Welcome to my virtual dog training, care and support page! If you want to learn more about me before you read further, you can find more information on my About Hindy page.
I’m a certified dog trainer, specialising in helping senior dog parents with health & behavior issues, training advice for new rescues, impending loss and bereavement.
Here are the various ways I’m here for you, as you navigate life with a senior dog.
**Details for how to get started working with me are below!
Services I Offer
The investment per session is – $40.00 for 30 minutes, $60.00 for 45 minutes, $80.00 for 60 minutes
FREE 15 Minute Phone Consultation
This is a no obligation opportunity for us to get to know each other, at least a little bit! Tell me about your concerns, what behaviors or issues you’re dealing with, how you’re coping and I’ll explain how I can help.
No charge
Pay As You Need
As the name suggests, book an appointment anytime you have a question, or need advice about one or more issues. Here are some examples of what we can cover:
- Excessive barking
- Leash walking issues such as pulling and lunging at dogs and people
- Neighbors telling you your dog cries and whines when you’re out
- Doesn’t listen when you tell him to do something
- Seems anxious or scared a lot of the time
There’s no limit to how many times we chat, it’s just “as and when” you want!
Annoying Behaviors
The behaviors listed below are definitely annoying, and depending on how long it/they’ve been going on can challenge any dog parent! The good news is, there is a lot we can do to get them under control.
- Pulling when walking
- Peeing/pooping in the house (even after they’ve been out!)
- Counter surfing
- Jumping on people whether in the house or when out and about
- Barking…a lot!
- Chewing/nipping
- Urine marking
- Begging at the table
- Running out the door
- Eating poop (outside or from the litter box)
Problem Behaviors
The issues mentioned below not only cause your dog anxiety, they can increase the stress levels of everyone living in your home. Does your dog growl or snap when you reach for his toy, treat or food bowl? Do your neighbors regale you with stories of listening to your dog bark all day when you’re out? Does he shake or cower when fireworks go off? Bright side? There are things you can do that will help.
- Resource guarding (food, toys, bed, people)
- Lunges at people and dogs when on a walk
- Separation anxiety (is your dog really anxious or just plain bored?)
- Generalized stress/anxiety
- Fear of loud noises, going to the vet, men…
Rescued Senior Dog 7+
If you’ve just rescued a dog 7+, congratulations!! You’ve done the kindest thing you can do, giving an older dog a home.
Some rescues are well-behaved, have some (or a lot) of training and just need a refresher course and time to get used to a new home and new routine. Others have been through a lot, and sadly have the behaviour issues that go along with coming from an abusive or traumatic background. Whatever life your dog had before, his new one starts now.
Here are some of the issues we can talk about:
- Creating a routine
- Preparing your home for the new arrival (it can still be done even if your dog is already with you)
- What to expect during the first few days/weeks/months
- Developing trust
- Common behaviors you may see, and how to deal with them
- Training tailored to what your dog does and does not already know – i.e. walking nicely on a leash, come, look at me, aggressive/reactive behavior (which could also be due to a physical problem)
- Keeping your senior dog comfortable
- Is it aging or something more serious
- Changes you may see as your dog gets older and what to do about them
- Symptoms to look out for that may indicate a health problem
Rescue Dog 7+ Prep
Perfect for anyone who wants to get a head start before their dog comes home. Even if he or she is already home, you could still benefit from this prep session.
Not sure what supplies to buy? No idea if your pup needs a schedule or what that even means? Worried about keeping him safe both inside and outside of your home? Don’t know what to expect those first few days and nights?
We will cover these topics during this consultation, and answer any other concerns/questions you have:
- Supplies
- Schedules
- Diet/nutrition
- Toys – mental stimulation and boredom busters
- Exercise
- Senior dog proofing your home
- Finding a vet/pet sitter/dog walker
Senior Dog Care and Support
Whether you’ve shared your life with senior dogs for years or it’s your first time, I’m here to help you navigate any challenges you may encounter.
I provide specialized senior dog care and support that includes:
- General advice and tips about living with and loving a senior dog
- How to identify natural signs of aging vs health problems
- Ways you and your dog can adapt to hearing and/or vision loss, incontinence, dementia…
- Creative ways to get your senior dog to eat
- Exercising a dog, even with mobility issues
- Preventing boredom
- How to give your dog medication (pills, liquid, ear drops, eye drops, injections)
- Keeping your dog warm/cool and comfortable
- Choosing a vet and ensuring you get the best care
- Quality of life issues and when to say goodbye
Even if your senior dog is not experiencing any health issues, I am here to offer a shoulder if you need someone to talk to who understands.
Pet Bereavement Counseling Service
Sadly I have a lot of personal experience saying goodbye to much loved cats and dogs. I’ve experienced grief so profound I couldn’t stop crying, and wasn’t able to say my dog’s name for years. I’ve also had less severe reactions, but felt the loss just as deeply.
I also know what it’s like to not have anyone to turn to who understands, and to feel so lost and alone you don’t know how you’re ever going to feel better.
Grief doesn’t look one way, and working through it doesn’t look one way either, which is why each session is personalized to your needs.
In addition to my pet loss experience, I have a diploma as a Pet Bereavement Counsellor and I volunteer in an online pet loss chat room.
Testimonials from happy clients
Are you interested in working with me? Here’s how to get started.
Step 1. Schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consult. You can do that right here.
Step 2. Watch your email for questions from me. Before we chat, I’d like to know a bit about you and what you’d like to get out of training sessions with me.
Step 3. Hit “reply” to that email and answer the questions.
Step 4. At the scheduled time we’ll chat! We’ll use the opportunity to get to know each other a bit, and find out how I can help.
Step 5. We’ll get started! If you decide to work with me, I’ll tell you the exact steps for getting started. If you decide not to work with me, no worries, there is no obligation.
I look forward to supporting you, as you help your dog live their best life.