Q&A Dog Training

03/11/2025

Did you know we offer 15 minute complimentary discovery calls?!

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If you're struggling with your dog's big feelings and wondering if Q&A is the right trainer to help, book that call to see if we're a good fit. 

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This is your chance too: 

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Ask all your questions about our training style and methods. 

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Share your dog's history and what challenges you're facing.

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Learn how we can support you and your dog on your training journey.

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Every training journey is unique. We want to make sure we're the right fit to help meet your goals. Whether it's leash, reactivity, resource guarding, stranger danger, bringing home a new rescue, or just understanding your dog better, let's start with a conversation. 

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Curious about Decompression Walks? Give us a call. Spots are limited, claim yours today.

We're looking forward to connecting with you and learning all about your dog! 🐕☎️

03/05/2025

It might feel a little scary or nerve racking to put your dog on drugs. But just like how we can benefit from the right prescriptions, dogs can as well. Medication for your dog shouldn't be the last resort - it's just another tool in your toolbox.

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If I come across a dog that I believe could benefit from medication, the first step in our training plan will be getting you to speak with your vet or vet behaviourist. It may take some time to find the right cocktail, but if you trust your team, don't write it off. 

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The proper cocktail shouldn't change who your dog is. It should help your dog regulate their emotions, making it easier for them to process stress and recover from big feelings quicker. 

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Instead of staying stuck in a heightened state of fear, frustration, or anxiety, the right meds can help take the edge off, allowing them to think, learn and make better choices. 
With the right support, you can dive deeper into training and set them up for success.🦮

02/11/2025

That chin rest is the best feeling in the world, am I right??😌

02/04/2025

Flooding is a controversial and often misunderstood training method where a dog is exposed to something they fear at full intensity, without an option to escape. The idea is that they’ll eventually stop reacting but in reality, this often leads to the dog shutting down, increased fear, and even more reactivity later on.

Imagine being terrified of spiders, and someone locks you in a room full of them, telling you to just “get used to it.” 😨 That’s flooding. It’s overwhelming, stressful, and doesn’t actually teach that being how to feel safe.

Instead of forcing dogs into scary situations, we should focus on gradual exposure, training in a safe environment, choice, and trust-building.

Have you ever seen or experienced flooding in training? We've definitely seen it on TV🥴


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02/01/2025

Commence Black History Month ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽

01/30/2025

Consent is Cool 🐾

Consent matters—with your own dogs and especially with dogs you don’t know.

Next time you interact with a dog, try offering an open invitation instead of assuming they want to be touched. Hold your hand out, palm open, and let the dog choose. If they approach, they’re likely seeking connection. If not? Respect their space.

Already petting a dog? Try the Pet-Pet-Pause method:
👉 Give a few gentle pets
👉 Pause and remove your hand
👉 If the dog stays close or comes back for more, keep the scratches going! If they move away, that’s their way of saying, “I’m good, thanks.”

Consent builds trust. Let’s give dogs the freedom to choose when and how they engage with us. 💙

Check out Q&A’s video.

01/27/2025

🧡Big Feelings Club🧡

Reactive dog guardians, this one’s for YOU!

Come join a supportive community designed to help you and your dog thrive. Connect, share, and learn with others who understand the highs and lows when living with a bestie that has big feelings.

$35/month for access to:

•Expert guidance, advice and resources to help you better understand and support your dog

•Member-exclusive perks & discounts

•A space to share your wins, struggles, and everything in between

•Ready to take the first step? Sign up for our newsletter and get a special code to make your first month FREE

Your journey doesn’t have to be a solo one. Let’s feel all the feels—together. 🧡

01/08/2025

🚀 Big Feelings Club is here! 🚀
We're so excited to officially launch Big Feelings Club – a supportive membership community for dog guardians navigating life with reactive dogs. This space is for you if you're looking to connect with people who get it, share stories, get resources, and gain professional guidance along the way. Whether you're just starting your reactivity journey or have been managing your dog's big feelings for a while, you're welcome here! Together, we can create safer, more compassionate spaces for our dogs. Join today and get access to discussion boards, monthly newsletters, exclusive discounts, and more!

www.qandadogtraining.com

12/18/2024

Some gift ideas for those special dog people in your life❤️🐾

Don't forget to use our discount code at check out on products 👈🏽

Consultations, training packages or parallel walks with .a.dogtraining is always a great choice!🐩

11/13/2024

Why Every Dog Should Be Comfortable Wearing a Muzzle

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Muzzle training is an incredibly valuable skill for all dogs, even those without a bite history. A muzzle isn’t just for “aggressive” dogs—it’s a tool that can help in a variety of situations while keeping everyone safe, including your dog.

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Here are some reasons why muzzle training is important:

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Emergencies: If your dog is injured or in pain, even the sweetest dogs may bite out of fear or discomfort. A muzzle can help in these moments.

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Vet Visits: Some dogs feel anxious at the vet, especially during exams or procedures. If they are already comfortable wearing a muzzle, the experience is less stressful for everyone involved.

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Trigger Management: For dogs with Big Feelings or a tendency to scavenge harmful items, a muzzle can prevent accidents while they’re learning new behaviours.

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Travel or Grooming: Some places, like public transport or grooming facilities, require muzzles. Acclimating your dog beforehand with positive reinforcement helps them feel comfortable, making these experiences smoother and less stressful.

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The key is ensuring that your dog feels comfortable in their muzzle. They should be able to pant, drink water, and take treats while wearing it. Training your dog to wear a muzzle positively—using things your dog likes and gradual exposure—means they’ll start to associate it with good things, not fear.

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Muzzle training is a responsible and proactive step every dog guardian can take. It’s not about labelling your dog as “bad”; it’s about ensuring their safety and well-being in any situation.

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10/09/2024

How to be your dogs hype team!

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Celebrate Progress: No matter how small, acknowledge and celebrate every step forward your dog makes. What may seem small to others can be huge to you and your dog. Positive reinforcement helps boost your dog’s confidence and reinforces behaviours you want to see more of.

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Stay Positive: Dogs can pick up on how we’re feeling, so cool right?! When you're calm and upbeat, especially during challenging moments, it helps your dog feel more secure. Try to keep an encouraging tone and show excitement when your dog handles tough situations well. Yay!

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Advocate for Your Dog: This is a big one and can definitely take some practice, so be gentle with yourself. Being proactive in protecting your dog’s space and advocating for their needs, especially in environments where they might feel stressed or overwhelmed is going to help reduce their anxiety, build their trust in you, and prevent reactive situations before they escalate.

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Provide Consistent Support: Your dog looks to you for guidance. Being their consistent source of support helps them feel safe, which can reduce reactivity over time.

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Encourage Engagement: Use fun activities, games, and enrichment to keep your dog’s mind stimulated. This helps reduce stress and encourages positive behaviours.

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Practice Patience: Progress with reactivity can take time. Stay patient ( I know this one can be a challenge), keep showing up, your dog will thank you! Be their HYPE team even when setbacks happen.

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By embracing these practices, you can boost your dog’s confidence, build trust, and create a stronger bond. Be your dog's ultimate Hype Team through the highs and lows🐾❤️

09/05/2024

When you put your needs first it doesn't mean you care any less about your bestie.

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When you prioritize your mental health or take the time to recharge, you can show up as the best version of yourself for your dog.

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You aren't failing your dog by putting yourself first 👉🏽 what you're doing, is setting both of you up for success!

08/13/2024

👋🏽To all the lovely new followers, Q & I wanted to say Hello!

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My name's Masina Rose Kakese and I'm a professional dog trainer aka human coach. I went to school in 2018 and in 2020 I had the great idea to opened up Q&A. The pandemic hit and that was interesting to say the least but I'm still here!

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I've been in the dog world for some time now. I was a dog walker, shelter attendant, handler at a daycare, foster mom, volunteered at rescues, outreach volunteer on the DTES, to name a few.

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Q's my 7 year old pit/lab who is my world, he's the Q to my A, muse, helper, shadow, bestie and so much more. He's a maniac for water and loves a good rock push (once you see it, you'll get it😉). I'll sometimes bring him along to sessions where he's the best little helper with my Big Feelings clients.

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As a professional working in behaviour I'm continuously updating my education to better help my clients thrive. Knowledge is key.

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I specialize in working with Big Dogs with Big Feelings.
Why big dogs? Well, that's the majority of who seeks me out and I love big dogs of course. But that doesn't mean I don't like to help out the littles as well!

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I'm here to help you and your reactive dog navigate the world together. If you've just rescued a new pup, I'll guide you on how to set them and yourself up for success.

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All I want to do is help humans and dogs live their best lives.

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If you're struggling, no that sessions with me will be nonjudgmental, training will be broken down in ways you and your dog will understand, body language and enrichment will play a key factor and you'll have fun!

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I hope you learn useful tips and tricks from my page that will help you and your dogs relationship flourish. I offer in person sessions in Vancouver BC as well as virtual🌎

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Thanks for following along & stay tuned for all things "Big Feelings Club" coming soon!

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07/24/2024

Lessons I've learnt from Q and continue putting into practice 💗

•Slow down & smell the flowers

•Be patience with yourself and others

•Greet the people you love with enthusiasm

•Wakeup everyday ready for a new adventure

•Relax hard but play harder

It's wild how much these little beings can teach us. We are their life line and alot of the time they are ours💕💕💕

06/25/2024

Living with a dog with big feelings can be challenging at times. When they are feeling frustrated or fearful and this can look like lunging, barking, whining, air snapping, growling etc.

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Understanding that these emotions aren't intentional can make a big difference in the way that you communicate. Just like us, our dogs need to decompress after stressful situations. Consider skipping a walk or park visit next time to give both of you a breather.

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Advocate for your bestie when you're out and about. This can sometimes take some practice. Use hand signals to let folks know you two need space. Speak up to communicate effectively, especially when encountering others who insist their dog is FRIENDLY.

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There's plenty of advice out there, some better then others. Trust the journey you're on with your bestie—it's uniquely yours.

Share this post with someone that you know that has a Big Feelings Dog!

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06/20/2024

No words😑😐😑😐

06/17/2024

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Helping you help your Big Feelings dog navigate the world around them with compassion, patience and care.

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