Duchess Dog Training

08/20/2026

Meet my new walk n train friend, Dexter!

07/29/2026

Going through all my photos and videos of our Vancouver Island trip and wanted to share this one of Marlowe. No fancy edits or music as I think my voice says it all.
This moment brought me to tears. I’m always extra emotional on the island as I feel so close to Duchess- she loved it there. Seeing Marlowe so happy, after 2 years of knee issues they can now carry her across the beach to chase the birds. There was just something about it. Love her so much and so grateful to make memories like this with her 💗

07/19/2026

This spotted superstar and his awesome human made my job extra fun today 🐾✨

07/19/2026

Edit- Henk URGENTLY needs a new home or at least a foster. Please contact me if you can help him.

Helping find this pup a new home-
Henk (or “Riff” as known as through the rescue) is looking for a new home. This boy is so sweet, I have worked with him a few times. Less than 2 years old, good with other dogs and cats, older children are better. Please apply to adopt through Paws Up Program, and some shares would be great!

https://www.petfinder.com/dog/riff-769e4f9e-f34f-4b92-8f66-ea0709e65e69/ab/edmonton/paws-up-program-ab148/details/

07/18/2026

When Cesar Milan came on the scene, he made for good, sensationalized television.

But if you were working as a dog trainer during that era, you were cleaning up the mess.

Families arrived distraught. Their dogs were getting worse, many now showing aggression after following what they had seen on TV. And almost every one was convinced it was their fault. That they had done something wrong and their dog was broken.

They weren't broken. They were responding exactly as you would expect a dog to respond to intimidation and force.

One of the things that made Cesar so dangerous wasn't just the methods. It was what people thought they were seeing. A calm, still dog looks like a transformed dog on television, when it's actually a dog who has shut down. A dog who has learned that responding gets them hurt, so they stop responding. That is not calm submission, it is learned helplessness.

A good trainer knows the difference and doesn't get bitten - not because they're dominant, but because they listen to what dogs are communicating, make them feel safe, and ensure their needs are met.

Then Canada got its own version. Brad Pattison launched with similar methods, and was in many ways worse. Locally based and doing damage close to home.

So I did something about it.

The two times Cesar came to Calgary; I created a free seminar and took donations for ARF. I called it the Cesar Controversy and took it head on. I shared what was actually happening to dogs under these methods. I taught body language so people could see the stress and fear the dogs were under. I helped them understand things from the dog's perspective.

I ended every seminar with a reading from the final chapter of Marley and Me. The chapter about loss, love, and what a dog truly means to a family.

People cried. Every time.

Our understanding has evolved. But the influence lingers in how people talk about dogs, in the belief that dogs need to be shown who is boss.

They don't. They need someone they can trust. And they deserve an industry that understands the difference. Twenty years later I'm still saying it and I'll keep saying it for as long as it needs to be said.

Still speaking. Still saying it.

07/01/2026

PUBLIC CALL‑OUT: NEED LOCATION IDENTIFIED — URGENT

We need the community’s help right now.

A photo of a dog matching Frank’s exact appearance was sent on April 11 at 1:12 PM. The dog is shown inside a fenced outdoor enclosure with a wooden privacy fence, chain‑link interior fencing, snow patches, and a shed/garage structure behind him.

Someone in our community knows this yard.
Someone recognizes:
* The fencing
* The shed
* The layout
* The ground conditions
* The enclosure style.

* If you live in Edmonton or surrounding areas, please take a moment to look closely. Yards like this are distinctive, and neighbours often recognize each other’s fencing and outbuildings immediately.

* If you know where this photo was taken — even if you’re not 100% sure — please message us privately. You can remain anonymous. We follow up on every tip.

* To the person who posted this photo:
* We are actively working to identify the location.
* Please reach out directly.
* We need Frank home.

* To the community:
Please share this post into:
* Neighbourhood groups
* Lost pet groups
* Community watch pages
* Rural and acreage groups
* Any Facebook groups we may not be part of
* The more eyes on this, the faster we can identify the yard.
* Please ask family and friends to share this on their social media.
* Someone recognizes this place.
* Someone knows this fence.
* Someone has seen this dog.
* Please help us bring Frank home 🙏🐕‍🦺

06/18/2026

03/19/2026

A great day with my day training pups! ☀️

03/14/2026

Hi, I realized I’ve never properly introduced myself here. I’m Jessica, the one behind Duchess Dog Training. I’m based in Edmonton, Alberta.

I specialize in helping dogs and their people understand each other better by focusing on wellbeing, communication, and behaviour change that lasts.

I can help set your puppy up for success, your reactive dog cope around others, your bully be a great ambassador to their breed, or your anxious dog feel more comfortable and confident.

If you’re new here I’d love to know- what’s the biggest challenge you’re currently facing with your dog?

03/09/2026

Little trick for getting your dog to take pills. Marlowe is on antibiotics for an infection in her knee and she does not like these drugs at all. This hack works pretty well!