ABOUT BENEVOLENT BEASTS DOG TRAINING

dog behaviourist toronto

Let’s get you on track to a more enjoyable life with your dog.

Spend more time having fun with your dog and less time feeling frustrated and scouring the Internet for training advice.

A behaviour nerd who understands living with dogs in Toronto.

Hi, I’m Amanda Factor, CTC!

Did you know the dog training industry has zero regulation, and literally anyone can call themselves a dog trainer?

I’m glad you found me, because I take my profession very seriously!

I’m an honours graduate of Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers, a 2-year program nicknamed “the Harvard of dog training schools”. What sets the Academy apart is their in-depth modules in dog fear and aggression - graduates are trained to skillfully counsel clients on complex behaviour cases.

Only a handful of dog trainers in Toronto have the title CTC (Certificate in Training & Counselling), a mark of an advanced education in dog training. I don’t mean to brag (well, maybe I do)!

I started my small business Benevolent Beasts in 2017 with a focus on force-free dog walking & pet sitting.

I live in the beautiful Little Italy neighbourhood in Toronto with my partner and our senior cat, Bubs.

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“I’m so grateful!”

“I have a reactive German Shepherd with separation anxiety. Amanda understood how important it was to let my dog become comfortable at her own pace. My biggest priority was finding someone my dog could feel safe with, and who would work with her using positive reinforcement (which wasn't always easy to find with a reactive working breed). I'm so endlessly grateful that my dog has such a good friend and advocate on her team.”
-Rachael & Annie

dog training little italy

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT DOG TRAINING

My training methods are modern, ethical, and backed by science.

Training methods that rely on punishment and asserting yourself as the “pack leader” are woefully outdated and inhumane. My methodologies are consistent with the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s position statement on humane dog training.

 Frequently asked questions

  • No. These tools are not necessary for your dog to learn. nor are they in line with my code of ethics. I never use any tools or methods intended to cause pain/discomfort, intimidation, or startle in your dog.

  • Absolutely! I would never turn away a client based on what they’ve done in the past. I’m here to help you without shame or judgment. Everybody has to start somewhere!

  • Yes, all the time! All dogs need some sort of motivation to learn new skills. We can either motivate them with something they like, to maintain or increase a behaviour, or something they don’t like, to stop a behaviour. My ethical code of conduct means I will motivate dogs with things they like!

    All dogs like food, so we can use it to motivate them and maintain/increase behaviours. If a dog is motivated by toys/play, we can use that too. Food can also be used to create positive associations to things a dog previously found upsetting.

  • It means I successfully completed all the requirements to graduate from the Academy for Dog Trainers, an intensive 2-year program in dog behaviour, behaviour modification, and client counselling. I had to complete four levels, with an exam at each level, along with both written and video assignments.

  • While i am qualified to help clients diagnose separation anxiety, I am not qualified to take on sep-anx cases. However, I am happy to refer you to a certified separation anxiety trainer!