Rascals and Rescues

10/31/2026

Speak Your Dog’s Language

Training terms every dog owner should know.

Learn more:

https://www.rascalsandrescues.ca/blog/a-glossary-of-terms-for-dog-training

Call for a consult.

New to dog training in Nanaimo? Dog trainer Sherri Wade breaks down the terms you'll hear most — so you walk into your first session feeling prepared and confident."

10/29/2026

When should you hire a dog trainer?

I often hear, “I’ll wait until there’s a problem.”

But just like with a child, early guidance is key. Whether you have a puppy, a rescue, or are preparing for a big life change, starting now builds a solid foundation for the future.

Learn more: https://www.rascalsandrescues.ca/blog/why-should-i-hire-a-dog-trainer

10/27/2026

One of the most common questions I hear is, “Why should I hire a dog trainer?”

And it’s a valid one. While online resources are helpful, a professional trainer is like a guide, helping you and your dog achieve real success with less frustration.

Let’s build trust, communication, and a happier life together.

https://www.rascalsandrescues.ca/.../why-should-i-hire-a...

10/25/2026

As the weather starts to change, our usual outdoor routines may become a little less appealing. But that doesn’t mean your dog’s day has to be boring.

Indoor games can provide mental stimulation, encourage problem-solving and give your dog something constructive to do when the weather keeps you inside.

Put your dog’s nose to work: A simple treat-finding game encourages your dog to use their sense of smell and figure things out.

For customized training for your dog, visit rascalsandrescues.ca.

10/22/2026

As the weather starts to change, our usual outdoor routines may become a little less appealing. But that doesn’t mean your dog’s day has to be boring.

Indoor games can provide mental stimulation, encourage problem-solving and give your dog something constructive to do when the weather keeps you inside.

Try a simple box game: Use a cardboard box to encourage your dog to explore, think and work things out.

For customized training for your dog, visit rascalsandrescues.ca.

10/20/2026

Dogs can compete over more than food and toys. Attention and affection can be valuable resources too.

If your dog barks, snaps or pushes another dog away when they approach you, they may be trying to protect something they value — your attention.

Training can help teach your dog that this behaviour won’t get them what they want, while giving them a better way to ask for attention.

Food is one area where prevention is particularly important. We recommend feeding dogs separately, either in different rooms or in their crates. Removing the opportunity to compete can help prevent unnecessary tension.

Read our blog: https://www.rascalsandrescues.ca/blog/training-two-dogs-at-once-8-lessons-from-a-nanaimo-dog-trainer-part-1

For customized training for your dog, visit rascalsandrescues.ca.

10/18/2026

When you have two dogs, it’s tempting to train them together. And eventually, training together is an important part of helping them learn to work as a team.

But first, each dog needs to understand what you’re asking of them individually.

Working with each dog one at a time — even when they’re both right there — gives you the opportunity to see how each dog responds, reinforce the behaviour you want, and build their ability to focus on you.

Once they understand the skills individually, you can begin asking them to work together while still looking to you for direction.

Try this: Ask one dog for a simple behaviour, such as sit or stay, while the other waits. Reward the dog who is working, then switch. Gradually build up the time each dog can wait and focus on you.

For customized training for your dog, visit rascalsandrescues.ca.

10/15/2026

Two dogs living in the same home can feed off each other’s energy — but that doesn’t mean they learn the same way.

With different dogs, we discover different motivations. Some respond strongly to affection and clear direction. Some are more motivated by food and exploring their environment, and need new skills broken into smaller steps.

Training them separately gives us a chance to understand what works for each dog before asking them to work together.

Try this: Spend some time with each dog individually. Notice how they respond to praise, food and new situations. What motivates one may not motivate the other.

Read our blog: https://www.rascalsandrescues.ca/blog/training-two-dogs-at-once-8-lessons-from-a-nanaimo-dog-trainer-part-1

For customized training for your dog, visit rascalsandrescues.ca.

10/13/2026

Bear Safety & Your Dog

Bears don't always stay in the woods.

On Vancouver Island, bears can turn up on trails, in parks and in residential neighbourhoods. When you're walking your dog, your dog's behaviour can affect what happens next.

Keep your dog on a fixed leash.�Skip retractable or long leashes in areas with bear activity. Keep your dog close enough that you can respond immediately.
Don't let your dog chase wildlife.�An off-leash dog can surprise or chase a bear — and potentially bring it back to you.

Watch ahead and make some noise.�Be especially alert around blind corners and dense vegetation. Talk as you walk so you don't accidentally surprise a bear.

If you see a bear, create distance.�Don't allow your dog to approach, bark at, chase or corner it. Slowly move away and give the bear a clear route to leave.

Bear in your yard?�Bring your dog inside and let the bear move through the area. For bear sightings in urban areas, contact the Conservation Officer Service:
1-877-952-7277 (RAPP)

And this is one more reason everyday training matters. A reliable recall, staying connected to you and being able to move away from something exciting or concerning can become important safety skills when wildlife is involved.

For customized training for your dog, visit rascalsandrescues.ca.

10/09/2026

Jorga’s Training Journey – Putting It All Together

Over the past few weeks, Jorga has worked on everything from impulse control and recall to settling, leash walking and learning how to stay connected with her people when the world around her gets distracting.

And, as often happens with training, the journey evolved along the way. Enzo became part of the process, some exercises progressed quickly, others needed more time, and sometimes the best decision was to stop, reassess and try a different approach.

That’s what training looks like in real life.

It isn’t about creating a perfect dog or getting every exercise right. It’s about building communication, learning to understand the dog in front of you and developing skills that can carry over into everyday life.

Jorga has come a long way — and now her family has a foundation they can continue building on.

Well done, Jorga. And thanks for coming along for the ride, Enzo.

For customized training for your dog, visit rascalsandrescues.ca.