Loving Leader Dog Training

06/18/2026

Let’s talk about training tools.

Some dogs come to me and I know right away that a training tool will help us communicate more effectively. Other times, I start with whatever equipment the owner is already using. And sometimes, owners have a specific tool they’re committed to using—and that’s okay too.

For this dog, it was the “no-pull harness” that’s constantly being advertised all over social media.

At our session yesterday, the owner greeted me with:

“Oh my God, she’s pulling so hard that I injured my shoulder.”

At that point, the tool was not helping them achieve their goals. It was time to try something different.

After spending most of the session working with a new collar and teaching both dog and owner how to use it, the change was incredible!

The owner was so excited that she called her daughter and said, “Come meet us on the road—I want you to see Daisy!”

A few minutes later, as we worked Daisy around her daughter’s dog, the owner looked at me and said:

“Oh my God… this is my dream. I just want to be able to walk them together.”

That’s the moment.

Not because the tool magically fixed the dog.

But because the right tool finally allowed communication to happen.

Before, Daisy was pulling so hard that she was hurting her owners. They were only controlling her, but had no real communication.

Let me be clear: a tool is not a shortcut. It doesn’t fix behavior. It doesn’t teach your dog. It isn’t the solution.

What it does is create a communication system between you and your dog.

And when communication improves, that’s when training can begin.

You can then start working towards your goals or in this case, YOUR DREAMS! 

06/18/2026

Looking to work with your reactive dog in a group setting?
Our group reactivity classes focus on practicing skills in a controlled setting and working around other dogs and other triggers.
Friday June 26 and Friday July 3
One hour classes
$100 plus tax
Located in Komoka
Message me to sign up!

06/08/2026

Love is a huge part of dog ownership, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

A fulfilled dog also needs guidance, structure, consistency, boundaries, and clear communication.

Love is important. But love alone doesn’t teach a dog how to navigate the world. 🐾

06/08/2026

☀️ HOT WEATHER = HEAT STROKE RISK ☀️

As dog trainers, we spend a lot of time outdoors with dogs, and one of the most important things every owner should know is how to recognize the signs of heat stroke.

🚨 Signs of heat stroke in dogs:
• Excessive panting
• Thick, sticky drool
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Weakness or stumbling
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Glassy eyes
• Disorientation or confusion
• Collapse or loss of consciousness

If you suspect heat stroke:

✅ Move your dog to a cool, shaded area immediately.
✅ Offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water.
✅ Wet their body with cool water, focusing on the belly, paw pads, and groin area.
✅ Use a fan if available.
‼️ Contact your veterinarian right away, even if your dog appears to be improving!!!!!!

🚫 Do NOT use ice baths or extremely cold water, as this can make it harder for your dog’s body to cool properly.

Remember: Heat stroke can become life-threatening in minutes. Prevention is always best, avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day, provide plenty of fresh water, and never leave a dog in a parked vehicle.

Stay safe and keep those pups cool this summer! 🐾❤️

PetSafety ResponsibleDogOwn

06/04/2026

Healthy play between dogs should go both ways.

Think of it like a conversation, not a monologue.
Both dogs take turns chasing, initiating, and pausing. Both dogs choose to stay engaged.

The moment one dog disengages, turns away, slows down, or tries to leave, play should stop.

Not “one more time.”
Not “they’ll figure it out.”

Because when one dog opts out and the other keeps going, it is no longer play, it is pressure.

And when there is a size difference, this matters even more.

Equal play does not mean equal size, it means equal experience.
The bigger dog should soften, take breaks, and give space.
The smaller dog should look confident, not overwhelmed.

If one dog is enduring it, it is not fair play.

Good play is not about wearing dogs out,
it is about both dogs wanting to stay in the game.

06/04/2026

I’ll say it once I’ll say it 1000 times, a tired dog is a good dog!

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

One year ago today I woke up with a funny feeling that I should go check on Gaia. Of course this independent queen had decided - today’s the day and I’m doing this on my own. I tried to help and she said no thank you, I got this. From this day, she was the best mama to these 10 babies!
Happy birthday Gaia puppies!

06/01/2026

Finding the right breeder matters more than most people realize. 🐾

As a dog trainer, I can tell you that a puppy’s genetics, early development, and breeder support can have a huge impact on behaviour, confidence, health, and long-term success in the home.

Here are some signs you may be working with an ethical breeder:

✔️ They complete proper health testing on BOTH parents
(Not just a vet check — breed-specific testing.)
Depending on the breed, this might include checking, hips, elbows, eyes, etc.

✔️ They provide a health guarantee and stand behind their breeding program. Usually this means if there is health concerns with the puppy, there is either financial compensation or the option to get a new puppy.

✔️ They carefully match puppies to homes based on temperament and lifestyle
Ethical breeders usually do NOT allow families to simply “pick” a puppy based on appearance or the puppy that “chose you”.

✔️ They ask YOU lots of questions
Good breeders care deeply about where their puppies are going.

Continued in the comments…