BestPals

25/12/2024

✨🦌🎄Merry Christmas from Pal and I 🎄🦌✨

30/11/2024

His spirit wild, yet calm in glow,
Beneath the sun, amidst the snow,
A simple moment, pure and bright,
A golden heart in winter’s light.

15/11/2024

My perfect Pal. We moved on your birthday (Nov 4th) so I am just able to write some words now. My scorpio king. You are such a resilient pup and have shown me how to be present. I can’t believe you are already 3 years old 😭😭😭 Love you Pal.

01/11/2024

Happy Halloween 🎃 👻

25/08/2024

🗣️Sometimes we over complicate our lives with our dogs. Keep it simple with these four tips.

I often do what I call a “vibe check” before we start out on our walk. I’m checking the vibes, are we connected, is he relaxed and engaged, what time of day is it, has he been extra sensitive today? AND I don’t skimp on the rewards, including utilizing toys 🧸. Walks can be so much fun when you start implementing more than just walking. Adding play, training, sniffing will make a world of difference in your outing’s.

I don’t rush out and you know what, sometimes I even skip walks! Reducing stress is part of the reactivity puzzle 🧩. There’s no shame in staying home.

What do you do to prepare for your walks? Share in the comments.

08/07/2024

A little Monday inspo 🦴🐩 from one dog enthusiast to another…

We all feel the pressures of the internet. We want to provide our dogs with healthy diets with the newest food, supplements and coolest enrichment toys. But dogs don’t care! They probably love all the food you already have in the house so don’t feel the pressure to get all the boujie items (everytime 😉). A lot of us are living in expensive cities with rising costs of just about everything. So here’s my usual go to’s that I almost always have in the house.

Some faves that didn’t make the slides:

▶️Superstore, frozen meat section, 4 logs of ground turkey for $10! Defrost as is, pop in the oven. Wrap and put in the fridge once cooked. It makes the perfect sliceable treat.
▶️Grow or buy carrots or zucchini’s. Boil them in broth and freeze.
▶️Check out your local dog groups, many have dog folks giving away food.
▶️Shop the sales. This one’s obvious but don’t forget to check with your local pet supply store for upcoming deals!

04/06/2024

📣 Exciting news 🤩 my new website is up and running! I loved building it and can’t wait to see what it brings me. Hoping to meet some Winnipeg amazing dog guardians in 2024!

Check it out www.bestpals.ca 🐕

30/05/2024

I meet so many wonderful guardians who give so much to their dogs. But a lot of us with dogs with big feelings (or not, all dogs are work) are burntttt out! Our flames 🔥 barely flickering as we juggle everything in life. This is just not a sustainable way to live. So here’s some things you can do for yourself…

🔅 Before rushing outside to walk them make sure you eat, have coffee & take 5 minutes to check in with yourself.
🔅 Struggling with reactivity? Audit your vibe. How are you feeling? What route is best today? Am I feeling strong? Do I need fresh cooked steak today?
🔅 Positive affirmations, “I trust in my ability to handle challenging situations calmly and confidently.”
🔅 Go for a walk alone without guilt
🔅 Join a support group
🔅 Try a non dog related hobby
🔅 ALLLL the self care! Whatever that looks like to you.
🔅 Be compassionate to yourself. Training takes time and patience.

Send a message to learn more

29/05/2024

Is your dog pulling like a freight train? 🚂 Let’s talk pulling and harnesses.

Many clients ask me about tools, collars, harnesses and which one is the best. I get questions like, “Will this Halti stop my dog from pulling?”, “Will this -insert certain brand- harness fix my dog’s pulling?”

First off there is no special harness that will “fix” your dog’s pulling. 🛑Period. Most folks I meet use a harness. So let’s get one thing clear, harnesses don’t make dogs pull! Can they make it a little bit more comfy to pull, yes. But loose leash walking can be taught without a leash at all, with any harness or collar.

When we think of our dogs we know we want to keep them safe. For me harnesses are the safest and most humane option. They can prevent injuries to you and your dog. Especially if they are reactive. Some harnesses also double as a seat belt. They can prevent your dog from choking as they learn not to pull. Some harness designs have convenient handles and multiple leash clip points.

So don’t listen to the Tik Tik “trainers”. Keep using your harness and treats. Keep training. Keep marking and rewarding for position. Keep practicing inside in low distraction areas to build those skills. Use a longer leash. Teach a let’s go cue to change direction’s. Keep at it 💪🏻 because you are doing great!

If your dog’s pulling is relentless contact me today [email protected].

I’m currently working on a pro/con list for harnesses. Please comment your favourite collar or harness in the comments ✴️