Warmest Wishes for the Holiday Season

A message from our pack leader, Anna Marie

Dear Instinct Canine Training Pack Members,

As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences and milestones that have shaped both my personal growth and the growth of Instinct Canine Training.

I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your dedication and support. ICT wouldn’t be what it is today without you. I am so grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me, kind words you share and referrals. I look forward to continuing this journey with you and your dogs in the coming year.

Professionally, one of the highlights of my year was attending a seminar with Steven Lindsay in St. Charles, Missouri. It was my first time flying alone, and I’m so grateful for the amazing new friends I made. But the most special part of the trip was the evening I spent in conversation with Steven himself. To sit and talk with such a brilliant man about life, dogs, and everything in between was an experience I will never forget. Oh, and Steven also introduced me to a new beer—Yuengling—which was a fun and memorable part of our chat! Sadly, I can’t get it in Canada, so I guess I’ll need to head back to the States again to return his kind gesture and buy him one!
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I also had the opportunity to attend a training workshop with Joel Silverman, Lary Krohn, and Jay Jack. I chose to purchase a working spot with Jay Jack, and it did not disappoint! I learned so much about the art of playing with our dogs and how to address reactive behaviours with a new approach to corrections. What I found most powerful was how it focused on addressing emotional states, without harshness or punitive actions, which I look forward to incorporating more into my work.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing this year, though. In May, our facility encountered severe flooding that caused some headaches, but it ended up prompting some renovations I had been meaning to do. The space is now set up exactly the way I had dreamed, which has been incredibly rewarding. ICT also saw team members spread their wings  to pursue individual goals, and we’ve welcomed new faces. Change is not always easy, but owning and operating a business comes with challenges and we embrace each one knowing we have an opportunity to change the lives of dogs, handlers, and the community we serve. It’s not always smooth sailing, but our mission drives us forward every day.

The most important accomplishment this year; however, was gaining my official title as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (DTTA-CPDT) under the mentorship of Karen Laws. This two and a half year journey pushed me to expand my knowledge and sharpen my skills. I am forever grateful to Karen for her guidance and support throughout this process. I was also honoured to lead most of our annual Fall Training Summit, where I had the pleasure of teaching other trainers the techniques from my four-week Reactive Rover course. 

As we say goodbye to 2024 and look forward to the year ahead, I’d like to share a quote from Maya Angelou:

“We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”

This year has been a journey of learning, growth, and connection, and I encourage you to enter the new year with the same spirit of resilience. Every challenge is an opportunity, and together, we will continue to grow and thrive!

From myself and the rest of the ICT team,wishing you all a joyful Christmas and holiday season filled with love, laughter, and of course, lots of time spent with your beloved dogs! It is through them that we find the true meaning of the holiday spirit: to embrace the present with gratitude, love, and a few good treats.

Warmest wishes to you and yours,
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Anna Marie, Mia and Keziah
Instinct Canine Training

Holiday Wishes from our Day Train & Play Program Dogs

Warmest wishes for the holiday season ahead from Anna Marie and the dogs from our Day Train & Play program!