Kinder Canine Coaching & Behaviour Consultant
Winnipeg R3N0L1 Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Black Friday Deals from My Borders To Yours in Fredericton. Can you spot Molly and Mya’s awesome collars....perhaps it’s time for some new gear for the girls....cause they don’t have enough already....right?!?! I LOVE all of the great colours, and the collars are awesome quality! Message Meghan and spoil your pups/or cats with an item in their stocking!!

Memory Lane with Mya, trying to hunt me! Haha

Down Memory lane! We won’t be able to make as big of a maze this year....but don’t you worry....once we get enough snow, mini mazes will be built!!!!! Do you make a maze every year?... (BC friends....don’t you dare answer that while wearing your flip flips )

Any ideas of the foreign body? Find out tomorrow!

Yesterday you seen my goodie two shoes sister get Ma a kleenex.... I implore you to get your Ma or Pa a Kleenex this way, it’s way more fun....and i promise they will end up laughing hysterically at your silliness. After all, that is what life is about. Molly is boring, don’t follow her lead! ... Join the dark side.... Mya

What a scary situation! Some important take aways: With only knowing a little bit from the video/article...... 1) Puppies, like young children, do not always make the best decisions and often curiosity can lead to mishaps. When walking in a ‘danger’ area, it’s going to be important to ensure your dog has an incredible recall, stays close to you, or is on a leash. However, even with all of that prevention... does not suggest that in this situation the gator couldn’t come out of the water and still grab the puppy while on a leash, or does it ensure he couldn’t grab him recalling back to his handler as well. Gators (like many wild life) are very smart...and very fast! But....with prevention, as a handler, you can react faster to help. 2) Ensure the animal gets vet care right away in case of internal injuries! I can’t believe the puppy only had one puncture. So lucky!!! 3) The video made a comment that the puppy was a little nervous to go back to the water. Obviously this is to be expected. But being so young, it’s essential if your puppy experiences something very scary, to reintroduce them soon, so there will be no long term cognitive damage. There is a right and wrong way to introduce a pup to new things, scary things however. This week, let’s talk about the best practices on scary things!!! Because this also effects all ages as well. Is there something your puppy is afraid of?

Day 3 Wednesday Tip! Now that you’ve been working on a few basic skills.... Look Sit... Down Stand Okay Let’s Go Now we ADD the leash!!!! Dogs are not born on a leash, collar, harness, or any tool for that matter. It takes time for them to understand ‘why’ they are restricted. You most definitely want to take the time to teach them, that this is not a restriction but simply that of a safety tool. This is how I want you to see it as well. Not a crutch and not a way to make your dogs listen to you. When we jerk or pull the leash (which you never should but yet we all do before we know better!) that means you accidentally teach your pup that they can do it to you. So we need to change that concept of what the leash is actually for. Here Molly and I are practicing the slow/quick paces and demonstrate it on a real walk. Obviously the girls are very skilled at this....as they have had 6 and 8 years of practice. Your pup will be brand new to this, skilled but not sure, or learn it very quickly....either way, always go at your pups pace!!!!! If you lack patience, your pup will have a harder time in distracted areas to maintain their skillset. Start in the house Practice in the back yard Practice in the front yard Add distractions Practice going on a short walk Continue adding more distance as the dog and handler master their craft. A walk is simply what you and your furry partner make of it. Because this is my favourite activity, I put a lot of effort into this skillset. But I also keep in mind, this activity is for my dogs, and I just benefit being with them. Even though this is their activity, it’s still important for them to have skills to keep them safe, myself safe and community members safe. After all, our main goal.... is to develop AMAZING Canine Citizens. How are you making out so far? Any questions? Make it even more fun and put funky names to your commands. I’m boring and just use simple ones (my brain wouldn’t remember any thing else ) But I have clients that use themed words such as Harry Potter spells. Instead of bed, they use man cave, and so much more! That could make learning so much more interesting for you. Have fun!!!

Someone help me....Mya is so dis not funny! MOOOOM, why is you laffin at me!!!

Winter Trick’s Challenge??? https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSbHhvVY/

I am not an overly snuggly dog (I get hot fast), but sometimes I just need to curl up and get me some Ma love. Mya

We had a VERY busy day today. Day 1 of venturing our new itty bitty military house. It’s VERY small, like really itty bitty (like only made for mommy sized!) Ma says if able, it’s so important to take your pups to their new ‘house’ before furniture comes. We realize that is not always possible, and that’s ok.... it if you can, it makes the transition so much easier on us. ...Continue reading

Cat castle for Christmas?? https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSbuXxgU/

I’ve never had this much time wiff my mom uninterrupted before. Let me tellz you, I don’t like it.... Cause I LUVS it. Ear massages for 13 days in a row now. ... Molly

Good morning everyone! We were up early and went for a nice little jaunt around the hotel parking lot. There is a little grass area that is so fun to sniff around. Mya got really scared when someone slammed their garage door (condos on the other side of the parking lot/fence), so we came home a little earlier. But we loved being on the long lines and having some fun! ... Now just as a Sunday should be, we be sleepin! . Molly

With all of the missing animals lately....this should be shared far and wide! So when your pet sneaks out accidentally, or stays out longer than normal and is eventually found...they are always scanned and can be returned to their home. Saves many lives!!! Share the heck out of this.

Hotel life is the cats meow....so cozy! Hope

Our mom wants you to believe that we are doing activities alllllllll day long. We just wanted to ensure you knew the truth... Our days mostly look like this. ... Mom believes in very short, fun sessions all throughout the day, randomly and only when we are interested. We’ve got snoozin perfected, I mean we are 6 and 8, so it’s pretty easy act to perfect at this age. All those mini sessions however, are exhausting! Plus moving, that is also VERY exhausting! Night everyone, we luvs you Molly, Mya and Boots (Hope is hiding in our crate)

Tell me what happiness is to you and what does that look like in your animal? A happy animal means one that is less stressed, more attentive, more willing to engage, and redirects so much faster.....etc. So....let's dive into happiness vs Behaviour for a little while. ...Continue reading

Morning snack games! ‘Push’

How to hold your leash properly.... Picture one is the BEST way Often better used for skilled handlers and dogs. Loop around your thumb and grab both sides of the leash loop with your palm. ... The inside of your hand (the edge) is what controls the leash. This is your strongest part of your hand. A tight loop is better, but for new handlers/dogs who are not great at leash handling (both parties pull), you may hurt yourself, and get your thumb caught in the pull. But once you understand the skill on how to hold the leash and it becomes more comfortable, this is actually the he safest way to hold. Picture two is the next best for new handlers. Having a loop open allows the handler to get more comfortable with the placement. This also gives room to move as the dog/handler pulls. The ultimate goal in leash handling, is that both parties don’t even know the leash exists. Many recommend practicing first a good Heel without a leash on, and this can work very well. But If the problem is with the leash, you should be working with the leash the entire time when practicing. The idea, is that your dog listens and stays close regardless if there is a leash on or not. Remember, your dog was not born on a leash/collar/harness....so you need to teach them to LOVE them, and not fight them. A dog who is amazing on leash, is an expert off leash, because it’s not the leash that enforces their behaviour....it’s the bond with their handler! Now go practice, to make perfect! Ice and snow is coming soon, we want expert leash handling to navigate icy sidewalks!

A little foraging for breakfast in my toy bag! Finding ways to stimulate my brain while in isolation! Two weeks is soooo long, and we are only on Day 3

Happy National Black Doggy Day! We celebrate because Black dogs (and cats) are the last to be adopted! We LOVE all breeds, all colours, all uniqueness and of course all the craziness that comes along with pet parenting!

Snack time (supper) today meant some foraging games. I love scatter games, but it’s way different in a hotel. The space is so little. My mom is funny cause she thinks she’s training me at the same time. Like sound/space desensitization counter conditioning... physical exercise Mental games like wait, sit, release Using all 5 senses but most importantly pairing things together that I find scary (the two doors/random sounds) with something fun/delicious. Little does she know that I just simply love all games, no matter their purpose! So jokes on her really This is also why I am way more fun than my sister.... (did you see her? She’s so boring!) Molly

That wuz hard work for snack time...but ohhh so fun! Time to put our paws up and relax Mom. We deserve it!

Do you know what the best way to hold a leash is? Comment below on what you think it is! Hint: This is the WORST way to hold your leash.

Peanut Butter heaven. Ma only had one so I had to share ‘licking’ time. I’m getting further into the container cause I have a longer snout than Molly!! Yayy for long snouts

There are no real studies to prove it’s efficacy in removing dander and allergens. However, I’ve been using this for the last 18 years....and for me it works amazing in reducing any asthmatic or allergic reactions. In my own home I have the ability to keep the house clean, the animals clean with daily brushing and wiping, as well as limiting how much I touch or limit them access to certain areas of the house. I typically do not let the cats in our room at night, as they sle...ep on or near my face or rub against it. They are allowed anywhere in the house, but during certain times I limit them. But in the hotel during isolation, I don’t have many options to keep the place clean, so this has been an absolute life saver. I still have ‘symptoms’, but they are so mild and easily controllable. I was born with Asthma and Allergies....but it wasn’t going to stop me from helping animals (or adopting them) in any way! Medications are not an option for me either, as I react to them all. And the thought of intaking toxins to help eliminate allergens makes no sense to me. (I feel the same as inhalers, but sometimes they are a must have!). I prefer as much of a natural approach to it as possible. (Exercising my lungs, creating immunity and good cleaning practices). This in no way means I rub all up on them when using this product, it just means that I will have less symptoms with us all in a small space. Easy, and effective IMO!

Hotelz Emotionz is Really, Really Ruff!

Need to update collars, or leashes ?? Nows the time!! We LOVE the girls collars!

Day 5/6 Travelling Arrival Day!!! As I had mentioned before, in 2011 we moved from BC to NB. We travelled 12 days with the kids and boys. ... Now we are going back wards and heading to MB (sadly not to BC just yet), Winnipeg makes the last stop the boys have taken the girls on a ‘heavenly’ adventure. Mya was completely bonded with Yoda, and Molly ridiculously bonded with Jack. The girls (and us) miss the boys soooo much! So this little travel was our way to say goodbye, end an era, and feel connected to the boys! We stopped at all the same spots we took the boys. But the last park was our fav. We actually thought of spreading their ashes there yesterday, but we opted to wait till we get back to BC. Where the boys spent most of their lives. Thanks for going on this journey with us. We have lots of work to do however. Stay tuned for some training with the girls with counter conditioning, classical conditioning, desensitization, noise therapy, learning through play and so much more in the days/weeks and maybe even months to come. They are used to country life. Very little noises. Molly is an absolute rockstar with all of the outside noises, but is surprisingly having a hard time with the inside noises of the hotel. She is still doing phenomenal considering her state of fear, but we have some work to do to get back to her comfortable, confident ‘green’ state emotionally! Mya on the other hand is doing outstanding in the hotel, but is greatly struggling with outside! Now that we are done travelling, we will have an easier time adjusting the space for Mya. Funny how their behaviours have changed, but yet not really if you think about it. Change is hard on animals, us included! Stress changes our emotions, which changes our behaviour. The cats have no care in the world about where they are. They are having a blast, adjusting incredibly well. We’ve had to kitty proof the hotel however, as they are enjoying scratching surfaces they shouldn’t be! Thankfully they haven’t wrecked anything yet, so we were able to cover all surfaces with blankets before they did. Two weeks of isolation in a hotel would be fun otherwise I am tremendously proud of the girls, their quick adjustments, and the ability to show when they need help. Their arousal Level has been great, so a few things applied, and we should be back to our normal personalities very soon!!! Behaviour is never based on being good or bad. It’s solely about emotion! We’ll talk more about that in the days to come. This may even help where your dog is at, and how you can help them overcome their possible fears, or excitement.

Finally arrived in Winnipeg and enjoying our first conference session with IBPSA! I am looking forward for a few days of networking, learning and planning!!! An amazing way to spend isolation time in the hotel ... Learning NEVER ends. For someone who takes care of living precious little souls, learning new skills is an absolute MUST in the Pet Care Industry. As a pet parent, THIS should be very important to you, in finding someone to care for your pet that has the latest skills, best practices in play and always willing to learn and grow! This is what separates pet professionals from pet hobbyists. IBPSA Pet Care Business Virtual Conference & Trade Show #BeInspiredIBPSA2020

On this trip the girls won’t get to stop off at places in BC or AB like the boys did, travelling from BC to NB back in 2011. But I just had to post this precious memory. A picture of the boys in Calgary, at my BFF’s house, with Tre (hiding from being pictured) and Tammy’s children Sean and Katie. The boys loved them, plus Owen and their dog Buddy- not pictured. Buddy has since passed away as well. I know the three of them are all playing together and having a blast watching... the girls silliness during their move. Rip Yoda, Jack and Buddy! We love you. Gone, but never forgotten....ever! See more