Balanced Behaviors Dog Training

10/07/2025

I could not be more proud of Ringer 🙏🥹 I was not prepared for how much this big boy would change my life and those around him. Ringer now has a best friend named Whisky who was once his nemesis hahaha. Ringer is a great boy from the time he says hello to the time he says see you next time :) The dedication his parents (and extended family to say the least) have shown, is nothing short of amazing. Ringer has the best life and now the world gets to share that with him. A HUGE thank you to his parents for committing to his success and reminding me why I do what I do. I’ll never be able to thank them and Ringer enough for supporting my business, trusting me with their boy and inevitably welcoming me into the family. If anyone sees this good boy on the streets of Halifax, do yourselves a favour and say hi. Thank you Ringer for being a good boy and making my job the best job in the world.

10/01/2025

Yesterday was a day of business, amazing clients and representing my authentic self in my element. I’m convinced that my “born with it” or “natural connection with dogs” that everyone talks about, comes from my ancestors. I’m proud to be who I am in every way. I always tell my clients, progress not perfection. I keep an open mind with that motto. Love all people and do what you can to raise them up for a better community tomorrow. Progress not perfection 🧡🧡

09/26/2025

I couldn’t be more proud of Phoenix. Her impulse control, recall, boundaries and presence on walks has been incredible. Phoenix is doing the “unthinkable” because she is lead by two amazing people who love her dearly. Phoenix has a fire that can’t be tamed but it can absolutely be managed and controlled in a heathy way. Her owners are CRUSHING it. Habits are hard to break and new behaviors are harder. Owners do the hard work daily and it shows with this little queen. I’m so privileged to help people reach their potential and it means everything to me. Cheers to two more owner who can walk their dog with a hot cup of coffee ☕️☕️

05/15/2025

Queenie is the perfect name for this beautiful brilliant gal. Celebrating Queen’ and all her hard work, with a little staycation and new friends, is just what she deserved. Queenie and her people worked hard on refining training that they had been hard at work implementing. The foundation Queen had made training a breeze. Recall ✅ impulse control ✅ off leash walks ✅ appropriate play ✅ boundaries ✅ Queenie is as perfect fit for her family and they are giving her a great life !! This is what it’s about.

04/17/2025

Whole Wheat, legendary name for a legendary dog!!! This kids parents have done an AMAZING job with him. Wheat is silly, fun and a bit frantic lol We are on our last session this week and oh man am I ever going to miss this guy!! The progress in this dog is amazing and I couldn’t be more proud of him and his people. If you see this guy with his crooked smile walking about, do yourself a favour and say hello :) Great job Whole Wheat, you’re a good kid with a’lotta heart 💙

03/19/2025

They have been called large breed, XXL dog, bully, working dogs and more. No matter what they are called, I will always have a special place in my heart for “difficult dogs” The ones left behind, misunderstood, scary and relentless. The intense love and trust that comes along with them is life changing. I thought I would share some of the best boys and girls I have had the privilege of working with. All of which have been just as loving and committed to their success as I was. Bringing joy to families and savings dogs lives has been my purpose in life. Watching owners reconnect with their pooches shifts one’s soul. If there were words to describe the feeling of saving a dog, opening their wold to love safety and trust, well it would be a long read. I’ll be forever grateful and moving forward because of all the dogs I’ve, loved, trained, lost to the rainbow bridge in peace and that are awaiting. Pro tip, get a dog.

03/03/2025

03/01/2025

Hello friends, allow me to introduce myself :) I’m Natessa Weisbrodt, owner and trainer at Balanced Behaviors.

As someone who has five dogs (three of which are rescues), I’m no stranger to the struggles of training. One thing I’ve learned is over the years is that no two owners and no two dogs are the same. So don’t settle for cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all training.

Whatever your goals are, I’m here to work with you to get results. I provide training programs that are personalized and customized to the behavioral issues your dog needs help with the most.

My training programs are:

JUDGEMENT-FREE. An experience built on positive reinforcement (for you and your pooch) to help you learn to build a more fulfilling relationship with your dog.

FLEXIBLE. All training plans are built around your comfort level, your schedule and your pace.

EMPOWERING. Dog training that isn’t sustainable isn’t worth your time. I’m here to give you the skills, know-how and ongoing support to make good behaviors stick.

If you’re willing to put in the work, anything is pawsible :)

01/24/2025

After a holiday break, Jinx & Abby have been starting the new year off right, proving that reactivity is so 2024. They recently did an amazing job on a 1 KM walk together and both excelled in a socialization session with our pack, interacting with dogs big and small with ease. So proud of them and their owners for all the hard work they’ve put in :)

11/19/2024

It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I announce the loss of our best friend, Chief Socialization Officer and pack leader Bella.

I took Bella in as a rescue when she was deemed untrainable and due to be euthanized 7 years ago. Since that time, she has taught me more about dog training and animal behavior than any textbook or course.

She was simultaneously my most challenging and most rewarding student, but she also grew to become a wonderful pack leader, ambassador for her breed, and a true best friend. A gentle giant who loved anything in baby form: puppies, kittens, toddlers - the smaller the better.

Gary, one of our other rescues, was completely shut down when we took him in. Bella was the one who brought him back from the brink and showed him how to come out of his shell and live again. That day, Bella went from rescue, to rescuer.

Since then, she has been an amazing business partner, assisting with socializing dogs in training, teaching them the expectations for behavior, and allowing me to help so many other people bring positive change to their relationship with their pets. I couldn’t be prouder of the progress she’s made over the years.

As much as I saved her, Bella saved me. She is impossible to replace and will be forever missed, but I am eternally grateful for the time we shared.

If you’ve ever considered it, I highly encourage looking into adoption. Taking in rescue dogs isn’t always easy, but they are some of the most fulfilling pet relationships I’ve ever had. If Bella taught me anything, it’s that every dog is capable of change and they all deserve a second chance.

Rest in peace sweet girl.

10/28/2024

During our first training session, one of my new clients said “I need your help” and showed me this. Definitive proof that dogs have a sense of humour 🤣