Meet Tabitha Turton
I’m a Montreal dog trainer and behaviour consultant helping guardians understand what’s shaping their dog’s behaviour and turn that understanding into practical support for everyday life.
A good plan starts with good questions
We start by looking at what your dog does, where it happens, what comes before and after, how their health and routines are going, and what life looks like for everyone involved.
That context helps us recognize patterns and choose strategies that fit your dog, your home, and the time and energy you have available. Your plan may include new skills, environmental changes, enrichment, management, cooperative care, and conversations with your veterinary team when health may be part of the picture.
You’ll understand the reasoning behind each recommendation and get clear guidance for what to practise between sessions.
From product problems to dog behaviour
Before founding Belle & Bark, I spent nearly two decades working in technology, including customer support, customer success, and product management.
Much of that work involved listening closely, investigating complex problems, finding patterns, and turning detailed information into practical solutions. Those skills still shape the way I approach dog behaviour today.
I wanted my next chapter to bring that problem-solving experience closer to the animals and people I care about. Dog behaviour gave me a field where curiosity, observation, relationships, and practical thinking all matter.
At home, I share life with my partner and our rescue dogs, Oliver and Maya, and our cat, Max. They’re a regular reminder that every animal brings their own history, preferences, sense of humour, and opinions about how the household should run.
The details matter
Looking closely helps us understand the dog in front of us and build support your family can genuinely use.
Look closely
We pay attention to patterns across behaviour, health, routines, relationships, and environment so we can see how the pieces connect.
Stay practical
We’ll choose manageable changes and skills that fit your home, schedule, abilities, and available energy.
Teach clearly
You’ll understand what we’re working on, why it matters, and what to practise between sessions.
Keep learning
I regularly review research, continue my professional education, and learn alongside other behaviour professionals.
Behaviour makes more sense in context
Family Dog Mediation is one of the frameworks that shapes our approach to behaviour. It encourages us to consider what a dog has learned, the environment around them, inherited traits, and their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Behaviour science gives us useful principles. The individual dog guides how we apply them.
This broader view brings training, enrichment, management, health considerations, environment, and relationships into one connected plan. It also helps us recognize when a change outside the training session could make daily life easier or more comfortable.
Learning · Environment · Genetics · Self
Learning that stays current
Dog behaviour is a developing field, and my education continues alongside my client work. Professional memberships, mentorship, and conversations with other trainers and behaviour consultants keep me connected to current practice.
Education and certifications
What I’m learning now
I’m currently completing the Aggression in Dogs Master Course, led by Michael Shikashio, CDBC. I also regularly review current dog behaviour research through Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior’s Research Bites.
Clear guidance, room for questions
Sessions are practical and conversational. We’ll work with your dog together, pause to make sense of what we’re seeing, and adjust as we go.
You’ll leave with clear next steps, written guidance, and a better understanding of what your dog is communicating.