Kindred Creatures
Canine Behaviour Services
Modern, professional, welfare-centered dog training.
We set each dog up to be a willing and successful learner; we support each guardian to help their dog learn.
At Kindred Creatures our soul focus is supporting dogs and their guardians to relationship and life-style success with a compassionate and welfare-centered approach to behaviour and training.
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We know training is most effective and rewarding when it cultivates meaningful conversations--dialogue between friends of a different species--that feel good, solve problems, and strengthen the bond.
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​We believe the purpose of training is to enhance cross-species understanding to facilitate mutually beneficial co-existence.
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We target our service to the things that are important in the life you share with your dog. We leverage the things your dog naturally loves and the things you do well and enjoy, to support learning--the dog's and yours.
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Changing behaviour requires 'learning' on the part of the dog and its guardian.
At Kindred Creatures we match the process and pace so that it feels good, not overwhelming, and so that it makes sense to how both of you learn. For each dog/guardian pairing we customize the approach within a framework of ethical training fundamentals governed by applied behaviour analysis (the science of learning) and applied ethology (the science of the influences on animal behaviour--evolution, the dog's biology, its personal history, and the environment).
Kindred Creatures is committed to setting each dog up to be a willing and successful learner and to setting each guardian up to give their best to their dog... to get the best from their dog.
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The path to behaviour change is most humane and most effective when we consider the point of view of the learner, and work with respect for it.
Learn What Your Dog Sees; See Your Dog Learn!
​Behaviour problems are not about disobedience or stubbornness; rather, they are an effect of lack of clarity regarding expectations, a shortage of information on 'how-to' do what is expected in a specific circumstance, or a conflict between biologically-driven desires and environmental conditions.
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All behaviour change involves learning; 'training' is an attempt to influence what is learned. There are many approaches to training. They are not all equal.
At Kindred Creatures we use only positive methods to train. This means we never use making the dog feel 'bad' as a teaching strategy; instead, we create positive associations for the behaviours we want by crafting 'feel-good' experiences to reinforce the desired behaviour while also limiting the opportunity for the unwanted behaviour to occur. We skillfully set up the learning steps to make the behaviour we want, the one the dog chooses. This ensures lack of stress, success and longevity for learned behaviours.
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Changing behaviour requires 'learning' on the part of the dog and its guardian.
The path to training new and different behaviours is maximally humane and most effective when we consider the point of view of the learner, and work with respect for it.
At Kindred Creatures, we help guardians SEE (Specific to the dog's Experience in the Exact moment) the dog in front of them so they can choose a response that makes sense to their dog, in that specific circumstance. The right supportive strategy at the right time makes training good.
About Kindred Creatures
I’m Cate Taylor, founder and trainer at Kindred Creatures. I am a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP), a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT), a Family Dog Dial Guide, and a Family Dog Mediator (FDM) in the making (working towards qualifications under the L.E.G.S. welfare model).
I have been helping families and dogs for eleven years. ​​I use evidence-based, positive reinforcement & behaviour modification methods to prioritize the dog's emotional and physical comfort during training. My practice is informed by the sciences of applied behaviour analysis and applied ethology with a steadfast commitment to animal welfare. I leverage dogs' natural tendencies and talents to support their well-being in their relationships with humans, and make use of the things they love to win their engagement and modify behaviour.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Kindred Creatures Services Overview
Kindred Creatures' Private Behaviour Service offers customized one-on-one training, and group enrichment opportunities for puppies and dogs of all ages. Services are provided in your home, out and about on walks, in community settings, and/or online.
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Kindred Creatures provides support and learning opportunities to make life for you and your dog less stressful, and more joyful. Breaking the steps of training down into small pieces, setting a pace that is just right for you, our methods lead to lasting behaviour change through positive interactions.
The journey is the destination. Stress-free training improves understanding and trust through every training moment resulting in better outcomes. Contact Kindred Creatures today for guidance. ​​
Kindred Creatures will help you with:
​​Puppy toileting, socialization, life skills, manners, confidence and calm;
Life-style training (communication, adapting to change--new home, new baby, aging guardian)
Leash skills, behaviour and boundaries outside the home;
Barking problems;
Separation distress;
Anxiety and Fear, stranger danger, greeting behaviours;
Dog-dog interactions, life in the city, or tension between household pets;
Issues behind aggressive behaviour and reactivity;
Strategies to mentally stimulate, prevent boredom, produce less excitability and more contentment;
Learn more ways to train for fun, enrichment strategies.
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Common requests for assistance include: ​
​The dog is...
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struggling to cope in its environment: in the city; with other dogs; noise; over-excitement; fear
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barking, lunging, having melt-downs
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suffering from symptoms of separation anxiety (CSAT credentials and training)
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showing fear at night, with new people, in response to noise
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showing aggression towards other dogs, people
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growling, snarling, guarding objects, food, people, space
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stressed by nail clips, grooming, and vet visits
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hard to communication with, aging, sick
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soiling in the house, destructive
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in need of puppy potty training and life skills
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Aged 6 to 16 weeks and requires Puppy Socialization* (all pups regardless of what their puppy behaviour suggests, require robust intentional and supported socialization to reduce the chances of fearful and aggressive or reactive behaviours becoming problems during adolescence)​​
Do you have a Burning question? Are you seeking limited/one-time professional input about your dog's behaviour, and body language? Are you hungry for suggestions on how in the world you can respond positively to your dog in the face of frustrating and annoying behaviour? Kindred Creatures' offers TLC Live Chat and Video Feedback Services to help with tough moments and best next steps. Book a time today.
Kindred Creatures' mission is to support dog guardians to acquire the best information and skills to enable effective and with empathic responses to their dog's behaviour and learning challenges throughout its life.
Offering a one-on-one learning format, customizing the components of service to suit each dog's and family's personalities and specific needs. Whether for a single behaviour, or an entire communication system, strategies are crafted specifically for the individuals' circumstances. The service prioritizes a good quality of life and relationship by enhancing skills for problem-solving, and two-way communication.
The service is provided in the dog's home, online, or in community/outdoor settings.
Small group sessions can be arranged upon request.
Two Options for Private Behaviour Service
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1. Private Coaching - Trainer Works with You and Your Dog
Providing information and demonstrating strategies and techniques that support your dog to learn while focusing on empowering you to effectively reinforce desirable behaviours, address unwanted behaviors, and teach new behaviours.
The service begins with a two-hour Initial Assessment followed by 75 minute sessions, every two weeks.
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​2. Private Training - Trainer Trains Your Dog
Directly engaging your dog in learning, while you're at work, or while you observe. This Trainer Trains Format (TTF) suits many different scenarios:
- 'Learning to Learn' before you become directly involved in the training. Providing experiences for dogs without a training history to prime them for 'learning by training' (dogs are learning all the time; when we 'train' we are targeting the learning to specific goals)
- Specific goals related to problem resolution.
- General life skills to promote cooperation and safety in day to day life.
The TTF is suited to guardians who:
- want help getting started with a training and behaviour plan
- want companionship and a shared approach to addressing behaviour challenges
- are overwhelmed with a problem requiring more time and focus than they can provide
- want harmony in the relationship, but don't want to train as frequently as required
​The service begins with a two-hour Initial Assessment followed by three one-hour sessions per week for two, three, or four weeks. Minimum two-week package (six one-hour sessions)TTF pricing includes trainer time, videos + notes.
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What to Expect as a Behaviour/Training Client
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My goal is to support you and your dog so that your needs are met and you can live comfortably together.
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All private behaviour services unfold through three stages:
1. Initial Assessment: Gathering initial information and insights.
2. Observation and Support: Begins during assessment with identifying strengths and what is currently going well with the dog. Discussing and observing potential areas of confusion or frustration that may be impacting the dog's behaviour or learning; identifying where past and current successes can be leveraged to bring some immediate relief or improvement to daily life until new learning/training can be integrated. ('Training' is not always necessary; sometimes management--strategic changes in the environment i.e. routines, boundaries, communication etc., can resolve issues.)
3. Planning/Training: Making a plan for training and/or for making changes in routines and communication that will enhance your relationship long-term, and help your dog thrive.​
Service Options
Separation Anxiety
Does your dog struggle when left home alone?
If you were to put a camera on your dog to see what happens when nobody is home, what do you think you'd see? Your dog resting quietly? Your dog pacing, panting, shaking, or shivering near the door or window? Would your dog be destroying things, barking, spinning in circles, trying to chew its way out of confinement, or toileting on the couch or floor? Might there be other behaviours you'd see associated with distress?
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It is not a spoiled dog that kicks up a fuss or destroys door frames or self harms when home alone; rather it is a dog having a very hard time, a dog with with a mental health problem that behaves this way when home alone.
Dogs with separation anxiety suffer from a panic disorder. They rarely grow out of it, and the training strategies that can help with other problem behaviours are not effective. Many dogs with separation anxiety also suffer from confinement anxiety, and common recommendations such as crating or isolating the dog in a dedicated small area while home alone often actually increase the panic.
The hard truth about separation distress is that there is no way to predict which dogs will have or develop it--it seems to be largely in their genetic make-up--and there is no quick or easy way to fix it.
Specialized Training for Separation Anxiety
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Most pet dogs don't really like to be left alone. They depend on their humans for most everything and 'home alone' is not their preferred status. But a majority of our dogs cope with being home alone (and honestly, some enjoy and benefit from breaks from human activity). Dogs suffering from Separation Anxiety are not able to cope with being alone.
Rehabilitation for a dog suffering during separation requires a specialized program, and a trainer with a specialized skill set to structure the training. Success is dependent on customizing each step in the training process to fit the needs and coping capacity for each individual dog. Working closely, initially, with a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) to teach your dog to feel safe when home alone, and to teach you how to build that safety, is the best option for helping a dog with separation anxiety. When the dog has made some progress, and its guardians are feeling confident in the process and in their ability to recognize the unique features that combine to procure 'success' for their dog, they may continue the separation training with less frequent input from the CSAT.​
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​The CSAT-lead program is delivered as a 4-week package and is provided entirely virtually (the dog is observed on camera and we meet via Zoom since it is best when the real-life leaving routine and environment is not distorted by the physical presence of a trainer).
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Initial Assessment (60 - 90 minutes) followed by training, for dogs assessed to be suited
CSAT training package (4 weeks)
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​​A self-lead program option is available. For those who wish to do the training on their own, a manual with the information guardians need to work the CSAT training protocol on their own is available for purchase. LINK
Ad hoc consultation and support with a CSAT is available at any step(s) along the way.
Talk Live with Cate (TLC)
​​“My dog is great, there’s just this one thing…”
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Brief Service Option 1
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Talk Live with Cate (TLC) offers dog guardians the opportunity to get trainer input on a question or issue related to life with their dog. Book a phone or video call. Explore a topic relevant to your dog’s behaviour. Chat for 30 minutes for $40, we’ll throw some ideas around, explore what your reinforcement options are; maybe you'll discover a fresh perspective, a new starting point, some tips for being more effective in your efforts to help your dog.
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​Brief Service Option 2
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Video Feedback Service Submit a video* of you and your dog for feedback on body language and training technique.
* 90 minute Initial Assessment required for ad hoc service $150
$25/video for written feedback or 15 minute call
Included at no charge for all active training clients.
Life-time access at discounted pricing for past training clients.​​​
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Outdoor Nature Enrichment
​​ROMP & ROLL, SCRATCH N" SNIFF
If there is only ONE thing you can do for your dog…this is it!
Outdoor Natural Enrichment!! ONE!!
​This program offers one of the most important services for a dog -- the opportunity to be a dog, full out.
Group and Private Outings.
​Outdoor Natural Enrichment nourishes a dog's instincts and facilitates the expression of natural behaviours. The deep satisfaction from ONE outings meets many needs:
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mental stimulation
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sensory stimulation
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exploration
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exercise
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agency (freedom to choose where to move, how fast, what to sniff and for how long)
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socialization
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alleviates boredom
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mitigates frustration
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helps compensate for stress related to limited opportunities to express natural behaviours
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helps manage the desire to bolt from the house
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offers the opportunity for a quality connection with the chaperone (trainer!) who offers positive interactions and social support* during the outings
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the company of other dogs
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(social support* means encouraging dogs in their communications with one another; monitoring dog-dog interactions to mitigate tensions and/or redirecting behaviours that may not be appreciated by another dog)
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Group Outings include transportation to and from the romp location, one hour of paws and nose to the ground, and picnic fixin's (treats for foraging).​​
Private Outing offers one hour of paws and nose to the ground, recall training (optional at n/c) and treats for foraging. (Some travel time charges may apply.)
PRICES
Private In-person Service is $115/hour
Private On-line Service is $100/hour, billed by the quarter hour*. (Minimums and travel time charges may apply for in-home and community outdoor training locations.)
See below for more service information and where minimums and special pricing apply.
Day Boarding and Overnight Care
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First hour $15
Subsequent hours $5
Maximum $65 for 24 hours*
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Specializing in companionship for dogs with Separation Anxiety
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Multi-day rates available
Separation Anxiety Training (3 steps to service).
1. Free 30-minute phone consult regarding the CSAT service and approach
If appropriate:
2. Live Video Assessment
$150 (90 minutes) by Zoom).
If appropriate:
3. SA training in 4-week packages
$700 (16 customized training missions and 4 Live Video Assessments)
Plus a one-time set-up and resource fee of $100.
TLC!
Talk Live with Cate!
​Chat by phone
or video call,
30 minutes for $40
Video Feedback Service* (VFS).
$25/video submission.
Provides feedback on your dog's body language, behaviour, your training technique.
​(This service may not be appropriate when there are concerns about safety that cannot be addressed in this format.)
*VFS is available after initial online consultation ($100)
VFS is a feature of all KC private training services, and is offered to training clients for the life of the dog at special client pricing.
Outdoor Nature Enrichment (Romp & Roll, Scratch N' Sniff Program)
Group Outing:
$25 - $60 per dog per outing.
Private Outings $115*
​​​Kindred Creatures is focused on fostering optimism and contentment in your relationship with your dog.
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NOTE If you currently train using aversive equipment—prong, choke or shock-collar, startling or scolding—I am happy to work with you to acquire new skills so that those tools can be retired.
