Dream Dog is open for enrollment now UNTIL MIDNIGHT JANUARY 23RD! Have you ever heard of limiting beliefs? That quiet (or not-so-quiet) voice in your head that says: “You can’t do this.” “Your dog is too difficult.” “Don’t even dream about the life you want with your dog.” It sounds like: “I'm not good enough.” “I’ll never make the time—this will be just another thing I sign up for and abandon.” “I'm bad with tech.” “Other people are just naturally better at this.” “I’ve already messed my dog...
about 15 hours ago • 1 min read
I'm not a person who makes New Year's resolutions. I probably made a few when I was young and never followed through. Or maybe I listened to something at some point that said those big resolutions are hard on a person's confidence. Or maybe I always have 10 million things on the go and I don't have a lot of space for one more? I'm not sure really, and it doesn't really matter. But setting goals IS important, regardless of the time of year. You might be afraid to set goals... no goals, no...
1 day ago • 1 min read
Have you ever wondered why so many dogs seem to struggle more than they used to? Today, we’re starting with one piece of the puzzle: Where our dogs are coming from. In the past, dogs often came from right down the street.A neighbour’s good dog met another neighbour’s good dog, puppies happened, and those puppies were usually well suited — both genetically and behaviorally — to the environment they were born into. The parent dogs fit into that neighbourhood, that lifestyle, and those...
2 days ago • 1 min read
If you've been following me for some time, you know that I emphatically believe that how we train our dogs is NOT a one-size-fits-all. Trainers on TikTok or wherever you see them might love to tell you that you just need one method - to fix one thing - and your dog will totally transform. The real problem is that most training strategies, general advice and ChatGPT all treat every dog the same. They assume every dog has the same baseline, when the truth is every dog has their own unique...
2 days ago • 1 min read
Did you know that I don't just work with reactive or aggressive dogs? I love all of the big-feelings dogs! If you want to learn how to work with your dog's emotions and arousal, helping them be the best they can be, Dream Dog is for you! Dream Dog is great for helping your dog with: Confidence Worried about novelty, afraid to make mistakes => Feels optimistic, curious, and happy to try Resiliency One hard event can ruin the whole walk or even the day => Easily bounces back from setbacks...
3 days ago • 1 min read
This sweet little face belongs to Abbey. Abbey has been gone for a few years now, lost to one of those diseases that eventually claims the lives of old dogs. Abbey had a great family - two humans who loved her dearly and who gave her an amazing life. One of those humans became a trusted and treasured friend. Back when I was one of Abbey's trainers, I didn't know a lot about dogs like her - those who would bite to protect themselves when they felt threatened. Back then, it was the Cesar Milan...
4 days ago • 1 min read
I LOVE working with multiple dogs in a home - there are so many training opportunities for teaching self control, patience, and emotional regulation, right in your own home! I just met Gracie and Rory and we put a plan in place to build Rory’s self-control—so there’s more peace in the home and Gracie gets her own space, toys, chews, and one-on-one time with her people without needing to put the puppy away. My home is so quiet... For the first time in 20 years, I only have 2 dogs. I am used to...
4 days ago • 1 min read
I was so excited to reconnect with Gillian and Tucker, students from 5 years back, to see where they are now. We had just two sessions 5 years ago and Tucker is not only still with them, but out there living his best life! 😍 🎧 Listen to Tucker's Story Did you miss the webinar? Want to watch again? The main presentation is first with all of the Q&As at the end! There were some great questions! YouTube Link (Video Replay) Would you rather listen while you walk your dog? I uploaded the audio...
5 days ago • 1 min read
Sage enjoying winter hikes Haven't you wished for people to stay home when you walk your dog? Thought of walking early or during the rain, just so you can avoid people? Wished the park was empty so you could enjoy it with your dog? That's why winter is the BEST time to train! If you have a dog who struggles out in the world, dress for the weather and head outside! We can help our dogs learn new behaviour patterns now. As the weather warms and people start coming back outside, it is a nice...
6 days ago • 1 min read