If you’ve been following the news recently, you likely know that Ontario’s first stage of reopening is beginning May 19th. This is exciting news for many; especially for us because among the business’ permitted to reopen are dog training facilities!

Is your dog always rearing to go? Do they seem to be bouncing off the walls 90% of the time? Have your friends ever used the word “bonkers” to describe them? If so, you’re in luck! This edition’s article outlines 5 ways to help our dogs take a deep breath and calm down.

Nobody likes going to the dentist. Sitting still in a chair, enduring uncomfortable and sometimes painful procedures is not something anyone looks forward to. Go to the dentist we must though, if we want to maintain good oral care, or if something is troubling us and we need it fixed. We understand this. But what if you didn’t understand why you had to go to the dentist, you were just brought there and forced to endure scary procedures, without any means of asking them to stop or take a break.

Imagine it’s your first day at a new job. You arrive nice and early, and want to make a good impression. You work diligently, and at lunch your boss stops to check in with you. You tell them the work is going well and ask when you can expect your first paycheque.

Do you have a dog and are expecting? Have young babies or children? Did you have any clue that there are trainers that are uniquely qualified to help? Find out how this niche is so vastly different for dog professionals and what it means for us to be working with families at Follow the Leader. 

Thought about using a clicker but have no idea what it is or even where to begin? Dip your toes in with this printable little cheat sheet :)

When it comes to dogs there are so many complex layers to any behaviour problem.  If you’re lucky enough to find an intuitive trainer that really takes the time to ask lots of questions instead of jumping straight into advice-giving then you’ll quickly find yourself working on issues you never knew your dog had.  As my sister the therapist says, “The issue is never the issue.”

The World of Kids and Dogs Some of our readers may know that I’ve recently joined the Family Paws team (Familypaws.com) as a parent educator for dog and baby/child safety.