While behavior and training are the main focuses at Animal Connection Training, it’s important to first ascertain that an animal is healthy enough for learning.  We ask the questions: Does the animal have any physical problems? Is the animal able to live in as natural a setting as possible?

At Animal Connection Training, we use a variety of tools to monitor and enhance our animals’ health. We bring these same principles to our teaching programs. We believe our fellow companions should be in top shape to handle the challenges of learning new experiences!

At 13 years old, Laddie is still mentally and physically strong. Here he is on the shores of the St. Lawrence estuary in Rimouski, Quebec.

Our Approach

Our dogs are constantly monitored for any deviation of normal behavior, and enjoy as much time outside as possible. Under the care of a holistic veterinarian, they receive limited vaccines (one vaccine every 3 years after they turn a year old) and a diet of homemade food to match their individual makeup.

Here’s a good article we recommend if you’re interested in learning a bit about canine nutrition:  Whole Dog Journal – Dog Food Myth Busting

The horses are on a forage based diet. We feed high quality hay and provide plenty of pasture grazing in the summer. We send the hay out for analysis every year, and add the necessary minerals and vitamins to make up for any deficiencies. We’ve studied both equine and canine nutrition with Dr. Eleanor Kellon and follow her recommendations.

Because observing horses is more difficult than observing dogs, we use the Masterson Method approach to equine bodywork as a way to “check in.”

Jim Masterson has developed the Bladder Meridian exercise to help identify and release tension in a horse. This is a simple exercise which can be done before training – and especially before physical activities such as riding. The exercise helps alert handlers to any issues of tension (or pain) in a horse.

Kinna works on a horse during the Advanced 5 Day training with Jim Masterson in July 2017.

Our horses also receive natural hoof care using hoof expert Pete Ramey’s philosophies (we were host to Pete Ramey in June 2015).

Pete Ramey holds a clinic at our farm in 2015.

We (Gene) trim our horses and offer services for others. By maintaining the horses’ hooves in as natural and balanced a way as possible, the horses are set up to be out on the trails in comfort.

Having a professional hoof trimmer in the family is appreciated by all! Here, Gene trims Flicka's hooves.
Having a professional hoof trimmer in the family is appreciated by all! Here, Gene trims Flicka’s hooves.

We also practice intuitive communication with our animal friends in order to see if there’s something we need to know or something they’d like to tell us. For more information, you can follow this link: Intuitive Communication.