Professional growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people share knowledge, build connections and work toward common goals. At the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (CAPDT), that philosophy is helping shape several important initiatives designed to support members, strengthen professional standards and increase awareness of the work professional dog trainers do. While each
September is National Service Dog Month, making it a great opportunity to learn more about service dogs, the important work they do, and what sets them apart from other support animals. A service dog works specifically with a person with a disability and is trained to perform tasks that help mitigate that person’s disability. Service
Service Dogs in Canada: What You Need to Know Read More »
Behind every great professional association is a dedicated group of volunteers who generously share their time and expertise. This month, we’d like to shine a spotlight on one of those exceptional members—Jennifer Berg, CPDT-KA, CDBC. Many CAPDT members know Jennifer as the editor behind our annual digital publication, FORUM, but her contributions to our profession extend
Member Feature: Jennifer Berg – Helping Shape the Future of CAPDT’s Flagship Publication Read More »
A simple walk outside for us humans is much more complex for a dog. It’s filled with information; what animals have passed through, where food may have been and even what’s changed since their last visit. They can tell all this through scents. Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell to gather information about
Working Dogs: Seeing Through Scent Read More »
“Whether you are training a new puppy, or facing behaviour challenges with your older dog, I’ll guide you towards your goals while prioritizing both your education and your dog’s well-being. I hope to help you embrace the life-long journey of learning and an ever-growing connection with your beloved canine!” As a CPDT, CBATI, ‘Fear Free’
Member Feature: Donna Ashley 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 »