Dogma Training

02/14/2025

Happy Valentine’s Day! 🩷✨ A reminder that we will be closed this coming Monday to enjoy family day with our families and we hope you also get a well deserved rest. We look forward to seeing you all again on Tuesday next week!

Members, please reach out via the community if there is anything we can assist with over the weekend! 🤍

02/14/2025

Happy Valentine’s Day! 💕

Did you know that your dog is helping you feel the love?

Studies have shown that spending quality time with your dog can increase the release of oxytocin, the "love hormone," in both humans and dogs. This special bonding hormone is associated with feelings of trust, affection, and emotional connection.

When you share a special moment, pet your dog, or cuddle together, both you and your dog experience a surge of oxytocin. This chemical reaction helps strengthen the bond between you, creating a deeper emotional connection. Whether it’s snuggling on the couch, playing fetch, or simply spending time together, every interaction helps deepen that loving bond!

🐾 Fun Fact: A 2009 study found that when dogs and humans engage in positive interaction (like petting or gazing at each other), oxytocin levels in both species increase! So, on this Valentine’s Day, take a moment to appreciate how your dog’s presence helps boost your mood and strengthen your connection.

02/12/2025

🚫 The Case Against Collars in Dog Daycare 🚫

At Dogma, we’ve made a unique choice to keep our dogs “naked” in daycare and it’s all about their safety and comfort. Collars may seem harmless, but they can actually pose serious risks like strangulation, neck injuries, and escape in group play environments.

In our latest blog post, we explain why we choose not to use collars in our day school program, focusing on:

✅ Safety: No risk of collars getting caught or tangled.
✅ Comfort: Dogs can play freely without restrictions.
✅ Health: No collar-induced skin irritations or hair loss.

We’re prioritizing your dog’s well-being above all else, and we hope other dog care facilities will follow our lead. To learn more about why we do things differently, and how it benefits your dog, read our full blog post now! 🐾

Collars may seem harmless, but even with break-away collars, the risk of strangulation and neck injuries remains high, especially in a group play environment. Learn more about the risks and why dogs being naked in group is the best choice.

02/10/2025

We love puppies! 🐾

Puppyhood is a critical time for shaping confident, well-mannered urban canines – dogs who are comfortable and well-behaved in any environment. That’s why we offer a variety of specialized programs designed just for puppies!

🌟 Kinderpups: Our unique day school program is the perfect way to get your puppy started on the right paw. With the help of our certified trainers, your puppy will learn essential life skills, manners, appropriate play, and more! Book your meet-n-greet today: https://bit.ly/3QaWvXa

🐶 VIPups: This fun and interactive group class is all about teaching your puppy new skills while engaging in play and socialization activities. Our next orientation is this week - limited spots available! Register now through the below link and set your puppy up for success! BONUS - these classes are included in your Kinderpups membership!

🐕 FREE Puppy Socialization Class – Join us for safe and enjoyable play and socialization, completely FREE! If you can, we’d appreciate any donations for . You’re helping pets in need while having fun! Register at https://bit.ly/3QaWvXa

Let’s get your puppy started on the right path with our expert-led programs. We can’t wait to empower them and watch them thrive!

Get your puppy started off on the right paw with the most comprehensive programs in Calgary. Online, in-person and free offerings!

02/09/2025

Canine Body Language: The Big Picture

When it comes to understanding your dog’s emotional state, it’s not just about reading one specific cue, it’s about observing the whole picture!

Pay attention to how your dog’s body language flows together:

⏹ Tense or Relaxed: A dog that’s tense or stiff in their body is likely feeling anxious or unsure. On the other hand, a dog that’s loose and relaxed is usually calm and happy. The more tension, the most stress the dog is experiencing.

↔ Posture: A forward-leaning posture can indicate interest or arousal, while a crouched, low body could signal fear. Standing with straight legs and a loose body usually signifies a relaxed dog.

🔀 Movement: Slow, deliberate movements indicate confidence and contentment, while rapid or jerky movements could be a sign of stress or excitement.

Remember, dogs communicate through a combination of body posture, facial expressions, and movement. By observing everything, not just one signal, you can get a clearer sense of how your dog is feeling and respond appropriately!

💡 Pro Tip: Take a moment to check your dog’s overall body state before jumping to conclusions about specific behaviours. The more you observe, the better you’ll be at understanding their needs.

02/08/2025

Canine Body Language: Hair Edition

A dog’s coat and fur can be incredibly telling when it comes to understanding their emotions. By paying attention to their hair, you can gain important insights into how they’re feeling. Here’s what to watch for:

➡ Hackles (Full, Tense Fur Along the Back): When a dog’s hair stands up, it can be a sign of heightened emotions like fear, aggression, or arousal. Raised hackles aren’t always something to be concerned about – they sometimes are a sign of alertness or uncertainty. Observe their body posture and other cues to understand if they’re being defensive or just startled/excited.

⏹ Smooth Coat (Relaxed and Calm): A relaxed, smooth coat is a clear sign of a calm and content dog. Their fur will lay flat against their body, and they’ll have loose body language. This usually happens when a dog is comfortable and feeling safe.

⬆️ Bristling Fur (Neck and Shoulders Raised): If the fur along a dog’s neck, shoulders, or back becomes bristled or raised, it’s often an indicator of agitation or defensiveness. Dogs display this when they feel threatened or challenged. Keep an eye on their overall body language for signs of stress or readiness to confront a potential threat.

💡 Pro Tip: A dog’s hair or fur is just one piece of the puzzle! Always look at the bigger picture, including tail position, ears, eyes, and overall posture, to better interpret how your dog is feeling.

02/07/2025

Canine Body Language: Eyes Edition

Your dog's eyes are a powerful tool for communication. By understanding their eye movements and gaze, you can gain valuable insight into their emotional state. Here’s what to watch for when reading their eyes:

⬅ Squinty Eyes: Your dog may be experiencing stress or submission if their eyes are barely open and squinty. This will often be paired with pulled-back lips and body tension. If your dog isn't overly tense, it can also be a sign of appeasement and is often paired with a submissive grin.

⏹ Soft, Relaxed Eyes: When your dog’s eyes are soft and relaxed, it indicates they’re comfortable and calm. Their gaze is gentle, and their eyelids may appear slightly squinted. This is a good sign that your dog is content and at ease.

➡ Direct Stare: A direct, unwavering stare can indicate confidence or even a challenge, depending on the context. Dogs may use this to challenge or show interest in something (a person, another dog, or an object). If their body is tense or they're staring at you or another dog, it could signal potential conflict, so approach with caution or closely monitor the interaction.

Other Notable Eye Signals:

⏺ Wide Eyes or "Whale Eye: If your dog’s eyes appear wide open with the whites showing (often called "whale eye"), it’s a sign of stress, fear, or anxiety. This typically happens when they feel threatened or conflicted. Combine this with signs like stiff body posture or ears pulled back to assess their emotional state.

🔵 Dilated Pupils: When your dog’s pupils dilate (become larger), it could signal heightened emotions, whether it's excitement, fear, or arousal. Dilated pupils often occur when your dog is extremely excited, like during playtime, or when they feel scared or threatened. Combine this with their overall body posture to better interpret their emotional state.

💡 Pro Tip: Always consider the context and other body language cues, such as tail position, ears, and mouth, when interpreting your dog’s eye behavior. Eyes can reveal a lot, but they’re most accurate when considered as part of the whole picture!

02/07/2025

Fear & Reactivity Can Be Helped

Does your dog struggle with reactivity or fear? Our Reactive Urban Canine Program is designed to help your dog build confidence, learn focus, and thrive in a supportive, controlled setting.

Led by Megan Stanley, a behaviour consultant with over 20 years of experience, this program offers personalized training in a safe space. Our spacious training bay minimizes distractions, allowing us to work with one dog at a time and gradually introduce others to ensure comfort and success.

📅 Next Class: Orientation on February 10th at 6:30 pm

What to Expect:
✅ An informative seminar to help you better understand your dog’s concerns
✅ 4 weeks of in-person classes
✅ Controlled environment with minimal distractions
✅ Personalized guidance and progress tracking
✅ Online videos, resources, live-streaming classes, and a supportive community.

Whether you’re starting with foundational skills or seeking ongoing support, our program is built to help your dog overcome their fears and reactivity in a way that’s gentle and effective.

Spots are limited—reserve your spot today and start your dog’s journey to confidence!

Find out more and register via the link!

The most comprehensive programs for fearful/reactive dogs in Calgary. Find the support and resources to help your dog overcome their fears and gain focus. Online, in-person and free offerings!

02/07/2025

Canine Body Language: Mouth Edition

🐶 A dog’s mouth can say a lot about their emotions, from relaxation to potential stress or aggression. By observing how their lips and mouth move, you can better understand their feelings and intentions. Here’s what to watch for:

⬅ Lips Pulled Back: This subtle sign of stress or anxiety indicates your dog may be feeling uncomfortable or uncertain. You may notice this in tense situations or when your dog feels conflicted. Pay attention to other cues like a tense body or lowered tail.

⏹ Relaxed Mouth: A soft, relaxed mouth typically indicates a calm, happy dog. Their lips will appear loose with no tension, signaling that they’re content and comfortable.

➡ Lips Forward (Arousal or Offense): If your dog’s lips move forward—sometimes in a tight line or exposing more teeth—it can indicate heightened arousal or an offensive stance. This signals that your dog may be preparing for an active response, whether defensive or offensive. Always observe their body posture and surroundings to gauge their intent.

⏺ Panting: Dogs often pant with their mouths open when they’re hot, tired, or excited. A relaxed, open mouth with gentle panting is a normal response to physical exertion. However, if panting occurs with tense body language and pulled-back lips, it could indicate stress or anxiety.

🔹 Bared Teeth: When your dog’s lips are pulled back to expose their teeth, this can indicate fear, aggression, or defensive behavior. If accompanied by a tense body, this is a sign to proceed cautiously. However, some dogs show their teeth without tension, especially in playful situations or when feeling social. If the teeth are bared with a loose body and wagging tail, it’s likely a friendly gesture or may signal submission.

💡 Pro Tip: Understanding a dog’s lip position helps interpret their emotional state, but always consider their entire body language. Combining lip position with tail, ears, and posture will give you a clearer picture of how they’re feeling.

02/06/2025

Canine Body Language: Ears Edition

Did you know your dog’s ears can tell you a lot about how they’re feeling? During Dog Education Month, we're diving into canine body language, and today, we’re focusing on ears!

Here’s what to watch for when reading your dog's ears:

⬅️ Ears Pinned Back: If your dog’s ears are pressed against their head, it can indicate fear, anxiety, or even the potential for an aggressive response. But not all ear-back moments are negative! For example, it’s actually good doggy manners when dogs pull their ears back to greet you. Watch for other signs, like a tucked tail or stiff body posture, to better understand their emotional state.

⏹ Relaxed Ears: When your dog’s ears are in a neutral, relaxed position, they’re typically calm and comfortable. You’ll notice their body language is usually relaxed too, indicating they’re at ease and content.

➡️ Ears Forward: When your dog’s ears are perked and facing forward, they’re usually alert, curious, or excited. This is their way of focusing on something that has caught their attention – whether it’s a toy, a noise, or someone new!

↔️ Ears to the Side: Sometimes, dogs will move their ears to the side when they’re relaxed or unsure. It may also signal that they’re feeling conflicted. If their ears are neither fully forward nor pinned back, they’re likely processing their environment or observing their surroundings with a bit of caution.

🔀 Ears Moving Around: Dogs adjust their ears based on what they’re hearing, so keep an eye on their shifting ear positions. This helps you understand how they’re processing sounds and what’s grabbing their attention.

💡 Pro Tip: Understanding ear positions alongside other body language cues (like tail position or weight distribution) will give you a clearer picture of what your dog is trying to communicate.

🐕 Next time you’re interacting with your dog, pay close attention to their ears – it's one of the first ways they’ll communicate with you, and it’s an easy cue to spot in most dogs!

02/05/2025

The Golden Years: A Workshop Series for Senior Dogs

As your dog enters their golden years, it’s easy to think they’ve “outgrown” training or attending classes. But the truth is, staying mentally and physically active is just as important for senior dogs as it is for younger ones. Whether you're looking to boost their physical fitness, keep their mind sharp, or deepen your bond, our Golden Years Workshop Series is here to support both of you during this special time.

What You’ll Learn:

✨ Week 1 – Introduction Seminar: Megan Stanley, our Founder & President, will share key insights into the changes that come with senior age and how you can help your dog stay engaged and active!

✨ Weeks 2-4 – Hands-on Workshops: From enrichment and scent work to trick training and physical fitness exercises, these fun, practical activities will keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated. You can attend in-person or virtually and follow along with bonus video lessons at home!

🗓️ Details:
Start Date: February 22nd at 11 AM
Cost: $225 (In-person) | $175 (Virtual)
Member Discount: $25 off with code MEMBER25

🐾 Requirements:
✔️ Dogs over 8 years old
✔️ Dog and people-friendly
✔️ Fully vaccinated

It's never too late to teach an old dog new tricks, and with the Golden Years workshop series, we’ll show you how to enhance your senior dog's well-being while enjoying these precious moments together.

🐕 Why Attend?
This workshop series is all about celebrating the golden years with your dog, keeping them active, healthy, and happy for as long as possible. Let’s ensure these years are their best yet!

🔗 Register today and let’s get started on making the most of your dog’s golden years.

Training should be fun. Our events are a great way for you to get out with your pup(s), practice your skills, and provide some added socialization/enrichment to their day.

02/05/2025

Canine Body Language: Tails 🐕

A dog’s tail is one of the most expressive parts of their body and provides great insights into their emotions state. While it’s commonly thought that a wagging tail always indicates happiness, there’s actually much more we need to consider.

▪️Tail position:

⬅️ Tail Backward: A tucked tail usually indicates fear, insecurity, or stress. It’s a sign the dog may be uncomfortable or experience anxiety.

⏹️ Relaxed and Neutral: A tail held in a neutral position without tension generally means the dog is calm and content.

➡️ Tail Forward: When a dog’s tail is held high, it may be a sign of interest or arousal. However, it can also signal aggression if coupled with stiff body posture and forward weight.

Other things to consider:

▪️Wagging Tail: A wagging tail doesn’t always mean a friendly dog. Pay attention to the speed and direction:

🔄 Wide wag (slow, full swings): Often a sign of excitement or happiness.

🔁 Fast wag (tight, rapid movements): Can indicate agitation, anxiety, or overstimulation.

⬆️ Stiff or Rigid Tail: A tail that’s rigid and held straight can be a warning sign of agitation, tension, or potential aggression. It’s important to pay attention to the overall body language in these moments.

Understanding your dog’s tail language can help you better interpret their emotions and guide your interactions.

Stay tuned throughout Dog Education Month as we cover more key parts of the dog’s communication and body language!

02/03/2025

❄️ Staying warm while keeping your dog active? We've got you covered! Stay out of the cold and have some fun indoors with our fun classes designed to provide both physical and mental exercise for your pup!

This week, we’re offering:

🐶 Social Club: Let your dog play and socialize while working on their skills in our popular off-leash class! It's a great way for them to learn while having fun with new friends. TONIGHT! And we still have a few spots available.

🚀 Rocket Recall: Want your dog to come when called, every time? This fun class will help you get a lightning-fast response with activities that improve your dog's recall skills.

Plus, we’ve got tons of drop-in classes, and we’re kicking off our puppy, foundation obedience, and reactive dog classes this month!

Check out our full class calendar and sign up today!

Set your dog up for success with our levels, topic-based training with everything from puppy, basic obedience, specialty, and reactive classes.

02/01/2025

🌟 Dog Education Month: Strengthening the Bond with Your Dog 🌟

Did you know that having a strong bond with your dog can positively impact your mental health? 🐶❤️

A recent study from Harvard's Nurses' Health Study found that people with a deep connection to their dogs experienced lower symptoms of depression and anxiety, highlighting how much our canine companions can improve our well-being.

This month, we’re sharing daily tips to help you deepen your relationship with your dog, improve your training, and enhance your bond. A well-trained dog isn’t just easier to live with - they can become a greater source of joy, comfort, and emotional support!

Stay tuned for more tips throughout Dog Education Month and discover how small changes in how you connect with your dog can lead to big improvements in both of your lives. 🐾

01/25/2025

💕FEBRUARY CLASSES💕

Love is in the air, and so is the excitement at Dogma this February! Get ready for a month filled with tail-wagging Classes, and some very Special Day school Activities.

Here's a sneak peek of what's coming your way:

Group Classes including:

▪For Puppies, our free socialization Puppy class and our 5 Week V.I.Pups class for our Puppies looking to learn the basics on top of socialization starts on February 12th.
▪Core foundations for our Dogs 6 months + where your Dog will work on all the important basics such as loose leash walking, recall, self-control and more also starting February 12th.
▪ Our popular Reactive program starts February 10th and is designed to help build confidence and work as a team so that your dog can enjoy more day-to-day activities in a safe controlled environment.
▪ Our single Topic Classes where we focus on specific topics like Recall, Leash Manners, Self Control and our Social Club!

🥳Day School: Love is meant to be shared, and we've got some heartwarming activities lined up for your furry friends. From valentines-themed antics to Massages and a Spa to Celebrate “Love your Pet day”, your pup will have plenty of ways to show love to their favorite valentines at school. 💝

We're looking forward to a great month!

01/17/2025

At Dogma, the difference is in the details and it’s all about your dog’s well-being.

We’re committed to providing a calm, controlled environment where dogs thrive emotionally, socially, and behaviourally. One of the key ways we do this is through our unique text system for drop-off and pick-up, which minimizes stress, avoids crowding, and ensures a personalized experience for every dog.

Our approach may take a bit more time, but it’s worth it. By avoiding chaotic entries and exits, we help dogs stay relaxed and set them up for success from the moment they arrive. This thoughtful process not only improves behaviour during the dogs time with us but also reduces anxiety and supports long-term positive changes.

We’re excited to share more of the Dogma Difference and how we go the extra mile to ensure your dog receives the best care possible. To learn more about why we do what we do with pick-up and drop-off, check out our blog post.

At Dogma, we believe that every aspect of your dog's experience matters, including their arrival and departure. Our innovative text system reflects the Dogma Difference by minimizing stress, promoting calmness, and positively influencing their overall behaviour.

01/17/2025

🎉 Ready to take your training to the next level? 🎉

Our Beyond the Basics class is here to help you achieve the ultimate goal: off leash reliability!

Here is what we focus on over 4 weeks:
✨Distraction training and real world scenarios
✨ Advanced skills with those distractions such as recall, leash manners and so much more
✨ Introducing important life skills such as the ever important “off switch”

Our next round of Beyond the Basics begins on Monday with only a few spots left! Registrants must have completed V.I.Pups or Urban Canine Foundations (or equivalent program) to ensure your dog has the foundation skills to build off and be successful in this level.

Follow the “Group Class” link in our bio for more information 📚

01/16/2025

One of the webinars Megan did for the Association for Professional Dog Training International is being featured today.

In this session, she shares practical strategies for navigating the challenges of living and working with reactive dogs in today’s busy world. While managing fearful/reactive dogs is important, we believe the key to success lies in integrating our dogs into our lives rather than merely managing their behaviours.

Whether you work with or live with fearful/reactive dogs, this webinar will help you better navigate life with them in our busy human world!

Struggling to help reactive or fearful dogs thrive in a busy urban environment? Join Megan Stanley for an inside look at her unique Reactive UrbanK9 program, designed to safely integrate these dogs back into our fast-paced world. Discover step-by-step guidelines for hosting supportive group classes, day school training options, and behavior modification strategies that go beyond simple management. Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or just starting out, this APDT International webinar will give you the tools to boost your programs, help more dogs succeed, and grow your revenue—all while creating a safer canine community in the city.

Learn more here: https://www.pathlms.com/apdt/courses/20254

CEU: 1 CCPDT, IAABC, IACP, KPA