Balanced Behaviors

We have raised many dogs over the years, so we thought we were quite capable of raising our new puppy. She was doing all the normal puppy behaviours. ..jumping, biting, zooming-all of which we had experienced before. However, she is a 95-pound Great Dane puppy so teething, jumping even just zoomies was all our previous puppies together...and on steroids. We needed help (dah!) and standard dog classes were not effective. We found the Bark site and within less than a day we heard from Natessa at Balanced Behaviours (www.balancedbehaviors.ca). After an in-house consultation which is mandatory (1st difference from standard classes) we had a lengthy discussion about our challenges and goals (2nd difference). Natessa, and Chad, spent time just interacting with Mayhem (our puppy) and getting to know us and our style with her. We thought this would feel awkward, but there was none of that. There was only encouragement and kindness. The report they sent was full of positive reinforcement, support, and suggestions. They gave us options in training packages that would be available to us. We chose one-on-one training and coaching in our home (3rd difference). Before each session began, they asked us what our goals were for the week. They were ALWAYS prepared with ideas and approaches that were practical and customized to our dog's personality (4th difference!) Our dog was guided in a way that she trusted and enjoyed an ultimately a more successful method than we had ever experienced. She was a happy, boisterous puppy when we met the Balanced Behaviour team. Now she is a balanced, well-behaved (ok...better behaved dog). Natessa and Chad were easy to talk with and nothing was off the table. The sessions were private, and we could ask anything (5th difference...noticing a trend?). Natessa and Chad were always on time, were always prepared and were always able to provide real-time solutions to our challenges. Within a very short time (minutes - not kidding) they were able to create exercises and/or games that made the learning fun and that made the learning stick. While private sessions are significantly more costly than standard classes, in our experience they have been worth every...single...penny. We would...and probably will, continue to have maintenance sessions (for the life of our very special and um very big puppy. Thank you, Natessa, and Chad. In absolute sincerity you have changed our lives. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

We have raised many dogs over the years, so we thought we were quite capable of raising our new puppy. She was doing all the normal puppy behaviours. ..jumping, biting, zooming-all of which we had experienced before. However, she is a 95-pound Great Dane puppy so teething, jumping even just zoomies was all our previous puppies together...and on steroids. We needed help (dah!) and standard dog classes were not effective. We found the Bark site and within less than a day we heard from Natessa at Balanced Behaviours (www.balancedbehaviors.ca). After an in-house consultation which is mandatory (1st difference from standard classes) we had a lengthy discussion about our challenges and goals (2nd difference). Natessa, and Chad, spent time just interacting with Mayhem (our puppy) and getting to know us and our style with her. We thought this would feel awkward, but there was none of that. There was only encouragement and kindness. The report they sent was full of positive reinforcement, support, and suggestions. They gave us options in training packages that would be available to us. We chose one-on-one training and coaching in our home (3rd difference). Before each session began, they asked us what our goals were for the week. They were ALWAYS prepared with ideas and approaches that were practical and customized to our dog's personality (4th difference!) Our dog was guided in a way that she trusted and enjoyed an ultimately a more successful method than we had ever experienced. She was a happy, boisterous puppy when we met the Balanced Behaviour team. Now she is a balanced, well-behaved (ok...better behaved dog). Natessa and Chad were easy to talk with and nothing was off the table. The sessions were private, and we could ask anything (5th difference...noticing a trend?). Natessa and Chad were always on time, were always prepared and were always able to provide real-time solutions to our challenges. Within a very short time (minutes - not kidding) they were able to create exercises and/or games that made the learning fun and that made the learning stick. While private sessions are significantly more costly than standard classes, in our experience they have been worth every...single...penny. We would...and probably will, continue to have maintenance sessions (for the life of our very special and um very big puppy. Thank you, Natessa, and Chad. In absolute sincerity you have changed our lives. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I am SO GRATEFUL for Natessa! I rescued my little amazing girl and was so excited, but I wasn’t thinking of the behaviour issues that may come along with that. I was starting to regret my decision and then I found Natessa…she changed our lives and our relationship. The very first day with Natessa guiding both of us I knew this the best thing I could have done for my dog. Our biggest obstacle was walking, she was a puller and all over the place, it was so stressful. By the end of the first session she was walking the way I wanted and needed her to. I highly recommend Natessa for her caring compassionate approach to your dog and you as a dog parent. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I am SO GRATEFUL for Natessa! I rescued my little amazing girl and was so excited, but I wasn’t thinking of the behaviour issues that may come along with that. I was starting to regret my decision and then I found Natessa…she changed our lives and our relationship. The very first day with Natessa guiding both of us I knew this the best thing I could have done for my dog. Our biggest obstacle was walking, she was a puller and all over the place, it was so stressful. By the end of the first session she was walking the way I wanted and needed her to. I highly recommend Natessa for her caring compassionate approach to your dog and you as a dog parent. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I rescued a dog and was having some issues with behaviour. I was struggling and not sure I made the right decision on getting my new baby. I found Natessa and she truly changed my life with my girl Sadie! She now listens to me, knows commands, walks so much better! It’s nice going for a walk now instead of a chore. Natessa is very caring and loving and treats both of us with respect and kindness. She truly loves what she does and it shows in the training. I highly recommend having her help with your fur babies! More...