Companion Animal Training
# 8 Blackburn Dr. W, SW T6W2K5 Edmonton, AB, Canada

Since Tiny has been on cage rest since she broke her leg, we have been working on colour discrimination. She has now learned to discriminate the red lid from the other colours I present to her. This was taught as a fun exercise to help keep her mentally stimulated and now it is beneficial because I can also use it to get her moving around more to help rehabilitate her leg. Discrimination training can be done with many different species using visual, olfactory, tactile and auditory stimuli. #chickenwelfare #chickentraining #chickensaresmart #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #colourdiscrimination #rvt #kpactp #cpdt

Happy 1st birthday, Baycon! Thank you so much for the thoughtful gifts and note. We are so happy to have been a part of your first year

Baycon relaxing for her Fear Free session with Shelby today! Shelby is working with Baycon and her guardians to help her feel more comfortable with veterinary handling and procedures! She is progressing so beautifully and was excited to come into the clinic today #rvt #kpactp #fearfreepets #desensitizationandcounterconditioning #cooperativeveterinarycare #yourpetscanlovethevet #choicesforyourpatients

Does your pup need to brush up on some manners? Puppy Foundations is for puppies 14-24 weeks of age and teaches basic manners, sit, down, place and loose leash walking with added distraction, distance and duration. We also incorporate trick training and discuss common behaviour concerns. Join us for a fun, positive, Fear Free Class! Our next VIRTUAL class is running TONIGHT, Wednesday evenings, Oct. 7 - 28 from 7:45-8:45 pm. Register now and use coupon code PUPPY25 to r...eceive 25% off! Visit companionvet.ca/classes to register VALID UNTIL 8 pm tonight, Oct. 7, 2020. #dogtraining #fearfreepets #puppyclass #clickertraining #treats #yegvet #yegdogs #puppyplay #dogsofyeg @companionvetclinic

Enrichment is important for all species. Chickens scratch and peck at the ground to forage for food, this is an innate behaviour. Setting up areas in your chicken run or yard to give your chickens new areas to explore provides mental stimulation and also helps to keep your chickens active. In this example, we piled up some leaves and hid mealworms in the leaves for the chickens to find. You can hide other treats as well such as seeds, uncooked oatmeal, leafy greens or small easily consumable pieces of fruit or other vegetables. This is an easy, inexpensive way to keep your chickens busy and happy!

Looks at this AMAZING bird enrichment tree stand

Tiny is on her second week of cage rest for her broken leg. We use a lot of food enrichment and clicker training daily to keep her mentally stimulated and emotionally healthy. For today, we stuffed this toy with spring mix, broccoli, apples, bananas and strawberries. A lot of her enrichment last week encouraged her to stay sitting rather than standing but this week she is choosing to toe touch and move around more easily. This week we will focus on enrichment and training that will continue to encourage movement and be mindful to move at her pace! #chickenwelfare #cagerest #foodenrichment #chickenlove #kpactp #rvt #cpdt #fearfreepets #positivetraining #chickenenrichmentideas #chickenenrichment101 #chickenpinata

Our next online puppy class starts October 7th! Join us for a fun, safe and informative puppy class. Register by visiting BOOK NOW at the top of the page!

Both classes start this Sunday, September 13th! They will be our last outdoor classes for the season Click on Book Now to register! #dogtraining #outdoorclass #basicmanners #advancedclass #clickertraining #rvt #kpactp #positive #forcefree #fearfreepets

After several months of hard work by Sophie and her amazing owner, Sophie is comfortable enough to begin having her nails trimmed again She was taught a consent station and how to use a nail board to help maintain her nails while she progressed through her behaviour modification plan. My favourite part of this evening is when her owner said Every time she sees the trimmers she starts wagging her tail! Success #counterconditioninganddesensitization #cooperativecare #nailtrims #hardwork #yegvet #rvt #kpactp #cpdt #yourpetcanlovethevet #virtualtraining

Baycon just finished up her virtual training session with Shelby She learned so much and deserved a nap #clickertraining #dogtraining #positivedogtraining #kpactp #rvt #treats #virtuallearning

Congratulations to our Mind Your Manners graduates!! Amazing work everyone. Hope to see everyone in Advanced Foundations starting September 13th-October 4th at 11:15 am!! #basicmanners #distraction #clickertraining #positivedogtraining #kpactp #fearfreepets #rvt #yegvet

Outdoor fun isnt over yet! We will be running our Mind Your Manners and Advanced Foundations classes once more before the end of the season! DATE CHANGE! ... Sunday, September 13th-October 4th! Mind Your Manners- 10am-11 am Advanced Foundations- 11:15 am-12:15 am Click Book Now at the top of the page to register! #edmontondogtraining #basicmanners #tricks #cooperativecare #clickertraining #kpactp #dogtraining #positivedogtraining

This is a great video on body language and child safety! Please watch and share.

A couple cuties from Mind Your Manners class tonight! We worked on foundation behaviours with distance, take it and drop it, touch and even taught the doggies how to use a nail board!! Join us for our next Mind Your Manners or Advanced Foundations class September 10th-October 1st!... Click on Book Now at the top of the page to register. #dogtraining #yegvet #clickertraining #basicmanners #cooperativevetcare #kpactp #rvt #fearfreepets

Outdoor fun isn’t over yet! We will be running our Mind Your Manners and Advanced Foundations classes once more before the end of the season! DATE CHANGE! ... Sunday, September 13th-October 4th! Mind Your Manners- 10am-11 am Advanced Foundations- 11:15 am-12:15 am Click Book Now at the top of the page to register! #edmontondogtraining #basicmanners #tricks #cooperativecare #clickertraining #kpactp #dogtraining #positivedogtraining

Happy National Dog Day from our doggy families to yours!! We would love to see pictures of everyones awesome dogs! #nationaldogday #edmontondogtrainers #clickertraining #kpactp #rvt #positivedogtraining #welovedogs #dogsfordays #bestfriends

NEXT OUTDOOR CLASS!! September 10th-October 1st at 7:45 pm Join this fun class to learn basic manners; sit, down, touch, leave it, drop, recall, loose leash walking and much more!!... Please click BOOK NOW to register! #dogtraining #basicmanners #positivedogtraining #clickertraining #treats #fearfreepets #kpactp

Doesnt get CUTER than this!! Miss Edna was working on her place behaviour in Puppy Socialization and Exploration class! This little lady and Kiba even graduated from virtual puppy class tonight #puppies #virtualpuppyclass #basicmanners #clickertraining #adorable #bulldogpuppy #yegdogtraining #kpactp #treats @companionvetclinic

Rosco had his preventative exam, oral and injectable vaccine today! This dog has come a LONG way since last year! He was fearful for auscultation, having his feet examined and vaccines even with considerate approach, gentle control techniques and treats. Myself, his owner and the team at @companionvetclinic worked together to desensitize and counter-condition him to the steps involved in a physical exam as well as injections!... Here are a few clips today from his successful exam!! We use predictor cues to let him know what we are going to do next and these have been paired with a clicker and treats to change his negative emotional response to a positive emotional response. Additionally, I taught him a consent station so he is welcome to leave whenever he wants. He chose today to station on his mat on the floor for his exam rather than the platform. As Roscos RVT and trainer we decided it would be best if I vaccinated him. We have worked hard to desensitize and counter-condition to injections and he was able to have his vaccine given this year restraint free! Dr. Benoit and I communicate throughout his exam about his predictor cues (some patients have different ones) and how to best do his exam to keep him comfortable. Such great work by everyone but especially Rosco #fearfreepets #rvt #vet #cooperativeveterinarycare #desensitizationandcounterconditioning #treats #clickertraining #yourpetcanlovethevet #dreamteam #kpactp #cpdt

Working on foundation behaviours with distraction in Mind Your Manners class tonight!! Great work everyone! Cant wait for next week #basicmanners #distraction #kpactp #dogtraining #yegdog #treats #clickertraining #dogfun #yegvet

Next VIRTUAL PUPPY CLASSES!! Start August 23rd-September 20th! No class September 6th. Upon registration you will have access to our educational library for your class that consists of videos, handouts and more! ... Register by clicking BOOK NOW at the top of the page!

Looking for an amazing leash?! Check out the this awesome sale

There is a common misconception that if an animal isnt displaying a desired behaviour that they are stubborn. Here are some thoughtful considerations instead!

Congratulations to the first graduates of our outdoor Mind Your Manners class!! (Missing Shiro) #dogtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #feafreepets #clickertraining #kpactp #greatwork #congratulations #treats #looseleashwalking #basicmanners

Its that time of year again! Su4L milk container cut in half and Tupperware for smaller dogs. oversized ice cubes! This batch includes the following: 4L milk container cut in half and tupperware for smaller dogs.... Fill half with water and a 1/4 cup of broth (no onions or garlic) Add anything that freezes well and your dog likes! Kibble, treats, fruit (no grapes) Place them in the freezer. About 4 hrs, but it will depend on the size of your ice cube container. When they are ready remove them from their containers and allow your pups to enjoy them in the yard. Ensure you always supervise your pet! #environmentalenrichmentfordogs #funinthesun #dogtraining #dogsofsummer #frozenfun #vettech #cpdt #fearfreepets #kpactp #hotdays #yegvet #mentalstimulation

UPCOMING CLASSES!! Virtual Puppy Classes starting Wednesday, July 29th at 6:30 pm and 7:45 pm! Outdoor classes for dogs 6 month and older! Mind Your Manners and Advanced Foundations start August 6th at 6:30 pm and 7:45 pm @ellerslierugbypark!... Please click on Book Now to save your spot in class! #puppy #dogtraining #positivetraining #kpactp #dogs #yegpuppy #clickertraining #basicmanners #tricks #advancedpuppy #rvt #feafreepets #edmontondogtraining

Class has been moved to start next Wednesday, July 29th at 6:30 pm and 7:45 pm. If you would like to learn from the comfort of your home and learn how to best socialize and train your puppy during this pandemic we can help! We training using positive, science based methods of training and all our classes give you access to a resource page with handouts, videos and much more!... Register by visiting the Book Now button at the top of the page! #puppyclass #virtualclass #learnfromhome #covidpups #kpactp #feafreepets #startstomorrow #treats #clickertraining

Today I worked on teaching Golden Cheeks that the presentation of the stethoscope and eventually the stethoscope on your chest predicts treats This was her second session with the stethoscope and she did AMAZING!!! #cooperativechickencare #cooperativeveterinarycare #chickentraining #treats #classicalconditioning #slowandsteady #smartchicken #yourchickencanlovethevet #rvt #cpdt #kpactp #fearfreepets

Congratulations to our puppy class graduates! Great work and hope to see you in future classes #puppyclasses #clickertraining #puppy #virtualclasses #learnfromhome #treats #prevention

Meet Geri! Over several months we have been working together to desensitize and counter-condition her to veterinary handling and injections. Pre-Covid we were able to work with her regular veterinary clinic VCA Canada Calgary Trail Animal Hospital and her vet, the wonderful Dr. K to transfer her care. Ideally, Geri would wear a basket muzzle for her vaccines however she had a very traumatic experience with a muzzle. We are slowly desensitizing and counter-conditioning her to ...a muzzle but she is due for her injectable vaccines so we have decided to introduce her to a cone collar. Geri has been taught a chin rest behaviour, this cue has helped encourage her to place her head through the cone collar and helps her make a positive association with the cone collar. I modified this cone collar to ensure she remains comfortable working with it and will work up to using an appropriately sized cone when she is ready. Normally consent behaviours are not placed on cue as we prefer the patient offer them when they are ready to be handled but for the purpose of conditioning her to the cone collar I have used her verbal cue (at times you can see she if already offering it as I cue it) and overtime it will transfer to her chin rest behaviour. She has already had her physical exam and oral vaccine, she was prescribed anti-anxiety medication to help ensure she had a pleasurable experience and she was able to be examined using her chin rest behaviour and predictor cues! I am so proud of her progress! #cooperativeveterinarycare #conecollar #safety #rvt #kpactp #cpdt #yegvet #clickertraining #vetclinic #yourpetcanlovethevet #positivetraining #treats #fearfreepets

Daphne is learning to walk calmly on-leash during her walk n trains with Chantal. She is such a smart and happy pup #leashwalk #clickertraining #positivetraining #kpactp #fearfreepets #walkntrain #lookatthoseears

Our classes for July and August! Puppy Socialization and Puppy Foundations class are still running VIRTUALLY starting July 22nd! We have had many inquiries about indoor, in-person classes, however because we are a veterinary clinic and are maintaining curbside services for our staff and the publics safety, indoor classes are not possible at this time. Mind Your Manners and Advanced Foundations are OUTDOOR classes @ellerslierugbypark starting August 6th! We will do our best ...to set up outdoor makeup classes if a class needs to be cancelled due to weather. Virtual options may need to be explored if the weather doesnt cooperate for consecutive classes. For information on all our classes please click on Book Now at the top of the page! #fearfreepets #virtualtraining #outdoorclasses #covidpuppy #puppyprevention #basicmanners #clickertraining #animalbehaviour #kpactp #certifieddogtrainers #fearfreecertified #rvt

It can be a difficult to know how to help your clients and patients with behaviour questions and concerns. We developed this flow chart to help general veterinary practices set their clients and patients up for success! Common terminology and definitions include:... BEHAVIOUR PROBLEM: The animals behaviour is a problem for the owner. The issue could be lack of training, a conditioned unwanted behaviour, a behaviour disorder, or a combination of issues. BEHAVIOUR DISORDER: Psychological or behavioural patterns outside the behavioural norms for the species and/or context. Often there is an affective (emotional) component. PREVENTIVE CARE: Refers to measures taken to prevent the development of behaviour problems or disorders, rather than treating the symptoms of an existing problem or disorder. QUALIFIED TRAINER: An animal trainer who is certified from a standardized, positive-based curriculum and is policed by an organization in which certification can be revoked if the trainer acts unprofessionally or outside the organizations code of ethics. Source: (Shaw & Martin, 2015) Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses #animalbehaviour #howto #veterinaryprofessionals #rvt #kpactp #positivetrainingtechniques #behaviourreferrals

These are very common instances that increase conflict, fear and frustration in dogs all of which can lead to aggression. Please take the time to read this informative post.

Early morning agility training with the chickens Golden Cheeks is an old pro so Amelia was working on fading her lure! #chickentraining #diyagilitycourse #clickertraining #kpactp #trainyourchicken #chickenagility #chickenenrichment #rvt #kidstrainingchickens

Early morning agility training with the chickens This was Tinys first time going through the course. #chickentraining #diyagilitycourse #clickertraining #kpactp #trainyourchicken #chickenagility #chickenenrichment #rvt #kidstrainingchickens

Team work makes the dream work!! Today in Roscos session we worked on desensitizing and counter-conditioning him to medical equipment for his exam and incorporating restraint for his poke cue. Thank you to Shelby for not only being an awesome vet tech but also a great trainer and helping to make Roscos exams more comfortable for him! Rosco pants on and off throughout his sessions. I always ensure he gets frequent breaks even if he doesnt choose to take them on his own an...d teaching him a consent station always gives him the choice to opt out. #cooperativeveterinarycare #teamwork #rvt #kpactp #markandreward #stationing #choice #yegvet #yourpetcanlovethevet

Congratulations Great work to our virtual Puppy Socialization and Foundation class graduates #puppyclass #learnfromhome #clickertraining #prevention #yegpuppy #virtuallearning #puppy #kpactp #rvt #fearfreepets #treats #puppylove

Our next Virtual Puppy Classes start July 5th! Register early to access our online webinar orientation and additional resources to get started even before class starts! #puppyclass #learnfromhome #everyonewelcome #kpctp #clickertraining #problemprevention #puppy #dogtraining