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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

In a recent incident in Montreal, a man was fined $664 for tethering his dog outside a bakery. While this may seem like a hefty penalty, the fine serves as a reminder of the importance of…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

Dogs are not just pets; they are part of our families and communities. Their intelligence, loyalty, and work ethic have made them indispensable to human life for thousands of years. Today, let's explore some of the…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

When walking your dog, it's easy to overlook your surroundings and your dog's behaviour. However, dogs can sense and alert people to potential dangers. Given the recent fatality in the UK, it's crucial to focus on…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

National Dog Day, celebrated every year on August 26th, is a special day dedicated to honoring our loyal and loving canine companions. It’s a day that recognizes the importance of dogs in our lives, whether they…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a surge in pet adoptions, particularly puppies, brought joy to many homes. However, dog trainers and veterinarians are now seeing a troubling trend: many of these covid dogs are exhibiting behavioural issues…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

As temperatures soar, it's essential to keep our dogs cool and comfortable. Heat waves can be dangerous for canines, leading to heatstroke and dehydration. However, with some creative planning, you can ensure your dog stays safe…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

Leash laws, often viewed as restrictive, are essential for ensuring the safety and harmony of both our communities and our canine companions. These regulations mandate that dogs must be on a leash when in public spaces…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

Welcoming a French bulldog puppy, Elizabeth, into my life is an exciting and heartwarming experience, filled with new lessons and adorable milestones. This week has been a whirlwind of discovery for my little bundle of joy…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

Life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them. The adage, expect the unexpected has never rung truer than the following day I brought home, Elizabeth, my new French Bulldog puppy. What was…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

For the longest time, I was adamant about not owning a French Bulldog. Ethical considerations weighed heavily on my mind. The breed's reputation for health issues and the ethical concerns surrounding breeding practices made me firm…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

In the vast spectrum of human-dog relationships, there exists a myriad of dynamics ranging from harmonious companionship to troubling dysfunctionality. While dogs have long been regarded as man's best friend, the reality is that not all…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

Anthropomorphizing, attributing human emotions to non-human animals or objects, is part of the human experience. We all do it to varying degrees. For example, when someone describes their car as lazy or sick, they are being…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

As the year ends, dog trainers and other animal-related professionals look back on the year to try to predict the year to come. Some of my observations project a change in human behaviour. COVID-19 dogs will…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia isn’t a favourable way to solve problems, but I’m not here to discuss the war. Today, I want to discuss the articles I see on social media relating to the…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT 

I don't talk about my job in public or other social gatherings. I won't mention what I do unless asked because my profession quickly becomes the centre of the conversation with questions ranging from What do…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

Nearly two years have passed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and people are still in a rush to get a dog. Unfortunately, the current situation reveals a much darker side to the pandemic. Almost…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

I haven't written in a while because the Dogue Shop and Dogue Academy have been super busy this year. But, with a drastic increase in dogs worldwide and behaviour issues skyrocketing, I decided it was time…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE 

With the import of dogs from around the world, there is a growing concern for people's safety, which bothers me tremendously. Today, I want to discuss the ins and outs of dog aggression. I warn you…