Dog Training and Services
Come, Sit, Stay, Thrive!
We are so excited to meet you and your dog! Regardless if your problem solving some behavioral problems, starting fresh with a new puppy or just looking for some fun things to do with your dog we have it covered!
Dog Training
Build the relationship waiting to blossom!
I have been training dogs in various venue's for over 12 years now! What started with a childhood dream to show dogs has blossomed into more than 10 year old me could ever imagine! I have shown dogs to their Championships and Grand Championships as well as showing to the number one position in their breed in Canada, top five in their group and top ten all breed. I have added CKC titles in rally obedience, barn hunt, Trick dog, and sprinters as well as trained in Agility, PSA and added Canine Good Neighbor Titles to my dogs. I had the honor of working with some of Canada's top Search and Rescue Trainers and trained with CKC judges in Obedience and Rally. I continue to take seminars and train in various venues to make sure I am bring the most updated information to the classes offered. As a balanced trainer we use proven methods and help you build a positive meaningful relationship with your dog. I look forward to meeting your dog!
I am an accredited Canine Good Neighbor Evaluator for the Canadian Kennel Club and a Canine Fitness and Conditioning Coach through Do More With Your Dog!
We have a few different options for dog training available which include group classes or private sessions (offered seasonally)!
Group Classes are offered regularly throughout the summer and fall! In these classes we cover everything from basic obedience to problem solving behaviors, loose leash walking, impulse control and building a better relationship with your dog!
Private Sessions are one on one and tailored exactly to your needs! These are great for dogs who maybe aren’t ready for the group atmosphere or maybe can’t wait till the next set of group classes to get some behaviors addressed!
Dog Sports
Do more with your dog!
We are excited to introduce you to a variety of dog sports! Although we touch on the sports available to you in our basic class we also have classes tailored just for sports!
An exciting addition to our program line up is introductory classes on sports such as Rally Obedience, Agility, Rat Find, Conformation and Trick Dog. In these classes we will prep you for your first trial and give you and your dog the chance to feel out what you may want to pursue!
Ready? Lets Train!
Ready to sign up for our Classes, Seminars or Training?
Adopt Responsibly
Top 5 Questions to ask when adopting:
1. How and why did the puppy come into rescue? Knowing the story on your future pup will assist with addressing behavioral issues in the future (ie did they come in without a mother and lacked the basic structure that comes from being with the mom for 8-10 weeks? Or were they in a traumatic situation?)
2. How long has he or she been there? Reputable rescues have quarantine periods and allow new dogs the chance to decompress and be evaluated before taking them to adoption events or allowing them to be adopted out! Make sure your dog or puppy has been allowed this time.
3. How long has he or she been there? Any behavioral issues or concerns ie resource guarding, nipping? How should they be they dealt with? Because rescues should be quarantining and doing behavioral evaluations before placing their dogs they should be able to give you some good insight on what they know so far regarding the dog or puppy.
4. Do you know how he or she is with kids, cats, dogs, strangers, vets, trainers? Can my children or pets meet him or her before I commit to adopting? Again, like above their time spent during the evaluation period should give insight on this, do note there will be behaviors that pop up afterwards as well but they should have some info to give on the dogs temperament etc.
5. How is he or she on Leash walking? Basic Obedience? Recall? Energy level? The rescue will know some of this information based on their time with the dog but will also be able to refer you to a trainer if there are areas of concern.
5 Questions to ask the rescue about the adoption process:
1. Do you have a contract? Reputable rescues will have a contract that you will need to read over.
2. Specific requirements for this puppy (ie fenced back yard)? After their quarantine and behavioral evaluations, the rescue may have specific requirements depending on the dog.
3. What happens if I can no longer care for the puppy? ALL REPUTABLE RESUCES WILL TAKE THEIR DOGS BACK – if they do not have an answer for this question reconsider another rescue.
4. If I have a problem, whom can I contact? Most rescues will have someone answering their phone/Facebook page etc available to give some assistance but keep in mind these are all volunteers and it could take some time.
5. What is the process and cost? Reputable rescues will have a process which will include calling references, potential house checks etc. If the rescue is willing to place the dog without even calling a reference, this is a red flag they may not have the dog’s best interest in mind! Cost will vary depending on the location and price of vetting in the area but if they are charging significantly more because the dog is Purebred or in high demand that is concerning.
Littermate Syndrome
Getting two dogs at the same time seems like a great idea. Dogs are social animals, and a dog who will be alone all day can easily turn to destructive behavior or become anxious. Two puppies can entertain each other and keep each other company. So, what’s the problem with bringing home two puppies at once?
Professional trainers recommend against bringing home two puppies around the same age, let alone two from the same litter. While this sounds like a good plan in theory, in practice it often causes quite a bit of heartache and potentially some serious aggression trouble.
In addition to the problems, one might expect with bringing home siblings such as double food and vet costs and double the potty-training work, new puppy owners need to focus on how the puppies will develop. Puppies’ brains continue developing until they hit sexual maturity (and even a bit beyond that), and there’s solid research out there concluding that bringing two puppies’ home at the same time prevents one, or both, of the puppies from reaching his or her full potential.
Other abhorrent and heart-breaking effects of Littermate Syndrome:
• The shy puppy becomes increasingly withdrawn and introverted and never reaches potential
• Often even the “bold” puppy turns out to be quite nervous and uncertain when separated• The puppies often become incredibly co-dependent, exhibiting high anxiety when separated
• They often fail to bond to their human family as strongly as they otherwise would, if at all.
• At social maturity, these puppies may begin fighting with one another, often quite severely.
• Even non-sibling puppies can exhibit Littermate Syndrome when placed together.
Can littermate syndrome be prevented?
Theoretically, yes, however it’s so difficult as to be nearly impossible in practice. Remember, even experienced guide dog puppy raisers aren’t expected to be able to prevent this issue from developing.
At a bare minimum, the two puppies would need to be crated and cared for separately, including separate walks, training classes, and playtime with their owners. The puppies need to have more one-on-one time with their new owners than they have with each other, effectively doubling the work and negating any of the possible benefits (i.e. companionship) that they were adopted together for in the first place.
Bottom Line: we absolutely know that puppies do best when brought home separately. If you want multiple dogs, consider purchasing or adopting adult dogs who are already done developing instead.
Shop Responsibly
Top Questions to Ask Your Breeder!
- Ask to meet some of the breeders dogs?
It has always been recommended to meet the puppies parents but with advances in technology so many reputable breeders use artificial insemination and many times the sire of the litter may be across the country. We would recommend though you meet the pups mom or at least visit your breeders kennel, meet their dogs, interact with them and get a good feel for the way the dogs are cared for! - Have health tests been performed on the parents?
You’ll want to be sure that the breeder has tested the parents to be sure that they are healthy and have no genetic diseases common to the breed. Lately backyard breeders have discovered that they can "appear" reputable by doing the bare minimum testing through companies like pawprint genetics, be sure your breeder has OFA certifications as well! - How long have you been breeding? What is your experience with this breed?
You’ll want to know what experience the breeder has with breeding and their specific breed. They should be knowledgeable about the breed’s strengths and weaknesses and any genetic diseases that might affect their breed. Its also good to ask if they are involved in any breed clubs, organizations, or sports (are they just raising dogs for money or are they actively involved in the breed) - How do you socialize your puppies?
It is very important that puppies are properly socialized so they become well-adjusted dogs. You should find out if the puppies have been around people, other dogs, and if they are comfortable with a household environment. The puppies and other dogs should not be unusually shy or scared. Breeders will use programs like "puppy culture" to raise their litters - be sure you ask what puppy culture activities have been done - again backyard breeders like to use this as a buzz word to make them seem reputable but they are not actually following through. - Are the puppies up-to-date on vaccinations?
You should be sure that the breeder has taken the puppy to a veterinarian and knows where he is on his vaccine schedule. - Do you provide a health guarantee and a contract?
It is important to find out what kind of guarantee the breeder provides with their puppies. What happens if you find the puppy has a serious health condition? If you can no longer care for the puppy will the breeder reclaim it? Like with good rescues good breeders will always take their puppies back! - When will you be able to take the puppy home?
The breeder should tell you not to expect to bring home the puppy until it is eight to 12 weeks of age. Puppies need ample time to mature and socialize with their mother and litter mates. - How can we contact you after picking up the puppy?
The breeder should be willing to give you their contact information and encourage you to contact them with any questions or concerns you may have. Breeders are an excellent resource and breed mentor for you throughout the life of your dog. - What requirements do you have of people looking to get one of your puppies?
Breeders should be willing to answer any questions you have and should ask many of you as well. Breeders will want to make sure their puppies are going to good homes, and not just sell to the first person to show up with money in hand.
Picking the right breeder is important. You want to make sure the breeder is responsible, cares for their dogs, and will be a valued resource for you throughout your dog’s life