Train
peacefully,
fairly and
with respect
& understanding.
Dog training services are offered in the Comox Valley, BC.
Isle Dogs is passionate about helping you and your dog find peace of mind through understanding and cooperation. We will help you develop a simple, clear language, to build mutual understanding and effective communication in a way that honors your needs, and theirs. We will also teach you to listen to your dog, so that you can step up and guide them from a place of trust, and empathy. The dog’s mindset is paramount in our training process; we consider not only which behaviours we want them to perform, but also how we would like them to feel, and their emotional response to the world around them. To that end, we offer multiple dog training programs for both obedience and behaviour modification, in group and private settings.
ABOUT
Ruth Kasasian
Growing up on the West Coast of Canada allowed Rue a strong connection to nature and animals. This connection led her not only to dress up every one of her guinea pigs in homemade sweaters and hats, but also to volunteer at an animal shelter, where she discovered her love for dog training. She began volunteering with BabyDog in Victoria, BC and knew this was the field she wanted to be in. She completed a two-year apprenticeship under Aviva Shtull, and then moved into a full-time position as Head Dog Trainer with the company.
During her five years at BabyDog she worked with hundreds of private clients and led weekly group classes in socialization, obedience, and behavioural modification for fear, reactivity, and resource guarding. She has trained with dogs of varying breeds, ages, levels of obedience, and behavioural temperament.
There are always new and alternative methods when it comes to dog training. Information is limitless. Rue explores this constantly. She has notably completed a shadow program in Buffalo NY with renowned dog trainer Tyler Muto, a leading figure in the world of reactivity, aggression, and rehabilitation. She also holds a certificate of Aggression in Dogs with top positive reinforcement trainer Michael Shikashio.
Rue approaches all her sessions with a holistic mindset. She recognizes that health, fitness, lifestyle, genetics, and many other components contribute to behaviour. Her methods are balanced, correcting when needed, while utilizing relationship and reward-based training whenever possible.
Rue moved to Courtenay BC in 2022, where she has been enjoying a relaxed outdoor lifestyle. She loves her work and can’t wait to continue brightening the lives of many dogs and owners within the community.
Sage is my wonderful girl! Full of tricks, smart as heck, and always ready for either an epic snooze or a rip alongside the bike.
This spicy tempered girl is an endless challenge, and one I am always willing to take on. Early on Sage taught me the importance of patience and acceptance. To this day she pushes me to work with who she is, instead of dreaming of something I don't have. Out and about she encourages me to advocate for her needs and to step up to the plate when she is not able to make the right decisions for herself.
Isle Dogs encourages clients to challenge the way they think, improve their management protocols, learn how to establish clear boundaries, and train proactively and in a preventative manner. You will become a stronger leader and feel empowered by the relationship and understanding you develop together with your dog.
Balanced Approach
Learning, boundary setting, and support are dynamic. This is why we use all four quadrants of the operant circle, as well as classical conditioning, when designing and implementing
a training plan.
Flexible and Versatile
There are many tools and techniques available, and no dog or owner are the same. Isle Dogs offers multiple styles of training and is flexible in designing programs specific to your needs. (Behaviour modification is done through the use of an ecollar)
Examples of some techniques/methods we may use are:
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Pressure and Release (with collars, leashes, vibration or static collar e-collars)
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Reward Based Training
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Differential Reinforcement
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Corrections
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Marker training
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Lure Reward
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Counter Conditioning
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and so much more!
utilizing Tools
Toys, treats, movement and play. Martingale collars, slip leads, front clip harnesses, and face collars. Prong collars, as well as static, tone, & vibration e-collars.