Amanda Gagnon Dog Training

10/07/2026

In honor of opening day CANIS Conference I offer a montage of epic quotes.

The team at AGDT is airborne heading to Chicago to listen and share with some of my favorite people on this planet — people who have dedicated much of their lives to making the world of dogs and humans a better place.

Folks like…
Annie Grossman will talk of cutting edge, loving training methods.
Ferdie Yau will open our eyes to the things coyotes can teach us about our dogs.
Kim Brophey will continue her insightful discussions about ethical and humane dog keeping.
Denise Fenzi will share her awesome training methods and problem solving skills.

The list of brilliant hearts and minds who are sharing their genius this week is unprecedented and far too long to list here.

We.
Can’t.
Wait!!!!

09/29/2026

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS WOMAN?

Notorious fire-starter and chit-chatter Amanda Gagnon is on the loose! She is considered unarmed and extremely effusive. She is currently wanted in 0/50 states for the crime of pretend arson. Amanda is believed to be planning her next move in October at this year’s CANIS Conference in Illinois, where she has threatened not one, but TWO fake fires! (The hotel said no real fires 😢)

If you spot her, please do approach but be advised that she will be charming and charismatic. CANIS+ members are all eligible to attend her Fire Circles and bare witness to her “crimes”.

09/27/2026

People often ask how I feel about dogs roaming free on beaches. My answer: Which dog on which beach?
This substack, we take a walk in Aruba.

09/01/2026

Meet Fina.

Fina was a shy puppy. New people, places, dogs, and unfamiliar experiences could be overwhelming.

Instead of asking her to just “get over it”, we focused on helping her feel safe.

Socialization isn’t about exposing her to everything without support, all at once. It is about giving her positive experiences at a pace she could handle.

Sometimes that meant getting closer, sometimes that meant watching from a distance, and sometimes that meant deciding that today we weren’t quite ready, and that’s okay.

By giving her space, respecting her boundaries, and building positive associations, Fina gained confidence in her ability to navigate new experiences.

Her journey is a good reminder that socialization isn’t about creating a dog that loves everything. It is about helping a dog feel safe and capable in the world.

Sometimes the best thing we can do for a puppy is slow down, listen, and let them know:

You don’t have to rush. I’ve got you. 🤍

08/30/2026

08/30/2026

I wrote this week about a summer wedding…
And the expectations we have of our dogs (and ourselves) at big occasions.

How do we control our impulses and theres?
When is it far to bark and be free and how do we stop ourselves in the moments it is not?

08/07/2026

Always thought your dog would have a knack for agility?

Join the AGDT team for some free trainer guided agility fun in the sun on Saturdays, 8/22 and 9/19 11am-2pm hosted by Riverside Park Conservancy! This is for pups of all ages and skill level! No registration required.