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Is It Even Possible? This is probably the most common question that dog guardians ask when they are faced with reactive behaviour. I think it's really important to breakdown some misinformation and provide some facts when it comes to dog socialization. What Socialization Is Socialization refers to the process of exposing a puppy to a variety of people, animals, environments, and experiences during a critical developmental window. This period, often referred to as the "socialization window," typically occurs between 3 to 14 weeks of age. During this time, puppies are highly receptive to new experiences, and positive interactions can help shape their future behaviour The impact of socialization is profound. Proper socialization can lead to a well-adjusted dog that is comfortable and confident in different situations. However, poor or inadequate socialization can result in fear, anxiety, and reactive behaviour later in life. It’s essential to expose puppies to a wide range of stimuli during this critical period to help them develop into balanced adults. Why We Can't Get A Redo The socialization period is a one-time developmental phase that cannot be fully replicated later in a dog's life. Once this window closes, around 14 to 16 weeks, the brain’s capacity for forming new social connections decreases significantly. While older dogs can still learn and adapt, the ease and effectiveness of socialization are greatly diminished. This is why early and positive exposure is crucial. For reactive dogs that missed out on proper socialization during this window, it’s important to recognize that while progress can be made, we cannot completely undo or recreate the effects of early socialization. It's important we understand this in order to set realistic expectations for training and integration efforts. What We Can Do For Adult Dogs For reactive dogs, integration with other dogs and people must be approached carefully and with a clear understanding of the dog’s limitations. I can teach you protocols and tools to help guide you through this process. Here are some strategies: Controlled Environments : Start in environments where the dog feels safe and there is minimal stimulus. Gradually increase exposure to other dogs or people in a controlled manner. Positive Reinforcement : Utilize marker training in controlled set-ups to help your dog form positive associations with the presence of others. Desensitization : This technique is where the dog is gradually exposed to the trigger at a distance where they don’t react (under threshold), and then slowly bringing the trigger closer as long as the dog is comfortable. Management : It’s important to manage the dog’s environment to prevent the rehearsal of the behaviour. The more the behaviour happens, the more ingrained it can become. It also can contribute to "trigger stacking" which will often result in your dog becoming more reactive in the future. Professional Guidance : Working with a professional who has experience with reactive dogs can be invaluable. After over a decade working with reactivity, I can provide so much insight into the "why's" and the "do's" and "don'ts". What Are The Limitations? Some dogs may never be fully comfortable around other dogs or people, and that’s okay. The goal is to manage and reduce reactivity, not necessarily to eliminate it. Progress can be slow, and setbacks may occur. Patience and consistency are key. Safety should always be the priority, both for the reactive dog and others. This approach respects the dog’s emotional well-being and aims for gradual improvement rather than forcing social interactions and setting both you and your dog up to fail. If someone tells you to just "socialize your dog more", I hope this information provides you with knowledge and confidence to know that if you're working on the above, you're likely on the right track!

We have moved! I thought I'd share a little bit about our move and some things about the surrounding area that I love so much. A Bit About What I Do I've been working with dogs and specifically dogs suffering from fear, anxiety and stress for 13 years now. I now offer dog behaviour training in the Comox Valley! I have several certifications, however, the BC SPCA Animal Kind Accreditation on a local level was really important for me to obtain. The methods I use won't harm your dog and won't make any concerning behaviours worse, that's very important since animals cannot speak, we don't want to take any risks. I have seen the fallout from even the most simple tools that are marketed as safe. I work with veterinarians and their clients frequently since I specialize. Most importantly, I want to empower you, the client, to have the knowledge and skills to continue working with your dog for the rest of their life. Renée & her dog Penelope Comox Valley Roots I was born and raised in the Comox Valley and wow, it has grown since I left as a young adult. After living in Vancouver for so many years, this beautiful area is still much quieter and more serene than most places so I am grateful to be able to return. Some of my happiest memories were spent at Miracle Beach and Kye Bay . Some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces exist on Vancouver Island. Miracle Beach Provincial Park Comox Marina If you have the opportunity to explore the Comox Valley, you won't be disappointed. And, if you already live here you already know how lucky you are! Some of my favourite small businesses in the Comox Valley... Embark Dog Photography Island Tides Vet Cumberland Vet Clinic Hot Chocolates Uranus Gifts Bigfoot Donuts Boulder Hill Baking (Cumberland) Bread Blooms (Union Bay) West Coast Karma I will continue to add to my list as time moves on!

Are We Doing Dogs A Disservice? Despite our similarities, dogs have very different needs When we think about our dogs, we often think about how similar they are to us. We share so much of our lives with them. Often times dog guardians are criticized for "humanizing" our dogs too much and treating them like babies. On one hand, if treating dogs like humans means we are treating them with kindness, consideration, compassion and empathy then I am completely on board! However, if we fail to recognize that dogs are a different species, with different needs, we could be missing the mark when it comes to their quality of life. This is what I intend to address in this article. A Different Species Indeed Canis lupus familiaris (dogs) are a domesticated subspecies of the gray wolf. Despite vast differences in appearance and size across various breeds, all domestic dogs share this same species classification. Dogs were the first species domesticated by humans, a process that began more than 14,000 years ago. It seems like common knowledge that yes, dogs are NOT human beings, however the lines can become blurred when we cohabit closely with another species, sharing everything from our bed to the brightest and darkest moments in our lives. Our dogs are there for us, we love them and we hope they love us too. We must think back in history; humans have been cohabitating with dogs for centuries so we may forget, dogs do have different needs that need to be addressed in order for them to live healthy and happy lives. Body Language Differences One of the KEY differences that humans can improve upon is reading dog body language. Many times I see a dog yawning in a specific context and the guardian has no idea that their dog is indeed stressed. Subtle body language signs like the whites of the eyes predominantly showing, lip licking or even ear positioning and facial tension can evade us and lead to putting dogs in situations we shouldn't. Co-existing with dogs more successfully means understanding dog body language ( take our free mini course here! ) What Are Species Specific Needs? Some of these points may appear to be obvious for many of us, however, sometimes we may need a reminder. Note: dogs should NEVER have to earn these! A balanced diet is important Nutrition Dogs are omnivorous scavengers by nature, though they thrive on a primarily carnivorous diet. Their nutritional needs include: Balanced diet with appropriate levels of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Fresh, clean water available at all times. Life stage-appropriate feeding, with variations for puppies, adults, seniors, pregnant/lactating females, and working/athletic dogs. Weight; keeping our dogs at an optimal weight impacts longevity and well-being. Avoiding harmful foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol. Physical exercise is a species specific need Exercise and Physical Activity Dogs require regular physical activity to maintain their health and prevent behavioural problems: Daily exercise suitable for the breed and individual energy levels (e.g., walks, playtime, agility). Access to outdoor environments or secure areas where they can run, sniff, and explore. Working breeds (e.g., Border Collies, German Shepherds) often need more mental and physical stimulation. Most dogs are social and need access to people Social Needs Dogs are highly social: Human interaction is essential; they form strong bonds with their caregivers. Many dogs also benefit from interaction with other dogs, though this varies by individual. Prolonged isolation or lack of social engagement can lead to anxiety, depression, and destructive behaviours. All dogs benefit from learning new things! Behavioural and Mental Stimulation Dogs have a high capacity for learning and problem-solving: Training and enrichment activities (like puzzle toys, scent work, or trick training) are critical for mental well-being. Dogs benefit from structure and predictability in daily routines. Unmet mental needs often manifest as anxiety, boredom, vocalization, or destructive behaviour. Rest and Sleep Dogs need plenty of rest: Adult dogs typically sleep 12–14 hours per day, while puppies and seniors may sleep even more. They require a safe, quiet, and comfortable place to rest undisturbed. Find a vet you and your dog love! Health and Veterinary Care Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental care are vital. Many dogs need grooming appropriate to their coat type (e.g., brushing, bathing, nail trimming). If you notice any behavioural changes, your first step should be ruling out pain with your vet Dogs don't need luxury, they need safety Safe and Stimulating Environment Dogs thrive in environments that offer safety, comfort, predictability and sensory enrichment. They need protection from extreme weather, secure fencing, and freedom from harmful substances (and not isolation) Access to toys, chew items, and safe spaces (like crates or cozy beds) contributes to their well-being. Many dogs NEED to dig! Freedom to Express Natural Behaviours Dogs have innate behaviours that must be supported, not suppressed: Chewing, digging, sniffing, chasing, and barking are natural behaviours that should be redirected appropriately—not punished. Denying dogs the ability to express these instincts can lead to frustration and stress. Every dog is a unique individual! Individual Considerations Breed traits significantly influence needs (e.g., brachycephalic breeds may need modified exercise, while herding breeds need more mental stimulation). Life stage, health status, trauma history, and temperament all affect a dog’s specific care needs. Every dog has their own preferences, likes and dislikes! I hope this article outlines or reminds you how very different dogs are from humans despite our unique bonds and similarities.

If you’ve noticed that your dog seems to be more sensitive to their environment than other dogs, you might have what’s known as a highly sensitive dog (HSD). These dogs aren’t just quirky; they have a unique way of processing the world around them that requires a bit more understanding and care. Let's dive into what it means to have a highly sensitive dog, drawing on the work of M. Bräm Dubé and the origins of this concept, pioneered by Elaine Aron. As you read through this article please keep in mind that this is not a negative trait, in fact, highly sensitive people, and dogs, are a gift. The Origins of Sensitivity: Elaine Aron’s Groundbreaking Work The idea of high sensitivity originally comes from human psychology, thanks to Dr. Elaine Aron, who introduced the concept of the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) in the 1990s. Aron’s work highlighted that about 15-20% of the human population has a more finely tuned nervous system, leading them to be more sensitive to stimuli, emotions, and social dynamics. These individuals tend to process information deeply, be more aware of subtleties, and are often more affected by sensory input, like bright lights or strong smells. Interestingly, this concept doesn’t just apply to humans. Researchers like M. Bräm Dubé have explored how this trait manifests in dogs, recognizing that some dogs also have heightened sensitivity. Just like humans, these dogs are more aware of their surroundings, react more intensely to stimuli, and can easily become overwhelmed by too much activity or noise. Recognizing a Highly Sensitive Dog So, how do you know if your dog is highly sensitive? Here are some common traits: Heightened Awareness Your dog notices even the smallest changes in the environment, whether it’s a new piece of furniture, a sound from outside, or a stranger passing by. Easily Overwhelmed They might get stressed out in busy environments like crowded parks or loud streets. Too much stimulation can cause them to shut down or become anxious and they prefer quieter environments with fewer people. Emotional Connections Highly sensitive dogs tend to react strongly to emotional cues from their owners or other animals. They might mirror your stress or anxiety, or become distressed if there’s tension in the household. Social Bonds These dogs often form strong, deep bonds with their humans and can be incredibly intuitive, sensing your moods and reacting to them in a way that feels almost human-like. Caring for a Highly Sensitive Dog: What to Do and What to Avoid If you suspect your dog is highly sensitive, there are some key strategies to help them thrive. What to Do: 1. Create a Calm Environment Just like an HSP, your dog needs a safe space where they can retreat and feel secure. Make sure they have a quiet area in your home where they can relax away from noise and activity. 2. Curated Social Experiences While social experiences are important, it’s crucial to take things slow. Introduce new environments, people, and animals gradually, allowing your dog to adjust at their own pace. 3. Consistent Routine Highly sensitive dogs thrive on routine. Regular feeding times, walks, and play sessions can help them feel secure and reduce anxiety. 4. Positive Reinforcement (of course) Use positive reinforcement to build your dog’s confidence. Rewarding calm behavior in new situations can help them learn that the world isn’t as scary as it seems. 5. Mindful Interactions Be aware of your own emotions and energy when interacting with your dog. They’re likely picking up on your cues more than you realize, so do your best to remain calm and positive around them. What to Avoid : 1. Over-Stimulation Avoid overwhelming your dog with too many new experiences at once. Crowded places, loud noises, and chaotic environments can be particularly distressing. 2. Punishment-Based Training Harsh training methods can be especially damaging to a highly sensitive dog. They’re likely to shut down or become fearful if they’re punished, so stick to gentle, reward-based training. 3. Inconsistency Inconsistent routines or unpredictable environments can make your dog feel anxious and insecure. Stick to a schedule as much as possible, and try to keep their living space calm and stable. 4. Ignoring Their Needs It’s important to recognize when your dog needs a break. If they’re showing signs of stress or discomfort, give them the space they need to feel safe. Final Thoughts! Having a highly sensitive dog is both a challenge and a gift. These dogs can be incredibly loyal and deeply connected to their humans, but they also require a bit more patience and understanding. By recognizing their unique needs and adjusting your approach, you can help your sensitive dog lead a happy, enriched life. Remember, the key is to create a world where they feel safe, loved, and understood.

When you decided to bring a dog into your home, you likely imagined all the fun things you would do together. Maybe you are an avid mountain biker or trail runner and imagined your new pup tagging along. Perhaps you are a social person and imagined gatherings that included your friends, family, and their dogs. This isn't unusual. In fact, most of us want to include our dogs as much as possible in the activities we enjoy to hopefully give them a full and enriching life. But, it's important for us to be aware and understand if our DOG enjoys these situations and activities. But what happens when your dog is not suitable for the lifestyle or activities that you love? Or perhaps circumstances have changed — the dog that used to love going to the dog park now can't go without incidents occurring. You may be mourning the dog you wanted. More remote outings can still be a lot of fun for both you and your dog! Dogs Are Not Blanks Slates... Ever When we bring home a dog, whether it is a puppy, or an adult, no matter where they came from or their breed/mix, this does not mean they can be moulded into whatever we want them to be, including likes and dislikes. Your dog may have a strong preference or dislike for certain environments or activities despite your efforts. You must be prepared for that. And no matter how much "training" or exposure you may not have that "mountain biking dog" that you desire. Preferences & Behaviours Can Change Your dog may, for whatever reason at some point in their life, change their behaviour in certain environments or situations. This may not make them suitable to do things they used to do! And while we sure can try with some behaviour modification and investigation to try and change this we may not be successful to reverse this. You Will Have To Adjust Expectations Relationships with animals MUST be reasonable and realistic based on the individual dog, cat, chicken, etc. Each have their own specific set of DNA, history and preferences. We must concede and accept that they will not be suitable for all situations and environments in our lives. Just because your dog cannot go on daily runs with you or go to the dog park doesn't mean they cannot have a fully enriched and happy life with you. Yes, you may have to make adjustments and yes you may be disappointed but this is the reality when we bring pets into our lives. It's the honest truth. Why am I sharing this with you? I want you to know that if this is all too familiar to you and you feel sad and disappointed that you are facing any of these challenges, it's normal to feel that way. It doesn't make you a bad or selfish person. But, you must grieve and let go of the dog you envisioned you would have and EMBRACE the dog you do have! Find activities or things that you perhaps you had never thought of before that you can enjoy together! When my senior dog couldn't do certain activities we then went on lots of car rides together and hit the "magic window" (McDonalds) and went to a quiet park to hang out to get her out and about. We got a dog stroller too. These are just a few ideas to let you know that you may need to get creative, and your relationship can still thrive!

If you have a dog, you likely have had encounters on walks where an off-leash dog runs up to you or your dog. You may like dogs, but have been knocked over or felt unsafe with an off-leash dog running up to you in an area where dogs are mandated to be on leash. Perhaps you or someone you know is fearful of dogs and chooses parks and areas that are not for off-leash dogs. It should not matter the reason, if the area requires dogs to be on leash, they should be ON LEASH. No questions asked. While we can continue to say people mean well, I think most communities have a disconnect about what is and isn't appropriate and safe. It's time for folks to get the memo and start thinking about those around them. Follow The Leash Bylaws! Please! Leash bylaws exist for a host of reasons: They protect the general public from dog bites They prevent dog fights They prevent dogs from becoming injured by vehicles and other hazards They protect sensitive ecosystems They protect wildlife and prevents conflicts Wildlife deserve space from off-leash dogs. What happens when people don't follow leash bylaws: Off leash dogs approaching leashed dogs can result in conflict; many on leash dogs and dogs in general do NOT want strange dogs approaching them. It does NOT matter if your dog is "good" or not! Those that are following the rules have the right to space. Liability issues. If you want to risk letting your dog off leash in non-designated areas and your dog is deemed at fault for a bite or a fight you could be looking at some serious legal consequences. Wildlife. If you live in an area where there are bears, off-leash dogs often create conflict for bears which more often than not results in bears being labelled "aggressive" and are destroyed. Off-leash dogs can significantly disturb and harm migrating shorebirds, especially during critical periods like migration and nesting. Ecosystem Damage. Off-leash dogs can trample vegetation, damage sensitive habitats, and disturb nesting sites Sensitive habitats can be damaged by off-leash dogs Unless you are in a designated off-leash area for dogs, please think about the world around you; everyone deserves space including wildlife, other dogs, people and sensitive environmental areas.

Do you ever look at your dog and wonder what they really want in life? What makes them happy, what makes them fulfilled? I think a lot of us have these thoughts, they are family, we want to do the best we can for them! What do our dogs want in life? I think the best way can we can address these questions is to look at our dogs as individuals, each with their own unique personality and temperament. Some dogs, depending on their history, may need to be close to you to feel safe and content, others are more independent and need to have time on their own. Some dogs are dog social, others are selective or prefer humans to dogsThere are some common themes when it does come to ensuring a certain species is fulfilled. The Number One Non-Negotiable I can't stress this enough, but dogs NEED to feel safe and supported in their environment. When any organism doesn't feel safe, its quality of life will be impacted negatively. Now, safety doesn't just mean shelter; safety will be individual based on your dog and their experiences. Often times it means that your dogs body language is being respected and they are not being forced into situations that result in a lot of stress and anxiety. If you have adopted a dog and despite your best efforts to provide a loving home they are displaying behaviour that indicates they don't feel safe, please reach out. If your dog has anxious or reactive behaviours, inside or outside of the home, this is also a sign they aren't feeling safe. The more they are in these situations, without a plan to reduce these unhealthy behaviours, the more unsafe they will feel in their world. Species & Breed Specific Needs Meet Their Needs Domesticated dogs have a variety of species specific needs. What this means is that each species has its own set of needs that differ from other species, including things like diet, habitat, social interactions, and activity patterns, which are necessary for their health and well-being; essentially, it's what makes a species distinct in terms of its biological needs and how it functions in its environment. When certain needs aren't met, animals tend to find outlets to express those needs in ways we typically don't love. You may notice your dog is extra "barky", restless or is seeking out household items to shred and destroy. Examples: human social interaction vs isolation physical exercise and movement problem solving activities (active and passive enrichment) ability to make choices vs being micromanaged freedom to communicate, vocally as well as through body language adequate sleep and rest a diet that meets nutritional requirements the freedom to sniff and gather information via the olfactory system chewing, digging, dissection of toys Breed Specific Needs Letting Dogs Be Dogs Almost every breed was selectively bred and created to serve a purpose or a function. Not everyone has a purebred dog, so how can we be sure what our dogs "breed specific needs" are? If you know your dog as well as I think you know your dog, they likely have some behavioural tendencies that you have noticed that they instinctually tend to gravitate towards. If you take a look at the breeds humans have created, there are many dogs that need to retrieve, chase, sniff out critters, herd, guard/keep watch, jump, dig ... the list goes on! Instead of trying to STOP our dogs from engaging in these natural behaviours, we can take a look at how to give them healthy and safe outlets. Flirt poles to chase "prey", digging areas, bones or chews, sniff walks. .. get creative. As mentioned above, if we don't find outlets for our dogs, they will be left to their own devices... and you may not like what they choose! I think the best way we can navigate the question as to whether our dogs are happy and fulfilled is to do the best job we can to listen to what they are trying to communicate, meet their individual needs and give them plenty of opportunities to just be dogs.

Separation anxiety in dogs is not uncommon. It's a very difficult challenge and hard for humans to understand. Many behaviours that are symptoms of separation anxiety are often mistaken for something else, or the seriousness of the behaviour is not realized. Separation anxiety or boredom? What Is Separation Anxiety Exactly? Separation anxiety varies from mild to extreme. For dogs this is the distress they feel when they are left alone or a specific person leaves them. It may not matter if there is another pet in the home. For many dogs, it is sheer panic and results in escapism resulting in major damage to the home and/or themselves. This anxiety is a health and medical issue. Some signs to look for: Anxiety when you start to get ready to leave (pacing, panting, hiding, trembling) Will not eat while you are gone Destruction of items in the home ranging from things like pillows to doors Barking, howling and crying for long durations while you are gone Self-injury from chewing themselves or trying to claw out of the home or areas in the home Urination and/or defecation The Crate Can Make It Worse This outdated information is still rampant. Confining an animal in small spaces such as a crate can create more anxiety and result in a dog doing physical harm to themselves. If the thought is that the crate will prevent your dog from damaging your home, I would advise you to seek help from your veterinarian right away as this is a sign that the behaviour is unhealthy and the anxiety needs treatment. For some dogs who love their crate they may CHOOSE to go in there while you are gone but the key here is choice. The door should be left open. Ignoring Your Dog Won't Help This is another strange piece of advice that doesn't help. Ignoring your dog in many cases can make them anxious, especially if you don't normally ignore them which as a social animal we have brought into our home for companionship... I can't imagine ignoring them. Making a huge fuss, will that make it worse? There is not evidence to support this however, my advice would be to come or leave home and say hello or goodbye to them as you normally would. There is something much deeper going on that is triggering their separation anxiety and it likely has nothing to do with you. Some Advice If you aren't sure what's going on when you leave the home, set up a camera and take a look while you are out. Are they vocalizing? If so, does it stop after a period of time or does it continue intermittently and at the same intensity or become worse? Will they eat anything tasty if you leave it for them? If not, these are signs they may have separation anxiety. If your dog is having an episode, return home. Then come up with a plan! While you seek treatment for your dog, avoid leaving them home for longer than they can handle as much as you possibly can! The more that your dog is left and they have episodes, it can become worse with repetition. Talk to your vet or make an appointment with a veterinary behaviourist . Do NOT be afraid of treating this medically, it's a medical condition in which training may not be effective OR it could be a very lengthy process without extra help on board. Resources How to tell if your dog has separation anxiety Helping Dogs With Separation Anxiety Enrichment Activities for Dogs with Separation Anxiety

You may be struggling with this question when it comes to a certain behaviour with your dog. It's safe to assume that when there is a behaviour problem, most of us are wanting to address it so that it doesn't get out of hand. But, did you know that in some cases it's completely FINE and acceptable for you to simply choose prevention and/or management of that problem behaviour? Training is not the solution to all dog behaviour problems! I'll explain... Now, labelling behaviour good or bad isn't helpful because that is far too nuanced and this will vary from person to person depending on who you ask. I'm going to use "problematic" instead. Behaviour is something we should look at from the functional perspective vs moral, as animals do NOT have a moral compass. I digress... Training has its place with our dogs but it's not the only option to solve problems. What Is The Prevention & Management Approach? I'll give a few examples, and no, it's never black and white. Your dog barks at dogs and people walking past your front window in the house. Management & prevention could look like installing frosted window film halfway up the windows, moving furniture that your dog accesses to "patrol" or installing blinds that have the open to remain open at the top. Your dog resource guards (without causing injury) their food bowl. Management & prevention could mean feeding them in an entirely different part of the house. It also could mean leaving them alone while they eat (which I encourage everyone to do regardless). Your dog becomes reactive at pubs and patios (specific environments). You may want to just leave your dog at home! Not all dogs will be suitable for all environments. Do NOT think you have to train this "out" of your dog, often times this is not realistic anyways! Your dog does not do well with on leash greetings. ADVISE YOU TO AVOID THEM! In my professional opinion this is something dog guardians should aim to implement at all costs, regardless of whether your dog is fine meeting other dogs on leash, the margin of error here is huge and it is not worth the risk to engage with unknown dogs while on leash. Avoid on leash greetings at all costs with unknown dogs! When To Manage & Prevent Problematic Behaviours I'm referring to behaviours you'd like to change here. Answer? Always. Whenever humanly possible, preventing the rehearsal of the behaviour we are hoping to change is a key element in the behaviour change process. The more that a behaviour is rehearsed, the more likely it will become a pattern. So, it doesn't matter the seriousness of the behaviour, you should always have a prevention & management plan on board. When To Use ONLY Prevention/Management This is going to depend on some variables. I have created a flowchart below. Now, no matter what issue you are facing, engaging with a behaviour professional when you're in doubt is always a great idea! Some people struggle with the thought of "just avoiding the problem", however, as I mentioned above, prevention & managements should ALWAYS be used if we don't want the behaviour to continue. There is pressure put on dog guardians to try to train away every issue that arises, and I'll tell you why; people have courses, products and services to SELL YOU! Do NOT feel pressured to "train" if avoidance or prevention is easiest, safest and the most realistic route to take! In closing, I want you to take away some important messages: You get to choose what to manage vs train when it comes to problematic behaviours If the behaviour involves an injury to them-self or others (including dogs) then in addition to management & prevention you need to work with a professional because... (see point 3) Management always fails at some point. We are human beings and there is a margin of error. So, if the behaviour is dangerous you must have a back-up plan so that no one gets hurt. Get in touch if you'd like to work together on any problematic behaviours!

The holidays are often a time when we get together with friends and family, we may be having more guests over than we normally do and there is often a buzz of excitement in the home. If you have a dog that may be reactive, this can become a tad stressful. After many years of working with dogs and their humans, the holidays often result in situations that are not fun, such as a dog bite or stressful behaviour. Dog reactivity during the holidays is not fun. In this post, I thought I'd share what I can to hopefully make the holidays less stressful for you and your dog. Guests In Your Home Or Visiting Friends/Family Having a plan is vital if you want to make sure that things go smooth during the holidays. If your dog has reactivity towards people or has anxiety in social situations, here are some things to keep in mind. Assess whether your dog can handle the situation you are putting them in. If you think it will be too overwhelming reconsider OR have a plan for your dog to not partake. Can they stay with a friend or family member, a pet sitter you have pre-vetted or a boarding facility? No, this is not ideal however, if it will be more stressful for your dog, and you, is it really worth it? Meet outside first and go for a little walk first. This can often result in our dogs being less defensive vs a stranger or someone they don't know well entering their safe space or entering a home they are not familiar with. It gives them time to assess the person as well and feel more at ease. Discuss with the vet. Many dogs will benefit from having something on board that reduces anxiety for stressful situations. This can set your dog, and you, up for success ahead of time. What if things take a turn for the worse? Always have a Plan B. Have some place your dog can go whether it's a bedroom or you have a back up plan such as your partner taking your dog to your family members house. Just make sure you aren't stuck in a situation that is stressful and possibly dangerous for you, your dog or your guests Give your dog breaks from the excitement. Going for short walks to break up visits, utilizing a bedroom or quiet area in the home and giving your dog a bully stick or a snuffle mat will help them regulate their stress levels. Just don't wait until they are stressed, be proactive. Use a white noise machine. Your dog will likely be more on edge if you are not staying in your own home or if you are staying somewhere else and a white noise machine can block out any sounds of movement in the home while you are trying to sleep. Be realistic with what you're expecting from your dog. If you don't normally have guests over and all of a sudden you're having a Christmas party with several guests, food, and festivities, is it fair to expect your dog to be mellow and accommodating if we have not prepared them? If your dog is not a great traveller and we are planning to do this for the holidays, have we prepared them to the best of our ability? I'm hoping some of these tips help you in some way over the holidays and you enjoy your time with your dog, friends and family.

When your dog is displaying reactive behaviour and there has been a history of incidents it's natural for you to then become anxious in certain situations. One of the most common questions my clients ask me is "is my anxiety making my dog reactive?" and whether they are making their dog's behaviour WORSE by how they respond or if they are anxious. I understand that when you're trying to work with your dog to reduce reactivity, you want to do everything you can to make sure you aren't making it worse. Sometimes we may inadvertently be doing things that our dogs pick up and they can become signals that something may be wrong. Now, before I go into more details, I want you to keep this in mind; you are only going to feel better once you start implementing a training plan so that you can see improvements and consistency with your dog's behaviour. Blaming yourself won't help! Signals Some of the more common things that we might be doing (and don't realize it) when we are out and about with our dog may be the following: tightening and/or shortening the leash ONLY in the presence of a trigger our tone of voice may change or we may stop engaging all together cue chanting; "leave it, leave it, leave it...." our own body language may tighten up, we may even be breathing differently What Should I Do? A plan. I hear time and time again that my clients feel SO much better when they know what to do consistently, as a pattern, whenever they are with their dog around potential triggers. This makes sense. Our anxiety reduces when we have a pattern to follow and know what to do and when Preparation. What I mean by this is that before you head out with your dog, know what you may need to have with you and bring it. Treat pouch, poop bags, etc. This also includes knowing where you plan to go with your dog and whether you have an exit plan if you get into any sticky situations. Breathing. Breath work is very beneficial for our health. Practice taking deep breaths throughout your time with your dog in ANY potentially stressful situations. Happy talk. This doesn't mean high pitched phony talk with your dog. Using a sing-song voice with your dog and talking them through situations can help BOTH ends of the leash. Leash work. Practice shortening your leash randomly and interacting with your dog in an upbeat manner. If we do this randomly, if we accidentally do this when we are stressed, it's not sending any particular signal to our dog. Reducing Your Anxiety With Hard & Fast Rules Uncertainty is STRESSFUL. Not only for us, but for our dogs as well. A few "hard and fast rules" you may want to implement and start working on with your dog may look like the following: no on leash greetings with dogs you don't know no dog parks (if they cause you to become stressed) saying no to certain parks or trails in which you, or your dog, have seen a pattern of reactivity or negative experiences deciding that taking your dog to certain environments or events is not worth the potential stress or reactivity is NOT copping out! You can't change who you are, if you're a bit anxious naturally, you can only be yourself. But, if any of my suggestions help you feel better then please continue to implement them and let me know via Instagram how you're doing! As always, feel free to book in so we can start making positive change!

You may have heard the term "board and train." Essentially, you send your dog away and they work on the behaviour problems you may be experiencing with your dog. Sometimes it's a kennel-type facility and other times it's in someone's home. I receive email inquiries about such services every week. Sounds like a holy grail doesn't it? Read on... Solutions Start With You Your relationship and interactions with your dog are so important. Your dog is depending on you to help guide them and behaviour problems don't just disappear if you send them away. It is often a long process that takes your dedication and commitment. Especially if we are facing reactivity. Dogs suffering from reactive behaviours are often struggling with anxiety, fear and stress. Pain and discomfort also impact behaviour more than most people are aware of. Taking them out of their home environment and putting them in another environment will contribute to their stress. They may shut down and "not do anything" but that is not a positive thing by any means. And, if you are sending them somewhere that will set them up to react only to punish them, well we will have a whole new host of issues to try and undo when they return to you. Dogs that have reactivity issues are struggling and they need support, guidance and often medical intervention. These issues are complex and can be made much worse with the wrong approach. If you'd like to learn more about WHY your dog is reactive, take a look at our Unraveling Reactivity Course. There Are No Quick Fixes If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. I can't count on one hand in the last 13 years a single case where a dog that I am aware of was sent away to board and train and didn't return damaged. Emotionally or physically. Most "boot camp" board and train cater to those that are desperate for help and think that extreme measures must be taken. This often means that your dog will be subjected to shock collars, prong collars, being choked and physically hurt in the name of training. They may spend the majority of their days kenneled. When you are experiencing severe challenges with your dog's behaviour you should discuss with your veterinarian or seek out a Board Certified Vet Behaviourist. Puppies & Board and Train for Dogs Sending a puppy away during the socialization window (3-12/14 weeks of age) is really such a missed opportunity for dog guardians. This is the time period when you are supposed to be bonding with your puppy, creating a secure attachment and helping them with new routines. If you are struggling with things like house training and sleep schedules then please take our Puppy Essentials Course or contact a positive reinforcement trainer like myself for a referral or to work together. You need to become your dog's trainer for the rest of their life! Invest in learning. Can You Really Trust Them? Google "board and train death" or injuries. I'm sorry to be so blunt but these days you can't trust anyone with your pet. Your dog cannot tell you when something is going wrong or they are being mistreated. There are no regulations and very few laws if any to protect you and your dog. And, if you have found a "positive reinforcement" trainer that offers board who states they are doing the "heavy lifting", dogs don't generalize very well. That means, if your dog is struggling with reactivity in your neighborhood and in your home and you've sent them to someone else's home, this is not going to transfer. Your best approach when you are needing help is to reach out to someone who: uses positive reinforcement does not use "tools" except food to change behaviour is transparent about the methods and approaches they use spends time trying to determine the underlying issues impacting your dog's behaviour ensures you are aware of and rule out pain and discomfort as a contributing factor is continually updating their education and knowledge emphasizes teaching YOU how to best work with your dog never offers quick fixes or blanket approaches I want the very best for you and your pet. Please reach out if you are struggling.