ABOUT BENEVOLENT BEASTS DOG TRAINING

dog behaviourist toronto

You and your dog deserve a qualified, educated, ethical trainer.

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 intensive program nicknamed “the Harvard of dog training schools”. I now have the educational background to skilfully counsel my clients on everything from basic “manners” to complex fear and aggression cases.

I am currently working towards being certified as a Fear Free Animal Trainer.

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)!

A behaviour nerd who understands living with dogs in Toronto.

I started my small business Benevolent Beasts in 2017 with a focus on force-free dog walking & pet sitting. Along the way, I caught the “training bug” and became obsessed with helping dogs and their humans enjoy more enriched, happy lives together.

My ultimate goal is to keep dogs in homes, rather than being relinquished to animal shelters, and to help dog guardians learn training methods free from “corrections” or aversive training collars and tools.

Some facts about me:

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

• In the past, I’ve worked as a journalist, an editor, a social media manager, and a DJ!

• If competitive dishwasher-loading was a sport, I’d have a gold medal.

let's work together!
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“Amazing trainer!”

“We have had a few sessions so far and could not feel more supported. Tallulah is very anxious, but Amanda takes things at her pace to keep her feeling comfortable and respected. We have learned so much already and are already seeing improvement! It’s really the best feeling to not feel judged in any way for how your dog behaves, reacts, etc. We got so lucky to have such an amazing trainer right near our house! Thank you, Amanda! We look forward to our future sessions!”


-Layla & Tallulah

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.

My training is done primarily with the use of food and games. I will not use shock or prong collars, slip leashes, “corrections,” or any other aversive tools or methods. These are not necessary for your dog to learn.

read the position statement

 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 graduated with honours 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!