There has been a disappointing, even quite disturbing trend, on social media lately. Accounts have been posting videos of dogs in distress, as “funny” videos of dogs just “being dramatic”. The dogs in all cases are not in life threatening situations. In fact they are often in very normal situations such as having their nailsContinue reading “No, your dog is not just being dramatic”
Category Archives: Dog training
Be a leader, not the alpha
The alpha myth still runs rampant in the k9 world. So if it comes to you as a surprise that “alpha” is a myth, you’re far from alone! The alpha myth, which says that dogs have similar social structure to wolves and that wolf packs operate with one alpha which must remain dominant over theContinue reading “Be a leader, not the alpha”
Emergency kits for backcountry k9’s
I have been adventuring in the backcountry with my dogs for many years. From the moment I had Cody we were hitting the trails in the parks near Ottawa. Although we spent a lot of time on those trails, it was never a remote enough for me to bring around emergency supplies and I justContinue reading “Emergency kits for backcountry k9’s”
Adventuring with senior dogs
My dogs are 8 and 11 years old. I can’t believe I just typed that. It feels like not very long ago they were 2 and 5 years old. Taking care of senior dogs is different. I realized a couple years ago, as my oldest dog Cody officially became a senior, that I had toContinue reading “Adventuring with senior dogs”
Hiking with reactive dogs
I love my dogs, I love mountains, and I especially love both together. I love taking my pooches on all kinds of outdoor adventures because they love it just as much as I do. I can see a switch go off in my dogs when we hit the trails; they are engaged, sniffing, exploring, stompingContinue reading “Hiking with reactive dogs”
You (yes you!) matter
You matter. It’s the simplest way I can think to put this message out there. But it is this simple: you matter. If you’re working on raising a new puppy, or working through some frustrating behaviours, or maybe even working on behavioural modification for aggressive behaviours, it doesn’t matter what the issue is, what mattersContinue reading “You (yes you!) matter”
As seen on TV: Canine Intervention
Good dog training generally doesn’t make for good television. Television shows are about instant gratification. Magnificent makeovers done in 20 minutes. Full home builds and renovations in 55 minutes. It’s about showing one extreme to another. When it comes to good dog training (by this, I mean ethical, humane and science-based dog training) on television,Continue reading “As seen on TV: Canine Intervention”
Any dog can bite
Any dog can bite. Let me repeat that: any dog can bite. I don’t say this to alarm anyone, I say it so that everyone can look at their dog with the respect and understanding that biting is a part of their communication toolbox and if we treat any dog as if it would neverContinue reading “Any dog can bite”
Not all dogs love all dogs
If you’ve got a 3-4 year old dog, you may have noticed some changes in their social behaviour. Perhaps they aren’t as interested in playing with new dogs. Or perhaps you’re noticing their patience is waning with younger dogs. You’re likely seeing a very normal change in social behaviour, the change to becoming dog-selective. AContinue reading “Not all dogs love all dogs”
Why are puppy classes important?
So you just got a puppy and everyone is asking you when you’re starting puppy class but you don’t know why you even need to do it. In this post, I’ll break down the important benefits of attending a puppy class. Learning how to socialize your puppy. Socializing your puppy is not just about gettingContinue reading “Why are puppy classes important?”
Stoked Dogs 