By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

When most people think about puppy socialization, they picture play. Groups of puppies tumbling over one another, burning energy, getting used to the world. It looks productive, and it feels right.

For a future service dog…

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

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

Resilience, the ability to recover quickly from setbacks, is a concept most often associated with human psychology as emotional or self-regulation. In dogs, resilience is just as vital. Whether they are therapy dogs working in challenging…

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

When we think of dog training, unlocking your dog’s potential is everyone's goal, often picturing treat-based obedience drills or stern commands. But what if there was a more natural, humane, and effective way to teach our…

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

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…

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…

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

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

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

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

Puppy socialization is a crucial period in a dog's life, typically spanning from three to fourteen weeks of age. During this time, puppies learn to navigate the world around them, encountering new experiences, people, and other…

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

Bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience, but it also comes with responsibilities and challenges. To ensure your new furry friend becomes a well-adjusted and happy family member, focus on proper…

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…