Contact Us
Please send all inquiries to info@sunshinepaws.ca — we recommend adding us to your contacts to avoid having our messages flagged as spam.
If you have questions about Cooperative Care, please contact Brintnell Veterinary Hospital by phone or email for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an initial assessment required?
Yes, we require an assessment before we make a training plan — however, if you aren't sure if you're ready to commit, we also offer shorter virtual assessments to help answer your questions.
What cities/towns are your training services available in?
Our behaviour services are available to anyone in the Greater Edmonton Area, including St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain, & Spruce Grove.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24 hours notice for all cancellations, or else we will charge you for the session.
What is your refund policy?
If you're not satisfied with your training experience, we'll do our best to remedy any issues you have, & may provide a refund if we agree that we cannot meet your or your pet's needs.
What supplies will I need?
We require the following supplies for each session:
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Treats to reinforce behaviour.
- We recommend 2 types: 1 medium value, like freeze-dried chicken, & 1 high value, like boiled chicken breast.
- Treats should be split into pea-sized pieces so your pet doesn't get full too quickly.
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A clicker to reinforce your pet's desirable
behaviours during training.
- These are available from most pet stores.
- A treat pouch/container to make treats more accessible during your session.
The following supplies may be required, depending on the behaviours we will focus on:
-
A 4–6 foot,
non-retractable leash.
- Non-retractable leashes are stronger & provide you with more control.
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A harness or collar.
- A front clip harness may be helpful if your dog likes to pull.
- A mat or bed for practicing "place" behaviours.
- A crate for taking breaks or practicing "place" behaviours.
Is there anything I should do with my pet before & after our session?
You can do the following before our session to make the most of it:
- Take your pet for a short walk or play session to get their excess energy out — this will help them focus more during our session.
- Reduce the amount of food you normally feed the day of the session — a good protocol is to not feed a meal right before our session, and then give them half the amount of their usual supper portion, as they will be getting lots of treats.
Also, be sure to let your pet rest after our session — training is tiring, & if they don't feel like their normal behaviours (e.g., a walk), that is normal and totally okay.
What training methods do you use?
We use clicker training , which is a type of training that uses positive reinforcement to help your pet associate desired behaviour with positive outcomes. We are strong advocates of training using fear-free techniques to help solidify the bond between you & your pet.
How involved do I have to be in the training?
Very! We consider most of our work as teaching you how to train your pet based on the specific needs & the goals you have. While we will demonstrate a variety of tools & techniques during sessions, it's the time between training sessions when behaviours are truly developed. We can help guide you, but meeting your pet's needs means you have to do the bulk of the work!
Do you offer group classes?
No, but we hope to soon — please stay tuned!