Hudson's Hounds - 4033044987

Hudson's Hounds is owned and operated by Sheila Gunston, a dog trainer and dog lover,who is available to you for Basic training or Complex Behavior Therapy

Your Dog. My Passion.

Training classes: 5 weeks - $200 + GST

I offer a unique style of training classes - I find that dogs/puppies and their owners learn best when I am able to solely focus on them, rather than on a large group. I enjoy taking my time with each dog's specific needs and each family's specific lifestyle.

I offer a 5 week obedience program (for puppy or adult dogs) on a one on one basis. For 5 weeks (30 - 45 mins per week) I would come to your home (or agreed upon space) to work with your family and your dog, each program being tailored to your needs. One evening per week during spring through fall (weather permitting), I offer to all of my clients, a time to meet each other and our dogs for safe socialization time! We will determine during our private sessions whether your pup or dog is ready for some group play time and if so, this is a great way to meet some fellow dog lovers and get in some safe time to socialize. During these evenings, we will discuss what safe play looks like and the types of behavior that we want to watch for to remain safe so that play time can always be positive and fun!

I also offer a semi-private group class for yourself and a couple of your friends (3 dogs max) who may want to join in! For the same 6 week program, the cost is $150 + GST. We would meet at any agreed space that your small group would prefer.

Private consultation fee for assistance with Complex Behaviors: $70 for the first one hour session which includes assessment, $50 for subsequent one hour sessions. Sessions are held in your home or agreed upon destination.

I work within the laws of learning theory and am highly motivated by the science behind it. This means that I look to the root cause of the behavior, not the symptom. It's imperative that we determine how our dogs learn - if we don't know how they learn, how can we teach them?

Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) sessions are held at various locations, where I can properly set up a safe, controlled environment with stable dogs/people who are able to help your reactive/fearful/aggressive dog learn to use his or her communication skills to make peaceful choices.

BAT rehabilitates dog reactivity by looking at why the dog is barking, lunging, fleeing, etc. and helping him or her meet his needs in other ways. In a nutshell, BAT is a dog-friendly application of Behavior Analysis that gives the dogs a chance to learn to control their own comfort level through peaceful means. It’s very empowering to your dog, in a good way.


About me:

I am currently attending a 2yr apprenticeship program with a dog trainer/behaviorist in Calgary. Shadowing consults and being able to watch and learn in the moment has given me the ability to think quickly and assess properly. I am also becoming fully educated in the laws of Learning Theory. I can give you the tools to help you help your dog communicate with you in ways that you’ve probably seen, but never fully understood before. Since I am currently still apprenticing, I have incredible resources to consult with if your dog needs a little extra!

*Liability insured

*Earned a Dog Obedience Instructor/Trainer Certificate in Jan 2013

*Currently attending a 2yr Certified Dog Trainer/Dog Behavior Apprenticeship

*Pet First Aid Certified by Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid

*Currently assisting with the Dogs With Wings service dog program

I have been a dog lover my entire life. My mom used to show dogs when I was young and I don’t remember a time when we didn’t have at least one dog at home. I now have 5 dogs of my own (Bailey and Oscar who are mini dachshunds, Billy and Joe who are lab crosses and Hudson who is a basset/beagle cross) and I am a foster home with Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS). I volunteer in several areas with AARCS and the Alberta Spay Neuter Task Force. I am also the Adoption Follow Up Coordinator and Dog Trainer with AARCS and one of the Dog Trainers for Underdogs Rescue in Edmonton. My life has most definitely “gone to the dogs” and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

I am lucky enough to have a spouse who supports me in every way possible, even when our schedules drastically clash, or he comes home to find yet another dog in the living room who is in need of some serious love and rehabilitation. Sometimes they have mange and need extra TLC, sometimes they are so terrified of people that they do nothing but hide and sometimes they think they can chew on other dogs so they need some very specific behavior adjustment therapy. Our 5 dogs (with a little help from us) always find a way to help them along and eventually become adopted into their forever homes.

I look forward to meeting with you and your furry family members!! Please call, email or fb me with questions or bookings!