Be Well Dog Behaviour & Training

09/23/2025

That moment when your dog moves away from a trigger on their own for the first time >>>

We love seeing progress 😍

(Had to hop in on the TSwizzle memes for our Swifties 😉)

09/17/2025

A great summary of some of the key areas we take into account when creating reactivity behaviour modification plans.

Tackling reactivity yourself?
✅Stop using low value rewards.
They don't help at all.
High value rewards is where the real "success" lies.
What causes your dog to salivate and do "anything" for?

That's your superpower.
Use it.

✅Successful families know this will take time.
Reactivity is not your "typical" training.
Emotions require effort and consistency to change.
If you don't see it this way, you will become frustrated and your progress will be stalled or lost (your dog knows exactly how you feel!).
Worse, you will push your dog too far too soon in the "hope" they can cope.

✅Take a good hard look at your dogs stress.
Their baseline stress matters enormously.
Look critically at why they do what they do in your own home and keep an open mind to just how anxious your dog could actually be.

✅Sleep.
Very underrated and so critical to success.

✅Your home environment matters.
Is it hectic?
Always something happening?
Children coming and going and a bit "chaotic"?
Your dog does not need to be in the midst of it.
Right now they shouldn't just "fit in" to the chaos.
They need rest, quiet and some true down time.

Look at all these areas.
That's hard to do for many people as it requires making change and change is hard.

If change isn't made?
Reactivity just won't get better.

09/11/2025

09/06/2025

Should I crouch down?
Some will say "Yep", it makes us less threatening.
I tend to say "Nope".
Worried, anxious, stressed dogs can react in ways we "can't" predict.
Those sweet puppy dog eyes, yearning for love.
They are more than likely yearning for space and for this situation to be over with.
When we push them, want to hug them and take away their discomfort we can come from a place of wanting desperately to make things better for them.

We tend to rush this.
We also tend to look at them through our human rose tainted glasses.

Crouching down in front of or in the vicinity of a stressed dog puts your centre of gravity off balance.
it's another second or two before you can react to anything that may be about to occur.
We also tend to crouch way to close.

So for me.
I keep actions slow and deliberate (without being unnatural).
Lot's of space is given (where possible)
I make sure I give them options to leave (I don't block the exits).
Weirdly, I tend to mimic others movements in the household (wee thing that I notice works well over the years).
I offer calming signals to them.
No direct eye contact and I don't approach.

This is the fastest way I know to help anxious dogs.

I don't want confliction.
It's connection I really want.

08/13/2025

📖 Behavior Term Tuesday ➡ ➡ Appeasement Behaviors

Appeasement behaviors are actions an animal performs in an attempt to de-escalate a situation, avoid conflict, or communicate that they mean no harm. Appeasement behaviors are often inaccurately described as a pet showing “guilt” or “submission”.

Some examples of appeasement behaviors dogs show are:
▪ Lip licking or tongue flicking
▪ Turning the head or body away
▪ Yawning
▪ Lowering the body or crouching, sometimes laying down to expose their stomach
▪ Tail tucked or wagging low and slow
▪ Moving slowly or in a curved path toward someone

07/29/2025

Trainer Tip Tuesday:

07/09/2025

❓ How can we help reactive dogs and their handlers? 🐶

Because the world could use more kindness, courtesy, and understanding, we created this post to help spread awareness and support for those of us living with reactive pups.

Reactive dogs aren’t “bad” dogs! Their humans are often working hard to manage and improve behaviors like barking, lunging, or growling.
But sometimes, things happen. Dogs get surprised, space runs out, or we just can’t get away fast enough.

💙 Give them space! If you see someone crossing the street or moving away after noticing you, let them pass or maintain distance before you continue.

💙 Avoid staring—especially your dog! A direct stare can feel threatening to dogs. Teach your pup to look at you on walks instead by playing an attention game.

💙 Leash your dog unless you're in a designated off-leash area. It's often the law, and it keeps everyone safer. Your dog included.

💙 Don't approach unknown dogs without asking. Your dog might be friendly, but the one they’re excited to greet may not want that kind of interaction.

💙 If you're running, biking, or jogging, cross the street when passing a dog—especially from behind. Sudden movement can startle dogs and leave them with no escape route.

💙 Please don’t take it personally if someone moves away. It’s usually not about you! Reactive dogs just need space. Many of us would be more than happy to wave from afar!

🐾 A little awareness goes a long way—pass it on by sharing this post!

07/05/2025

Living with a reactive or anxious dog can feel like you’re constantly walking a tightrope—trying to find the right balance of stimulation, space, and safety. If you’ve ever packed up your gear and treats, only to arrive at a trail swarming with off-leash dogs or loud crowds, you know the feeling. That sinking, “Welp, we’re calling it!” moment. You’re not alone.

Good news: The Kitchener-Waterloo area has some hidden gems that can help your dog train at their own pace - and without too much traffic passing by. Each one has pros and cons—because, let’s face it, no place is perfect—but they offer different setups for different training goals.

No spot is perfect. Even a “quiet” park can surprise you. Be prepared to leave if things aren’t going well. Success doesn’t mean pushing through—sometimes it means calling it a day early and trying again another time. 🩵

06/26/2025

Repost : I heard you say this on the podcast and it so perfectly summarises why we don’t use punishment in modern, reward based dog training.

If you ever need a reason not to shout at your dog (or worse) let this be a reminder that not only will it make things worse and damage your relationship with your dog, it can also lead to dangerous consequences.

Dogs deserve better. 🤎

06/19/2025

Meet our new Trainer & Pet Care Specialist, Ashley! Ashley will be providing pet care and training based out of Ayr, with training services extending to the Paris and Brantford areas.

Ashley has been working with dogs for over ten years. She has experience handling reactive dogs, and enjoys helping sensitive dogs that need a bit of extra care. Ashley is currently working towards her CCPDT certification and has learned under multiple positive reinforcement dog trainers throughout her career. She is committed to positive reinforcement training methods and will be a great fit for the Be Well Dogs team.

Please join us in welcoming her to the team! 🥳

06/02/2025

We have availability in Woodstock to help with occasional or recurring dog walking, let out and enrichment, pet taxi services, or overnight sitting. We start with a 30 minute complementary meet and greet and help you decide on frequency, timing, and details for services based on you and your pet’s individual needs. We are passionate about affordability and offer reduced pricing options for those experiencing financial difficulty. Send us a DM, email, or text 226-789-4818 today or visit our website to view pricing and self-book!

Not in Woodstock? We also offer services in Kitchener and surrounding areas, and virtual training support Canada-wide!

06/02/2025