Train and Simple Dog Behaviour Consulting

06/17/2026

Happy birthday to my pointy beagle, my walmart basenji, my skinless terrier –

Rory, you are everything and so much more. Supernatural delight, indeed. There are some real big black-and-white shoes to fill here, and you’re growing into them handsomely.

I love you, birthday girl. Can’t wait to see how we do round 2. 💙🩷

06/15/2026

I’m learning so much from Sit Stay Squat. The principles of canine fitness, when properly applied, can inform and improve everything you do with your dog.

There are things I differently now because of my growing (but still baby!!) understanding canine fitness. Some things I don’t do at all! There are many more things I do better now than I used to.

A simple example is the scratch board for nail trims. I used to teach hind feet scratch board in a way I now know is unsafe, and was especially unsafe for my late Greta, who had CCL disease and LS dysfunction. Rory will never do scratch board that way and I no longer teach it to any of my clients.

Even a front foot scratch board asks your dog to shift their weight backward and engage their shoulder repetitively. You may find your dog would rather scratch with one side than the other. If both sides are equally likely to produce a reward… it probably isn’t just that you’ve accidentally paid one side more. There is a reason that’s more comfortable for them. Try to figure it out!

I’m grateful I learned. I wish I had known it sooner. It just isn’t common knowledge amongst dog trainers. The training advice was sound within the framework of the question, even if the body movement wasn’t. Most dog trainers aren’t (or at least shouldn’t be) giving fitness advice, so that isn’t an area of competence we pursue.

I just pulled down an old scratch board video I made that no longer aligns with my values and knowledge. I’ll revisit it in a new post soon, but for now, here is some background knowledge from my trusted colleague Sarah Keller, CPCFT, CCFT!

In human exercise science, fitness components are often grouped into health-related and skill-related categories. 
 
For dogs, I find it helpful to adapt that framework into components that better reflect the needs of canine bodies, movement, and function. This framework is informed by nearly a decade of experience as a canine fitness trainer. 
 
Sit Stay Squat’s components of canine fitness training include: 
 
1. Posture & Alignment 
2. Balance, Stability & Core Control 
3. Body Awareness & Coordination 
4. Muscular Strength & Endurance 
5. Mobility & Flexibility 
6. Cardiorespiratory Fitness 
7. Speed & Agility 
8. Power & Reactive Strength 
 
I discuss body composition separately (including body condition and muscle condition scoring) because it is an important part of health and function, but it deserves a more careful conversation than simply placing it inside an exercise category. 
 
The goal of canine fitness training is not just to tire a dog out, and it is not to make every dog an athlete. 
 
The goal is to help each dog develop posture, movement skills, strength, coordination, body awareness, and appropriate mobility in a way that supports their individual body, lifestyle, and comfort. 
 

06/14/2026

I can’t say your vet is wrong. I can give you information and context that may inform your next discussion on the topic.

I’d never say , “Great! I’m glad it’s not painful for them.”

Instead, I’d say:

Pain is an internal, subjective experience that we can’t measure from outside of your dog. Only they know if something hurts.

Pain is not always a sign of any current illness or injury. It can persist long after an injury heals, especially if there are knock-on effects.

Pain can start before birth, so it might not cause new behaviour changes. “They’ve always done that” is not a reason to dismiss possible pain.

The absence of a clear cause does not mean that pain isn’t there. You can’t see pain.

Environmental change is a first-line treatment for body pain in dogs (and cats!). Non-slip floors, furniture ramps, temperature control are all non-medical interventions that you can start now.

It can take 8–12 weeks on pain management for your dog to adapt to their new abilities. Not only does it take time to feel better, but it takes time to believe it!

Activity monitoring is a more valid pain assessment tool than clinical exam and imaging. Many dogs don’t respond or move the same way at the clinic as they do at home. They may function better (which means they’ll do more) with pain management, but hit the same limit of tolerable pain, so even their behaviour may not appear to change!

It’s not just joint pain. Remember to think about gut, mouth, eye, ear, and even organ (visceral) pain.

Itch is not the same as pain, but it often causes similar behavioural signs. Treating derm complaints can clear up confusion.

A dog who never slows down could really be uncomfortable with stillness.

Long-term pain can become permanent pain if it’s not treated. Early, aggressive intervention now can make a difference for the rest of their life.

If the treatment plan doesn’t address the possibility of pain, you have a right to get a second opinion. The risk of a pain management trial is often (maybe not always!) lower than the risk of untreated pain.

That’s a list of some of the reasons why I’d never say your vet has actually ruled out pain.

06/11/2026

Confession: Before I was a pro dog trainer, I used to say ALL of these things.

I haven’t always been a pro dog trainer, and I certainly haven’t always had a deep understanding of dog behaviour. Nobody’s born knowing this stuff. Most of us don’t have degrees in animal behaviour. I don’t!

I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to grow and evolve as a dog hobbyist, carer, and now professional trainer. I’ve learned an awful lot – often against my will – from people who have challenged my assumptions and beliefs. Most of that has been through online discussion groups. I’ve also taken classes and made friends with people generous enough to want to help me learn (even if it’s sometimes still against my will!!).

Sharing a bad opinion on facebook might just be your opportunity to do better for your dog. So go ahead – don’t be afraid to say something dumb. Don’t be afraid of critique. Please, don’t be afraid of conflict. Be afraid of stagnation. Be afraid of wilful ignorance. Be afraid of fear.

Behaviour change is how we adapt to stress. Learning is stressful. It doesn’t need to be scary. 💛💙

Ready to have a real conversation about dog training and behaviour? Send a slide to a friend and maybe you’ll both learn something!

If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, stay tuned. Something new is brewing at Train + Simple. I can’t wait to share it with you. 🥰

06/09/2026

You never know how long your dog has got, so make sure what they’ve got is good.

Letting go of my Greta was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in my life. It was terrifying to lose her. I almost couldn’t bear not knowing when I’d have another dog-shaped shadow in my home. But I couldn’t keep her here just for me.

After Greta went to the moon, a couple of months went by, and so did a couple of false starts. Not quite the right timing, not quite the right fit. I knew what I wanted, and I had to start accepting that it was going to be a while.

Then, someone reached out to tell me about a litter, just born. A breeder had just delivered a litter of 8 American hairless terrier babies and – with less than 1% odds – 7 of the puppies were coated. Five were girls. I was never going to have better odds of finding my match than I did then.

I was nervous to reach out to another breeder. I didn’t want to be on a bunch of lists. But these puppies were already born. They weren’t just a dream of puppies. They were real.

The moment I saw Rory’s face, I knew. Of course I tried not to get too attached, since things can change so quickly. I didn’t even know her breeder. But I got to know her (and the puppies!) so well over the next few weeks that I almost felt like I was there with them.

I know dog breeding has its problems, and recently in our breed there have been some especially horrifying revelations. I’ve been so grateful to have connected with such a wonderful person who brought such a wonderful dog into this world. Erin, you sent me a friend when I needed one most. Thank you. 💞

In spite of all the care in the world, Rory has shown signs of lumbosacral syndrome since she was young. She had her first advanced imaging at just 6 months old, and had a repeat study at 9 months. I should have known she would love the vet and hate money. Dogs do that. It’s no one’s fault.

To our transporters, teachers, supporters, healers, and listeners:

We couldn’t have made it through this year without you. I hope we get a chance to make it up to you one day. Please accept my gratitude as an IOU. 💞

If you’re wondering what happened to Greta, please see some of my previous posts.

06/06/2026

If it’s not a problem, it’s not a problem 🤷

If it is a problem, then let’s see how we can fix it. There are usually low-conflict ways to set you and your dog up for success. Consistent, supportive training can boost your confidence!

Your dog doesn’t need manners for the sake of manners. They do need some skills to get around safely. You need some skills to guide them. I can help with that!

Group classes are the most affordable way to work with me. You’ll get 1:1 video feedback in every class session.

Ready to repair your reward problems?

City Clickers starts July 9, 2026!
Thursdays @ 3:45 pm ADT (UTC-3)
Limited seats available
100% online

$300 CAD (about $220 USD)

You’ll have online live meetings, self-study lessons, and a dedicated discussion forum to support your learning.

There’s a link in my bio when you’re ready to sign up. See you there!

Video: A series of clips of Rory the terrier acting like a hooligan at the park.

06/05/2026

Motivation doesn’t mean what you think it does. Understanding motivation means addressing all the little (and big) reasons your dog might have for their behaviours.

If eating food isn’t on their to-do list, why is that?

Most of the time, it’s because they just don’t need to! I’m not a vet, but in my anecdotal experience, a dog who’s soft and squishy is generally not a dog who lacks interest in food. They’re just not hungry.

If your dog really is picky – especially if they’ve lost or have a hard time maintaining weight – they might be sick. This may be called “normal” for some breeds, but it isn’t normal for dogs to avoid food to the point that their muscle doesn’t cover *most* of their bones.

A dog who isn’t eating enough is often not moving enough, either. Not to mention, they might not be able to build and repair muscle even if they are moving. Watch for signs like pointy hips, easy-to-feel bumps along the spine, and more than one or two ribs visible at rest!

If we’re sure it’s not because they’re ill, then there are a few ways we can straighten out your dog’s “food or fuss” response. If your dog can usually eat, but can’t always listen, then you might like my upcoming City Clickers class!

Group classes are the most affordable way to work with me. You’ll get 1:1 video feedback in every class session.

Ready to repair your reward problems?

City Clickers starts July 9, 2026!
Thursdays @ 3:45 pm ADT (UTC-3)
Limited seats available

You’ll have online live meetings, self-study lessons, and a dedicated discussion forum to support your learning.

There’s a link in my bio when you’re ready to sign up!