Welcome to Team Fido Dog Training!
All classes and playgroups are running as normal. I am also doing in-person training and home visits. I will still be offering virtual training via ZOOM and FB messenger video chats for anyone that would like this option.
Curbside Pickup is still available!
Big news!! I am now CPDT-KA certified!
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A success story, and great update from a client with pictures!
I first met Great Dane Walter in November 2020. He came through rescue to his new home, and was having issues with the resident Great Dane Frankie. Walter was showing reactivity to other dogs, and resource guarding around Frankie. The situation had escalated to some serious fights between the dogs. Frankie was pretty happy go lucky and did try to engage Walter in play but he wasn’t happy with her efforts and that would also trigger a fight. To add to this Walter had problems with urinary stones and was on a restricted diet, all factors that can add stress and anxiety.
We started behavior modification and training with the dogs in Feb 2020. Both dogs were muzzle trained, which is one of the first things to work on. Luckily a family member was able to take one of the dogs on a rotating basis, so they weren’t in the home together while we worked through this process. We started with parallel walking, with lots of distance between the dogs. Lots of rewards for calm behavior, for checking in with the handler, for looking at the other dog without reactions. Walter started on some anxiety meds to help him to settle and to reduce his anxiety. When the dogs were ready we started parallel walking with fencing in between, without muzzles on. We practiced Frankie running and playing on the other side of the fence; all things that would trigger Walter previously; while Walter got lots of rewards for ignoring her. Always working at a distance where both dogs were comfortable. We worked in the yard at the client’s home, adding in the Find It! Game as a redirect for Walter when he would see a trigger (person walking, another dog).
We met throughout the spring, summer and fall of 2021. Our last appt was in October 2021. Working on these kinds of behaviors, especially with really big dogs, takes time. When the dogs came back to be in the same house together management of the environment is critical, so that means separated into different rooms using barriers. I got an update, with pictures, in December. The dogs are now fully integrated in the house together. This couldn’t have happened without the time and effort put in by their guardians, Katelin and Phil!
All behavior modification and training was done with positive reinforcement and force free methods. Both dogs were on harnesses throughout.
From Phil, Walter and Frankie’s Dad … “They’ve been doing awesome, honestly they are better than I had ever expected. Since we have had them both free in the house there hasn’t been any issues. Thank you so much for your help with this, I was pretty concerned at the start that they may never be able to be together”.
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Team Fido is here for all of your dog training needs! From puppies to adults to seniors, basic obedience, behavior modification to FUN stuff!
The training hall is ready and waiting!
When I am not meeting with clients in their homes, I can be found at the Team Fido training hall located at 3165 Lakefield Road, Selwyn. We have a 1500 sq ft indoor training area, and a 3500 sq ft fenced outdoor training field.
I offer individual training, classes and playgroups from this location. Life Skills and Focus classes are limited to 4 dogs. Keeping class sizes smaller is important so your dog will be less distracted and able to learn, and allows me to spend more one on one time with each handler/dog team. Life Skills and Focus classes are four weeks in length, giving you a chance to try out different classes every month if you wanted to! Keeping classes fresh and fun is important.
I am bonded and fully insured through Profur Insurance.
There are many different options available for all of your training needs!
- Life Skills (obedience) basic behavior cues PLUS
- Play groups – for young puppies and small breeds, all in a safe environment!
- FUN DOG classes
- Day Training
- Canine Fitness, Body and Brain
- Focus Fitness and Fun class
- Group walks
I also offer private, one-on-one training at your home or at the Team Fido training hall.
Team Fido Dog Training is here to help you and your dog build a great relationship, based on mutual trust and respect using positive, reward based training. These methods are based in science and are accepted as the current industry standard for force-free training by Veterinary Behaviourists, Certified Applied Animal Behaviourists, Veterinarians, and Professional Trainers worldwide.
I work with dogs of all ages, offering puppy socialization classes, obedience classes, FUN DOG classes and beginner flyball.
I also work with dogs that are having behavioural issues. Some of these may include:
- Aggression and Reactivity
- Fears and phobias
- Separation anxiety
- Excessive Barking
- Digging
- Destructive Behavior
- Resource Guarding
- Mouthing/Nipping
Contact me to discuss your dog’s needs. We can set up a behavior consultation and start working with your dog to modify his or her behavior.
Meet Your Trainer – Cindy VanFrankfoort
“I have experience working with dogs of all ages and breeds and am confident that “Any dog can learn!”. If you’ve tried other methods and they just don’t seem to be working, it’s time to call me and start positive, reward based training methods! Fear, pain and intimidation have no place in training our dogs. I want to show you how to build a solid working relationship with your dog based on mutual trust and respect. Dogs don’t want to take over the world – they just want to be with YOU. I base my training methods on developing focus and attention on the handler, using rewards of food, play, toys, praise…whatever your dog finds the most rewarding. Most importantly, I want you to have FUN with your dog. Training should be fun, not frustrating!”
My qualifications include:
- CPDT-KA – Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed, Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
- CTDI – Certified Trick Dog Instructor, Do More With Your Dog!
- ABCDT – Animal Behavior College, Certified Dog Trainer
and Mentor Trainer for Animal Behavior College - IPDTA-CDT – International Positive Dog Training Association, Certified Dog Trainer.
- CAPPDT, full member – Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers.
- Member – Pet Professional Guild for Force Free Training.
- Referred by veterinary practices for training and behavior problems in dogs.
I have worked in veterinary hospitals for 25+ years, helping clients with their animal’s behavior issues and nutritional needs. I also hold certificates in Pet Massage and Training Shelter Dogs, and am certified in Pet First Aid.
“It’s like I have a new dog! Cindy has a wonderful approach to training your canine. I have been to another trainer whose tactics were borderline
I have four CRAZY dogs of my own and we have fun in agility, rally-o and obedience, and compete in flyball. From the left, Pixie (Old English Sheepdog), Astro (Pom/Chih/Yorkie), Jazzy J. (Jackxbeagle), and Ripple (Whippet)!
Contact me for more information about my classes or private lessons.