Some people find this work. This work found Monica Simpson.
Monica is your Bark Busters trainer in Toronto East. We asked her about the rescue dog who changed her career, the breeds she loves most, and the case she still thinks about twenty years later.
What Brought You to Dog Training in the First Place?
I know what it is like to feel completely overwhelmed by a dog’s behaviour.
Years ago I adopted a rescue German Shepherd named May. The training methods that had worked beautifully with my other dogs simply were not working with her. I felt skeptical, frustrated and desperate for answers.
Then I called Bark Busters, and I experienced firsthand what the right canine communication can do.
That experience changed the direction of my life. What began as a search for help with my own dog became a 20 year career helping other families who feel stuck, frustrated or worried about their dogs.
What Is Your Favourite Breed?
Mutts, especially Pitadors.
There is something pretty special about a dog who is a little bit of everything.
What Is a Favourite Moment You Have Had When Training?
One of the most rewarding cases of my career involved a family whose toddler had a very rare disease. Emergency personnel came to the home often as a result.
Their dog became extremely aggressive toward anyone who entered the home and approached or touched “his” child. But there was something extraordinary about this dog. He could detect when the child was about to go into cardiac distress, and he would signal the family.
I really felt for him. From his perspective, his tiny human was suddenly in distress, and then sirens, strangers and frightening people kept entering his territory. His behaviour made sense to me, even though it was creating a very serious problem.
My job was to address the aggression without disturbing his remarkable ability to alert the family when the child was in distress. No pressure!
It took time, patience and a wonderful commitment from the family, but we did it. We made the home safer and we kept the dog’s incredible ability to tell everyone that something was wrong.
It remains one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my 20 year career.
What Do You Wish You Could Tell Every Dog Owner?
My background as a Behaviour Therapist, combined with 20 years of experience understanding both human and canine behaviour, lets me look at the whole picture: your dog, your family, your environment, and the relationship between you.
But most importantly, I want every dog owner to know this. You are not a bad dog owner because you are struggling.
Most people who come to me have already tried. They love their dogs. They are doing the best they can, and they just have not yet found the communication that works for their dog.
That is where I come in.
Ready to Work With Monica?
If you live in East York, Leaside, The Beaches, Don Mills, Willowdale, Forest Hill, Bayview, Bridal Path, Cricket Club, Hoggs Hollow or York Mills, Monica is your local Bark Busters trainer. She works with dog aggression, separation anxiety, puppy training, leash pulling, excessive barking and general obedience, all in the comfort of your own home.
Every Bark Busters training program includes our Life Of Dog Support Guarantee, so you have our support for the life of your dog.
Call or text Monica at 905-853-0195 to book your in-home training session.
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