Gaby Dufresne Cyr

About Gaby Dufresne-Cyr

I founded of the Dogue Shop and more recently Dogue Shop Publishing in Montreal, Quebec. I have been involved with dogs since childhood, and got my first paid dog training client at the age of sixteen. From there, my path took me in a very different direction. I studied the arts and worked on movies, television, ads, and museum building and painting sets. I became a full-time dog trainer in the 1990s and now devotes time to teaching newer generations the science behind dog training.

I believe dog training should not be done in large groups where distractions disrupt canine concentration and disturb the human-animal bond. Conversely, I do not believe in sheltering dogs from stress because that simply does not reflect real life. The same goes at the Dogue Academy school. Classes are kept small, which makes them highly personalized. 
 
In my spare time, I practice dog, wolf, horse, and rat animal-assisted therapy with at-risk teenagers. I love to write, draw, research, and organize social events. I am the author of two books, the Dog in the Mirror is God and Animal-Assisted Therapy. I also travels internationally to speak about the science of dog training, behaviour management, alternative learning theories, and exotic animal-assisted therapy as a means of enrichment, training, and conservation. 
 
If you want to plan a dog-related event and wish to invite me as a speaker or author, email me, and I will get back to you shortly. I always make time in the year to attend or host various functions. 

About GABY'S Dog TRAINING APPROACH

Gaby Dufresne Cyr between two wolves

My dog training approach is simple, I based it on science, which allows me to train dogs and animals of all species because learning theories and training techniques are the same no matter which creature I work with. As a professional, the challenge for me is getting to know each individual animal I work with to apply the proper learning theory, training technique, and behaviour modification protocol. I then establish a training plan and set the animal up for success.

I love to teach and train dogs and wolves, but my reinforcement comes in two waves. First, seeing an animal understand and display the behaviours that I set out to modify increases my dopamine. Secondly, there is nothing more satisfying than watching a person realize, in real time, that the dog or wolf is succeeding. 

Finally, I focus on the social cognitive learning theory to train dogs, zebras, rats, or giraffes. I am constantly studying (I am still in university, studying for my second degree) to improve my teaching and training skills. Science does not stand still; therefore, I dedicate my life to moving along with it. I love all species, but I am definitely in my element when wolves surround me. There is nothing quite as compelling as knowing I have changed an animal’s brain structure for the better; in that sense, dog trainers are cognitive engineers.

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Gaby's experience

Animal-Assisted Therapy - EMSB*

Mountainview High School (dog & rat program)
Perspectives One High School (dog program)
Focus High School (rat program)
Laurier-McDonald High School (pilot project - dog program)

Professor - La Pocatiere College

Relevant Information to the Animal-Assisted Therapy Profession 
Animal Training and Behaviour 

Animal Behaviour Consultant & Animal Trainer

Les Écurie Casa Blanca
Park Safari Zoo, Hemmingford
Au Coin des Quatre Pattes
Zouvrac

Wolf Behaviour Field Guide

Wolf Park

Veterinary Assistant

De la Promenade Veterinary Clinic
Ahuntsic Veterinary Clinic

 

*Montreal English School Board

Gaby's education

Concordia University

Psychology, cognitive-neuroscience (student)
Applied Human Science, Family Life Educator (Gr 2016)

Walks 'N Wags 

CPR & First Aid, Walks 'N Wags (2021)
CPR & First Aid, Walks 'N Wags (2018) 

Wolf Park

Advanced Exotic Animal Training 
Wolves, Coyotes, Foxes, & Bison Training 
Captive Wolf Management 
Ethology

Coursera

Dog Emotion and Cognition 
Horse Course: Introduction to Basic Care and Management 

Animal Behavior Management Alliance

Advanced Exotic Animal Training & Enrichment (2019) 
Advanced Exotic Animal Training & Enrichment (2017) 
Advanced Exotic Animal Training & Enrichment (2014) 

Quebec Association of Veterinary Medicine

Domestic Animal Safety & Health
Animal Rights
Animal Grieving