Welcome to My Muttlife
Alecia Muirhead(She/Her)
Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (CDBC) and Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
I have worked as a Trainer, in dog daycare, and have been volunteering for local rescue groups since 2010.
Specializing in reactivity, I help dogs who struggle to cope in their environment. These dogs are close to my heart; my Jack’s reactivity set me on the course to becoming a Dog Trainer. I have focused the majority of my training and education on reactivity related issues.
With a wide range of experience and education in dog training and behaviour, I can help you work through the challenges you are facing to reach your goals. I believe in setting dogs up for success, by teaching valuable life skills and giving them choice in their experience wherever possible.
Starting dogs off on the right paw is invaluable in preventing issues and helping them better navigate our strange human world! I meet you and your dog where you are and without judgement, creating a safe space for you to learn and grow together.
Certification:
Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (CDBC) October 2024
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) September 2013
Walks’ N’ Wags Pet First Aid Instructor April 2015-October 2021
Certified Fear Free Animal Trainer May 2021
Insured:
Profur Insurance for Pet Care Professionals
Education:
Predation Substitute Training Simone Mueller (In person workshop) August 31-September 1, 2024
The Neurobiology of Toxic Stress Dr. Kristina Spaulding- January 4, 2024
Trauma, Memory, & Learning - Understanding and Working with Dogs Impacted by Trauma Danielle Beck MSc- Oct 11, 2023
Mastering Errorless Animal Training Agnieszka Janarek- August 5, 2023
LIFE: A Modern Approach to Ethical Training Methods Dr. Eduardo Fernandez & Shelter Playgroup Alliance- June 14, 2023
Emotional Safety for Us and Our Clients Andrew Hale -February 2, 2023
Evolution of BAT 3.0: How & Why of Behaviour Adjustment Training for Dog Reactivity Grisha Stewart -February 8, 2023
Canine Enrichment and the Affective State Shay Kelly -November 29, 2022
Separation Anxiety: MISSION POSSIBLE Online Course Malena DeMartini -July 16, 2022
Fear Free Nail Trims: Behavioral Considerations to Trim Away the Terror -June 9, 2022
Predation Substitute Training: New Ways to Manage Predatory Chasing Simone Mueller -April 24, 2022
Animal Centered Education (ACE): Understanding Dog Needs and How to Do Free Work Sarah Fisher -April 15, 2022
The Antecedent Iceberg: Embracing the Natural Integration of Ethology & Behaviorism Kim Brophey -April 13, 2022
Whose behavior is it anyway? Behavior Vets Andrew Hale -February 21, 2022
Reconciliation in Animal Welfare Symposium (RAWS) -January 15, 2022
Elemental Questions ™ Dog Training Webinar Suzanne Clothier -October 13, 2021
6 Week Business Development Course The Mentorship Collective/ Bravo Dog Training -August 2021
The Fear Free Animal Trainer Certification Course -June 24, 2021
Intro to Husbandry & Body Handling: Helping Dog’s Relax Terrie Hayward -March 31, 2021
From the Lab to the Street Complex Contingencies, Welfare, and Real Life Application: Behavior Vets Lauren Novack -March 20/21, 2021
Doggie Language: Panel Discussion on Lili Chin’s book: Kathy Sdao, Chirag Patel, & Grisha Stewart -March 19, 2021
What is Applied Behavior Analysis... really? Psychology, Vet Behavior, ABA... oh my!!: Behavior Vets Lauren Novack -January 23/24 2021
Applied Behavior Analysis in Practice: IAABC Adria Karlsson -November 16, 2020
Simple Solutions for Dog Behaviour & Training Problems: Dunbar Academy -November 21, 2019
A Dog Wellness Seminar: Turid Rugaas -September 14/15, 2019
Dog-Dog Reactivity: Dunbar Academy -September 6, 2019
Empowered Puppy Raising: Grisha Stewart -May 5, 2019
B.A.T (Behaviour Adjustment Training)2.0 for Dog Aggression, Fear, and Frustration: Grisha Stewart -May 4, 2019
Crucial Concepts in Dog Behaviour & Training: Dunbar Academy -November 16, 2016
Growl Class Workshop for Reactive Dogs: Dunbar Academy -July 26, 2016
Separation Anxiety & Dissecting Dog-Dog Play: Nicole Wilde -June 21, 2015
Help for your Fearful Dog: Nicole Wilde -June 20, 2015
Walks n Wags Pet First Aid Instructor Course -November 22/23, 2014
The Relationship Centred Training Approach to Reactive Dogs: Suzanne Clothier -November 3/4, 2012
I keep my skills up to date with the most progressive and welfare based methods, continuing to pursue education and knowledge to better assist my clients and their dogs.
The Mutts
Jack is my Soul Mutt. He is the inspiration behind Muttlife and I wouldn’t be where I am without him. Jack came to us at 7 months old and had missed out on crucial socialization as a puppy. He’s a 11 year old, 100lb, socially awkward charmer, who sometimes struggles in new situations. His lineage has stumped several Dog DNA tests, with the common breeds being Rottweiler, Husky, Mastiff, and Chow Chow.
Haven is the mutt we didn’t know we needed. She came to our family when we agreed to dog sit her for 2 weeks… 9 years ago. She has more personality than I know what to do with and keeps me on my toes. She goes from clown to cuddle bug in a hot minute and is perfectly imperfect. She is a 12 year old Boston Terrier x English Bulldog and a purebred diva. I absolutely adore her.
Special thank you to Aspen Zettel Photography for taking all of the photos used on this page!