FAQ – Dog Training, Reactivity & Anxiety in Montreal

Reactivity is common in busy urban environments where dogs are exposed to tight sidewalks, sudden noises, and close encounters with people and other dogs. At Canine Kindness, we begin with a full behavioural assessment: triggers, threshold distance, early stress signals, emotional state, and what management strategies you currently use.

From there, we build a structured plan in three steps:

1️⃣ Immediate management​

​2️⃣ Skill-building​

3️⃣ Real-life practice (coaching or day training)
We work in your real-world environment so your dog can learn to handle everyday situations smoothly and safely. This is where progress truly becomes lasting.

It’s important to work with a trainer who has solid education in behaviour, uses modern and humane methods, and has real experience with complex cases.

Bonté Canine specializes specifically in behaviour challenges such as reactivity, anxiety, aggression, fear, phobias, impulsivity, and difficulty coping in busy urban environments.

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Our approach is:

1. science-based and force-free, with no aversive methods

2. individualized, adapted to each dog’s thresholds, temperament, and history

3. focused on safety, gradual progression, and clear communication

4. structured, with a step-by-step plan and achievable goals

5. practical, with training done in real-world settings so progress transfers to everyday life

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We serve the greater Montreal area and offer private consultations, coaching, and day training to help families navigate complex behavioural issues.

We specialize in canine anxiety: intense feelings, fearfulness, generalized anxiety, noise sensitivity, and difficulty coping with urban environments.

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Our approach includes:

a detailed behavioural assessment

a step-by-step desensitization plan (never flooding)

routines that create predictability and safety

stress-reduction strategies

environmental adjustments that help the dog feel secure

ongoing guidance for the family

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If medication could help the dog progress more comfortably, we collaborate with your veterinarian.

We offer:

✔ Private consultations (90 minutes)

Full assessment, personalized plan, hands-on coaching.

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✔ Follow-up training sessions (60 minutes)

Progressive learning based on your goals.

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✔ Day training

We train the dog for you, then teach you how to maintain the results.

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✔ Behaviour modification

Reactivity, anxiety, aggression, fearfulness, and excitability.

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✔ Puppy and adolescent training

Nipping, toilet training, leash manners, socialization, emotional regulation.

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✔ Educational walks

Work on skills outdoors: focus, reactivity management, environmental awareness.

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✔  Sitting

We take care of your animal with special needs when you're away for long or short periods. 

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Everything is tailored to your dog’s needs and your reality.

Initial consultation (90 minutes): $165 + tax

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Follow-up sessions: pricing depends on the package selected, generally between $100 and $120 per hour

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We help you choose a format that aligns with your goals, availability, and your dog’s needs.

Day training is ideal for busy families or dogs that need frequent, structured practice.

How it works:
1️⃣ Initial assessment — we define priorities such as reactivity, anxiety, leash walking, recall, impulse control, or resource guarding.
2️⃣ Structured training sessions (without you) — we work directly with your dog in your environment.
3️⃣ Transfer sessions — we teach you exactly how to maintain and build on the progress.
4️⃣ Clear, simple plan — exercises, demonstrations, and guidance that fit into your daily routine.

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Day training is the fastest way to see meaningful improvement.

You can book directly through our website or contact us by email at laura@bontecanine.com
Once you choose a date, you’ll receive a short intake questionnaire so we can better understand your dog’s history and your goals.
The consultation takes place at your home.

Bonté Canine specializes in:

reactivity

anxiety

aggression

fear and phobias

hyperarousal

impulsivity

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Our methods are modern, humane, science-based, and adapted to your everyday life.

The most effective methods are gentle, progressive, and focused on emotional safety:

positive reinforcement

gradual desensitization

counter-conditioning

environmental support

predictable routines

Punitive or intimidating techniques are avoided, as they increase anxiety and damage trust.

At the moment, Bonté Canine offers puppy classes and supervised social sessions, which focus on confidence-building, calm interactions, and early foundation skills. These classes are designed to help young dogs grow into well-rounded companions using modern, humane methods.

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For older pups, obedience, or reactivity-specific group classes, options in Montreal are limited and vary in quality. Because we want to maintain high standards, we are in the process of securing a local indoor space so we can re-launch our teen dog, obedience, and reactive dog group classes, similar to those we offered in the last years.

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In the meantime, we continue to support families through:

• private training

• behaviour consultations

• day training

• educational walks

• sitting

• cooperative grooming

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If you're looking for group classes for a dog who is reactive, fearful, or easily overwhelmed, we can guide you toward the safest option or help you prepare your dog through private work first.