minds and understand exactly what they are experiencing!

Effective Training Tools: Get simple, force-free strategies to reduce common teenage behaviours, like nipping, lunging, and barking and navigating social opportunities.

Relief From Overwhelm: Find out how to manage their bursts of energy and over-the-top reactions without losing your mind.

Practical Mental Enrichment Ideas: Discover ways to keep your herding dog’s busy mind engaged and satisfied.

Guidance on Calmness and Focus: Build impulse control through small, realistic exercises.

What We’ll Cover:

Understanding Developmental Changes: Why herding breed puppies and adolescents often test boundaries and how their natural instincts influence their behaviour.

Common Teenage Behaviors: Selective hearing, zoomies, jumping, nipping, and overly enthusiastic greetings.

Force-Free Solutions: How to train impulse control, calmness, and focus using positive reinforcement techniques.

Managing Over-Arousal: What triggers over-the-top behaviour and how to set them up for success.

Mental Enrichment for Busy Minds: Ideas to provide mental stimulation and reduce destructive or unwanted behaviours.

When to Press the Panic Button: How to identify "normal" excitement and energy vs. emerging problems.

You’re not alone in this. Many herding dog owners have felt the same frustration—but with the right tools, you’ll see progress. Join us for this webinar to help your dog (and yourself) through this wild but temporary stage.

The important details:

The webinar is LIVE on Friday, Feb. 14th, at 10:00am.

IS THIS WEBINAR RECORDED? YES! All webinars are recorded and provided for 6 months to all participants!

$24.99 CAD/$17 USD (depending on the current exchange)

There will be a Q&A after the live event.

Register today, and don't worry. Help is on the way!

https://wildatheartdogtraining.as.me/Surviveyourteenagedog

20/01/2025

Today just feels heavy.

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 make things worse if you go easy on yourself and your dog. Give yourself some R+ today.

20/01/2025

Share to lighten someone’s guilt!

08/01/2025

Have you listened to our new podcast, Do Ewe Hear Me?

This podcast is a herding podcast for newbies and seasoned pros, cohosted by Emily Priestley and Lisa Wright from

Here at Do Ewe Hear Me, we're dusting off the holidays, climbing out from the straw we've been hibernating under in the barn and getting back to work! A while ago, we recorded a primer on trials for new people. The truth is, it was a boring episode. So, instead of focusing on terminology, we've rerecorded it, chatting about the atmosphere, what to expect and taking you behind the scenes at these relatively small events.

Many of these trials are small, cozy competitions on private land. While they might be hard to find, they are a classic, fun thing to do… if you're into sitting around and watching sheep in a field!

They are often so remote I highly recommend watching them online if you can't make it in person. YouTube has a lot of great options, and big trials, like the Meeker Classic, will livestream. If you'd like to see a primer on the details of a field trial and arena trial, check out the freebies section on Lisa's website www.iherd.ca She has a lot of great information for new people in the sport, and more offerings are coming soon!

Grab a tea, sit back and relax!

You can listen on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4YL6rJhc4qXbMJOSdfM4Q2?si=1MHs8CvVRpiPF1w5u24iAwhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/4YL6rJhc4qXbMJOSdfM4Q2?si=1MHs8CvVRpiPF1w5u24iAw

Or on Apple here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/do-ewe-hear-me/id1782956858

Special thanks to Adam@neonpinestudio for our herding inspired theme song.

07/01/2025

Are you tired of advice from people who don’t understand your herder?

These dogs were bred for skills we no longer need in pet homes. Those traits are often labelled as behavioural problems. They are often misunderstood. I’m here to change that.

Urban Sheepdog is part user mannual and part love story. If you want to understand your dog, grab Urban Sheepdog today!

Order here: https://amzn.to/3ybZEjS

06/01/2025

My most popular webinar is back for another LIVE event!

This webinar is suitable for new pet owners and experienced trainers!

Find out why herding breed dogs are so prone to reactivity, what reactivity is, what we can do to help it and common mistakes made when working with a reactive dog.

The webinar is 1 hour long, followed by 30 minutes of Q&A.

IT WILL BE RECORDED, SO YOU DO NOT NEED TO ATTEND LIVE!

https://wildatheartdogtraining.as.me/webinar

06/01/2025

I'm saddened to see a very popular border colle account spread information that sound sensitivity, even when extreme, is normal for our dogs.

Common in a breed does not mean normal, and while our dogs have accute hearing, it shouldn't lead to quality of life issues.

It's often accompanied by bigger issues that are under the surface, such as pain or discomfort. Meaning even if your dog exhibits noise phobia as part of their makeup, it still requires veterinary help to make sure that there's nothing else going on.

If your dog struggles with any common issue for their breed, remember that they still need help! Just because it's common doesn't mean it doesn't affect them any less.

03/01/2025

Leash reactivity is one of the most common challenges faced by herding breed guardians—and it’s no surprise. Over 100 years of selective breeding have hardwired these dogs to control movement, which can make life in a pet home... complicated.

If your dog barks, lunges, or fixates on other dogs, people, cars, bikes, or even “scary” garbage cans, this webinar is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

-Why your dog reacts the way they do
-Insights into their mindset and triggers
-Practical tips for managing and improving reactivity
-Common mistakes and how to avoid them
-When is reactivity "ok" and when is it a symptom of a bigger issue

This webinar is tailored for:

-Pet guardians navigating their first herding breed challenges
-Trainers looking to deepen their understanding of working with reactive herding breeds

Whether you’re just starting your journey or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with actionable knowledge to make life easier for both you and your dog.

When: Jan. 21st at 10am Pacific (RECORDING WILL BE PROVIDED)
Where: Online (Zoom link provided prior)
Cost: $29 CAD / $20 USD (depending on current exchange)

Spots are limited, so don’t wait! Register now and learn how to bring more peace and understanding to your walks. https://wildatheartdogtraining.as.me/webinar

Let’s decode reactivity and help your dog thrive.

19/12/2024

COMMENT “LINK” BELOW! 👇

If you want to get a handle on your dog’s reactivity in 2025, I’ve got you covered!

If your dog struggles on walks and you feel like you’re unable to get out of the house, it’s time to get professional eyes on your case.

I’ll teach you what reactivity is and what it isn’t, guide you through understanding your dog’s reactions, and we’ll get to the root of the issue to improve their behaviour.

Join my list of clients who are going from reactive to proactive and learn to handle your dog like a pro!

19/12/2024

If you want to get a handle on your dog's reactivity in 2025, I've got you covered.

If your dog struggles on walks and you feel like you're unable to get out of the house, it's time to get professional eyes on your case.

I'll teach you what reactivity is and what it isn't, guide you through understanding your dog's reactions, and we'll get to the root of the issue to improve their behaviour.

Join my list of clients who are going from reactive to proactive and learn to handle your dog like a pro!

https://wildatheartdogtraining.as.me/?appointmentType=71939681

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Videos

Does your dog eat 💩?

Loud noises, sudden movements and the audacity of existence. #reactivedog #dogtraining #anxiousdog #decompressionwalk

❤️

Herding breed owners: crying in waterproof gear 💦💧

Ever wonder why your dog loves shaking and tearing up their toys? 🐾   It all goes back to their predatory sequence—the same one their wild ancestors used for hunting prey. Shaking = breaking the neck of prey, and destuffing = consuming it.  This behaviour is natural and satisfying for them! Instead of being frustrated with toy destruction, provide safe outlets like durable toys, food puzzles, and supervised play.  My dogs demonstrated their instincts on a walk the other day when Mozzie unearthed someone’s lost stuffed penguin! No real penguins were harmed while making this video!   Follow for more insights on decoding dog behaviour! #DogTrainingTips

Why Some Border Collies Herd Other Dogs 🐶 Herders are born to control movement. 🧠 Even as pets, their instincts kick in! 💥 Triggers can be anything that moves: Cars, bikes, leaves... even other dogs! 😱 Stormi loves herding Griff! It’s playful, not aggressive. 😊 She doesn’t even care about sheep!* 🐑🤣 Key is to ensure it’s playful, not stressful for all parties. Redirect and train if needed. Give them something appropriate to herd. Let your herding collie shine! ✨ #bordercollie #herdingdog #dogsofinstagram #dogreel

Stormi has been officially turned into an Aussie by people on the internet who don’t know what they are talking about. Sorry to anyone she’s hurt by branding herself as a border collie or anyone who bought a puppy from her last owner. Turns out you have the wrong breed. 😂 #justkidding #sheisabordercollie #bordercolliescanbemerletoo #dunningkruger

You can also download FREE plans by googling The Academy for Dog Trainers Husbandry Project! We don’t always have time to pretrain these things to a fluent, perfect level, but even if it helps your dog 5%, 10%, 15%, it’s worth it! If you have a puppy, train these things like tricks! Having an understanding vet is HUGE! Today, Griff waited in the car while I brought the vet up to speed, she was so good with him and actively listened to me. All of the staff were so laid back and accommodating for everything I asked for! Thank you @islandtidesvet

Non working homes: I see you. ❤️ #bordercollie

Follow for more blue heeler content!

I’m so tired of the elitist comments that herding is the only thing these dogs are satisfied by. That’s simply untrue. What do you do with your dog?

I’m so over it. Are you?

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