The Doggie Dame

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Canada
Barrie, ON
The Doggie Dame

Certified Professional Dog Trainer providing obedience and behaviour modification.

10/31/2023

🧡🐾🖤

09/02/2023

Many dog owners believe a dog should stay beside them at all times on a leash, as it promotes deference. Truth be told, leash reactivity or leash frustration can be significantly alleviated by putting them on a longer lead and allowing them to sniff.

My dogs get walked on a 15 foot lead. When I need to reel them in for safety or to pass another dog, I accordion their leash in and do a “structured” walk until we’re in the clear!

There are many benefits to letting your dog sniff while they’re on their walks! Did you know that 15 minutes of sniffing can equate to a 45 minute walk? Now you know!

08/30/2023

He is not the first, and won’t be the last. A modern day Cesar Milan in the industry, using social media to gain popularity. My fight here is a good fight, to help change this industry forever and educate people on techniques that work and do not sacrifice the wellbeing of our canine companions.

I come from a place of love. A judgement free zone if you have used, or currently use any type of aversive or balanced style of training. As someone who’s made my own mistakes in training because of the amount of opinions out there, I SEE YOU!

Anyone can become a trainer! Please do your research and find a certified trainer, or a trainer that follows the code of ethics and standards set out by the .

08/18/2023

Let’s Talk Shock!

I recently attended a webinar with Behavior Vets that spoke of the operant and Pavlovian effects of aversive control. While I had a general understanding of the effects of aversive training tools, it was great to see the evidence and data to support the statement that aversive tools cause fallout behaviours and concerns for the mental and physical well-being of our canine partners.

Full disclosure! In the past I have used these tools as they “work” and they “work quickly”. Little did I know about the dangers of fallout behaviours and what it actually does to the well-being of our dogs. When you feel at your wits end, you will do anything.

If you use these tools, on any level, I encourage you to do proper research on why these tools can be dangerous. As a canine behaviour consultant, it is my job to educate my clients on the use of these tools and other aversive training styles, along with the now debunked “Alpha Theory” and attempt to write my wrongs from my past training methods.

07/04/2023

It’s hot 🥵

Be VERY aware of how much time your dog is spending outside the next few days! Here are some helpful tips to keep your dog cool ❄️

1. Provide plenty of water
2. Always keep your dog in the shade and allow frequent breaks while outside
3. Check the temperature of the pavement if you’re walking your dog
4. Use an elevated or cooling bed
5. Go swimming!
6. Provide them their exercise at cooler times
7. Provide frozen kongs, ice treats, or other refreshing treats for enrichment
8. If your dog is demonstrating any of the behaviours listed in the photo, bring them to an emergency vet IMMEDIATELY. Organ failure can happen VERY quickly.
8. NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A CAR FOR ANY AMOUNT OF TIME

06/30/2023

HAPPY CANADA DAY WEEKEND!

Here are some helpful tips if your dog isn’t fond of fireworks ♥️

1) Take your dog for a long walk before firework displays.
2) Play music such as spa, reggae, or classical to help drown out the noise. These types of music are scientifically proven to help calm dogs. Avoid high strings!
3) Ensure your pet is in their safe place.
4) Provide treats, frozen stuffed kongs, etc to help distract them.
5) Stay with your pet if they’re scared.
6) Provide calming signals such as stretching, slow blinks, yawning and lip licks when you’re with your dog.
7. Avoid reinforcing your dog during times of negative emotions.

🐾♥️🇨🇦

06/10/2023

Maya has made beautiful progress on her “with me” cue. Good girl, Maya!

05/19/2023

As a behaviour consultant that uses positive reinforcement, I always go to my WHY first. Why is this behaviour happening? Breed, genetics, epigenetics, learned behaviours etc. all play a role.

Many dog owners, and some trainers, focus immediately on how to fix the behaviour first. I always educate my clients on the WHY first and foremost, and if the dog is in an environment where it can learn, I then focus on the how. 🐾

05/05/2023

Maya did the best she could with Dr. Rogers at Mill Street Animal Clinic today for her annual vaccines! Dr. Rogers is not only a friendly and an incredibly knowledgeable and helpful veterinarian, but she is SO GREAT with doggies that come with anxiety. As a behavioural consultant, I know the importance of allowing your dog to make choices to approach the “scary” thing themselves, (or in Mayas case, to come out from hiding behind me) and when to allow the dog space based on their body language and facial expressions. Dr. Rogers and her RVT spent so much time allowing Maya to decide to close distance to her and come out of hiding, rewarding her with ALL the treats when she did! Dr. Rogers and her team went above and beyond today for Maya and did not rush the process. We thank them so much and appreciate the extra time for our anxious doggies ♥️🐾

03/13/2023

Meet Phoenix! Phoenix is an adorable little 5 year old Canaan mix whom unfortunately has been through a world of trauma. A rescue from Israel, he came from a very abusive home where based on his behaviours and fears we can assume he was physically and mentally abused for most of his short life.

Phoenix, while in his home, completely shuts down and doesn’t move from his bed. He really dislikes slippery flooring! He is very sound and motion sensitive but loves to be hugged! He also LOVES treats! When Phoenix is outside he is a different dog! He loves to bounce and dig and play in the snow! Phoenix tries very very hard to overcome his fears but needs a little bit of help.

Phoenix’ program to start is all based on making him feel comfortable and safe by providing him freedom of choice, a regimented schedule to reduce anxiety, sound therapy, and lots and lots of treats! It also includes teaching his humans all about canine body language so that they understand how he’s feeling and can communicate with him, which in turn will help him gain trust in them and enhance their bonds together.

Phoenix certainly suffers from PTSD and has a long road of recovery ahead of him, however, he has fallen into the hands of the most loving family that will do anything for him. I am so grateful to be a part of Phoenix’ recovery ❤️‍🩹

02/22/2023

To My Dearest Clients!

I thank you for your patience as you await email responses, documents, appointment recaps, etc. I was very sick with the flu that took me out for over a week. I am now battling strep throat and am down and out again.

I appreciate your patience and understanding, and I look forward to being back on my feet and getting caught up soon!

Sincerely,

Shannon

01/20/2023

Maya has been working on her “with me” cue. I use a 15ft lead to give her the space to sniff and explore her environment, when I want her to re-engage I give her the “with me” cue and she’s to keep eye contact with me. Eye contact was previously trained with a “look” cue.

When she’s welcome to go back and explore, I give her the “let’s go” cue. I started this exercise when there were little to no distractions, and now use it when other dogs walk by, when cars drive by, or to control her from seeing any wildlife that may trigger her prey drive. Good girl, Maya!

Address

Barrie, ON

Telephone

+17057184662

Website

http://www.doggiedame.com/

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