By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE
If you haven’t heard the news already, Raymond Copping died on August 14th at the age of 80. Ray left his family, friends, dog professionals, colleagues, researchers, and students too soon if you ask me. If…
Read moreAug 23 2017
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE
If you haven’t heard the news already, Raymond Copping died on August 14th at the age of 80. Ray left his family, friends, dog professionals, colleagues, researchers, and students too soon if you ask me. If…
Read moreJul 31 2017
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE
As more and more people discover social cognitive learning theory (SCT), I’m reminded just how slow the dog training and behaviour industry evolve. I practice and teach social learning on a regular basis. Actually, I’ve…
Read moreMar 16 2017
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE
Actually, I kissed many wolves throughout my career and yes, I did like it. The question is why? Why do we seek inter-species interactions and displays of affection? Some people risk their lives to touch…
Read moreMar 8 2017
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE
Morphological characteristic is a newly debated topic to which I’d like to shed some light. Recently, or should I say finally, the city of Montreal established what the morphological characteristics are for pitbull-type dogs. The topic…
Read moreFeb 3 2017
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE
Much time has passed since our last entry, and I think it’s fair I give you an update. Last summer, during the dangerous dog crisis, I graduated from Concordia University’s Family Education program. Following graduation…
Read moreSep 21 2016
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE
Here’s an interesting question no one thought of asking; who killed Mme. Vadnais? The first answer which comes to mind is the dog did. What if the system is responsible and Montreal doesn’t want to…
Read moreSep 19 2016
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE
Dear M. Trudeau,
I know you’re a busy man, so I’ll make my plight short, at least I'll try.
As a Quebec citizen, you must be aware of Montreal mayor Denis Coderre’s decision to unilaterally ban…
Aug 30 2016
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE
The 2016 summer has been, without a doubt, the busiest anti-BSL season on record. I’m not an activist by any means, but when absurdity manifests itself, one reciprocates. Montreal mayor Denis Coderre absolutely wants to pass…
Read moreJun 21 2016
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT/FLE
In light of yesterday’s city council in Montreal on Pitbulls and other dangerous dogs (pitbull-type) hearing, I’d like to take a minute and point out the many Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) advocates that using…
Read moreJun 14 2016
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT/FLE
I normally don't write two articles in the same week, but this week is special. I decided to disregard my own rule and write a second piece. What follows is a huge summary of my very…
Read moreJun 13 2016
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT/FLE
There’s never a dull moment at the Dogue Shop, and this week is certainly no exception. On Monday I was on Breakfast Television to talk about dog safety. After the show, it dawned on me people…
Read moreJun 10 2016
If we want to make things happen, we have to stand up and make our voice be hear. I’m officially standing up, but I’ll need your voice to be heard. I want to present to you…
Read moreMay 31 2016
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT
This piece is a direct answer to Joseph Facal's article L'Érotisme du Pitbull which appeared in the Journal de Montréal, May 26, 2016.
De Quelle est la motivation profonde de quelqu’un qui se procure un pitbull…
Apr 26 2016
The study of dog behaviour and training is evolving at the speed of light. Learning theories are presently studied, and with a new understanding of our canine companion comes a new training approach. In a few…
Read moreApr 20 2016
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT
The variety of people who read this blog is astonishing. Some followers are dog trainers, behaviour consultants, groomers, dog walkers, doggy daycare workers, rescues, veterinarians, veterinary assistants, and pet owners. With this knowledge, you can…
Read moreMar 31 2016
When compared to other species, C. familiaris (dog) research is still in its infancy; therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise a behaviour we once thought held a certain meaning has now changed. Research serves to…
Read moreMar 16 2016
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT
In the light of recent events regarding a dog named Simon and a pig, I would like to address beliefs. You might wonder why I wish to chat about convictions when I could discuss aggression, trainer…
Read moreMar 8 2016
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT
It's snowy and rainy today. The overcast weather is predicted for the entire day, ugh! This is the type of day I dread the most because I feel grumpy, tired, and unproductive. I look at my…
Jan 6 2016
I want to start off by wishing you a happy new year. May you cross off something on your bucket list and may it include your pet. In this first article of 2016, and I…
Read moreOct 26 2015
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT
I'm taking opportunity of the Pitbull Awareness Month's last week to address the public, dog professionals, but more specifically politicians and legislators. I'm going to use the term pitbull in this article only because people…
Oct 6 2015
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT
This week I want to explain, or should I say clarify, what is a pit bull. As mentioned last week in Pitbull: A Job Title, the now infamous dog breed is poorly misunderstood, and…
Sep 29 2015
Sep 6 2015
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT
Professional recognition is one of my life goals. I believe Dog training and behaviour consultation are at a turning point in history. Too many improvised professionals or outdated practitioners are inadvertently causing harm to animals and…
Read moreSep 1 2015
By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT
Over the last twelve years, I've been fortunate enough to have spent time in both zoological and non-zoological training environments, and let me tell you, there's a big difference when it comes to training. This week… Read more