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…

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…

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…

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

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, 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

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

Dog reactivty has become a buzz word associated with aggression instead of it being a response due to lack of experiences. When people encounter a reactive dog, the common assumption is that the dog is aggressive…

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

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

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

Dog attacks are a concerning issue that often sparks heated debates, especially when certain breeds like pitbulls are involved. However, beneath the sensational headlines and emotional responses lie complex factors that contribute to these incidents. In…

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

In the articles My Dog Killed My Other Dog – Part 1 and Part 2, we discussed how dogs living together sometimes kill each other. The attack is often based on resources, medical conditions, or…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

What is FAST dog training, and why should you care?! I spend a lot of time coaching people on how to change undesirable behaviour, namely aggression, into more desirable behaviours. The best way to accomplish this…

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…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

I receive messages daily in private and on the blog post My Dog Killed My Other Dog. I am very saddened to hear all your stories, so today, I thought I would write to you…

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

At the Dogue Shop, I talk about difficult topics because the human-animal bond suffers without discussing behaviour. The following taboo topic article might surprise some, but I assure you that dogs killing dogs within the…