Turner & Pooch Dog Training

07/20/2025

I don’t owe any explanation, but I’ll leave this here for clarity - then I’m done.

Over the past few days, someone from my past decided to stir the pot - digging up 10+ year-old emails and twisting my words to fit a tired narrative.

They accused me of stealing, of cruelty, and of being unethical. They even took it upon themselves to post publicly on their business page - while also messaging me privately and sending what amounts to a high-drama, low-substance “cease and desist”.

Here’s the thing:

I’ve already addressed the phrase in question. Yes, it was still visible in the bio of Turner & Pooch’s Instagram account - which I haven’t posted on since 2023. As soon it was brought to my attention, I removed it. It’s not part of my branding, and hasn’t been, aside from a brief moment in the grand scheme of things..

I’m NOT playing into someone else’s tantrum.

I’ve built my business through hard work, integrity, and results. NOT by tearing other people down online.

So this is my final word on the matter:

I’m not here to impress trainers who scream into the void when someone dares to grow.

I’m here for the people who’ve been burned before - by bad advice, bad methods, and bad attitudes.

I’m here for the owners who are done with theory and ready for results.

If that threatens someone? That says everything about them - and nothing about me.

Side note:
Wore both collars all day. Still alive. Still sane. Still standing.

Can we get back to helping dogs now?

07/18/2025

Once upon a time, I was a mostly-positive-only trainer.

(I say mostly because there is always a level of punishment — based on behavior theory — in order to stop unwanted behavior.)

I got a Doberman because I needed protection.
I had just left an abusive relationship, and I wanted a dog who would make me feel safe.
Enter: Apollo.

He was intense, reactive, and misunderstood — a lot like me at the time.

I did what I thought I was supposed to do.
I followed the rules.
I used the methods I was told to.
And he got worse.

After a consult with a local trainer (yes, that one), things didn’t improve.

Apollo became more frustrated.
More unpredictable.

He started redirecting at the sight of other dogs.
I knew something wasn’t right — and I knew I had to keep looking.

So I did what anyone serious about change does:
I questioned everything.

I broke away from the mold.

I found tools that worked for him, not just for someone’s ideology.

I stopped worrying about what “worked in theory” and started focusing on what actually worked for the dog in front of me.

A prong collar helped us communicate.
An e-collar brought calm and clarity.

Other balanced trainers helped me lead instead of panic.

They used calm, confident leadership — and I learned how to model that energy.

And suddenly, for the first time… things started making sense.

It didn’t “fix” everything overnight, but for the first time, I saw real progress — and real relief for both of us.

Apollo didn’t get to finish that journey with me.
He passed away suddenly just before his third birthday.

But he’s the reason I do what I do now.

He made me question everything.
He made me better.

That’s why I use balanced methods.

That’s why I don’t follow trends.

That’s why I advocate for tools that actually work — not ones that just sound good in a Facebook argument.

And that’s why Turner & Pooch exists:

To help the dogs no one else could.
To coach the owners who’ve been failed.
To give people the tools I wish I had sooner.

If someone wants to twist that into something ugly — that’s on them.

I know what I’m doing.
I know why I’m doing it.

I don’t train to impress other trainers.
I train to help the dogs no one else could — and the people who love them.

I won’t apologize for protecting my dog, my clients, or myself.

And I’ll never apologize for doing what’s right by the dog in front of me.

So when someone tells me I “stole” their phrase, or that I’m cruel for using tools that changed my dog’s life?

I don’t take it personally.

I take it as proof I’m doing the right thing.

Hire the trainers.
Ask the questions.
Do the research.
Do more research.

That’s not betrayal — that’s growth. That’s love.

That’s how I became the trainer my dog — and others’ — needed.

This post is for Apollo.

The dog who taught me to question everything — and to do what works.

The Doberman who taught me to stop following rules that weren’t made for us.

12/03/2023

https://www.facebook.com/stories/177854177259758/UzpfSVNDOjEwMTczMjYzNDYwMTY3ODg=/?view_single=1&source=shared_permalink&mibextid=W9rl1R

12/03/2023

🥹 Happy to help such a great cause! Willow is sorely missed everyday!

AUCTION ITEM #1 – STARTING BID $15
Steampunk Doberman
This unique piece of home decor takes you on a journey into the realm of imagination, where the elegance of the Victorian era collides with the mechanical nuances of the Industrial Revolution. Measures 14.5” x 17.5”
Donated by DoberMech Designs in memory of Willow

12/03/2023

12/02/2023

What's better than a Dog themed Christmas mug?

A DOBERMAN themed Christmas mug!

Add some custom mojo to your morning joe with this personalized coffee mug. Choose among our 11oz, 15oz, or 20oz sizes – all come with a scratch-resistant finish and are ideal for any beverage. The easy-grip handle makes for a smooth drinking experience while the durable white ceramic body is the ...

11/15/2023

11/04/2023

11/04/2023

Photo credit- Erin Woodman

The next time you have to go to a veterinary emergency room and are mad that it is taking so long remember this picture. The next time you are angry with the vet assistants, the technicians, or the front desk for how long it’s taking for your dog to be seen for an upset tummy or to look at a torn declaw- behind the scenes we are desperately trying to stabilize someone else’s best friend. The next time you are yelling at the hospital staff for not bringing your pet out in ten minutes- because you “paid your bill so bring my pet out to me” - you really have no idea what is happening behind those doors. Please remember there is so much more happening that you don’t see. Next time you are angry and think I just need some medicine for your furry friend remember an animal Emergency room - we work just like a human emergency room; critical Patients come first. Every time you yell at us for the time it’s taking- behind the scenes we just preformed CPR for 15 - 30 minutes and then comforted and owner that just lost their pet. We are in the industry to be an advocate to those you don’t have a voice. The next time you go to an animal emergency room - we are doing the best we can- be kind, be compassionate, we are there to help.

Photo Cred- Erin Woodman

11/03/2023

The concept of coming when called is not hard for most dogs to understand. The hard part is motivating the dog to leave whatever they are doing.

They hear you calling but don’t be shocked if they don’t come right away (or even at all) until you have this command firmly established.

Dogs are nosey (quite literally). A big part of their day is spent sniffing and checking things out — especially when they are having “free time” playing in the yard or a park.

Dogs are also highly social and some are very driven to hunt and track. There is a lot going on in your dog’s world!

So, in essence, you have to convince your dog that coming to you is better than hounding around the bottom of that fire hydrant or running in the field with a new pup pal. (You’re up against some pretty stiff competition.)

That’s why it’s reasonable to expect some setbacks and frustration along the way when training your dog to come when called.

If you’re tired of watching those well-behaved dogs come bouncing across the field to their owners without a fuss and thinking “Why can’t MY dog do that?” rest easy. Your dog CAN do that — they just can’t do it right now. Training your dog to come when called takes time and patience.

You need to start with a solid understanding of the command and then keep at it, adding distractions and distance as you pass each milestone.

Remember, you can’t rush recall training. And, if you’ve been at it for a long while and need a tool to help you reach that off-leash goal, consider e-collar training.

What challenges have you faced while training your dog to come when called? Share your stories, and let's discuss solutions together!

11/02/2023

Looking to socialize your pooch?

Join us every Sunday at Turner & Pooch for our FREE Pack Walks! You don't have to be a client to attend.

🆓🐾 Where: 142 Simcoe Street, downtown Peterborough
📅 When: Every Sunday
⏰ Time: 2 PM (NEW time)

Don't let behaviour problems hold you back! ALL dogs are welcome on our Pack Walks, regardless of their leash manners, barking, reactivity, or even signs of aggression. We're here to assist you! In fact, In fact, you are exactly who Pack Walks were made for. 😊

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with fellow dog owners while enhancing your furry friend's behaviour!

Remember, free parking is available downtown on weekends. 🅿️

Looking forward to seeing you and your dog this Sunday! 👋🐶

https://ptbodogtrainer.ca/events-calendar/category/walks/

11/01/2023

Dogs like to know what is going on.

They see the world in binary terms. Right or wrong. Black or white. There isn't a whole lot of grey when it comes to boundaries and that is important to know as a dog owner.

Dogs who have clear rules to follow are:
👉 More relaxed and calm
👉 Better behaved and less likely to "test" you
👉 Happy and confident in their position in your family

Before you start training, make sure you are clear on what you want from your dog. Then, be consistent. A boundary has to be firm and elicit the same praise for being respected (or the same consequence for being ignored) every time.

If you are struggling to set boundaries for your pooch, we can help. During our training sessions, you will learn to communicate effectively with one another and create a relationship based on trust and mutual respect.

Click on the link in my bio and Tell Us About Your Dog to get started! 🔗