Congratulations to Grade 8 Marymount Academy student Mercia Thompson, who placed second in the Excellence Award category at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Fredericton this morning!

Mercia was recognized for her innovative project, “Anti-Pull Collar for Dogs“, in which she developed an electronic collar that helps train dogs not to pull on the leash during walks. The collar features a built-in sensor that automatically detects when a dog pulls and responds by emitting a sound and vibration that the dog finds unpleasant.

What sets Mercia’s collar apart is its automatic response—it requires no input from the person walking the dog, making the training process more consistent, reliable, and immediate. This not only helps synchronize the dog’s pace with the owner’s but also creates a safer and more enjoyable walking experience.

Unlike traditional training tools like shock collars or choke chains, Mercia’s design does not cause pain or fear, making it a humane and safe alternative for dog training.

Well done, Mercia!