Meet Madison
My mission is to help dog owners ensure their dogs receive the proper exercise, training, and care, acknowledging that while life can be busy, your dogs should always be a priority. My ultimate goal is to help keep dogs happy, fulfilled, and well-adjusted.
I’ve had a lifelong interest in animals, initially aspiring to be a vet. This foundation grew when I got my first dog, Guinness, which sparked my curiosity about Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) and their specific needs. This led me to study different dog breeds, particularly what fulfillment looks like for them—how their needs go beyond just physical exercise to include mental stimulation and proper training.
While working at a daycare and boarding facility, I noticed that many dogs, despite ample exercise and play, still struggled with reactivity and behavior issues due to a lack of proper training and fulfillment. This highlighted the importance of meeting dogs’ broader needs.
I’ve seen the challenges dogs faced in terms of socialization and behavior, and developed an interest in what proper socialization looks like and how it plays a role in shaping well-rounded, happy dogs.
When I welcomed my current dog Bo into my life, I sought professional training, which solidified my passion for dog training and helping other dog owners. This experience furthered my desire to support others in providing the best for their dogs.
Meet the Team
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Bo
The Helper
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Lark
Work In Progress
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Bo has done a complete 180 since coming home as the resource guarding, shut down flighty dog. You may see him helping with training dogs as he has a calm personality. In his free time he enjoys scent detection and we hope to trial soon.
Lark was initially bred by the RCMP and ended up in negligent hands after being released from puppy training. 4 years later she ended up in my home in terrible condition, with terrible habits. Through hard work and dedication, she is beginning to show her true potential. She has also started in scent detection and I can’t wait to see where it takes us!
What is your training approach?
1. Relationship-Focused: Building a strong, trusting bond with the dog is essential for effective training. A positive relationship helps foster cooperation and responsiveness.
2. Individualized Approach: Since every dog is different, their training should be tailored to their unique personality, needs, and motivators. This ensures the methods are engaging and effective for that specific dog.
3. Varied Tools and Techniques: I recognize that different dogs respond to different tools (like leashes, harnesses, clickers, or prongs) and that some methods work better for certain dogs. A balanced approach might involve using both positive reinforcement and appropriate tools when necessary.
4. Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding good behaviour is central to my approach, motivating dogs to repeat desired behaviours through treats, praise, or other rewards.
5. Balanced Use of Reinforcers and Tools: While positive reinforcement is important, I may also incorporate tools and methods (e.g., corrective cues or management strategies) to address undesirable behaviours when appropriate, ensuring that no method is used exclusively or to the detriment of the dog’s well-being.
This approach emphasizes flexibility, recognizing that the right combination of techniques can vary from dog to dog, and that the ultimate goal is to enhance communication, trust, and cooperation between the dog and handler.
