My “why” is because I’ve been right where you are and I understand how defeating it feels to not know where to turn or what to do..
Our goal is to coach you, offer solutions and support to get to a happier place with your dog and no longer feel that way.
From Justine : In fall 2011, I moved to Halifax,NS with Ellie (my tiny, four month old morkie pup) for massage therapy school - classes were only a few hours a day, so I had lots of “free” time. I realized quickly spending quality time with Ellie outside, off leash was SO valuable for my mental health, and hers. Walking one day, I thought maybe other dogs also needed this.. so, I posted an ad to walk dogs so I could help other owners who needed a healthy outlet for their dog(s) while they were busy. I had no idea at the time that it would grow my love and passion for dogs so much and that it would lead to today, where I get to help dogs and their people EVERY DAY as my career!!
Fast forward through a decade of being a full time RMT while also staying within the dog world providing individual walks, group hikes, in home boarding and obedience training, to then diving more full time into behavioural dog work with private lessons and board and trains over the last three plus years. Dogs have always been a huge part of my life and who I am; Ellie was everything I could have dreamed of - she was social, loving, polite, active, full of life, and most of all was my deepest companion and best friend.
In spring of 2020 we got Gus - a two month old dutch shepherd-gsd/collie cross who I dreamed of for years and fell in love with from the moment I held him. It was the start of a new chapter for our family, but also my plan to dive more into the world of dogs.. little did I know it would be one of the most profound experiences of my life. In just three and a half short, fierce years Gus taught me more than I will ever know. It was so much more than just learning about dog behaviour, training options, nutrition, rehabilitation, the importance in genetics, the list could go on.. but he also, and maybe most importantly, taught me that I have to be present, patient, understanding and when you feel boxed in and there doesn’t seem to be other options; breathe, think outside of the box, and a path will appear. Through all of this experience, I carry on both Ellie and Gus’s legacy through helping people with their dogs, just like you, and I am forever grateful to share life with them <3
Meet The HalliDog Team
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Justine
Owner / Dog Trainer / People Coach
Hi Guys! I'm Justine Halliday - in case you were wondering, that’s why there’s two L’s in HalliDog! :)
Dogs have always been a big part of who I am and how I live my life. Most of my friends and family know that if I am invited somewhere, I typically have at least one of my dogs joining me. I truly believe that the more time we spend with them and learn about them, the better humans we become.
I'm grateful to have had amazing opportunities to learn from and work with many experienced and skilled trainers and I'm excited for what's to come as I continue my journey as a dog trainer and people coach!
Whether it's to help you tighten up obedience with your dog, address leash pulling and/or reactivity, create an off leash recall, or other deal with unwanted behaviours, I look forward to getting to know you and help you find the right balance with your pup through proper communication, training, tools, diet, and guidance.
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Amy
Dog Trainer
Amy brings a unique blend of skill, warmth and empowerment to the HalliDog team, and her clients. As a trainer, she believes in keeping the learning environment light and supportive - she doesn't sugarcoat the reality of serious behavioral concerns and is confident in helping address them. Amy is known for having those honest, hard conversations with compassion—ensuring owners have a clear, realistic roadmap to success. She specializes in aggression, reactivity, and emotional regulation for both dogs and their handlers, with a ultimate goal of making everyday life easier and safer for families.
Having previously run Pitties2Poodles, Amy has a massive soft spot for bully breeds and is currently working toward bringing GRC dog sports to the local community. When she isn't helping HalliDog clients, you’ll find her embracing her love for family, community, and all animals. She is a true outdoors enthusiast who loves hiking, camping, traveling, riding her Harley, and being on the ocean. To channel her inner animal collector—and respect her husband’s strict "two permanent household dogs" rule (for now!)—Amy also tends to a massive indoor jungle of 126 houseplants.
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Bucca
The Social-Mal
Oh hey!! Wanna be friends? I'm Bucca, aka Buccy
I absolutely love meeting new dogs and people - I lucked out so much because I go with mom (Justine) almost every where and get to do all the things! Sometimes I can be a little too flirty and mom reminds me that not everyone wants to say Hi, so I’m working on it.. ;)
I love when mom does bite work and tug with me and I’m also obsessed with my frisbee!
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Peanut
The Lap-rador
My name is Peanut - aka PePe :)
I love doing fun things like swimming, paddle boarding, playing with friends, adventures, and running beside mom (Justine) on her bicycle.
I get to work with mom and meet so many new dogs and their people - sometimes they even get to stay over for extra training and fun!
What I love most of all is snuggling in at the end of a long day and getting allll the cuddles with my family <3
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Pan
The Derpy Shepherd
The names Pan, but mom (Justine) calls me Panda Boy!
I love spending my days with my bestest bro, Bucca, and nosing my herding egg around the yard! I’m a walking advocate for gut health importance and why it’s so important to look at the dog from the inside out, even though I’m HANDSOME as heck ;)
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Mako
Poodle Boy!
I love to swim in Ocean and play fetch! In the summer we go on the boat with mom (Amy) and dad boat all summer long - it’s the best!
I’m also known for my big afro and mom loves putting color in it to keep me feeling fresh and stlyin :)
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Ellie
19.05.2011 - 20.08.2024
The bestest friend I ever could have had and the reason for starting my dog career journey 13 years ago. Ellie was my most favourite part of life for so long, and I carry her love and memory with me everyday.
Forever loved and missed <3
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Gus
12.04.2020 - 24.07.2023
The fiercest love and relationship I have ever experienced and learned from - Gus made me a better dog owner and trainer. His short life lives on through all the dogs I meet, especially the one that a “one size fits all” doesn’t work for.
Forever loved and missed <3