Dr. Angie Yong, PhD

Professional Dog Trainer & Behaviour Consultant

Ottawa, ON, Canada

About

Dr. Angie Yong, PhD, is a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant, with over a decade of experience in clicker training, behaviour modification and teaching in various settings. Her approach to dog training and behaviour modification is firmly rooted in scientific principles, emphasizing methods such as classical and operant conditioning and effective management techniques to ensure both the dog's safety and success. She combines science with practical and functional applications in helping dogs thrive in our society.Angie holds a doctorate in psychology and an undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in biology (evolution and animal behaviour).Angie is up-to-date with the art and science of dog training through regular webinar and conference attendance, books, classes, and research articles. She specializes in pet dog training, cooperative care, trick training, and aggression cases.Contact me.

Select Professional Certification & Mentorship

Training

Positive reinforcement, science-based, clicker training, fear-free, reward-based, force-free

Angie focuses on promoting close human-dog relationships rooted in mutual respect, trust, and understanding. Her training approach and philosophy align with the same ethical guidelines that are required for education and behaviour modification for humans (see PPG, AVSAB, CCPDT).

"Instead of using coercion, we can learn to lead like a leader in a dance." - Dr. Sophia Yin

Behaviours and skills will be taught using food, play, praise, and anything that motivates a dog to learn! Unwanted behaviours will be addressed by teaching new replacement behaviours, as well as using a management/safety plan to prevent the rehearsal of the unwanted behaviours.

"The animal is never wrong -- you get what you reinforce. All behaviour has function, including undesirable behaviour. The question is not 'Why is the animal behaving this way?' but rather, 'What’s reinforcing this behavior?'" - Dr. Susan Friedman

Angie will not use any forms of training collars, physical corrections, and intimidation even for the most difficult cases.

"The application of aversive methods – which, by definition, rely on application of force, pain, or emotional or physical discomfort – should not be used in canine training or for the treatment of behavioral disorders. - American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior

Services

Group Classes and private training/behavioural consultation for family dogs

Angie is currently taking a leave of absence.Please click here for more information.Carolark is located in Stittsville, ON, a 30-minute drive from downtown Ottawa.
5933 Hazeldean Rd., Ottawa ON K2S 1B9

Previous Affiliation

Happy Fido Company
Ottawa Canine School

Resources

Favourite Equipment

*While I generally do not recommend head collars, a head collar is a good option when the dog is significantly stronger than the handler. A head collar is not a muzzle; it does not prevent a dog from using his/her teeth. Please always condition your dog to a head collar before using it. Your dog should be comfortable with the head collar before you can use it.

Humane Dog Training

Dog training is a highly unregulated industry. Anyone can call themselves a "dog trainer" or "behaviourist". Therefore, it is very important for pet guardians to do their research and discuss with the canine professional on training philosophy and approach. A humane dog training approach does not include punitive punishments (e.g., alpha rolls, collar corrections, yelling, etc.).

Understanding Your Dog