Sensitivity-Based Support
Why This Isn’t Behaviour Modification — But It Still Works
When people first reach out to me, they’re often feeling overwhelmed. Their dog is anxious, reactive, fearful, or struggling to cope with the world around them — and they’re not sure where to turn. Some have tried training. Some have been told their dog needs “behaviour modification.” And some just know, deep down, that their dog needs something different.
That’s where I come in.
What I offer isn’t training. It isn’t behaviour modification. And it’s not a quick fix.
Instead, it’s something gentler. Something deeper.
It’s called behavioural support.
So, What is Sensitivity-Based Support?
Sensitivity-Based Support is about helping you help your dog.
I work with pet parents to create safer, calmer environments and more thoughtful routines that support the emotional wellbeing of their animals. That might mean adjusting your daily schedule to reduce overwhelm, learning how to recognize early stress signals, or simply changing how you respond to your dog when they’re struggling.
These changes may seem small, but they’re powerful. When a dog consistently feels safe, understood, and supported, their behaviour often begins to shift naturally. They become more confident. More resilient. More connected.
Not because we “trained” them to behave a certain way — but because we removed the pressure and made space for growth.
What Sensitivity-Based Support is Not
This is important: I don’t offer behaviour modification. That’s a specific type of training that involves structured techniques — like desensitization and counter-conditioning — to change a dog’s emotional response to certain triggers. It’s clinical, methodical, and often involves a step-by-step training plan.
Those methods absolutely have value — but my work with canine behaviour doesn’t involve diagnosing behaviour disorders, treatment protocols or intensive training plans.
Instead, my focus is on supporting the emotional environment the dog is living in. That might include helping you adjust your home routines to reduce unpredictability and stress, creating calmer transitions (like arrivals, departures, or feeding times), and guiding you to respond more confidently when your dog is overwhelmed. I also help you recognize when your dog is reaching their limit, and how to meet their needs without pushing past them.
Sometimes, it’s about reducing exposure to triggers entirely, or creating recovery time after difficult outings. Other times, it’s about building a stronger relationship through communication, choice, and empathy — things that can’t be taught in a command-based class.
It’s less about “fixing behaviors” and more about preventing emotional overload — which, in many cases, reduces the behaviors that felt unmanageable in the first place.
I don’t diagnose behaviour disorders, offer treatment plans, or run behaviour modification programs. But I do help you understand the bigger picture of what your dog is experiencing — and how to make daily life feel safer and more manageable for both of you.
A Different Kind of Change
My role is more like a coach, a guide, or even a therapist — not for the dog alone, but for the relationship between you and your dog. I help you learn how to communicate more clearly, advocate more confidently, and respond with empathy rather than urgency.
I help you understand what your dog is trying to tell you.
I help your dog feel like they’re finally being heard.
And I help both of you build the kind of relationship that doesn’t just survive tough moments — it grows stronger through them.
So no, what I do isn’t behaviour modification. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t transformative. Because when a dog feels safe, they stop surviving and start thriving.
And when a human feels empowered, they stop blaming and start connecting. That’s the kind of change that lasts.
And that’s the kind of support I’m here to offer.
Want to Learn More?
To learn more about sensitivity-based support and whether this approach might be right for you and your pup, you’re welcome to reach out!
Send a request for a free consultation — no pressure, just a conversation.
I’d love to meet you both.
In-Home Comfort
Why In-Home Pet Sitting May Be the Better Choice for Your Pet
When planning a vacation, work trip, or even just a long day away, deciding where your pet will stay can be one of the most stressful parts of the process. For some pets, a boarding facility may seem like a straightforward solution—but for others, especially those who are anxious, reactive, or sensitive to change, it can be overwhelming and even detrimental.
That’s where in-home pet sitting comes in.
At CB Pet Care Services, I offer in-home care that prioritizes your pet’s comfort, routine, and emotional well-being. Here’s why this service might be the better fit for your furry family member:
1. Familiar Environment = Less Stress
Animals thrive on routine and familiarity. Staying in their own home means your pet is surrounded by comforting smells, familiar spaces, and their usual daily rhythms. This can drastically reduce stress and help maintain healthy behaviors—especially for pets prone to anxiety or overstimulation.
2. One-on-One, Personalized Attention
Unlike boarding facilities where staff must divide their time among many animals, in-home sitting provides focused, individualized care. Whether it’s sticking to a strict medication schedule, keeping up with enrichment activities, or simply offering calm companionship, your pet receives my full attention.
3. Safer for Reactive or Special-Needs Pets
For dogs who are fearful, reactive, or aggressive in unfamiliar environments or around other animals, boarding can be risky. In-home pet sitting avoids exposure to unpredictable group settings, helping to prevent regressions in training and unnecessary stress.
4. Minimized Exposure to Illness or Injury
Boarding facilities can sometimes be breeding grounds for illness or parasites, especially during busy times of year. At home, your pet is protected from these risks while still receiving professional care.
5. Peace of Mind for You
With in-home care, I not only care for your pet—I also keep an eye on your home. You’ll receive regular updates, photos, and peace of mind knowing that someone you trust is making sure your pet feels safe and loved while you’re away.
If your pet has ever come home from boarding more anxious, exhausted, or just not quite themselves, it might be time to try something different.
To learn more about in-home pet sitting and whether it’s the right fit for your pet, request a free consultation today.
Walks That Work
Why Individualized Walks May Be Better Than Pack Walks for Your Dog
In recent years, pack walks—where one walker takes multiple dogs from different households at once—have become increasingly popular. On the surface, they might seem efficient or even fun for dogs who love to socialize. But for many pets, especially those with anxiety, reactivity, or behavioral challenges, pack walks can create more harm than good.
At CB Pet Care Services, I take a different approach. I believe in individualized walks that prioritize your dog’s emotional wellbeing, unique pace, and specific needs.
Here’s why one-on-one walks may be the better choice for your pup:
1. Not All Dogs Want to Socialize with Other Dogs
Just like people, some dogs are extroverts—but others are more introverted or selective. Being forced into group walks with unfamiliar dogs can cause stress, overexcitement, or fear. Individual walks give your dog the freedom to enjoy their time outside without pressure or overstimulation.
2. Customized to Your Dog’s Energy, Age & Health
From senior dogs who need a slow stroll to high-energy pups who crave adventure, every dog has a different walking style. With individualized care, I tailor each walk to meet your dog’s pace, stamina, and physical needs—something that’s nearly impossible to do in a mixed group setting.
3. Ideal for Dogs Working Through Behavioral Challenges
If your dog is reactive, anxious, or in training, group walks can unintentionally reinforce unwanted behaviors or put them in situations they aren’t ready to handle. Individual walks offer a controlled, calm setting where your dog can feel safe and set up for success.
4. Greater Focus on Safety and Supervision
Walking multiple dogs at once limits how much attention any one dog can receive. With individualized walks, I’m able to monitor your pet closely, anticipate triggers, avoid unsafe situations, and keep their experience positive and stress-free.
5. Stronger Relationship and Communication
One-on-one walks allow me to form a deeper bond with your pet, learning their cues, preferences, and boundaries. That trust and consistency become especially valuable for dogs who are sensitive or slow to warm up.
Whether your dog needs space, structure, or simply some quiet time to sniff the world at their own pace, individualized walks create a calm, respectful experience designed just for them.
Interested in learning more about how solo walks can benefit your pup?
Reach out today to request a free consultation and let’s see what works best for your dog’s unique personality.
Decompression Field Trips
Because dogs need self-care, too.
Not every dog is ready for the dog park, downtown walks, or training classes. For some, even a short walk around the block can be overwhelming. That’s where Decompression Field Trips come in.
These aren’t just walks — they’re customized outdoor experiences designed to help your dog breathe, explore, and feel safe again.
What Is a Decompression Field Trip?
A Decompression Field Trip is a private outing in a quiet, low-pressure environment — like a wooded trail, an open field, or a secluded park — where your dog can simply exist without the expectations of training or performance. This kind of outing gives them space to sniff, move freely on a long line, and begin to recover from the overstimulation of everyday life.
Think of it as a mental health day for your dog.
Who It’s For:
- Dogs recovering from stress, fear, or trauma
- Reactive dogs who can’t safely walk in busy areas
- Dogs who’ve had a bad experience with other dogs, people, or new environments
- Dogs who are “shut down” or overstimulated
- Dogs who need emotional care before they can begin formal learning
Why It Matters:
Just like humans, dogs need emotional regulation before they can focus or feel safe. You wouldn’t expect a person having a panic attack to solve math problems — and the same compassion should apply to our dogs.
Decompression isn’t a luxury. It’s a first step toward healing.
What to Expect:
- 30 to 60 minutes of calm, dog-led exploration
- Transportation (if needed) to a quiet location
- Long-line walks (never off-leash), allowing freedom with safety
- Updates and photos from the outing
- Optional notes on behavior and emotional check-ins
These field trips are not training sessions. They are part of the care phase — creating emotional safety before expecting any behavioral change..
Why I Offer This:
Some dogs need more than training. They need understanding, patience, and space to just be.
This offering was inspired by dogs like Kaos, who taught me that healing starts outside of the classroom.