This month, we’re excited to highlight the work of of member, Shannon Noonan, a trainer whose compassion-first approach is making a meaningful impact in the lives of dogs and their humans. Shannon’s insights below offer a thoughtful look into her philosophy, her work with complex behaviour cases, and what professional community truly means to her. […]
Member Feature: Shannon Noonan Read More »
I have dedicated my career to canine behaviour and the emotional well-being of dogs and their guardians. As the founder of Pet Intel & Emotional Well-Being, I specialize in behaviour consulting, rehabilitation, and training programs tailored for dogs with complex needs, from reactivity and aggression to service and therapy dog preparation. Over the years, I have
Member Feature: Jessica Eden O’Neill Read More »
By Sheelah Gullion, CPDT-KA, CFDM, CSAT, BCSPCA AnimalKind As a professional dog trainer, combining business and pleasure is not unfamiliar, so when the opportunity to join a group of dog pros on a visit to India to learn about the street dogs—or “Indies”—there, I won’t deny I jumped at the chance. The trip was the
India Dog Field Study Tour 2025: One pet dog trainer’s experience Read More »
Over the years as a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (CAPDT), I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable growth of this organization and its potential to drive the change so greatly needed in dog training across Canada. Like many members, I initially joined for practical benefits, such as discounts on essential services like dog training
Member Feature: Sylvia Currie Read More »
By Nanette Lai, MA, CPDT-KA This is a revised excerpt of the author’s blog post “It’s 2025. Do Not Do As The [Ancient] Romans Do” published January 20, 2025. The prong/pinch collar has been described as a medieval torture device. That’s inaccurate. Because the design occurred far earlier. A wall painting located in the Etruscan
Origin of the Prong Collar Read More »
by Donna Hill, B.Sc. (Zool) B.Ed. ServiceDogTrainingInstitute.online Living with a senior dog is a journey filled with love, challenges, and profound moments, much like caring for an elderly parent or relative. As our canine companions age, they require special attention and care, which can significantly impact our daily lives and routines. Over the years we
A Dog’s Senior Years Read More »
As a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant, Trainer, Fear Free Professional, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, Certified Dynamic Dog Practitioner, Victoria Stillwell Academy Advisor and the founder of Walkabout Canine Consulting in Kingsville, Ontario, I help dog guardians navigate either 1-2-1 , virtually or though online course/membership everything from reactivity to resource guarding and do so with
Member Feature: Sylvia Koczerzuk Read More »
Positive reinforcement training, often humorously termed “cookie pushing”, is frequently misunderstood within the pet dog training community. Some may view it as overly permissive, lacking the discipline required to effectively train dogs. This perspective, however, is far from the truth. In reality, positive reinforcement is a method that establishes clear and firm boundaries through non-coercive
Beyond the Cookie: Establishing Boundaries Through Positive Reinforcement Training Read More »
As a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (CAPDT), you are part of a respected community that champions ethical, science-based, and humane dog training. Your membership is not just a professional credential—it’s a public declaration of your values, credibility, and commitment to excellence in the field of dog training and behaviour. Why
Make Your Membership Count: The Power of Displaying the CAPDT Insignia Read More »
Dear Members, As many of you know, CAPDT introduced the STOP List in 2019 in response to feedback from our membership. This initiative marked a significant moment for our organization, as we elevated our Code of Ethics and became one of the first professional associations to take a firm stance against the use of aversive
Upholding Our Standards and Moving Forward Together Read More »
