Wild at Heart Dog Training & Behaviour Consulting

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

13/12/2024

My first short story is here.

Katherine is no stranger to loss. As a shelter worker, she has spent years trying to mend the broken lives of animals. But the weight of those she couldn’t save—dogs, cats and wild animals —has left scars deeper than she admits. Now, when grief feels insurmountable, ghosts begin to appear.

There’s Max, the kind-hearted golden retriever who shouldn’t still exist but whose presence radiates warmth. Cedar, a solitary wolf whose piercing amber eyes hold secrets. Sadie, the resilient cat whose gentle purrs are a balm to Katherine’s weary heart. And Tucker, the misunderstood shepherd, reminds her of how easily the world can fail the vulnerable.

As these spectral companions guide Katherine through the shadows of her past and the weight of her present, she begins to see a way forward—a path lit by compassion, resilience, and the possibility of redemption.

The Ghosts is a poignant and deeply moving exploration of the bonds between humans and animals, the enduring impact of kindness, and the healing power of love—even from beyond the veil. For anyone who has ever carried the weight of grief or found solace in an animal’s love, this book is a short story of loss, healing, and the ghosts who help us find ourselves again.

Partial proceeds will be donated to a mental health organization that supports those working in vet med.

I hope you enjoy it- it was both hard and healing to write.

The Ghosts

13/12/2024

My online group class to tackle reactivity is back in 2025!

Transform your herding dog's leash reactivity in just 3 weeks. Gain confidence and start making progress today!

What You’ll Learn:

* Understand leash reactivity in herders.
* Effective management and handling.
* Master desensitization & counterconditioning.
* Train reliable emergency cues.
* Feel empowered on walks—this program is for you, too!

Highlights:

* Personalized support via a private FB group.
* Weekly live virtual sessions with Emily.
* Homework & resources to help you along the way.
* Tailored guidance for lasting results.

Emily, a certified trainer & behaviour consultant, specializes in helping herders thrive using force-free methods. Limited spots—register now to transform your walks!

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

05/12/2024

It’s here! It’s time to listen to episode one of Do Ewe Hear Me? a new podcast with my good friend Lisa Wright.

Lisa and I are both herding enthusiasts and obsessed border collie nerds.

We’ll be chatting about all things herding, border collies, chatting with talented people. There might be tears, there will be laughs, and the occasional f-bomb is possible!

You can listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or directly on the site at www.doewehearme.com

In episode one, we introduce you to ourselves and our dogs!

26/11/2024

From the archives, this was my first “viral” post. It resonated with many, was stolen a LOT, won me an award and became a chapter in Urban Sheepdog. I hope it resonates with you still.

None of us went looking for fearful, aggressive, reactive, separation anxious, or medical dogs. Most of us wanted hiking partners, brew pup patio buddies, dogs who could go anywhere. We thought it would just naturally happen because of that old saying “it’s all in how you raise them.” They would be raised right, so it would work out fine.

Maybe early on there were red flags. Maybe you didn’t notice until they became an adult. I wish it was as easy as placing a puppy or rescue dog in the right home and adding love to “fix” things. So many people struggle with how things could have gone, should have gone, what they might have done wrong. There’s a lot of baggage we carry into training from the past.

Many people want to negotiate out of the problems with their dogs. “What if we don’t follow the plan? What if I can’t manage it? What if I just wait for them to ‘grow out of it’?” It can be hard to reconcile the dog you wanted with the dog that you have. I understand. I didn’t know Zelda would have epilepsy and how devastating that would be.

Mourning the dog you thought you would have can help you move forward with the one you have. Forgive yourself for mistakes and commit to changing patterns moving forward. Thank your dog for doing their best with the cards they were dealt. Forgive them for hating the strangers at the brew pup. Forgive them for lunging on walks. Understand why they don’t want to meet your friends who come over for dinner.

We often hear, “Train the dog in front of you.” I suggest we love the dog in front of us. That doesn’t mean we aren’t going to be frustrated, sad, angry. That doesn’t mean we aren’t going to wish we had a dog who could go anywhere and do anything. But it might help us appreciate what they can do and who they are. We wish it were different, and so do they. Mourn the dog you thought you’d have and fall back in love with the dog in front of you.

25/11/2024

Save 50% off on Wild at Heart's Recall and Off Switch guides- on sale now!

Download today for instant access and start working with your dog right away!

Limited time offer.

www.wildatheartdogs.com/store

19/11/2024

Managing dogs when you have holiday guests can be a nightmare if your dog struggles with strangers.

Join Maria McNeil, IAABC-ADT, CET-DN, and Emily Priestley, CTC, CDBC, as they guide you through surviving holiday gatherings with your stranger-danger dog. Maria and Emily will get you on a plan to make sure your dog has coping mechanisms in place for the holidays and give you a plan of action to manage your dog successfully. This webinar will teach you best practices based on force-free handling.

Designed to set your dog up for success in a safe zone, and tips and tricks to help get them out for potty breaks, keep them happy in their own room and prevent well-meaning but over-bearing guests from barging in and making things worse, the webinar will give a well-rounded approach to make sure that your holidays are as stress-free as can be.

The webinar will be 1 hour long(ish) with a Q&A. Please remember that this webinar is a management strategy with tips to improve your dog's feelings towards guests, but it is not a replacement for personalized training.

The webinar is $29 CAD or approx. $21 USD. Space is limited!

THIS EVENT IS RECORDED FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND LIVE!

Join us on December 1st at 10:00 Pacific time!

https://wildatheartdogtraining.as.me/?appointmentType=71058258

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