The following quote from Cesar Millan's book, Be The Pack Leader, gives a great explanation on how our actions and emotions are directly related to our dogs' behaviour. This is often where the problem begins. We are working toward educating our clients on how to fulfill the human-dog relationship, so that these unwanted behaviours don't exist:
“Every time you humanize your dog and expect him to fulfill the position of an absent child, lover, friend, or parent in your life, you are putting unrealistic expectations on him. You are taking away his dignity, the dignity of being a dog. A dog is part of Mother Nature, which means he is naturally wired to expect order in his life, to expect that he has to work for food and water and must follow the rules and guidelines of an orderly social system, under the watch of a trusted pack leader. If you are not giving your dog these things, yet you are projecting on him all the emotions, affection, and intimacy that you lack with the humans in your life, then you are being very unfair to your dog— and you may well be the cause of his or her bad behaviour.”
About Us
Originally from Toronto, we are grateful that the city was able to provide parks and trails where we could be surrounded by a more natural environment; it was extremely important for our daily outings. Ultimately, we needed something more-- where we could not only provide more space, but be surrounded by nature, and work with a much larger group of dogs.
The Dog P.A.R.C is a long time dream that is finally being fulfilled -- to create a haven where we could live and work with dogs. It's not only our home, but a place completely dedicated to the needs of The Pack.
SONNY JARAK
I have always had a deep fascination with Mother Nature. I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa where I grew up with Great Danes. My father was a dog trainer, so it was from this experience that I learned respect was one of the key ingredients to any relationship. Naturally, I gravitated toward a life of saving animals. We later moved to Canada where I saw dogs in a different light. I've made it my goal to truly understand dogs and how they live in our world. My experiences have been enlightening, and I've realized what it takes to fulfil the relationships we have with our dogs. When it comes to training, I focus on the owner. I work closely with you and your dog, providing a clear and true understanding as to where or why the behaviour exists. My goal is to educate you and give you the tools and knowledge to slowly help you fulfil your dog and develop that wonderful, harmonious relationship you want and deserve.
THE PACK
The Pack is our most important tool when we are rehabilitating unbalanced dogs. They are key in helping to accelerate the process. The pack mentality is engrained in your dog's DNA. There are only two roles in a pack; leader and follower. If you do not take the role of leader in your relationship with your dog, they will. Oftentimes, from a dominant point of view. This results in unwanted behaviours.
Here at The Dog P.A.R.C., the pack rules; everything we do revolves around them. They are a diverse group that we've been blessed to work with over the years. Now, permanently together, they have become the most important tool of any rehabilitation case we work with.
Living and working with The Pack requires us to be conscious of the present-- "living in the moment". A true pack, in our opinion, never separates- everything is done as a group. They seek out a natural order; which allows all dogs to overcome behavioural issues.
Our rules and communication, with the pack members, are clear and simple. Our aim is to define rules that are essential for their survival in a particular environment. The basis for this communication is always the same-- trust and respect from human to dog, and from dog to human. It must work both ways.
Our Pack currently consists of 12 full-time members, each one who experienced their own behaviour issues in the past. Today, not only are they well-adjusted and balanced dogs, but they are paying it forward. The difference now, is that they help from a follower state-of-mind.