Well Mannered Mutts

Well Mannered Mutts Balanced Dog Trainer
Located in Mirror AB, serving Lacombe County & Stettler County

12/12/2025

I will always prefer the company of dogs over humans 💯🐾

12/12/2025

Today’s Stay & Play crew swapped outdoor adventures for some indoor agility thanks to the weather — and honestly, it was exactly what the dogs needed.

Marley, being a true guardian breed, takes her job very seriously. New environments, busy hallways, people moving in different rooms… all of that adds pressure to a dog who already feels responsible for keeping watch.

When we started agility for her very first time, you could see her trying so hard, but also scanning, pacing, and struggling to fully settle into the task. With time, clarity, and repetition, she eventually did wonderfully — she showed her brain, tried her best, and pushed through the overwhelm.

But when we began putting away the equipment and cleaning up, Marley started tracing me again and showing those anxious, hyper-vigilant behaviours guardians are known for.
So… we back-tied her.

A good ole back tie is one of the most underrated tools for helping dogs settle — especially guardian breeds like Marley. It gives them a clear boundary and removes all the pressure they feel to monitor every sound, person, and movement around them. When a dog can’t pace, follow, or micromanage their handler, their nervous system finally gets a chance to slow down.

A back tie teaches independence, neutrality, and calm. Instead of tracing you or spiraling into anxious patterns, the dog learns that staying in one spot is safe, normal, and relaxing.

And sure enough — once Marley realized she didn’t have a job to do, she exhaled, softened, and even took a little nap. 🧡🐾

12/11/2025

When you properly condition a dog to a tool… something AMAZING happens. 💫
It stops being “equipment” and starts becoming an extension of their body and their confidence. 🤩

Tools aren’t scary when they’re introduced with clarity, patience, and positive associations. In fact—most dogs end up loving the very thing humans think they’ll hate 🤯

For instance; Nyx literally lights up when he sees his brace because he knows it means comfort, support, and adventure.

Ellie and Briggs get excited the second their e-collars come out—because to them, it means freedom, off-leash exploring, communication, and FUN. 🥳

Each one of them groom their tools the second they come off because they genuinely value them.
When tools are conditioned correctly your dog can relax into them, they associate them with good experiences, and the tool becomes part of the ritual—something they look forward to!

It’s not the tool that matters…
It’s the education, the conditioning, and the relationship behind it.

Give your dog clarity, build positive patterns, and you’ll be shocked at how much they love the very thing people assume they’ll fear. 🧡🐾

12/10/2025

Agility, stacking blocks & focus heels with Miss Confidence herself today 😌🔥
This girl THRIVES when she has a job — and watching her learn how to use that big brain + body with purpose is everything.

Proud of you, Zero 🧡

12/09/2025

He’s truly the t**s. 👌 I highly suggest getting yourself a Briggs!

Zero’s Sunday Fun Day! 🧡🐾Miss Zero got to join Briggs for group agility yesterday and let me tell you—she was FEELING he...
12/09/2025

Zero’s Sunday Fun Day! 🧡🐾

Miss Zero got to join Briggs for group agility yesterday and let me tell you—she was FEELING herself 😌🔥
Watching her confidence grow while navigating equipment, turns, and speed was such a moment.

We also practiced body awareness using the stacking blocks and did the start of some focus heel drills and she absolutely loved it! Both activities helps dogs learn where their feet are, builds coordination, and teaches them to think through movement rather than rush.
Zero was so focused and so proud of herself.

And honestly—finding her a meaningful job is everything right now.
Working-breed dogs are designed to have purpose, challenge, tasks, and structure. Without employment, they create their own jobs… which usually turn into herding humans, guarding windows, or micromanaging her space. 🫣

Giving her outlets like agility + structured engagement is helping her use that amazing brain and drive in ways that feel productive instead of overwhelming.

Proud of this girl 🧡🐶

Okay I just need a moment to brag about this girl for a second.Kayla, you are such a massive part of what makes our clas...
12/08/2025

Okay I just need a moment to brag about this girl for a second.

Kayla, you are such a massive part of what makes our classes what they are. The dogs adore you, the owners feel supported by you, and I swear you read my mind before I even finish a sentence 😂

Like I’ve said a million times already—class is WAY better with you in it. You step in exactly where you’re needed, add so much calm, and somehow manage to bring a little extra magic to every session. Total yin to my yang energy!

Thank you for helping in every single way possible—from distractions, to handling Briggs, to working with our more sensitive dogs, to cheering every dog + human on. I appreciate you more than you know.

We really do make one heck of a team and I am beyond excited to continue building this journey alongside you.

Here’s to helping dogs, supporting humans, and creating one powerful training team together! 🐾🔥

Manners in Motion – That’s a WRAP 🐾This Sunday crew… unreal 🙌🏻This class absolutely crushed it and I couldn’t be more pr...
12/08/2025

Manners in Motion – That’s a WRAP 🐾

This Sunday crew… unreal 🙌🏻
This class absolutely crushed it and I couldn’t be more proud of every single dog and human.

We’re pleased to say that Everyone passed their graduation test with flying colours! ✨

And for those who know… that test was basically the shark bait challenge- Manners in Motion style. 🦈 😂 Distractions, excitement, movement… basically the ultimate “let’s see if your dog really remembers their manners” moment.

Every single dog brought their own little spice and personality to class, and it was so special watching each of them connect with us teachers and even more importantly—with their humans. That bond is magic to witness. ✨

Briggs, of course, LOVED every single one of you and your pups and was very helpful in being the designated bed warmer and the distraction tornado. He honestly adored this group and was living his very best life being part of your training journey each week, he even tried to trade me in for a new home this week, but I can’t even blame him one bit. 😉😝💛

We’re also sad that Klondike couldn’t make it to his last class, but we’re so proud of all the progress he made throughout this program and we know he was there in spirit 💛🐶

Thank you for trusting us, putting in the work, showing up every Sunday, and having such a great attitude the whole way through.

Huge thank you to Kayla Marie with Happy Hounds Hideaway for helping in these classes and being part of the fun, the distractions, and the success! We appreciate you so much & loved having your beautiful energy around 🧡

Already missing this crew and we truly hope to see you all again in the near future 💛🐾

ONE WEEK AWAY!!!!! 🔔Santa Paws Is Coming to Town! 🎅 🐾Well Mannered Mutts & the Alix and Area Community Resource Centre i...
12/07/2025

ONE WEEK AWAY!!!!! 🔔

Santa Paws Is Coming to Town! 🎅 🐾

Well Mannered Mutts & the Alix and Area Community Resource Centre invite you to join us for our Second Annual Santa-Paws Pet Photos!

A Howliday Tradition for a Good Cause!

The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a festive photo of your furry friends alongside Ole’ Saint Nick himself! 📸🎄
All proceeds go directly to the Alix Community Youth Centre, which provides a safe, engaging after-school program for local youth.

Last year was a huge success, and we were able to connect with so many beautiful people and their pets. We’re excited to bring this event back for another festive, fun-filled day!

🗓️ Date: Dec 14, 2025
🕛 Time: 12–4 PM
📍 Location: Bay 1, 5008 50 Ave, Alix
💰 Donation: $15 for a digital file
If you have multiple dogs and want individual photos, you can get 2 photos for $20!

We will also be accepting food bank donations to help support local families this holiday season. ❤️

📸 Spots are limited — first come, first served!

Reactive Dog Friendly:
• We do allow reactive dogs — please message ahead and let us know your dog’s specific needs.
• Santa can also step out if the environment becomes too much for your dog.
• Our priority is keeping the experience safe, calm, and comfortable for everyone.

Please remember:
• Sign in with your name and email when you arrive.
• Wait patiently as we work through the list.
• Give all dogs the space they need- please no leash greetings—some may find this experience overwhelming or may not be social.

Big thanks to our wonderful volunteers — this event wouldn’t be possible without you!
📸 Photographer: Tree Tanner/TeamTanner Aurora and Weather Chasers
🎅 Santa: Doug McDermott / Alix Home Hardware
🐾 Hosts: Well Mannered Mutts & Alix and Area Community Resource Centre
💛 Volunteer: Kayla Marie/ Happy Hounds Hideaway
And also a huge shout out to Sunni Day for allowing the use of her backdrop again this year!

It truly takes a village, and we’re beyond grateful for the incredible people who help bring this event to life.

Address

Calgary, AB
T0B3C0

Telephone

+14033040856

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