Animal Antics- FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

1.What makes Animal Antics different from other
trainers?
There are dog trainers and then there are animal behaviourists. Animal Antics is owned and
operated by Kelly French, an animal behaviourist. Animal behaviourists teach humans, train
animals, and help humans and their pets learn to communicate effectively with each other,
correcting a multitude of behaviour problems in a variety of species. Dog trainers teach dogs
basic and advanced obedience, agility, and other command-based skills. While Kelly also
teaches these basic skills, her expertise and education is focused on correcting unwanted
behaviours, whether they are normal behaviours that the owner does not like, or abnormal
behaviours that are harmful to the animal, humans, or other animals. We do not discriminate
between breed and believe that all dogs are trainable and social, if properly trained. We are
strongly against Breed Specific Legislation and believe that there are no bad dogs, only
uneducated owners.

2. What methods do you use in animal training?
Animal Antics believes in the use of positive training methods, using motivation to train, instead
of force and dominance methods. Animal Antics will NOT use corrective collars (chokers,
prongs), instead focusing on teaching loose-leash walking on flat collars and the use of head
collars and no-pull harnesses.
Aversions may be used in certain situations, depending on the animal's individual behavioural
problems and response to the various correction methods. No method will EVER injury an
animal or cause them physical or emotional harm, as these methods only lead to further
behavioural issues.

3. Can you fix my cat's behavioural issues as well?
Animal Antics is experienced and knowledgeable in feline behaviour, in addition to canine
behaviour. We are also educated in avian and equine behaviour, as well as reptile and small
animal behaviours. If we don't know the answer, we know someone who does and will find a
solution to your pet's behaviour problem. Whether your cat is urine marking, your horse is
cribbing, your bird is feather picking, or your hamster is biting, Animal Antics can help solve your
pet behaviour problems!

4. I've owned this breed before, so I don't know why I
am having trouble with this dog!?
Just because you know the breed doesn't mean you know the individual dog. Every dog is
unique and you may have lucked out with your first dog, having a lab who listens to every word
you say, never causing you a problem. Your new dog is not the same as your old dog, and
even the most experienced pet owner can struggle to train a new dog when they've been use to
an angel. Animal Antics can show you ways that your individual animal can learn to behave.

5. So, you are like the Dog Whisperer, right?
Yes and no. We are like the Dog Whisperer and similar training programs in that we come to
your home and work one on one with your family and your pet to correct behaviour problems.
However, we vary considerably when it comes to the methods we use. We will not use the
method that you may have seen on the Dog Whisperer or At the End of My Leash. We do NOT
believe in using dominance methods, scare tactics, or force and painful tools and collars to train
dogs and other animals. We believe in using motivation (treats, toys, praise) and positive
reinforcement to train and correct behaviours, because it has been scientifically proven to work
with great effect and it does not harm the animal in any way. Motivation and Bribery are NOT
the same thing. The methods that Animal Antics use are similar to the techniques and methods
seen on Victoria Stilwell's Animal Planet show, It's Me or the Dog. Look to this show for
examples of positive training techniques and contact Kelly and Animal Antics to help you put
some of these techniques in place in your own home.