Gaby Dufresne-Cyr
Science allows me to train animals of all species because learning theories and training techniques are the same no matter which species I work with.
As a professional, The challenge for me is knowing which learning theory, training technique, and behaviour modification apply to the animal species I am working with. I then established a training protocol and set the animal up for success.
I love to teach and train animals, but my reinforcement comes when I see an animal display the behaviours that I, we, set out to change. Nothing is more satisfying than watching an animal understand what I am trying to teach it and seeing it modify its behaviour.
Finally, I use behaviourism and attachment theories to train dogs, zebras, rats, or giraffes. I am constantly studying (I am still in university, studying for my second degree) and modifying my teaching.
Science does not stand still; therefore, I dedicate my life to moving along with it.
I love all species, but I definitely am in my element when wolves surround me. There is nothing quite as compelling as knowing you have changed an animal's brain for the better.
Wolf Park
First, to those who think dogs and wolves are one in the same, I can tell you this, YOU ARE WRONG. Although certain behaviours are similar, wolves will never be dogs. Wolves hate walking on a leash, being held or constrained in any way shape or form. Wild canines have a short fuse and will push out of your comfort zone just to test your reaction.
Wolf Park received their first wolves from the zoo many years ago, therefore it was interesting to see the difference between species. The Mexican wolf is a subspecies of the grey wolf, and looks a little more like pups than adults, at least this is what I've observed. The zoo had them for three years and never heard them howl, we tried but did not succeed.
When I'm with wolves, I get acquire knowledge from the best minds ever. Erich Klinghammer was very generous of his time and loved to talk about ethology. He shared many secrets with me and was the source of knowledge one could ask for. I love sitting down with him to talk about stuff.
I miss him dearly.
Wolf Park's Bison
I have gained a lot of experience in life doing a variety of things. Recently, I added another skill to the list, wrangling bison for vaccination. It was stressful, but strangely I loved putting my life in danger in order to better theirs. Keeping them healthy is mandatory.
After seeing the male bison demolish the corral door, I can honestly say wolves do not have it made easy in the wild. The four inch cross metal beam holding the door together was folded in two.
Hunting down a bison, or other large prey is VERY difficult. Wolves get killed if they do not cooperate, for the bison stand their ground and defend themselves.
I have new respect regarding wolves and bison. The video that follows is a demonstration of hunting patterns. The wolf is trying to find a weak animal or one that is less experienced and will separate from the herd.
These behaviours are essential for studying predator/prey relationships and normal hunting behaviour. Findings from this research are necessary in order to update the wolf ethogram.
Dogue Shop Staff Members
Henri Lamarche I'm a French-speaking Canadian who grew up in the Middle East, in the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi. Greetings to my fellow Arabic speakers, Marhaban ya sadiqi. I really enjoyed living there, the weather is always warm and sunny, and the local people are so friendly. This country has many ex-pats, so I had international friends at school.
I have always loved dogs and have really wanted one since I can remember. So I convinced my mom, and we finally got one when I was 12. Her name is Lili. She is a mixed greyhound breed dog from the streets of Abu Dhabi. Our dog travelled to Canada with us when we moved back.
Interacting with clients and seeing them happy with their dogs was a big motivation for me. However, I was tired of training using punishment methods. I was sure there were better ways, so I quit after over a year.
My mission, although still being developed, is to educate people about the language of behaviour, communication, health, and the relationship between animals and people through trust, love, and enjoyment. I am happy about this journey, grateful for this opportunity and proud to work for this company.
Taighe Strang was originally born in Scotland, but he has spent his life bouncing from country to country, including Venezuela, Thailand, Africa, and, most recently, Malaysia.
Taighe had always loved animals, and when he moved to Cote d’Ivoire, his family got their first dog, a small Bichon Frise named Tina. Growing up with Tina and a hedgehog named Shadow completely changed his outlook on animals and made him a more generous and sympathetic person, now interested in exotic animals.
Taighe moved to Montreal at 19 years old, unsure of the next step; however, he was certain he wanted to pursue something concerning animals. He signed up to volunteer at the Montreal SPCA and adopted two cats, later adopting another. It was recommended that he contact Gaby at the Dogue Shop, and all the pieces fit into place from there.
While in Montreal, Taighe devoted his time to studying Applied Human Sciences at Concordia University while interning at the Dogue Shop and doing one-on-one training.
Taighe moved back to Scotland, UK, in July 2020 and now operates the Dogue Shop United Kingdom, where he teaches puppy and teen group classes in the park.
Dogue Shop in the Media
Television
- Global Television
Morning News - Jessica Laventure
Morning News - Laura Casella
Morning News - Andrea Howick
- CityTV
Only in Montreal - Matt Silver
Breakfast Television - Laura Casella
Breakfast Television - Elias Makos
- TeleQuebec
Deux Hommes en Or
Légitime Dépense:
- Traitements anti-puces
- L'éducation canine
- CBC Canada
Entrée Principale
Alors on Jase
Téléjournal
Brigade Animo
- CTV Montreal
News - Caroline Van Vlaardingen
News - Rob Lurie
- TV5
Les Guérisseurs - Zoothérapie avec les loups.
Loin d'être bête - Zoothérapie avec les rats.
Bizarroscope
- MATV
Libre Service
Radio
- CJAD 800
Dogue Shop weekly show (2009-2014)
Dogue Shop talks -Rick and Suzan
Dogue Shop segments -Ric Peterson
- CBC 88.5
A snippet into canine communication and their ability to decode our emotions with Loreen Pindera.
- CKOI 96,9
Midi Morency, émission de radio humoristique sur le métier de consultant en comportement animal avec François Morency
Author
- Dog in the Mirror is God: a Scientifically Spiritual Approach to treating Human and Animal Behaviour Problems.
- Animal-Assisted Therapy: Superstars Change Teen Lives.
Newspaper
Journal du Plateau
- La brigade canine se décentralise
Journal de Montreal
- La brigade canine ne patrouille que dans le Plateau-Mont-Royal
- Ne touchez pas à mon pitbull, clament les propriétaires
- Les proptibulls promettent une opposition féroce
Journal La Press
- La bête noir à abattre
- Faire du yoga avec son chien
Journal Metro
- Gaby, professeur de Doga
Zoonooz
- A short article about the arrival of the wolves at the San Diego Zoo for the ambassador program
- Part of a five-page article on arctic wolves and the imprinting process at Park Safari Zoo
Urbania
Un article sur le Doga
Pawsie
- Docteur, Mon Chien M'iIgnore!
- Votre Chien Vous Ressemble Plus Que Vous Ne Le Pensez