Being With Dogs

04/19/2026

Excellent article! Be sure to bookmark Pet Harmony.

Our newest blog post digs into signs your dog doesn't trust you — and more importantly, what to do about it.

Spoiler: building trust isn't just about being "nice." It's about creating an environment that's predictable, full of choice, and safe enough for your dog to feel genuinely secure.

Read it here: https://petharmonytraining.com/5-signs-your-dog-doesnt-trust-you/

03/31/2026

Celebrating this fantastic resource!

I'm celebrating 14 years of writing (and podcasting) about how to help our dogs and cats have better lives.

I'm still here because this stuff matters, not just to dogs and cats, but also to their people. As I've said many times over the years, when you know what your pet needs and provide it for them, they will be happier and less likely to have behaviour issues--and you will be happier too, because what's nicer than having a happy and contented pet?!

The other reason I'm still here, of course, is because this stuff matters to you, too. I'm so grateful for the community of people that has built up around this blog, and for all the emails and messages I get whenever I publish a new post or when people have questions. I love to hear from you.

I'm excited about some things that are coming up later this year that I will be able to share with you soon.

I'd like to say a special thank you to Kristi for being such an excellent Special Correspondent to Companion Animal Psychology and for being such a fun co-host on the podcast.

And I'd also like to say a special thank you to everyone who has supported the blog over the past year. I couldn't have done it without you.

If you’d like to support my work, you can become a member or founding member of Companion Animal Psychology, or you can buy me a coffee, all via the link in bio.

Thank you, all, and Happy 14th Anniversary!

03/20/2026

This is an excellent workshop, suitable for all dogs!

URBAN TRACKING WORKSHOP
Kamloops Canine Coaching is offering an URBAN TRACKING WORKSHOP on June 19 (evening), 20, and 21.

Registration is open now!!!
For more Information please contact me at:
[email protected]

This workshop is for all dogs and their people; no experience is required. If you attended last year, you know how much fun tracking is. There will be a beginners group and a returning student group.

In Tracking, dogs work alone, so it is ideal for reactive dogs.

Our Instructor, Teri Dunbrack, is an excellent teacher. She is knowledgeable, kind, and has a straightforward approach.

I love this sport and have found that I have been able to continue to work with my dog using the skills that I have learned over one weekend.

Tracking is a growing sport with new organizations on the rise. It is also a fantastic way to just have fun and tire your dog out at the same time. And you don't even have to leave town to do it!

Thank you

E Karen Williamson

https://form.jotform.com/260654604716054

03/04/2026

Coming up this Friday in !

We are celebrating International Women’s Day this year with our annual fundraiser ‘Claws for A Cause!’

All funds will go towards the Interior Women’s Centre Society, a charity that helps empower women to be safe, supported, and independent!💜

Our event will be held Friday March 6th from 9am to 4pm and require a minimum $20 donation. Please call to book a spot today while they’re available, as we are not taking walk-ins!

Please note we may not be able to accommodate every pet due to behaviour or safety concerns for our staff, if you’re curious if your pet is suitable for this fundraiser, don’t hesitate to call our client care representatives to ask!

📅 Friday March 6th 9am-4pm
☎️(250)-374-1485
📧[email protected]

02/19/2026

The best thing you can do for your wee pup!

✨Puppy Classes starting March 18th✨

Introduce your pup to the vet clinic while learning about socialization and basic manners. Call 250-374-1485 to learn more and to register.

02/09/2026

This workshop is highly recommended for everyone in the area who takes dogs for off leash hikes!

01/06/2026

Take this workshop!

📣 Upcoming Dog Handler Workshop 📣

Sunday January 11th, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: SRD K9s Facility @ 101 - 780 Windsor Ave
$45 plus gst per person
Register today, spaces are limited
www.canineconnectiondt.ca/workshops

Ever think the Trainer makes it look easy and effortless when working with a dog?
Join us for this FUN, interactive workshop (for the humans only) focusing on improving your handler communication skills, reinforcement delivery mechanics, placement and timing!

At this workshop focused solely on the HUMAN and your skills to teach your dog. As a result, your dog will be able to learn faster as well as stay focused during training sessions. Having clear mechanics will also help your dog to stay motivated and engaged during training sessions instead getting frustrated and showing high arousal behaviours like barking, jumping up, sniffing, walking away or mugging your hands.

** Registration is per person. If you would like multiple people in your household to attend, please select multiple dogs. If you only have one dog, please email me so I can manually enrol/invoice you**

01/03/2026

This sums up what we convey to all of our clients. It’s so important to understand this.

Aggression Is Not a Training Problem

When aggression shows up, the conversation almost always moves quickly toward training plans, tools, and techniques.
What cues should we teach?
What skills should we strengthen?
What’s the fastest way to stop the behavior?

That response makes sense. Training feels actionable.

But aggression isn’t actually a training problem.

It isn’t a lack of cues.
It isn’t stubbornness.
It isn’t a dog “blowing you off.”

Aggression is information. It reflects how a dog is experiencing their environment, their relationships, and their internal state at that moment.

When we focus only on obedience, we risk missing critical pieces of the picture: emotional regulation, stress, context, overall welfare, and even pain.

Skills can sometimes change how behavior looks on the surface, but they don’t resolve fear, discomfort, or conflict on their own.

Lasting change starts when we slow down enough to understand why a behavior exists before deciding how to address it.

11/06/2025

pups please start here!

Mark your calendars 🗓️ November 19th
Puppy Class Sessions are open for registration 🐶✨
Keep warm and keep your puppy busy with these classes. ✏️

3-6 month olds - Puppy Basics - 4:30-5:15
8-12 week olds - Puppy Socialization - 5:45-6:45

Classes run for 4 consecutive Wednesdays. Space is limited so register to save your spot.

10/30/2025

Nessie is a good example of why we never say never to dog parks. They can be the best thing ever for some dogs and their humans!

What a wonderful community of both humans and canines 🐶 🐕 I have been introduced to at the Aberdeen small dog park since relocating to Kamloops in September. I am beyond thrilled to feature some of the adorable pups 🐾 I have met so far. Introducing Nessie a gorgeous Cairn Terrier who is almost 3 years old. She is named after the mythical creature in Scottish folklore. Every morning she and her human Dad head to the park so Nessie can play with her friends. She loves to have her orange ball KICKED…NOT THROWN for her to chase and return. She is full of personality and I am told she doesn’t have family…she has “staff.” 😆 In the summer months she enjoys time on both Stump and Sheridan Lake. 🚤 While there Nessie supervises all the activities that her humans are enjoying. Break out the party hats 🥳 and blow up some balloons 🎈 🎈 because it’s time to celebrate Nessie being named Postman Dean’s Dog of the Day. Congratulations! 👏