A fresh start for Riverdale’s puppy school, Freshpuppy
Freshpuppy undergoes metamorphosis as Sydney Bleicher goes from dog expert to certified dog trainer
by Kaela Beaton
Do you remember going on a school field-trip as a child or exploring your favourite store for the first time? Field-trips for dogs are just as important too, whether it’s exploring the Toronto subway system or Holt Renfrew. Part-time server and full-time dog enthusiast, Sydney Bleicher, a certified dog trainer for her company, Freshpuppy, spends her days empowering new puppy owners to raise gentle and loving companions that can comfortably navigate through our city.
Sydney enjoying a brisk sunny day at the park with her new puppy
In the early 2000s Sydney founded Freshpuppy, a puppy training and education company. After years of experience working with young dogs and co-creating Ultimate Puppy, a toolkit focused on socialization and preventative-styled exercises to stop the development of poor behaviors, Sydney decided to take her passion for working with dogs to new heights. Today, Sydney works closely with Riverdale-based dog owners, many of whom she met from her time working at Lolita’s Lust restaurant which recently closed after 20 years.
“Sydney is so talented as a trainer and consultant! I always get excited when we have a shared client because I know they're getting the most fantastic information and support,” explained Caryn Charlie Liles when reviewing Freshpuppy’s services.
While Freshpuppy has been around for several years, it is currently undergoing a period of metamorphosis. In April, Sydney graduated from the Karen Pryor Academy and now proudly holds the title as a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. Since her graduation, Sydney has revamped her Ultimate Puppy curriculum and adjusted her training methods to help people become more connected to their dogs. “I love educating people and watching the transformation happen; it’s awesome,” says Sydney.
Sydney’s client enjoying a game of ‘throw and catch’ with her
At Freshpuppy, Sydney stresses the importance of early socialization. In private training sessions, Sydney exposes newborn and adolescent dogs to behave properly within the city of Toronto using a science-based approach. She focuses on socializing dogs between the ages of birth to 16 weeks, explaining that dogs are most vulnerable to adopting poor habits during this critical time.
“Dogs are not euthanized for illness but for preventable behavioral problems,” says Sydney. “The best thing people can do for their puppy is to find a good trainer.”
Today, you can find Sydney serving at one of Triple A Bar’s three Toronto locations, inspiring dogs and dog owners alike to become loving household pets or taking her puppy clients on field-trips through the Toronto subway system and even Holt Renfrew at Yonge and Bloor.
Freshpuppy
East Toronto
www.freshpuppy.ca
(416) 939-2853