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How To Properly Address Separation Anxiety and Dog Reactivity

Separation Anxiety Dog Training

Separation anxiety and dog reactivity are 2 very common problems dog Montreal area dog owners face.   

Ricardo and his Doodle Esme came to see Family K9 Dog Training for help with both of these issues.

Many owners and their dogs struggle with separation anxiety and like Ricardo did. Ricardo sought help from multiple montreal area dog  trainers.  Nothing they did helped.  He trained with esme for the better part of 2 years and made no progress whatsoever.

When he reached out for help it was evident that he is a very dedicated dog owner and wanted to do right by his dog – he hadn’t given up hope, they just needed to find a better way to resolve these common canine behavioural problems.

Esme came in for Family K9’s In Kennel/Board & Train program and her progress was just gorgeous.

After a 3 week in kennel training program @ Family K9 Dog Training they were reunited and this is a big day on so many levels:

  • The dog doesn’t know the owner is coming to get them.
  • Think about the dog with separation anxiety and what this does to them emotionally.
  • The dog reunited with the owner and then we ask her to go into her crate and relax.
  • Previously Esme could not be in a crate for even a moment without freaking out, barking, screaming and trying to fight her way out.
  • Now she can go into the crate and settle down!
  • Door open – she’ll stay in!
  • Leave her alone with the door shut – no barking at all.   

Onto her dog reactivity:

  • Out come my trouble maker out sisters Lily and Ruby!
  • Esme had no trouble remaining focused and walked beautifully on a nice loose leash.  She also demonstrated her calmness in the crate with another dog right nearby.
  • Finally we went outside where the dogs all got to zoom around and have a blast and Esme did several perfect off leash recalls.   

Many dog owners struggle with issues with their dog’s behaviour that are so simple to address with the right technique and mindset.   

If you have worked with your dog, worked with a trainer or several and are not where you’d like to be yet – don’t give up.  Family K9 Dog Training specializes in helping owners with challenging dogs and behaviour.If you have worked with your dog, worked with a trainer or several and are not where you’d like to be yet – don’t give up.   In fact many clients have already gone to other trainer and not had results that proved to be useful.  Let Family K9 Dog Training help you have the dog and relationship with your dog that you’ve always wanted but never thought possible.

Ricardo and Esme reuniting @ our transfer lesson after not seeing one another for three weeks. Both of them are practicing being calm to minimize any setbacks and doing a great job.  
Ricardo and Esme reuniting @ our transfer lesson after not seeing one another for three weeks. Both of them are practicing being calm to minimize any setbacks and doing a great job.  

Look for a video series on Family K9’s Youtube to be out shortly detailing Esme’s progress during her stay for training.

Esme can now calmly go into a crate and settle down right away.
Esme can now calmly go into a crate and settle down right away.
She exhibits calmness and a sense of comfort and well-being that was not at all present before our training.  Before our work together she would typically  panic in a crate and bark, screams nd fight with the crate risking injury.
She exhibits calmness and a sense of comfort and well-being that was not at all present before our training.  Before our work together she would typically  panic in a crate and bark, screams nd fight with the crate risking injury.
Her dog reactivity as seen here is all but a distant memory. Here she is on place with Lucky, A Portuguese water dog - who was in for dog reactivity (among a long list of other issues). Both dogs are calm and cool and able to remain relaxed and focused.
Her dog reactivity as seen here is all but a distant memory. Here she is on place with Lucky, A Portuguese water dog – who was in for dog reactivity (among a long list of other issues). Both dogs are calm and cool and able to remain relaxed and focused.
reactive dog training no more pulling on leash
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Saving Reactive Dogs One at a Time

Dog training reactive fearful aggressive dogs montreal vaudreuil

Reactive dog training videos Featuring Molly the bernedoodle on day 2 of training, Leo the French Bulldog, Hannibal the Briard & A collie in a consult who learned to chill in 5 minutes!

Reactive Dog Training MTL

Dogs who are reactive are so unbelievably common these days – it seems like every dog (or just about) has some form of reactivity.  Owners of reactive dogs alongside their pets suffer a less than stellar quality of life.  Limited outings, limited times fo day, limited lives in short.  All in order to avoid triggers that send their dogs into a frenzy of reactions.  

Many owners resort to using avoidance, medicating their dogs and accepting that this is as good as it gets.

The above need not be true and training can greatly improve the quality of life for both owner and dog.

Dog Training NDG and downtown Montreal

Julie and her dogs live in Downtown Montreal.  Busy streets, lots of dogs and action to be faced in each and every walk.

She enrolled Molly in Family K9 Dog Training’s Board and Train Program hoping for help.

People asked her how training her dog off island in a remote place would translate to real results in her own area; her neighbourhood, streets and environment.  Many flat out claimed it wouldn’t work.

I patiently explained to her how it would and showed Julie how once the training was completed.  I coached her through the steps and gave her a playoff how to approach the training including walking by a neighbours home where Molly would previously “lose it” even if the neighbour’s dog wasn’t outside.

I put up a video on YouTube showing how much progress Julie’s dog Molly made in just 2 days. We just kept plugging along and doing our thing – I know the recipe for dogs like this and we will be fine long before she is to return to Julie and have our transfer lesson.

Along the way I had several other reactive dogs in for training including Leo – a French Bulldog, Hannibal a Briard and several others.  I routinely bring my in kennel dogs into lessons with clients and their dogs to accompany me – this serves as an additional distraction and gives my in kennel dogs some extra practice.

I even handed Molly to a complete stranger who was in for a (you guessed it!) reactive dog consult and Molly behaviour was identical with me or the stranger handling her.  The dog with this client has been prescribed medication by her veterinarian (Prozac) which isn’t working and then the vet wanted to add Gabapentin to the list to help calm the dog – yet in our consult you can see the dog go from highly reactive to calm and ignoring Molly in what essentially took 5 minutes with the right approach – no medication required.

Montreal Dog Training – helping owners live a better life with their dogs

Dog Training is a quality of life thing.  especially for those with reactive dogs. I say it time and again – the training is a gift to both owner and dog and allows them to live the life that dog owner envision when they imagine what living with a dog will be like. To go for walks, visit people and places and do things together and most of all – have fun!
Molly and Julie were my very last clients in 2024 leading right up to the Christmas break – Julie sent me several updates over the holidays – all of which were very positive and I couldn’t have ended my year or gone into holiday mode in a better way.

From overwhelmed to joyous

I brought my dog Molly to Nick at a time where I’d just about given up all hope. Molly is a great dog, very loving, but highly leash reactive. I knew she had it in her to change, but I couldn’t get her there on my own. Walking her was stressful and I came to dread it, rather than look forward to it. She would lunge at every dog we passed, along with cars, buses, skateboards, bicycles… you get the picture. I had seen Nick almost 30 years ago with my last two dogs, and I remembered how great he’d been with them.

I left Molly for the three-week board and train program. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked her up, but Nick’s training surpassed all my expectations. She’s still the same loveable Molly, full of kisses and affection, but now she knows how to heel on walks and doesn’t go bonkers every time we pass a moving object. Neighbourhood triggers are no longer an issue. She’s no longer on high alert and looking around for something to bark at. She does still react sometimes when another dog gets to close, but a quick correction (which Nick taught me) and we’re back on track. And each day it gets easier and better.

My only regret is that I didn’t do this sooner. It’s a real game-changer. Thank you, Nick.

[Pictured  is Molly (black Bernese poodle) relaxing (previously unheard of!) next to my friend’s dog.]

Training reactive dogs and doodles best dog training montreal vaudreuil

Julie Matlin
CEO
Molly

My Dog Trainer Taught Me How to Heal

Written By Julie Matlin

On January 31, 2024, my husband, Dan, died from an opioid overdose. He left me with two teenage children, a seven-year-old dog named Zoe, and a three-year-old monster named Molly. 

To be fair, Molly isn’t really a monster. She’s a good dog, full of love, but highly leash reactive. She was a Covid puppy, so obedience school was out of the question. We did the best we could at the time, but it’s hard to socialize a dog when it’s not allowed near other dogs.

Dan and I were together for over 27 years. We had, what I thought, was a near-perfect marriage. He was a successful CTO, we owned our own house, raised two beautiful children, and we were crazily attracted to each other. I had no clue he was an addict.

Sure, there were moments over the years that made me raise my eyebrows. I had caught him in a couple of lies. There were those handful of times he didn’t make it home until morning. He couldn’t hold on to a dollar to save his life. But spread these things out over the course of a marriage, toss in his ability to masterfully minimize and deflect, and I learned to brush them off. Until March 2023, when he spiralled out of control and I had no choice but to face the facts before me. 

When I asked him to leave, it was for our safety—mine and the kids. I couldn’t risk having him around. He was running with a dangerous crowd. The drugs were making him erratic. But once he was gone, I was scared. How was I going to manage alone? My mental health had long been shaky and I wasn’t convinced I was strong enough to pull this off. He gave us no financial support and I had left the workforce close to a decade ago. But I put on a brave face, got myself a job, and moved forward. 

The only one who seemed to understand how scared I was, how anxious, was Molly. Already a handful on walks, her reactivity spiked tenfold. Every dog, car, bicycle, bus, skateboard, and sometimes even human, set her into a frenzy. Every walk ended in me crying. 

I contacted Sean, a local trainer who came highly recommended. Sean was great, and we met several times. He showed me how to handle her and gave me all the tools I needed to succeed. But as soon as I stopped our lessons, Molly and I backslid in a spectacular way. I didn’t have the emotional or physical capacity to do the hard work. Much like Molly, I was going through my own trauma and I was exhausted. So I stopped walking her, letting her play in the backyard while I tried to give myself some grace and rest. This also backfired, as the less she was walked, the more intense she became.

A year went by and I knew things had to change. Around this time, my friend Stacie started coming in from Ontario on a regular basis to stay with me. She would listen to me ruminate about Dan, helped me pack up all his stuff, and insisted on taking long walks. On one such walk, she watched me trying to handle Molly and said, “This dog needs to be trained.”

“It’s not about training,” I insisted. “She’s reactive. She’s scared. I don’t know how to get her to focus on me instead of everything around her.”

“Get a trainer,” she said.

“I tried that. It worked for a while, but I just can’t follow through. I need someone to break this cycle for me.”

Stacie had an acquaintance who had sent their dog away for training. A few weeks, a few thousand dollars, and they were presented with a changed dog. I laughed at the idea, it was the last thing I could afford. But the more I thought about it, the more the idea appealed to me. It was a lot of money, but it could be life-changing. 

I searched online, remembering Nick, the trainer who helped us with our first dog, Kato, almost thirty years ago. He has a company in Vaudreuil, about 30 minutes from the city, where he offers a board and train program. It meant giving up Molly for three weeks and delaying my retirement for another year to afford it, but once the idea was in my head, I couldn’t let it go. I can buy myself some peace. Didn’t I deserve that? 

I drove up to the kennel for a consultation. I was so confident I’d leave her there that I brought all her food and medication with me. I worried the whole ride up that Molly is such a sweet dog, Nick wouldn’t see the issue. The kennel is remote—not in the middle of the city with a dog on every corner. What if he told me I was crazy and sent me home? 

About five minutes after I brought Molly in, another woman came in to board her dog. Molly went nuts. Barking, straining at the leash, paws skating on the floor, yet Nick got her under control before I could say, “SEE?” For the first time in what felt like forever, I exhaled. 

“Tell me about her,” Nick said. 

I rattled off a long, rambling, barely coherent list of all the mistakes I’d made, all the ways I’d done the dog wrong, and throwing my feelings of guilt and inadequacy in for good measure. Nick let me go for about two minutes, then held up his hand.

“Stop,” he said. “All of that is in the past. All that matters now is what you do moving forward.”

I stopped, blinked, and swallowed hard. 

“I cry easily,” I said, as the tears started. I knew he was talking about the dog, but that simple sentence somehow applied to my entire life. Every red flag I’d ignored with Daniel. Every time I walked on eggshells to avoid upsetting him. Every time I settled for even less than the bare minimum. All of that is in the past. All that matters now is what you do moving forward. 

I left Molly in his care, returned home, and the strangest thing happened. All the tension and stress I’d been feeling evaporated. There were no walks to dread. Zoe and I would go out and have a pleasant stroll through the neighbourhood. I regained my love of spending time outdoors with my dog. It became a pleasure again, rather than a chore. 

Nick kept me updated on a regular basis, sending emails and posting video to his YouTube channel. I was stunned at the progress she was making and how quickly it was happening. Three weeks later, I drove to the kennel with a little apprehension and a lot of hope. 

“You need to ignore her when I bring her out. Watch what I do. What happens in the next few minutes is important.” Nick left me in the waiting area while he went to retrieve Molly. I waited for the moment she’d jump on me and pee all over the floor. She was a dog with big emotions, he’d warned me—something I already knew. But when the came back, even though she was clearly excited beyond measure, he was able to contain her. A simple correction on the leash and she remained by his side. As soon as she sat, I went over and pet her, feeling a rush of love for her that made me realize no matter how difficult she’d been, no matter what the road ahead held, I loved this dog.

We went outside into the frigid December air and he showed me how to handle her. We did drills with me reinforcing her heel, back and forth, in a perfect square, each time giving her the command and implementing small corrections. She fell into place beside me and it was glorious. 

“I know she’s a good dog, I know she wants to please—” I started. He shook his head.

“She doesn’t want to please. That’s not how a dog works. Dogs who do things predictably and reliably find value in the behaviour. That value is either something positive gained or something unpleasant avoided.”

Nick was talking about dogs, but I thought of Daniel. I know I need to stop, he’d said to me at one point. But without the ability to retreat into a drug haze, I can’t face what I’ve done. The drugs rewarded him, allowed him to avoid the difficult feelings. Until they didn’t. His whole life had been about either gaining positive reinforcement or avoiding unpleasant situations. He didn’t know how to handle failure, how to be accountable for his actions. The drugs gave him an out. 

Since his death, I’d been doing everything in my power to show my kids (and myself) that there was a different way. Through therapy, grief groups, EMDR sessions, positive coping mechanisms, I was facing our trauma head on. That’s what Nick was talking about—finding a better way to do things.

I peppered him with questions, asking about her motivation, inventing possible scenarios and, once again, rehashing all the mistakes I’d made in the past.

“Stop,” he said. “Just stop ruminating. You need to get out of your head and just deal with the situation before you.”

I laughed. He was right. In one two-hour transfer lesson, he was showing me in concrete terms what I’d been grappling with in therapy for over a year: stop focusing on the past and deal with the present. It doesn’t matter what happened before. All that matters is how I handle things going forward. 

“I’m here for you,” he said, handing over Molly’s leash. “If you need a refresher, if things start to backslide, just call me. We’ll book another session and work it out.”

I thanked him profusely, looked down at my dog and smiled at her. We’re going to be okay. Both of us.

Julie Matlin Freelance writer with work appearing in @nytimes @washingtonpost, @todaysparent, @jdforward, @globeandmail, @chatelainemag, and others. (taken from Julie’s insta page)

The above article was submitted to the New York Times Modern Love Column.

Important! Should You Medicate Your Dog For Problem Behaviour Issues?

medicati0n for dog problem behaviour aggression anxiety reactivity

 

Using Medication for Canine Behavioural Issues

As a professional dog trainer with over 30 years experience I deal with owners of dogs and their pets with all sorts of behavioural issues.

I am often faced with “untrainable dogs” who have gone through all the  popular/fad trainers with limited success and are often medicated to help deal with their issues.  

The owners believe that medication is necessary since they tried training and it “didn’t work”.

What Causes Canine Behavioural Problems ?

This is simple – behavioural problems in dogs are there for one of, or a combination of the following reasons:

  • Genetics
  • Environment
  • Improper raising/socialization
  • Lack of training or improper training

Treatment for Canine behavioural problems

In all but the most severe cases a plan of action that involves above all behavioural modification is required.  Dogs are pattern based creatures – you can probably off the top of your head talk at length about how predictable your dog is for certain activities such as walks, meals, play sessions, going to the park etc …  We need to get to the root cause of where the problem comes from and change the pattern.

Finding the right training fit for your dog 

It is critical to work with a professional who can guide you expertly through the necessary steps to help modify your dog’s behaviour. In my experience I have worked with dogs from across Canada and the US with all sorts of behavioural issues ranging from mild to severe and have found many of these cases equally challenging as well highly gratifying.

 

 

 

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How to manage Dog Aggression Montreal Dog Training

help with dog aggression

Living with a Dog Aggressive Dog

Dog owners living with canines who have dog aggression often tell me how stressful their walks and outings are prior to training.

The common things that I hear are people being very selective about the time of day as well as locations they choose to go out into with their dogs.

They are constantly in fear of coming across other dogs on their walks and are very limited I where they can go.

Walks are very stressful.

Of course, making good environmental decisions is always wise, but living successfully with a dog aggressive dog goes far beyond this approach.

The single most important thing any dog owner can do is to train their dog properly.

This goes for any dog owner and any type of dog and 100 times more so for those who have dog aggressive dogs.

Managing Dog Aggression

Managing a dog aggressive dog takes a good understanding of canine psychology and instincts.

It also requires a handler to be very environmentally aware and to make sure that their obedience and means of communicating with their dog are very clear.

When you are in charge of a dog aggressive dog you have to see yourself as upper management.   You give the dog direction, you make good choices as to what your employee is capable of and how much responsibility you place on them (environmental choices) and you make sure that you are a good team leader that can direct and motivate your employee.

Success or failure rests on your shoulders.

Can you “Fix ” or “Cure” Dog Aggression 

You cannot fix or cure a truly dog aggressive dog.

If the dog is shy/nervous/fearful, and yet social this is a very different thing.

I’ve worked with thousands of such dogs who learned that defensiveness was not required and they became absolute “social butterflies” as a result of training.

The want to connect, engage and play with other dogs  was in them to begin with (sometimes dormant).  Either through the result of lack of proper socialization or bad experiences with other dogs they learned to prioritize safety over social interaction.

Do not confuse this with a truly dog aggressive dog.

In the case of the fearful or nervous dog who is indeed social, we simply work on confidence building skills and obedience.

With a dog aggressive dog, you are not going to cure or fix this behaviour because it is rooted in the dog’s character.

Meaning this is how some dogs see the world.  They are adversarial and combative with other dogs.

Believing you can change is like believing you can control the weather.

We cannot alter the course of nature. All we can do is be well informed and take proactive measures to create the best possible outcome.

There are trainers who prey upon naïve dog owners hopes and dreams claiming they can change/fix/cure real aggression and the results are always a disaster. It is only a matter of time before these poor folks find out the hard way.

Why are dogs dog aggressive?

Dogs are aggressive for a multitude of reasons.

It can be genetic

It can be learned through bad experience, improper socialization and harsh or traumatic experiences.

It then gets compounded time and time again reinforcing a belief system in the dog’s mind.   

Aggression is an instinct that we value or demonize  depending on the circumstance.

  • The dog protects you from a while animal while out hiking or camping – the dog is a hero.
  • The dog bites the intruder who broke into your home – the dog is a hero.
  • The dog wants to attack another dog on the sidewalk – aggression is bad.
  • The dog wants to bite the pizza delivery person – aggression is bad.

Of course these examples are simplistic, but I think it illustrates that aggression cannot only be useful but desirable and other times it is completely inappropriate.

Helping owners of a giant dog aggressive Great Dane

Lexi’s owners came to me completely overwhelmed with their dog’s behaviour.

They are nice people, great dog owners with two other dogs at home who are completely fine around other dogs.  They were not prepared for Lexi’s attitude towards the world and had tried to train her with another training school before coming to me. Needless to say it didn’t work out and I was contacted to consult with them and see what can be done to help with Lexi’s behaviour.

 

The videos here represent Lexi in training with me – and more importantly show her working with her owners at our transfer lesson.  

I take great pride in not only the quality of instruction the dogs receive while in for training but equally in teaching dog owners how to maintain their dog’s training once it is complete.

 

Dog Training Success!

We were a little anxious about leaving our 130lbs bundle of joy for kennel training. After our initial consultation, we knew we brought Lexi to the right place. Nick takes the time to explain and make sure we understand the reasons for certain behaviours and clears up misconceptions that many owners have with regards to their dogs or training. Lexi came home today and we couldn’t be happier with the results. We are confident that with the training provided as well as instructions for us owners we will have many years ahead of pet and owner bliss. We brought Lexi because she is dog agressive and every walk was a pulling frenzy. Today, on leash walking with exactly zero strain on the leash. Truly incredible. Thank you.

Lexi's Human - Robert Vanderzon

Rescue Dog Training: Transforming Lives Through Expert Canine Rehabilitation

Training Shelter rescue Street Dogs Montreal

“Rescue Dog Training: Transforming Lives Through Expert Canine Rehabilitation”

Welcome to a transformative journey where expert dog training meets the unique challenges of rescue dogs who began their lives as street dogs in other countries. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore the complexities of training dogs with severe aggression issues, the invaluable role played by a specialized dog trainer, and how this training not only saved lives but enriched the experiences of the newfound owners.

The Unique Challenges of Street Dog Rehabilitation:

Rescue dogs originating from the streets of other countries often present distinctive challenges, and when aggression issues are involved, the complexity of the rehabilitation process intensifies. These challenges include fear-based aggression, territorial behavior, and difficulty in adapting to a domesticated environment.

Addressing Aggression through Specialized Techniques:

As an expert dog trainer specializing in rescue dog rehabilitation, I employ proven techniques to address aggression issues. Utilizing specialized techniques such as aggression management, desensitization, and counterconditioning, our training methods are tailored to reframe negative behaviors and replace them with positive responses. This ensures a safer and more harmonious environment for both the dogs and their owners.

Building Trust and Establishing Control:

Key to the success of training aggressive rescue dogs is the establishment of trust and control. Employing positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and toys, becomes crucial in building a bond between the trainer, the dog, and their new owners. Family K9 Dog Training’s techniques include trust-building exercises, controlled environments, and positive reinforcement strategies play a vital role in the training process.

Video clip of former dog reactive street dog:

Take a look at the dog training video below – a clip of Mike and Topanga working together around a distracting, pushy puppy named Alfie.  Prior to training Topanga would have been actively trying to get to Alfie to attack him. Not just from up close but Topanga would have had an aggressive response to him from a city block away. In the clip Alfie is no more than a few feet away, Topanga remains calm and focused on her owner Mike.    You can see that she is not only obedient and focused but calm and trusts her training – so much so that she is ignoring his advances.  I am purposed letting him get close in order to help proof her training and help Mike understand some key concepts in our lesson.

Rescue Dogs, Enriched Lives:

The impact of our training extends beyond behavioral modification; it enriches the lives of both the dogs and their owners. Rescue dogs, once plagued by aggression issues, transform into well-adjusted companions. Our training brings canine enrichment, through building tools that we can use to communicate and create an understanding.   Through a multitude of techniques and employing positive behaviour reinforcement the dogs quickly adapt to a new way fo doing things. Good dog training is much more than controlling a dog – it is a quality of life game changer for the dog and the dog owners.

Being a Responsible Dog Owner:

Each year cities like Montreal are enacting tighter and stricter dog laws as a result of dog bites, incidences of aggression and out of control dogs  Owning a dog with reactivity or aggression issues is not just a concern for the dog and owner but also society as a whole  Training your reactive dog will not only give your dog and yourself a better quality of life, it will also go a long way towards being a good neighbour.  If we want to be able to keep on enjoying our dogs, being able to take them to public places such as parks, shops, and enjoy the freedoms and privileges of dog ownership as we know it – having a trained dog is absolutely the best way to do so.

Saving Lives through Specialized Training:

In instances of severe aggression, dog training becomes a life-saving endeavor. Family K9 Dog Training’s approach not only gives owners and dogs tools that can be used but peace of mind.

The dog in the photo at the top of the page named Wobbles is a rescue dog who began life as a street dog in Pakistan.  She came from rough beginnings, had an amputation as a result of an injury and was wildly reactive to other dogs. Wobbles took very well to training and has come back for boarding many times since her training was completed.  her owners report a dramatic change in her behaviour and have done a good job maintaining the training she has received from Family K9 Dog Training.  In fact after the lessons with Mike and Topanga – Wobbles was walking into the front of the kennel with her owner Emily – and both dogs were exemplary. 

Empowering New Owners:

Our commitment extends beyond the training sessions; we empower new owners to continue the positive trajectory initiated during training. Through  responsible dog ownership, ongoing support, and canine behavior education, Family K9 Dog Training equips owners with the knowledge and skills to maintain a positive and secure environment for their once-aggressive rescue dogs. Embark on a rewarding journey with Family K9 Dog Training’s specialized training programs. Through the lens of an expert dog trainer, witness, the transformation of street dogs with dog aggression issues into well-behaved companions. Family K9’s commitment to positive reinforcement, science based training principles, behaviour modification, and life-saving techniques ensure that each rescue dog & their family find a better quality of life. Join family, Canine and celebrating the incredible journey of overcoming challenges, enriching lives, and creating lasting bonds with our four-legged friends, In the realm of rescue dog training, where challenges meet compassion, our expert approach ensures the successful rehabilitation of street dogs with major aggression issues. 

Check out Family K9 Dog Training ’s Reactive dog training page Want the best Dog Training Service in Montreal?

Giving street dogs & their new owners a better quality of chance at life through training

Training Shelter rescue Street Dogs Montreal
Wobbles - a three legged street dog from Pakistan in for training in April 2023.
Dog Adoption training Montreal
Wobbles and Nick enjoying some play time!
Dog aggression Montreal dog training
Bailey was wildly dog reactive and her owners needed help to control her dog reactivity. Living in downtown Montreal, in a condo this presented many challenges just in going out for a walk. Bailey is now a well behaved dog and her owner do a fine job with her.
Montreal reactive dog training
Bailey enjoying some play time!
rescue dog Lebanon montreal reactive nervous timid dog
Rove a Street dog from Lebanon. Rove had huge reactivity issues prior to training and could not be near other dogs. Pictured is his owner practicing with him during a lesson with dogs right by the fence.
Rehabilitating, aggressive rescue dogs
Rove and Nick Relaxing and bonding.
Training and rehabilitating rescue dogs
Rove and Nick. Coffee time...
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Avoid #1 Mistake That Can Ruin a Dog’s Life

fearful dog training

Dog owners need to understand how to foster emotional health in their dogs. Teaching dogs that avoidance is not only ok but is actually encouraged is a very dangerous message that will doom a dog to getting locked into fear based reactions and patterns. it is a quality of life killer for both Canine and it’s owner.

Learn how to help build your dog’s confidence and how to avoid the common mistakes many dog owners make on a daily basis without even being aware they are doing it.

Unleashing Confidence: Montreal Dog Trainer Transforming Fearful Pups into Confident Companions

Meet Nick Zevgolis, owner of Family K9 Dog Training a dedicated dog trainer whose expertise goes beyond teaching commands – Nick specializes in helping dogs overcome fear and avoidance through innovative behavioral training. In this blog post, we’ll explore the remarkable journey of Montreal’s dogs as they learn to conquer their fears and rediscover joy with Nick’s techniques and guidance.

Understanding Fear and Avoidance:

Dogs, like humans, can experience fear and avoidance due to various reasons – whether it’s a traumatic past experience, lack of socialization, or a natural predisposition. Nick recognizes that addressing these issues requires a unique approach that combines patience, empathy, and science-backed training methods.

Creating a Safe Haven:

Nick starts by creating a safe and nurturing environment for each dog. This safe haven serves as the foundation for building trust, an essential element in overcoming fear. Through positive reinforcement and gentle guidance, dogs begin to associate training sessions with comfort and security.  The dogs learn that through following the lead of their person they can achieve what they crave the most – feeling secure.  Their reactivity and avoidance is in fact driven by this hard-wired need. So what we do in training is replace their fear driven reactions with new behaviours that not only make our lives easier when handling our dogs but ultimately give the dogs a better quality of life.

Tailored Training Programs:

No two dogs are alike, and Nickunderstands the importance of tailoring training programs to meet individual needs. Whether a dog is fearful of other dogs, people, or certain environments, Nick employs a customized approach that gradually exposes them to the source of fear in a controlled manner. This gradual exposure allows dogs to build confidence at their own pace.  Consultations are required prior to a training program in cases of behavioural issues – read about Family K9 Dog Training Consultations here.

Positive Reinforcement Techniques:

Nick relies on positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desirable behaviors. From treats and praise to play and affection, dogs are motivated to conquer their fears through positive associations, making the learning process enjoyable and stress-free.

Building Canine Confidence:

As dogs progress through the training program, a noticeable transformation occurs – fear begins to dissipate, replaced by newfound confidence. Nick celebrates every small victory, reinforcing positive behaviors and encouraging a positive outlook on life for each furry trainee.

Success Stories:

Nick has witnessed incredible success stories, where once-fearful dogs have blossomed into confident, happy companions. From overcoming leash reactivity to thriving in social situations, the results speak volumes about the effectiveness of Nick’s approach to behavioral training.

 

Harper a fear reactive Chihuahua trained by Nick Zevgolis of Family K9 Dog Training. harper was trained by Nick @ the age of 12. Yes, 12 years old and she and her owners are enjoying a better quality of life.  Go Harper!
Harper a fear reactive Chihuahua trained by Nick Zevgolis of Family K9 Dog Training. harper was trained by Nick @ the age of 12. Yes, 12 years old and she and her owners are enjoying a better quality of life.  Go Harper!

 

Conclusion:

Dogs from Montreal to as far as the west coast of both Canada and the US are finding hope and healing through the dedicated efforts of Family K9 Dog Training. By addressing fear and avoidance with patience, empathy, and positive reinforcement, Nick is paving the way for a brighter, more confident future for our beloved furry friends. If you have a dog struggling with fear or avoidance, consider reaching out to Family K9 Dog Training and embark on a journey of transformation that will not only enhance your dog’s life but also deepen the bond between you and your loyal companion.

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Dog Aggression – Helping Dog Owners Other Trainers Failed

Dog aggression training Montreal

This is an old video being reposted.

A Rescue Dog Story – Good Intentions Gone Bad 

Listen to these dog owners recount their story and experience having rescued the dog off the streets.

What it was like for them, trying to integrate the dog into their lives, an urban environment, full of distractions and other dogs.

Failed Attempt at Dog Training – Other trainers Claim Dog Cannot Be Helped

Another training school had told them that there was nothing they could do to help this dog and had relegated this dog to having to be boarded up behind sheets of plywood to keep it from trying to attack the other dogs in class.

Dog Training – Setting the Dog Up For Success

As much as I am not a fan of dog parks, we filmed this video in a local dog park in order to show the dogs ability to coexist around other dogs and humans.

Hopefully this video will reach those of you who are in need of help with your dogs and provide a glimmer of hope to not give up on your dogs, on your training and on your search for finding the right trainer to help you with your dog.

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Dog Training Myth: Can you train an old(er) dog

Chihuahua training

Training older dogs?

The idea for this blog post was inspired by Harper the 11 year old Chihuahua pictured above.

Her owners contacted me for a consultation and then ultimately to train Harper via the internal training program.

Harper has a long history of reactivity, aggression, and more than a few bites.

It was clear and her consultation that Harper was not only a dog who had learned to reward her self through her fearful aggression, but also that she was a trainable dog who would benefit greatly from learning a new way of doing things.

When people say “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” it isn’t really accurate.

Dogs fall into patterns often by accident. They try something and if it works – why not stick with it?  People often train their dog unknowingly – meaning they reinforce the wrong things, usually because they lack the clear understanding of the science of dog training and how reinforcement works. 

In Harper’s case she showed a high degree of reactivity and fear – people would then back away and Harper believed that she needed to continue doing this in order to remain safe. This was compounded by her owners picking her up, or trying to offer Harper some comfort which in turn sounds like praise to a dog.  So Harper’s logic was very simple: “This works!”

My job was to teach Harper some skills and then show her that we can utilize those skills to her ultimate goal of safety.  This creates a huge win/win in dog training. 

Can you train an older dog?

The short answer is “Of course you can”.

Let’s examine some of the key differences in training younger vs older dogs:

Training a puppy : Tabula rasa

The idea behind starting with a very young puppy is being able to shape their behaviour and even their views of the world around them. This is by far the preferred way to train. It is easier for the owner and also for the dog because there is far less chance of conflicting views and experiences.  If the dog never learns to engage in unwanted behaviour there is no flip flopping back and forth.

Best dog training montreal training puppies


Bru as a young puppy.  His owners had him enrolled in Puppy Pre School and then into intensive obedience training immediately after.  Learning good habits and using training proactively is always the easiest way to build your dream dog.  If you have or are in the process of getting a young puppy – definitely start training with a professional right away.  

Thanks to Harper's owners Alex and nuance for the kind words and their trust in training their old, adorable little dog.

Dog Training Review

Thanks to Harper’s owners Alex and nuance for the kind words and their trust in training their old, adorable little dog.
Harper & me hanging out. She would often hop up on me if I lay down. Summer time training and taking a break in the nice cool AC!
Harper & me hanging out. She would often hop up on me if I lay down. Summer time training and taking a break in the nice cool AC!

Upcoming dog training video featuring a wonderful Labradoodle and his owner.

Their previous trainer abused the dog and then told the family the dog “is a dumb blonde in high heels”.

Video and post coming soon!

 

Reactive dog training Vaudreuil

doberman learning to focus montreal board train reactive dog

Training reactive dogs  brings its own unique set of challenges.  Jack is a young male Doberman, who was incredibly dog reactive.

According to his owners, he would start barking, getting wildly out of control and lunging from well over 100 feet away from even a passive dog.

His owners brought him to Family K9 Dog training  for a consultation in order to see what can be done to help  Jack’s anxiety (as well as their’s) while out on walks together.

Training reactive dogs

It was apparent right from our consultation that Jack is a very trainable dog and just needed someone to harness his energy and focus.

Once his board and train program was complete, I taught his owners what they needed to know in order to maintain the training and they’ve been doing great ever since.

The Key to Dog Training: Teaching dog owners how to communicate with their dogs effectively

Here is some video footage of Jack in training, as well as Jack working with his owners for the very first time in our transfer lesson in which I brought out multiple dogs in order for them to practice with.

Dog Training necessities: focus and cooperation

I always place high emphasis on a dog’s ability to focus and his willingness to cooperate.

Take a look at Jack in this video both while he’s working with me (his trainer) as well as with his owner.

His focus as well as his cooperative, joyful nature is unmistakable.

Jack even bounces around a lot while he works, this is wonderful to see if any dog and we should foster our dogs love for working with us and understand what it symbolizes.

It really is the same thing like being a manager of a team of employees, and if they are able to be productive while whistling a tune. Why wouldn’t you want them to work happily?

I guarantee you that productivity will be up, when your employee (in this case the dog) is in amazing spirits and enjoying their work.

Wow! Nick has worked miracles with our dog. We opted for the board / train program, for our 4 year old Dobermann, and Jack has come back a changed dog.
Nick’s approach works wonders. He truly understands dogs and it shows in the results.
Highly recommend!!

-David Lambert

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Montreal Rehabilitating dogs with aggression issues

Dog reactive, aggressive training, montreal

If you have a dog with aggressive behaviour causing you stress you should definitely check out these videos.

Dogs exhibit aggressive behaviour for a multitude of reasons. The key to working successfully with a dog’s aggressive behaviour issues is to understand their reason for being aggressive as well as being able to direct their energy and focus into a task we ask them to do for us. Once we do this we can them train the dog to work for us and give us it’s focus and lead them through situations that were previously unthinkable. We must also respect their limits and be fair leaders.

Rehabilitating, aggressive dogs

  • Videos 1 & 2

Dog reactive older husky in training with Nick and then transfer lessons with his owner.

  • Videos 3/4/5/6

Owner of dog with dog  and human aggression speaks out about the dog training

Tina and Jack are an excellent example of how easy it can be to bring a dog back from the edge of aggression through training. Jack exhibited dog aggression as well as human aggression prior to training. Tina called Nick for help and enrolled Jack in the In Home Board & Train program. Here they are chatting at

the end of the 2 week training program.

  • Video 7

Dog aggression problem Dollard Des Ormeaux, Qc told to walk dog @ 5 am to solve problem

Winston is an Airedale Terrier in Montreal’s west island whose owners were frustrated with dog aggression. His dog aggressive behaviour was out of control and making life outdoors unpleasant. He’d try to attack other dogs on a walk – not iust bark and pull but reall tr to attack. Thev had taken Winston to obedience school and not achieved any really useful results. The instructor told them it would be best to walk Winston when no other dogs were out – as in 5 am or midnight. No kidding.

  • Video 8

Molly is dog aggressive and it is a problem to walk her…until now

Molly used to react very strongly to other dogs on her walks. You will hear her owner Pam mention it in this video. Even dogs behind a fence would elicit a strong reaction from Molly. Pam knw there had to be a better way to get Molly to focus and calm down and contacted me for help. She enrolled in an in home program that consists of 6 lessons. Here we are in lesson 4 in this video and it our first time working with Molly around other dogs. At this point Molly has the skills needed to control herself and it is more about teaching the human part of the equation how to properly handle the dog.

Teaching dog owners to handle their dogs effectively

Beryl is a standard Poodle and she is just the dog I wanted to use to bug Molly. Beryl is friendly and pushy and I allow her to constantly invade Molly’s space during her lesson. Molly reacts strongly – and Pam hesitates for just a second. Once Pam remembers to keep walking and gives Molly the heel command – things smooth out. The second time we do this Molly’s reaction is much less intense. After that it was smooth sailing and Molly just ignored Beryl for the rest of our lesson despite Beryl being a complete pest (Thanks Beryl!).

Dog aggressive dogs need to learn self control and to trust their handler and their training

This type of training is about much more than teaching a dog the meaning of the words heel or leave it. It is about an emotional state. A sense of well being and calmness. Think of it like yoga for dogs who stress out too easily. Teaching Molly to trust her owner and the training process means that Molly will feel comfortable while working and trust that nothing bad will happen to her in training. As a result she will be calmer, less defensive, less reactive dog. The less she reacts – the less stressfull each subseuquent walk is for her and this new energy just keeps feeding itself.

Learn to read vour dog’s body language

Take a look at Molly’s body language and how relaxed her face and tail are while she is working. Teaching a dog new patterns A dog has a right to exercise it’s options! At times during the lesson Molly, who normally heels on the left even switches over to the right all on her own when passing by Beryl – in orde o avoid coming too close to her. This was all Molly’s idea and one that we otten see in training when the dog understands they dont have to react anymore to the dog/cat/squirrel/person like they used to in their past lite

  • Video 9

Preventing dog bites

Teaching a dog to focus on you and give you it’s undivided focus is a smart premise for any dog. It is that much smarter when you have a very dog aggressive dog. Take a look at Moose in this video – Hershey has no idea who he is trying to get to play with him! Bless his heart – he is such a sweet and happy dog D Nand the onlv reason he is there is to create the correct emotional state for Moose’s training. This is onlv done once the dog in auestion has gone through extensive training and proven itself to be easv to handle – as vou can see here

Training a dog reactive dog

training dog reactive anxiety leash pulling

Passion Fruit’s owner contacted me with a request to help with their dog primarily due to dog reactivity.  It was clear from speaking to her that she had major issues with walking him.

  • He would lunge and bark at dogs – and some people too.
  • He was difficult to walk due to his size, strength and intensity.
  • When he would focus on something they would not be able to control him during an outburst.

Reactive dogs make life challenging for their owners

Many owners of reactive dogs find themselves planning their routes carefully in order to avoid triggers.  They plan their walks at times when there is less chance of activity outside.  They learn to become very strategic and specially alert – trying to always be a step or two ahead of the dog to avoid problems and outbursts.

Reactive Dog Training

While training Passion Fruit (nicknamed Dan) I made sure to build his foundation training to the fullest. This was done so that when we started to add in his triggers he would have a wealth of experience and understanding to draw from.

As we began to work in more challenging situations – all that was required to bring him back into focus was a little reminder. You can see in the first video that he has an easy time working with me – remains focused and calm throughout our session.  Even when I slip on the ice – he continues to walk right next to me without missing a beat.

Board & Train transfer lesson – teaching owners how to maintain a trained dog

IN the second video I am working with his owner Anne – for the first time. She hasn’t seen Fruit in three weeks.

I kept her update don his progress via email and now is time to teach Anne what she needs to know in order to capitalize on Fruit’s training.

Anne did a wonderful job in our lesson and I was really happy with just how enthusiastic she was about Fruit’s training.

From Passion Fruit's Owner

Having Nick train our dog has been life-changing – and I’m not saying that lightly. Our husky mix, Fruit, is an anxious, reactive dog. He would pull a lot when we were walking him- especially if he saw another dog or even just a person walking towards us.
Nick not only did an amazing job training Fruit, he also helped me understand what I needed to do to help ease Fruit’s anxiety. I am more confident because I am in control. Fruit senses that and this allows him to relax.
There is such a difference in his behaviour, that I have actually looked down a few times to make sure he was still there!
Fruit’s attention is on me now, so he is less concerned with other dogs and people. The odd time he does start to react, I use the “leave it” command that Nick taught him and Fruit snaps back into place. Frankly, we are BOTH less anxious now on our walks!
I highly recommend Family K9. If you’re on the fence about it, just do it. You won’t regret it.

Anne Franco

Training montreal reactive dogs

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Dogs can be reactive for all sorts of reasons, ranging from over excite ability, and a lack of focus, being overly social and having learned bad habits early on in life to fear and outright aggression.

Over the years, I’ve worked with tons of reactive dogs, and every single case they can be taught to have better focus and control if we use the right techniques, and we are also respectful of their limitations.

Teach your reactive dog to focus on you

Sounds like a good concept and it is but your obedience and understanding of how your dogs mind works is going to need to be next level. 

 

Nick can’t change a dog’s DNA, but he can help give you and the dog confidence to deal with anything

This is our sweetest little/giant boy, Rove. We adopted him from Lebanon about 8 months ago. We were told he was amazing with dogs/kids/people….turns out wasn’t so true. We found Nick and family K9 as a reference from a friend and let me tell you, this man does magic! We were so skeptical and worried to leave him for 3 weeks but Nick is so gentle and kind (and I happened to know his wife, who is just as sweet and lovely) so we trusted them. When we came to pick our dog up, the transfer lesson was a revelation. It was a DIFFERENT dog (yet the same sweet soul we know) but suddenly he’s listening to our commands, heeling at our feet while walking so calmly.

Remember, Nick can’t change a dog’s DNA, but he can help give you and the dog confidence to deal with anything. Rove is very aggressive towards other dogs and I am sure he will never change, but now we have the proper skills to correct his behaviour with confidence and to the point of him being able to sit and lie down near another dog (MIND BLOWING). If you have a problematic fur machine at home, Nick is your man. The follow ups have been so great too, anytime we have a question, his responses are so fast and informative. Worth every penny. Thank you, Family K9 <3

rescue dog Lebanon montreal reactive nervous timid dog
Matti McNicol

Perfect heel and it is much easier to manage her reactivity

Our extremely reactive doberman, Bailey, has been such a joy on walks ever since she did the 3 week train and board program. Taking her outside was once such a nightmare. I would get stressed thinking about the upcoming walk and tried to adapt by taking her out during unusual hours. We live in a neighborhood full of dogs so severe reactions were more likely to occur than not. Now I can’t wait to get outside with her. We can enjoy long walks without worrying about the other dogs around us. She walks in a perfect heel and it is much easier to manage her reactivity. Everyone that has seen her before and after Nick’s training is shocked at how well-behaved she is. Thanks to Nick, Bailey is happier and less anxious – and so are we! He’s also been incredibly supportive via email whenever we have questions.

Montreal reactive dog training
Joshua Gordon

All beyond our expectations!

We were looking for a hero to help us with Indy, our collie/lab puppy. We were at the point of thinking we would have to re home her because of her extreme reaction to cars, bicycles, dogs etc. After meeting Nick for a consultation, it was clear, he was the hero we were looking for. Nick’s customer service, professionalism, dog training knowledge, passion, and his commitment to getting it right and getting results, was all beyond our expectations! Indy did the 3 week in kennel training and we couldn’t be happier with the results. He helped us to understand what drives our puppy and how to have a successful relationship with her. We are grateful and thankful to have found Nick and have recommended him with out hesitation to friends and family. Once again, thank you Nick.

Best Dog Training Montreal
Kathy Prophet

A+ teacher (both for dogs and humans)

We have a 1.5 year old goldendoodle named Saint who has a lot of adrenaline and was incredibly difficult to deal with. We were unable to walk him without him dragging us down, and his reactiveness to other animals (dogs, cats, squirrels) was very high. He spent 3 weeks with Nick and came back with a whole new set of fundamentals that have allowed us to gain his focus and manage his behaviour. It was absolutely incredible the change we saw in the dog, and the respect our dog had for Nick. During our transfer session, Nick showed us everything, and it felt like a tv show seeing how well trained and behaved our dog was.

Nick is a true professional in every single interaction you will ever have with him. He is diligent in his responses, he is always on time, he takes as long as needed to train your dog (and you) and he genuinely cares about your objectives for your dog. He gave me regular updates while my dog was gone, and he spent hours with us for transfer training over several sessions to make sure we had continuity.

What’s most important above all else is that Nick is an absolute wealth of knowledge. Speaking with Nick for a few weeks, and watching him engage with dogs taught me SO much that I never would have learned from any other source. He is an A+ teacher (both for dogs and humans) and I can’t imagine what more he could have done to help us.

montreal reactive golden doodle training
Alex barrett

Have a look at the dogs in these videos – all of them were highly reactive before training, and I, along with her owners are so pleased with their newfound focus and adaptability. 

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