Cooperative Veterinary Care: Helping Animals Participate in Their Care

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

A visit to the veterinarian normally involves unfamiliar people, unusual sounds and smells, physical handling, and procedures that may feel uncomfortable or frightening. For some animal, even a routine examination can become a stressful experience. Over…

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Expectations vs Reality: Understanding Normal Dog Behaviour vs Clinical Problems

By Randi Belfer, CDT

Many dog owners begin training with a vision of the perfect dog: calm, obedient, and always responsive. Dogs are living, emotional, sentient beings, not machines designed to perform flawlessly. When expectations clash with the reality of…

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How Cell Phones Are Breaking the Human–Dog Bond

Randi Belfer, CDT

The relationship between humans and dogs has always been built on presence, shared moments, eye contact, touch, and mutual awareness. Yet in today’s world, that presence is fading. Everywhere you look, people are walking their dogs with…

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Why Dog Bite Incidents Are Rising and What Owners Can Do About It

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

In recent months, several cities across North America have reported an increase in dog bite incidents. Toronto, for example, has reported a 39% rise in dog attacks since 2022 (City of Toronto, 2023), putting 2025 on…

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The Critical Period of Dog Socialization: Why Positive Experiences Shape Well-Adjusted Adults

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

In the world of dog behaviour and development, few concepts carry as much weight as the critical period of socialization. Coined and explored through the foundational research of John Paul Scott and John L. Fuller…

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The Downfall of Overstimulating Puppies During the Critical Period of Social Development

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

The critical period of social development in puppies, spanning from approximately 3 to 14 weeks of age, is a transformative phase. During this time, puppies are highly impressionable, and their interactions with their environment shape their…

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The Multifaceted Benefits of Dog Training Using Multiple Learning Theories

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

Dog training has evolved from simplistic obedience drills to a nuanced practice that incorporates various learning theories to address the unique needs of dogs and their owners. Integrating approaches like social cognitive theory, constructivism, and situativism…

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The Role of Ethical Dog Breeders: Prioritizing Health and Function Over Fashion

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

In the world of dog breeding, there's a significant distinction between ethical breeders and those more concerned with profit or fashion trends. While it's natural for people to want to own a dog that fits their…

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Dog Cognition: Unraveling the Canine Mind

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

Dog cognition is an ever-growing field that offers a fascinating window into how our canine companions perceive, process, and respond to the world around them. Studies in dog cognition not only deepen our understanding of dogs…

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Teaching Your Dog to Sit in Any Environment: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

Training a dog to sit on command in various environments is one of the foundational skills of dog training. Whether at home or out on a busy street, a reliable sit can help keep your dog…

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The Changing Expectations of Dog Behaviour: Why We Demand Perfection

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

In the last two decades, society's expectations of dog behaviour have shifted drastically. Gone are the days when a dog’s quirks—occasional barking, growling, or shying away from strangers—were considered typical canine responses. Today, many owners expect…

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The Decline of Dog Breeds Due to Poor Breeding Practices

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr

In recent years, many beloved dog breeds have faced significant decline, not just in numbers but in health and temperament. The root cause of this decline can often be traced back to poor breeding practices, driven by…

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