​​Sparky Smith​, MSST, ISCP.Dip.CANINE.PRAC., IAABC-CDBC
Specializing in Dangerous Dog Behaviour Therapy 
House-Call Services & at Affiliated Facilities in GTA
Muskoka Dog Education Centre, Huntsville
Online Across Canada
See pictures here   >>  Gallery 
​When and Why to Hire a Behaviourist Video Below
We sadly often meet people after they have spent 1000s of dollars to have their dog's behaviour fixed by someone calling themselves a Behaviourist, only to have it not work over the long-term. Here, you go beyond dog training. You enter the world of indepth dog psychology, cognition and emotions of your best friend. We provide a proven program, highly successful in changing often dangerous cases of dog behaviour, all gently and compassionately. Once we are engaged, we developed shared goals for your dog, and invest time, energy and passion into teaching you to guide your dog to a new way to think, feel and behave. 

Our success comes with knowledge of what it takes to fundamentally shift a dog's beliefs. We know that some, who seek the outcomes we offer in our program, will not be successful. Which is why we screen potential clients to ensure they understand what the program entails; time, compassion, patience and energy. We work together on your dog, with you, understanding your lifestyle and who you are as a dog caregiver. We adapt the program to fit your world, but it can never be without the sacrifice of time and energy on your part to help your dog see the world differently and respond in new ways.

The program works with the most serious cases of dog aggression, and dangerous dog behaviour, successfully rehabilitating the toughest, often written-off dogs, and we do it completely force-free. We also provide an alternative should you be unable to make an appointment with a Veterinarian Psychologist or Veterinarian Behaviourist. We work closely with you and your Vet, using the most current science and extensive international resources to meet the needs of dogs with psychological disorders, requiring  medication in addition to behaviour therapy.  No pain of any kind is inflicted on the dog. The program simply change their lives and yours too. Read our testimonials here.

Our program now includes working with our team of qualified professional dog specialist who help demonstrate and reinforce specialized aspects tailored to your dog.

First, I assess the dog's cognitive ability and personality style, profiling your dog through observation and interviewing you & your family.
Second, I explain the interconnection between two or more unwanted behaviours.
Third, I review your dog's psychological, emotional, social, and cognitive state to target where changes need to be met to reach out shared goals. We don't fix just one issue but several. 
Fourth,  I develop a life strategy for the dog with a step-by-step plan to support changing not only the behaviour but deepening your bond between you and your dog. Our team internally reviews the strategy & plans for your dog ensuring  the team assigned is fully engaged in your dog's action plan, Also, if needed,  I write a fully researched and cited case report should you wish to provide it to a Vet or  Health Professional.
Fifth, myself and members of our the team show you evidence-based resources and references, working closely with you one-on-one over three-months to guide, coach and direct the implementation of the plan.
Sixth, throughout the three months, we regularly assess progress based on measurable outcomes and determine if we need to adapt our approach to meet our goals.
Seventh, at the end of our three months, we assess all that we have accomplished.  We provide you with a 'Beyond the Program' report, which helps you sustain the course you've begun. And, we follow-up in a few months to see how things are going.

I am an educated professionally-accredited Canine Behaviourist specializing in force-free, positive reinforcement, applied to the psychology and emotions of canines. ​Also, I am uniquely qualified in changing complex animal behavior problems, accredited MSST (Master Strategic and Systems Thinking) by the University of San Diego. I am highly experienced, drawing from 30 years of successful behaviour rehabilitation. I also lead the Canadian Centre of The International School for Canine Psychology & Behaviour (theISCP.com).  
 
In person, we cover Toronto & Muskoka. Remotely, using free video conferencing, we service nation-wide.

We recommend at a minimum 9-sessions over 3-months as a starting point for problems such as:
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Attacking & Biting People
  • Attacking & Biting Other Dogs
  • Constant or near constant Barking
  • Destructiveness
  • Multi-dog Family Issues

The time to complete a behaviour modification plan is dependent on the dog's pace to learn - at a minimum it takes three months to sustainably shift a dog's mindset and behaviours and make it stick.

Frequently Asked Questions about Behaviour Training

​Toronto: 647-231-5326 | Muskoka: 705-788-7688
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Behaviour Modification
ISCP-Canada
Training - Puppies and Dogs
Areas Served: Toronto & Muskoka, Online Across Canada
GTA 647-231-5326
Muskoka: 705-788-7688
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If you would like a tour of our property & amenities, an appointment is required.