About Me
Hi, I’m Klarissa, dog behavior & wellness consultant, educator & full-time advocate for dogs being dogs. I work with humans who want more for their dogs than “well-behaved” & are ready to listen to what their dog's behavior & body are saying.
Philosophy
Behavior does not happen in a vacuum, & dogs cannot behave their best when they do not feel their best. My work begins with wellness, context & humane, evidence-based support, with plenty of room for play & curiosity. We are not building obedient robots. We are building lives where dogs & their people can feel safer, understand each other better & have more fun together.
Privacy Policy & Terms of Service
The practical details of working with Divergent Dog Behavior, including how your information is handled & what you can expect when using the website or booking a service.
For Dogs & Their Humans
Support that considers what your dog is doing, how their body may be feeling & what is realistically possible in your life.
Behavior & wellness consultations that consider posture, daily function, health, environment & behavior together.
Ongoing support for adjusting plans, navigating change & making progress without pressure.
Self-paced programs for reactive dogs & dogs joining you on outdoor adventures.
For Professionals
Support for professionals who want another thoughtful perspective without pretending every resource is accessible or every case has a clean answer.
Resource Reviews examining accuracy, clarity, accessibility, welfare, framing & practical usefulness.
Professional Case Support for complex cases, conflicting information & questions that resist standard answers.
Pain-aware, accessibility-conscious consultation grounded in context, professional curiosity & real-world constraints.
Services for Dogs & Their Humans
Behavior & Wellness Consultations
A whole-dog assessment that considers behaviour alongside posture, daily function, comfort, routine & environment. You’ll receive a practical written plan, veterinary-facing documentation & a private 60-minute Zoom consultation.Option 1) $300 CAD
Includes the complete assessment without gait analysis.Option 2) $375 CAD
Includes gait footage review when it is feasible & likely to add meaningful information.Both options provide the same thoughtful, pain-aware approach. The difference is whether gait assessment will be useful enough to justify the effort required from you & your dog.A free discovery call is required before booking.
Ongoing Support
Continued guidance for adjusting strategies, navigating change & figuring out what to do when real life refuses to follow the plan.60-Minute Follow-Up $170 CAD5 Session Package $825 CAD10 Session Package $1,550 CADAvailable after an assessment with Divergent Dog Behavior.
Super Chill Chats - $140
Four predictable 30-minute Zoom calls offering reassurance, continuity & low-pressure support after an assessment. A gentle place to talk through changes, make small adjustments & stay connected to the plan without needing a full follow-up session.An appropriate behavior assessment that includes posture & activities of daily living is required. Assessment can be from another provider, but subject to an $85 CAD fee for review.
Brave Paws
Learn at your own pace, revisit what you need & add private support when a little more guidance would help.Learn to understand reactivity, reduce overwhelm, build predictability & create safer, more manageable day-to-day experiences.Course only - $250 CAD
Course + 6 private sessions - $1,250 CADInitial consultations are not included. A discovery call is required before purchasing an option with private support.
Tails to Trails
A self-paced program for building outdoor adventures around your dog’s comfort, skills & individual needs. Explore trip planning, travel, campsites, confidence & practical adventure skills without pretending every dog dreams of becoming a rugged little trail influencer.Course only $250 CAD
Course + 4 x 60-minute sessions - $850 CADInitial consultations are not included. A discovery call is required before purchasing an option with private support.
Services for Professionals
Professional Consultation
A comprehensive case review followed by a private Zoom consultation. Designed for professionals who want a fresh perspective on the full case, help identifying what may be getting missed & space to think through practical next steps.$195 CAD
Professional Support
Flexible, asynchronous email support for focused questions, complicated cases & moments when the standard answer stops being useful. Submit a de-identified question & receive thoughtful consultation without scheduling another meeting.2 credits - $200 /month
4 credits - $350 /month
6 credits - $500 /monthCurrently available at pilot pricing, subject to capacity.
Resource Review
A structured review of client-facing educational resources through the lenses of accuracy, clarity, accessibility, welfare, framing & practical usefulness. You’ll receive a prioritized written report showing what is working, what deserves attention & where revisions will have the greatest impact.Tiny Suite, 1- 4 resources
$300 CADSmall Suite, 5-7 resources
$500 CADMedium Suite, 8-11 resources
$750 CADLarge Suite, 12-15 resources $1,000 CADMore than 15 resources
Custom quoteCurrent prices reflect trial availability. Resource length & complexity may require a higher tier or custom scope.
Detecting Discomfort is a self-paced course for behavior and animal-care professionals exploring the relationship between pain and behavior. Learn how to investigate possible discomfort, recognize behavioral, postural and gait-related indicators, organize findings, communicate with a dog’s care team and consider non-medical support strategies.The course includes contributions from Grace Paxton and Dr. Stephanie Silberstang.
The Shit We Miss is a self-paced course that rethinks canine elimination through a pain-aware lens. Explore elimination as an activity of daily living, current research, changes that may warrant investigation and the physical or behavioural factors that can be missed when urination and defecation are treated as ordinary training problems.This course includes contributions from Kenzie Moore of Ruf Out There.
About Me
Hi, I’m Klarissa, dog behavior consultant, educator, and full-time advocate for dogs being dogs.I work with humans who want more for their dogs than “well-behaved.” My clients come to me because they believe their dogs are sentient beings with their own needs, preferences, ways of communicating and they’re ready to listen.My work blends behavior consulting, wellness support, and programs like Tails to Trails, all grounded in pain-aware care, positive reinforcement, and deep respect for dogs’ natural behaviors (and the natural world).I don’t have a string of letters after my name, and in this industry, that doesn’t mean much. Dog training is unregulated, and many of the most visible “credentials” reflect politics more than standards. What I do have is a deep, ongoing commitment to learning, a practice grounded in continuing education, and a fierce dedication to science, ethics, and compassion.My work is especially informed by studies in neuroplasticity and chronic pain because understanding how dogs feel is inseparable from understanding how they behave.If your dog has ever been called “stubborn,” “reactive,” or “too much,” you’re in the right place. I’m not here to pathologize your dog. I’m here to help you meet them.
Education
I am continually striving to build upon my knowledge and understanding of dogs, to date
I have attended or completed:Certificate in Pain Management - Understanding & Assessing Pain (WSAVA) - February 2026
CAMAdvocate Level 2 (Canine Arthritis Management) - January 2026
Rehab for ththe Canine Amputee (Online Pet Health) - May 2025
The Implications of Canine Amputation Webinar (Online Pet Health) - May 2025
The Role of Nutrition in Canine Rehab Series (Online Pet Health) - May 2025
Tips & Tricks or Stress Free Crate Rest Webinar (Online Pet Health) - May 2025
Tips & Tricks for Early Identification of Injuries Webinar (Online Pet Health) - April 2025
The Chronic Pain Symposium (Canine Arthritis Management) - April 2025
Certified Wilderness Pet First Aid (Pet Emergency Academy) - Janaury 2025
Neurobiology of Relaxation (Behavior Vets) - November 2023
Effects of Nutrition on Inflammatory Conditions that Impact Behavior (Behavior Vets) - Nov 2023
Selecting Drugs for Pain Trials (Behavior Vets) - November 2023
Movement of the Canine (Galen Myotherapy) - November 2023
Introduction to Massage & Visual Assessment (Galen Myotherapy) - October 2023
Identifying Discomfort in Dogs - (Behavior Vets) - October 2023
LIFE Webinar Dr. Eduardo Fernandez & Shelter Playgroup Alliance (June 2023)
Canine Arthritis Management Advocate (Level One) - May 2022
Reconciliation in Animal Welfare Symposium (RAW) - January 2022
Conference Unleased - Nov 2021
The Secrets Behind Proper Canine Exposure to Novelty Webinar (Debbie Martin) - August 2021
Control is an Illusion Pt. 2 (Tromplo) - March 2021
Socialization MAP (Suzanne Clothier) - January 2021
Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist (DNM University) - April 2020
Control is an Illusion, Pt 1 (Tromplo) - February 2020
Advanced Animal Training (Karolina Westlund) - January 2020
Nosework - Pt. 1 (Tromplo) - January 2020
BAT 2.0 Self-Study -(Grisha Stewart) - December 2019
Pet Nutrition Coach Certified (North American Veterinary Community) - September 2019
Ferrets: A Primer (IAABC) - May 2019
Introduction to the Neuroscience of Behaviour (Simply Behaviour) - January 2019
Skills for Handling Your Reactive or Hyperactive Dog (Low Stress Handling University) - January 2019
Absolute Dogs Pro Dog Trainer Certified - December 2018
Negative Punishment, Negative Reinforcement and the Humane Hierarchy (PPG Webinar) - July 2018
Canine Nail Care: Creating Cooperative Care Through Training (PPG Webinar) - July 2018
Applied Behaviour Analysis Accredited Practitioner Course - July 2018
Defensive Handling with Aggressive Dogs (IAABC) - July 2018
Principles of Dog Training (Good Dog Academy) - January 2018
Crucial Concepts in Dog Training and Behavior (Dunbar Academy) - June 2017
Canine Body Language (Good Dog Academy) - December 2017
Evolution of the Dog (Good Dog Academy) - December 2017
Science Based Dog Training (with Feeling!) (Dunbar Academy) - October 2017
Reliability and Games Workshop (Dunbar Academy) - October 2017
New Concepts in the Treatment and Prevention of Dog Aggression (Dunbar Academy) - July 2017
Simple Solutions for Common Dog Behavior and Training Problems (Dunbar Academy) - July 2017
Philosophy
We don't want a "good" dogs. We don't want manners, obedience or robotic compliance.
We want dogs with a sense of humor, that feel comfortable bringing goofiness or sassiness into everything they do. We want dogs bursting with optimism, they are constantly creating new "games" and ways of interacting with us.We want dogs that confidently explore newness, because we taught them they can do hard things. We want dogs that looks to us, the same way we look to the flight attendant to make sure this is normal turbulence.We want dogs that feel safe setting boundaries with us and demand their needs be met. Because that's what a healthy relationship is:Accepting each other's individuality.
Co-operation and compromise.
Helping each other grow.
Neurodiversity Affirming & Accessible Education
Divergent Dog Behavior is the leader in accessible & neurodiversity affirming dog education.All dog guardians deserve access to humane, evidence-based training and behavior modification.All dog guardians deserve to be presumed capable.Divergent Dog Behavior believes kind and effective learning should occur at both ends of the leash.This includes adapting communication, education and activities to accommodate different brains and bodies.All our programs, courses and webinars are accessible to different degrees. This reflects the evolution of our accessible services over the last few years. All content will be updated over time. If you require immediate accommodations, we invite you to email
[email protected] and we will do our best to assist you.
Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy & Terms of Service exist to support clarity, consent, and care.
Our work prioritizes welfare over performance, capacity over compliance, and respect for both human and canine bodies.
Updated August 24th, 2026.Our Commitment to Your PrivacyDivergent Dog Behavior (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information in accordance with Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).What Is Personal Information?
Under Canadian law, personal information means information about an identifiable individual. This does not include business contact information used solely for business communication.Information We Collect
We collect only the personal information reasonably necessary to provide our services.Information You Provide Voluntarily
You may provide personal information when you:
Contact us through forms or email,
Book consultations or services,
Complete intake or assessment forms.
This information may include:
Name
Email address
Phone number
Information about your dog(s) and household
Any details you choose to share related to servicesInformation Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, we may collect limited technical information such as:
IP address,
Browser type,
Pages visited and general usage data.
This information is used only for website functionality and basic analytics.How We Use Your Information
We use personal information for the following purposes:
To communicate with you,
To deliver services and consultations,
To schedule appointments,
To send updates or newsletters you have opted into,
To improve our website and services,
To meet legal, professional, or regulatory obligations,
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information.Consent
We collect, use, and disclose personal information with your knowledge and consent, except where otherwise permitted or required by law.
Consent may be:
Express (e.g., completing a form, opting into emails)
Implied (e.g., contacting us for services)
You may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions, by contacting us.Limiting Collection, Use, and Disclosure
We limit collection to what is necessary for the identified purposes and do not use personal information for unrelated purposes without consent.
Personal information may be shared with trusted third parties only when required to operate our business, such as:
Website hosting providers
Email communication platforms
Scheduling or payment processors
These providers are required to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.Data Storage and Safeguards
We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect personal information against loss, theft, unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure.Retention of Information
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law.Access and Correction
Under PIPEDA, you have the right to:
Request access to the personal information we hold about you
Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
Requests must be made in writing and will be responded to within a reasonable timeframe.Cookies and Analytics
Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to understand site usage and improve functionality. You can disable cookies through your browser settings.Children’s Privacy
Our services are not directed at children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.Contact Information
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding your personal information or this Privacy Policy, please contact:
Divergent Dog Behavior
Email: [email protected].
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.If you are not satisfied with our response, you may also contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Term of Service
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of the website and services provided by Divergent Dog Behavior (“we,” “us,” or “our”). By accessing this website or engaging our services, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use this website or our services.Who We Serve
Our services are intended for adult dog guardians and professionals seeking education, guidance, and support. We work from a welfare-first, consent-based, and evidence-informed framework.
We reserve the right to decline or discontinue services that are not aligned with these principles.Scope of Services
We provide:
Behaviour consultations and ongoing support
Educational content and resources
Remote and/or in-person services (as specified)
Our services are educational and consultative, not prescriptive guarantees of outcomes.
Dogs are living beings, not machines. Behaviour change is influenced by environment, health, history, and capacity — and cannot be guaranteed.Not Veterinary or Medical Advice
We are not veterinarians, and our services do not replace veterinary care.
While we may discuss pain, health, or welfare considerations, any medical concerns must be addressed with a licensed veterinarian or qualified medical professional.Consent, Capacity, and Welfare
Our work is grounded in:
Informed consent
Respect for bodily autonomy (human and canine)
Welfare over performance
Capacity over compliance
We do not support training practices that rely on fear, force, intimidation, or coercion.
If we believe a dog’s welfare or a person’s capacity is being compromised, we may pause, redirect, or end services.Client Responsibilities
By engaging our services, you agree to:
Provide accurate and complete information
Advocate for your dog’s health and safety
Seek veterinary input when recommended
Use information provided in ways that prioritize welfare
You understand that implementation choices and outcomes remain your responsibility.Payment & Cancellations
Payment terms, fees, and cancellation policies are outlined at the time of booking and may vary by service. Unless otherwise stated:
Fees are due before services are provided
Missed appointments or late cancellations may not be refunded.
Educational materials and digital content are non-refundable.Intellectual Property
All content on this website, including text, graphics, educational materials, and resources, is the property of Divergent Dog Behavior unless otherwise stated.
You may not reproduce, distribute, or repurpose content without written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.Respectful Use & Boundaries
We expect respectful communication from all clients and site users. Harassment, abusive language, boundary violations, or bad-faith engagement may result in termination of services without refund.
This includes:
Disrespectful or discriminatory behaviour,
Pressuring for advice outside scope or capacity,
Misrepresentation of our work or values.Website Use
You agree not to:
Use this website for unlawful purposes,
Attempt to interfere with site functionality,
Misrepresent our services or credentials,
We make reasonable efforts to keep the website accurate and accessible but do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access.Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted under Canadian law:
We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
We are not responsible for outcomes resulting from implementation choices
Use of our services is at your own discretion and risk
Nothing in these Terms limits rights that cannot be excluded under applicable Canadian law.Privacy
Your use of this website and our services is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains how personal information is collected, used, and protected in accordance with Canadian privacy law.Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. The most current version will always be posted on this website with the updated date.Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of Canada and the applicable laws of the Province of Ontario, without regard to conflict of law principles.Contact
If you have questions about these Terms or our services, please contact:
Divergent Dog Behavior
Email: [email protected]
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.