How to set up your home for a new puppy
Getting ready to welcome a new puppy? Here’s how to set up your home for success, safety, and a smoother first week together.
How to set up your home for a new puppy Read More »
Day training vs. private sessions: What’s best?
Struggling to decide between day training and traditional private dog training sessions? This article breaks down the benefits, differences, and ideal scenarios for each type, helping you confidently choose the training approach that best aligns with your dog’s needs, your lifestyle, and your training goals.
Day training vs. private sessions: What’s best? Read More »
What to teach your puppy: A guide for new dog parents
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but knowing where to start with training can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll cover the first three things every new dog parent should teach their puppy: name recognition, engagement, and handling exercises. These foundations will help set your pup up for success and make future training much easier. Read on to learn how to get started!
What to teach your puppy: A guide for new dog parents Read More »
Clicker training in Montreal: A beginner’s guide
Clicker training enhances communication by marking the exact moment a behaviour happens, making learning clearer and more engaging. But before it works, your dog must understand what the click means—a process called ‘loading the clicker.’ Learn how to introduce this science-backed method for better training results.
Clicker training in Montreal: A beginner’s guide Read More »
Punishment in dog training: What to do instead
Many dog owners turn to punishment out of frustration or outdated advice, but science shows it’s not the best way to train. Punishment can lead to fear, anxiety, and even increased aggression—without actually teaching your dog what to do instead. This article breaks down the science behind why punishment fails, the unintended consequences it creates, and how reinforcement-based training provides a more effective and humane alternative.
Punishment in dog training: What to do instead Read More »
The first 48 hours: Helping your dog settle in
Helping your dog settle in during the first 48 hours is key to a smooth transition.
Bringing home a new dog is exciting yet challenging. Set the stage for success with these essential tips on preparation,
building trust, creating routine, and understanding your dog’s adjustment process using the helpful 3-3-3 rule.
Start your journey with confidence and compassion.
The first 48 hours: Helping your dog settle in Read More »
The humane hierarchy: A better way to train your dog
Dog training should be kind, effective, and fair. The humane hierarchy, developed by Dr. Susan Friedman, provides a framework that ensures training is ethical, science-based, and prioritizes a dog’s well-being. Learn how each level—from addressing health and environment to using reinforcement—helps shape behaviour without fear or force. Discover why this method is the gold standard for ethical training and how it can help your dog thrive.
The humane hierarchy: A better way to train your dog Read More »
Socialization done right: What it is (and what it isn’t)
Socialization isn’t just about letting puppies play with other dogs—it’s about helping them feel safe and confident in the world. From different people and environments to new sounds and textures, early and ongoing socialization is key to raising a well-adjusted dog. Learn about the critical socialization periods, how to avoid common mistakes, and why positive exposure throughout life makes a difference.
Socialization done right: What it is (and what it isn’t) Read More »
How dogs learn: The science behind behaviour and training
Ever wondered how dogs really learn? Understanding operant conditioning, reinforcement, and extinction can make training more effective and enjoyable. Learn why positive reinforcement works best, how extinction bursts impact behaviour, and why timing is everything in dog training. Science-backed training leads to confident, well-behaved dogs—and a stronger bond with them. Explore the research behind humane training methods and how you can apply them in everyday life.
How dogs learn: The science behind behaviour and training Read More »