Kat, Behaviour Tech

Last weekend was Clicker Expo Live which I enjoyed from my couch, often joined by my dog Roland. A high point for me was the focus on making services more accessible, especially considering diversity and disability in mind. There are so many recordings I'm looking forward to watching (and rewatching!) - I'm glad I'll have access for the next year.

A business update - I'm slowly working my way through my waitlist and hoping to open up my bookings soon! Clients that I've met with in the past are still always welcome to book a follow-up, just shoot me an email.

And thank you for your patience while I am managing my own health and finding my "new normal"!

Image description: an ipad displaying a webinar, with a slide titled "ethical choice" along with a small black and white dog looking up at a handler who is sitting on a stool. Behind the ipad, a greater swiss mountain dog is sleeping.

Pet Training – Pet and Pet Care – CommunityVotes Ottawa 2023 Official 2023 Community Voting Awards Platform for Ottawa, ON. Where the community votes for their favourites every year.

As each holiday comes around the sundial, it presents new challenges for worried dogs. Halloween might not include backyard fireworks (yet), but it does offer surprises where dogs otherwise walk comfortably every day.

If you're not already walking your dog with a good treat pouch hooked to your waist, you might be missing a good opportunity to practice counter-conditioning skills. When you encounter any graves, ghosts, skeletons or jack o'lanterns, watch your dog's reaction. If you see any hesitation or concern, back away and offer food with a happy voice (you know the voice - the kind that brings neighbors to their windows with concerned expressions). The most important piece is to allow your dog to make his own choice about approaching.

It's not necessary to feed only approaches and curiosity. Feeding worry can also be very helpful.

If your dog is significantly frightened, leave and give it another go tomorrow; there are weeks to go for changing your dog's emotional response from fear to indifference (or, more likely, excitement about more cheese).

Voting ends July 31! I would be honoured and grateful for your vote!

Pet Training – Pet and Pet Care – CommunityVotes Ottawa 2022 Official 2022 Community Voting Awards Platform for Ottawa, ON. Where the community votes for their favourites every year.