Sit Pretty Behavior & Training

Sit Pretty Behavior & Training Head Trainer: Vanessa Charbonneau, RVT, KPA-CTP, CTC

Sit Pretty Pet Services offers force-free, modern training techniques to aid in developing a strong relationship between you and your dog, while achieving desireable behavior in your pet. Located in Prince George, BC, we offer behaviour consultations, private training sessions, both in-person and virtual, and group classes that encompass obedience training, foundation behavior skills, tricks, and much more!

Meet Bart.Bart’s guardian reached out for help as Bart was struggling with increasing reactivity toward people, dogs, an...
11/17/2025

Meet Bart.

Bart’s guardian reached out for help as Bart was struggling with increasing reactivity toward people, dogs, and vehicles encountered during walks.

We used a combination of desensitization and counterconditioning to help Bart form new, positive associations with the things that previously triggered him. Alongside this, we put strong management strategies in place — ensuring Bart could observe the world at a comfortable distance, preventing him from becoming overstimulated.

A big part of Bart’s success also came from meeting his needs in thoughtful ways. Bart has a strong chase drive, so we worked to provide safe and productive outlets for that instinct — through enrichment, play, and structured activities that allowed him to express himself without stress.

Congratulations to Bart’s guardian for their thorough dedication to the training plan, their commitment to consistent practice between sessions, and their deep compassion for Bart’s needs and boundaries.

Meet Henry.Henry’s guardian reached out with concerns about his increasing reactivity — both toward other dogs on walks ...
11/10/2025

Meet Henry.

Henry’s guardian reached out with concerns about his increasing reactivity — both toward other dogs on walks and toward friends walking alongside them. He had also begun reacting unpredictably to guests in the home, which was understandably worrisome.

Under the guidance of a Veterinary Behaviorist, Henry began a carefully designed plan that included pharmaceutical support and a structured behavior modification program. Together, we focused on management strategies to keep everyone safe and to help Henry feel secure in both home and outdoor environments.

Through consistent work on desensitization and counterconditioning, Henry has learned to feel more comfortable around people — and those once-irresistible moving feet are becoming far less exciting!

Huge congratulations to Henry’s guardian for her incredible dedication and commitment to his progress. By prioritizing Henry’s emotional well-being and safety, she’s helped him make meaningful strides toward a calmer, more confident life.

Meet Bawsley.Bawsley’s guardians came to me because when they adopted him, he was incredibly fearful and shut down. He w...
11/03/2025

Meet Bawsley.

Bawsley’s guardians came to me because when they adopted him, he was incredibly fearful and shut down. He was nervous around the men in his home and would lunge or bark when they left the room. Garbage day was especially scary — often sending him to hide in the bedroom for most of the day.

After consulting with Bawsley’s veterinarian to ensure we were supporting him appropriately, we focused on building his confidence and helping him feel safe around the people and sounds in his environment — including that dreaded garbage truck!

Through patience, positive reinforcement, and clear communication, his guardians have taught him to go to his bed when family members enter shared spaces, rather than chasing them out. He’s getting the hang of this new routine beautifully! While the garbage truck still isn’t his favorite visitor, Bawsley no longer feels the need to run and hide.

Huge congratulations to Bawsley’s dedicated guardians for their compassionate, consistent work and commitment to helping him feel safe and confident. You’ve given this sweet guy the tools to thrive!

Meet Elara.Elara’s guardian first came to me because vet visits had become incredibly stressful for her — she was fearfu...
10/27/2025

Meet Elara.

Elara’s guardian first came to me because vet visits had become incredibly stressful for her — she was fearful, anxious, and needed sedation for some procedures.

Together, we worked on cooperative care — teaching Elara how to give consent to handling and helping her feel comfortable and confident during veterinary procedures. Through patient, force-free training, Elara learned to relax while having her heart listened to, simulated blood draws, and even SQ injections.

Elara’s progress is a beautiful example of what happens when guardians take a proactive, positive, and trust-based approach to training. Her guardian’s dedication and compassion have truly set Elara up for a lifetime of lower-stress, more comfortable vet experiences.

Congratulations to Elara and her amazing people on all their hard work and teamwork!

Yesterday I said goodbye to my best friend.My heart is shattered, and my grief is suffocating as I try to figure out how...
07/29/2025

Yesterday I said goodbye to my best friend.

My heart is shattered, and my grief is suffocating as I try to figure out how to exist in a world without him in it.

Kaslo was not just a dog to me. He was a part of my soul that I didn't even know was missing.
He was my heart dog.

His presence made my life so rich and so beautiful.

He will be so deeply missed.

Meet Bella.Bella came into training with big feelings—nervous and reactive around strangers both in the home and out on ...
04/25/2025

Meet Bella.

Bella came into training with big feelings—nervous and reactive around strangers both in the home and out on walks, as well as with other dogs. But with patience, trust-building, and a customized plan focused on helping Bella feel safe and confident, she’s made meaningful strides.

Through a combination of thoughtful management, enrichment, and positive reinforcement-based training, Bella is learning that the world isn’t quite so scary—and that she has choices in how to respond.

We focused on helping Bella feel heard and safe, and that made all the difference. She’s showing up with more calm, more curiosity, and even a few tail wags in situations that once felt overwhelming.

A huge thank you to Bella’s incredibly dedicated guardian, who never gave up on her and showed up for her every step of the way. Training a reactive dog is a journey—and these two are walking it with love, compassion, and a whole lot of courage.

We’re so proud of you, Bella!

Meet Milo.Milo’s guardian brought me on board to help with two big goals: improving his recall and reducing excessive ba...
04/23/2025

Meet Milo.

Milo’s guardian brought me on board to help with two big goals: improving his recall and reducing excessive backyard barking. With a thoughtful mix of smart management, fulfilling Milo’s natural doggie needs, and a consistent, positive training approach, this pup has made incredible progress!

Milo has made huge progress and is learning to respond quickly when called and learning to use his voice more appropriately (no more shouting at the squirrels all day long).

Huge shoutout to Milo’s amazing guardian for their dedication and teamwork throughout this process. Training is never just about the dog—it's about building that partnership, and these two are crushing it!

Way to go, Milo! Your next adventure is just a recall away 💛

Happy (belated) 13th birthday to this sweet senior! ❤️
02/24/2025

Happy (belated) 13th birthday to this sweet senior! ❤️

You know I couldn’t leave this golden meme material alone.... but in all honesty, this provides the opportunity to addre...
02/13/2025

You know I couldn’t leave this golden meme material alone.... but in all honesty, this provides the opportunity to address a very common myth.

The belief that a reactive dog needs punishment for training or rehabilitation is a misleading notion. There are numerous reasons why positive reinforcement training is the favored method for these (and all) dogs.

First, positive reinforcement strengthens the trust and bond between the dog and the owner, while punishment can lead to fear and anxiety. This approach reduces stress and anxiety in reactive dogs, creating a secure environment that fosters better behavior.

Additionally, dogs learn more effectively when motivated by rewards, making training an enjoyable experience. Positive reinforcement promotes long-term behavioral change by teaching acceptable behaviors and addressing the root causes of reactivity, leading to lasting improvements.

Moreover, punitive measures can provoke aggression, whereas positive reinforcement encourages dogs to respond calmly to triggers. This training method also encourages accountability among owners, as it requires them to be proactive and observant, enhancing responsible pet ownership.

In my professional view, there is no justification for using a training method that could negatively impact a dog's mental and physical health when alternative options exist. While selecting an effective training approach is important, it should never take precedence over the need for a humane method that safeguards the learner's mental health and overall wellbeing.

Reactive dogs can be taught with a compassionate, and respectful approach - just like aggressive, fearful, frustrated, and excited dogs can.

This year, let’s make the choice to train without pain.

Have you ever witnessed a "light bulb" moment during your dog's training? That moment, where all of your hard work, pati...
02/04/2025

Have you ever witnessed a "light bulb" moment during your dog's training?

That moment, where all of your hard work, patience, and training repetitions seems to finally click and your dog connects the dogs for one grand, behavioral epiphany.

These moments are one of my favorite things to witness, and are so gratifying for not only you, but your dog, and myself as your trainer!

Through consistent training, reinforcing your dog for the behavior you like (and want to see more of in the future), these light bulb moments will happen as your dog figures out what you are asking of them!

Be patient, set your dog up for success (help them "win" at the training game, more than they lose), and your training will progress!

Fear is a complex emotion. From an evolutionary perspective, fear serves as a survival mechanism, prompting the individu...
01/21/2025

Fear is a complex emotion.

From an evolutionary perspective, fear serves as a survival mechanism, prompting the individual to avoid a potentially dangerous situations.

Fear is something that is easy to learn, but can be incredibly difficult to undo.
It is a powerful and instinctual emotion that often defies logic, making it difficult to fully understand someone else’s fears when they differ from your own.

Fear can be learned even in the presence of numerous positive experiences.
For example, you might love swimming and do it frequently, with numerous happy memories of the activity. However, if you experience a near-drowning incident you can easily develop of fear of the water, despite having previously enjoyed countless safe and pleasurable swimming experiences.

Fear can overwhelm us, pushing all logical thinking aside while our body does what it thinks it needs to do in order to survive the threat.

Understanding and supporting a fearful dog requires patience, empathy, and an informed approach. Punishing a dog for behaving fearfully can increase the dog’s anxiety, inhibit their learning, reinforce their negative associations, and damage their trust in you, their guardian.

By approaching a fearful dog with patience and understanding, and avoiding punitive measures, you can help them regain confidence and lead a happier, more comfortable life.

Address

Prince George, BC

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 2pm
Tuesday 9am - 2pm
Wednesday 9am - 2pm
Thursday 9am - 2pm
Friday 9am - 2pm

Telephone

+12507933350

Website

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