Dogue Shop - Professional Service Dog Training
Dogue Shop Social Cognitive Dog Training Centre
The Dogue Shop was founded in 1999 by behaviour specialist and author Gaby Dufresne-Cyr.
Grounded in science-based social cognitive training and attachment theory, the approach integrates psychology, animal behaviour, and relationship-based learning into a cohesive training model.
At its core, the focus is on making dog training accessible—without simplifying the depth of the work. Clients are guided to understand not only what their dog is doing, but how and why learning takes place.
What began as a dog training and behaviour consulting service has evolved into a centre for applied science, education, and publishing, bridging the fields of human and animal behaviour.
Now based in the city of Hudson, Quebec, the Dogue Shop continues to expand its services, offering programs that support both companion and service dog development and training.
Our Training Team
Randi Belfer - Montreal
Service Dog Trainer
Randy Belfer brings over a decade of hands-on experience in dog training, with a focus on developing reliable, well-adjusted service dogs.
Her work emphasizes clarity, consistency, and building secure relationship between handler and dog, ensuring that training is sustainable in everyday life.
Randy supports clients through each stage of their dog’s learning process. Follow her on Facebook.
Gaby Dufresne-Cyr - Hudson
Dogue Academy Owner
Training programs are developed in collaboration with Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, integrating principles from social cognitive learning theory, attachment theory, and applied behavioural science.
Wherever you are within our service area, you can expect the same thoughtful, science-based approach and individualized support.
Follow Dogue Academy on Instagram or Monnett.
The Alumni Team
Dogue Academy Graduates
Our training team is supported by Dogue Academy alumni. Each trainer has developed the skills to adapt to individual dogs, and apply training methods with clarity and consistency.
This shared foundation ensures that, regardless of who you work with, the approach remains cohesive, thoughtful, and aligned with Dogue Shop standards.
Our services includs French-speaking communities.
Service Dog Training
Personalized Training for Real-World Support
Training a service dog is about developing a dog who can remain stable, attentive, and responsive within the complexity of everyday life.
We approach service dog training as a collaborative process between the dog, the client, and the environment, which is guided by principles rooted in social cognitive learning and attachment.
- Each program is tailored to the individual, because no two dogs, or people, have the same needs.
Extended Training Session
Some environments require more time, repetition, and precision; for this reason, extended training sessions are available to support your dog’s development in complex settings such as airports, public transportation, and high-traffic environments.
- These sessions are designed to build stability, neutrality, and task reliability in places where consistency matters most.
Depending on the training goals, portions of this work may be conducted directly by the trainer. This is not a substitute for client involvement, but a complementary approach used when the demands of the environment exceed a targeted achievement.
A Relationship-Based Approach
Service dogs must do more than perform behaviours. They must be able to:
- Regulate themselves in high-stimulation environments
- Remain attentive without constant prompting
- Adapt to changing situations
- Take direction while maintaining emotional stability
Training focuses on developing these capacities through structured, real-world learning experiences. Food is used as a reward within the learning process, but not as a lure or bribe, supporting clarity, independence, and reliability in behaviour.
A Personalized Training Process
Programs are developed on a case-by-case basis to reflect:
- The handler’s needs and lifestyle
- The dog’s temperament, history, and learning profile
- The specific tasks or support required
Training may include:
- Private coaching sessions (client + dog)
- Guided skill development and task training
- Public access preparation
- Environmental exposure and regulation work
- Pratical home exercises
Service Dog Program Expectations
Assessment & Entry into the Program
All service dog training begins with an initial assessment.
This is a paid consultation designed to:
- Evaluate your dog’s suitability for service work
- Understand your needs and expectations
- Identify appropriate training goals and pathways
- Help design a personalized training plan
- Evaluate cost and duration
For puppies enrolled in the group program, this process may be integrated into their ongoing training.
Suitability & Ethical Considerations
Not all dogs are suited for service work.
A dog’s ability to perform in this role depends on many factors, including temperament, health, and emotional resilience.
Training will progress only if the dog demonstrates the capacity to work without experiencing ongoing stress or discomfort. If concerns arise regarding the dog’s well-being, training may be paused or discontinued.
For this reason, outcomes cannot and should not be guaranteed.