Dog training takes time, consistency and commitment. If people want their dog’s behavior to change but nothing is improving, it’s most likely because they haven’t changed their behavior. If people want to see real change in their dog, they need to step up- not just by putting in the time to training but also by changing their own habits and … Read More
Are you building trust from your dog or eroding it?
“With every interaction you’re building trust or eroding it.” No matter how small the interaction, one or the other is happening. I ask my clients to keep this in mind when they’re training their dogs or when they’re spending any time with their dogs. Are you willing to erode trust to get what you want or can you see how … Read More
Be the place of safety for your dog
I often use an analogy to describe how we, as dog guardians, need to be the safe place for our dogs no matter what is happening in the environment. Imagine you’re on flight and trouble starts to occur – turbulence, an engine fire, or a threatening passenger. When it happens, the actions of the flight attendant is going to be … Read More
Dog Training Classes: Set up for success
Let’s Talk About Training Classes: Sizes and Environments When you’re looking for a training class, it’s important to consider class size and the training environment just as much as what the class offers. Of course, you’ll also want to evaluate: How the trainer teaches, The methods they use, And their experience. These factors together will help you choose the right … Read More
Leash walking dogs: overstimulation or decompression?
You’ll often hear me talk about ‘decompression’ leash walks for your dog or as they are referred to in the training world, ‘sniffari’ walk. But are you really decompressing and helping your dog or building up so much dopamine and oxytocin that you’re doing more harm than good? On a recent camping trip, my dog Louie had no off leash … Read More
Stop asking your reactive dog to Sit!
“I make him sit and try to get him to look at me”. I’ve heard this statement a hundred times from clients and potential clients that are working to help their dog’s noisy and upsetting behaviour on leash. Their dog is barking or leash pulling/lunging, and they are trying to get their dog to sit and watch and be calm. … Read More
Dog Training Operations during COVID-19
April 16, 2020 I hope this finds you sane, healthy and safe! I have taken Right Start Puppy Class, 1-1 coaching and consultations live and on-line. I understand that for some of you this is a new and unfamiliar way of connecting and learning. I too was new to this technology when I starting taking on-line dog behaviour courses but … Read More
West Kelowna Dog Trainer
Are you looking for a dog trainer located in West Kelowna, British Columbia? Look no further! Catherine Adams, from Take The Lead Dog Training, is available for classes and one-on-one training programs in Kelowna’s Westside.
Say goodbye to ‘energy’ in dog training
When I’m talking to clients about why they’ve contacted me, labels such as dominant, pushy, or aggressive are often used to describe behaivor they see. And often, within that exchange of information the term ‘energy’ is also used to describe behaivor. Unfortunately, labels and terms such as energy do not tell me what behavior the dog is performing. Good dog … Read More
Welcoming a new dog to the family
I’d been watching a Doberman mix on the SPCA website for a couple of months and talking with the staff about his needs and issues. April 1st I adopted ‘Lucas’ with the intention to work with him and then rehome him this summer because his issues, as they were described, were preventing him from finding a forever home. Lucas is … Read More