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Owned and operated by one of Calgary's only Certified Pet Dog Trainers (CPDT-KSA) and Certified Behaviour Consultant Canines (CBCC-KA), Dogma is the place to visit for all your dog education, training and product needs. At Dogma, we know that real dog training is about relationship building. It's about communicating with your four-legged companion, building a relationship based on mutual respect a
nd learning together. It's positive, it's peaceful and, yes, it's productive. We offer day school, group classes, and private training. Our dog day school and training facilities are based on the same philosophy; in an environment where you are both comfortable, you will unleash your dog's spirit and build a happy life together.
11/13/2024
🐾Through our Urban Canine YYC programs, we’re helping Calgary businesses, offices, and residential spaces become more dog-friendly—safely and effectively. Whether you're looking to create a welcoming space for dogs at your office, minimize liability in a dog-friendly business, or simply make your property more canine-friendly, we’ve got you covered!
We offer:
▪️ Training programs for dog-friendly offices, businesses, and properties
▪️ Consulting and Q&A sessions for personalized advice
▪️ Free Lunch 'n Learn sessions for vet clinics
▪️ Expert guidance on canine communication, body language, and conflict management
Our goal? To create harmonious, stress-free spaces for both dogs and humans. Let’s make Calgary a safer, more welcoming city for pets and people alike! 🐶❤️
Let’s work together to build a dog-friendly Calgary that’s safe, inclusive, and full of happy, wagging tails!
11/08/2024
To remember and honour all those who have served, we will be closed all weekend, including Monday, November 11th. We hope everyone has a restful and safe weekend. A reminder that emails and phones will not be answered until we open for regular business hours on Tuesday. Members, please post in the community if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you all again next week. Lest we forget.
11/08/2024
5 Years Without Deja: Honoring the Spirit of Our Dogs
Yesterday marked five years since I had to say goodbye to my little burst of joy, Deja. This spunky, spirited girl taught me more than I could ever express about the depth of the bond we share with our dogs. Her presence in my life continues to shine a light on the meaning behind our tagline, “Unleash Your Dog’s Spirit.”
The time we have with our dogs is far too short. Because of this, it’s important to me that we make every moment count—honoring them for who they are, and helping them live life to the fullest. When we step back and truly listen to our dogs, when we realize our relationship can be so much more than just giving commands or expecting compliance, we open the door to a deeper connection. In doing so, we help them thrive in our busy human world.
If you share your life with a dog, I invite you to read the post I wrote in celebration of Deja’s incredible life. Her story continues to inspire me, and I hope it touches your heart as well.
Unleash your dog’s spirit. This has been a tagline of Dogma’s for over 15 years and was inspired by my dear friend and mentor, Jennifer Buchanan. She shared it with me as we were discussing my work years ago and it instantly clicked. It summed up perfectly what my goals were in training dogs and...
11/01/2024
DogmaHigh Jr student Sadie is here to remind members of one of their monthly benefits!
🌟 Enjoy a free Q&A session with our Director of Behaviour & Education every month! Whether you’re part of our general group or our reactive dog program, it’s like having a private trainer at your fingertips.
Join us from the comfort of your home—grab a coffee, ask your questions, and connect with fellow members in a casual setting. You can participate live via the app or online, or submit your questions in advance.
Missed a session? No problem! Recordings are available under “Meetups” for you to watch anytime. This is just one of the many perks of your membership—don’t miss out!
📆 November Q&A’s:
🐾 Reactive: November 2 @ 9 am
🐾 General: November 30 @ 9 am
See you there!
10/31/2024
The Dogma Difference means standing against the daily horrors many dogs face. We've compiled a list of haunted houses that our team—and our pups—would find truly terrifying.
What would you add to this list? Let’s work together to banish these spooky items for good!
10/31/2024
🎃 Happy Halloween! 🎃
We've put together some things we thought would be terrifying for dogs for a haunted house. Is there anything you would add?
Halloween can be scary for our pups so be sure to check out our blog post for tips to ensure it's stress-free for everyone! https://bit.ly/4hvd3oY
10/30/2024
🐾 Dogma's 5 Tips for a Safe and Stress-Free Halloween for Dogs! 🎃
Costumes: Choose comfortable costumes and introduce them slowly with positive reinforcement.
Decorations: Keep decorations out of reach to prevent chewing. Introduce new decor gradually to avoid scaring your pup.
Candy: Keep all Halloween candy, especially chocolate, away from dogs. Offer them safe treats instead!
Trick-or-Treaters: Create a calm space for your dog away from the door with calming music and interactive toys.
Exercise: Take your dog for a walk or playtime earlier in the day to help them settle in for the evening festivities.
We hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween! 🐶💀
10/26/2024
🍁NOVEMBER CLASSES AND EVENTS🍁
Hello November! With a new month comes cooler temperatures🥶, if you're looking for ways to keep busy inside, we have a class for everyone! Here's a glimpse of what classes we have coming up this month:
▪️ For Puppies we have our Popular 5 week V.I.Pups class to learn the basics while socializing in a safe environment & our free socialization Puppy class.
▪️ For Dogs 6 months +, We have our Core foundations where your Dog will work on all the important basics such as loose leash walking, recall, and self-control and our Beyond the Basics program where We'll focus on distraction training, outdoor practice, and refining skills from our core class.
▪️ For Dogs who need Confidence Building or struggle being around other Dogs, we have our 5 Week Reactive program 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 ▪️Topic Classes for Puppies and Older Dogs, where we will show you how to work your dog's brain with topics like Mensa and Enrichment and a class to perfect your Dogs recall.
▪️Did you know?
▪️ You can attend classes as often or as little as you'd like - you manage your own class reservations
▪️ We offer monthly group class passes that include membership and unlimited classes
10/22/2024
Halloween is just around the corner and it doesn't need to be a scary night for our dogs! Read through our blog post to begin preparing your dog today.
The world can be scary for our dogs on any given day due to the variety of new situations, people or objects they can run into. Many of our holidays are stressful and potentially scary for dogs, but Halloween is one that can be just as scary for dogs as it is for some people. All of the sudden, dogs...
10/19/2024
Join us next weekend for a fun painting party to raise funds for Boomer’s Haven - Animal Rescue & Sanctuary!
Halloween Painting Party - Come create a Masterpiece!
Sunday, Oct 27th, 2pm at Dogma Training
TRICKS: This session will be lead by the talented artist Maddy Price, so no painting experience is necessary - she will guide us!
TREATS: something yummy is being provided by the generous big hearts at Plant-Baked!!!
$45 donation can be sent to Boomer’s Haven - Animal Rescue & Sanctuary - where 100% of the funds will go to caring for rescue animals.
We are thankful for being able to change the lives of dogs and their families one trick at a time! We hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving weekend and you all get to enjoy some time to relax and reflect on what you are grateful and thankful for! 🧡🐶
A reminder that we are closed all weekend. To ensure our team gets a well-deserved break and time to unplug, phones and emails will not be answered until we open for regular business on Tuesday. Members, please post in the community if you have any questions. Enjoy your weekend and Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂🐾
10/05/2024
🐾 Introducing the Dogma Training App! 🐾
We’re thrilled to bring you a powerful tool for all your dog training needs—exclusively for our members! Access training videos, join virtual classes, participate in live Q&As, connect with our vibrant community, and watch live-streaming classes—all from the palm of your hand! 📱✨
And here’s the best part: our DIY Bark to School Program is available through the app for everyone—members and non-members alike! 🎉
Whether you’re at home or on the go, our app makes it easier than ever to stay connected and enhance your training experience. Download it today and take the next step in your journey with us!
10/04/2024
We’ve had the privilege of working with this sweet girl! She’s the whole package - smart and sweet 🥰 Are you, or someone you know, looking for that special addition to your family? Check out Blazey with Megan's Rescue Efforts Society!
10/02/2024
Peaches is submitting her photo resume to be the new Dogma cover girl for this week’s ! What does everyone think? New window covering to feature Peaches? 🍑
09/30/2024
Today, Dogma stands in honour of Truth and Reconciliation Day.
We recognize the importance of acknowledging our history and working together for a brighter future. You'll find links below to educational resources and ways you can join us in fostering understanding, healing, and reconciliation.
Please feel free to share other resources in the comments. Let's walk this path together.
09/27/2024
OCTOBER CLASSES AND EVENTS
🍂🎃 Fall is officially in the air and we're excited to bring you a fun-filled lineup of training opportunities and festive activities this month! From enriching day school activities to specialized group classes, there's something for every pup to enjoy.
Here's a glimpse of what's coming up this month:
Classes including our free socialization Puppy class, our Beyond the Basics program where We'll focus on distraction training and refining skills such as loose leash walking, recall, and self-control, Our Reactive program 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 and lastly our Outdoor classes to work on your skills in the real world! .
▪️Did you know?
▪️ You can attend certain classes as often or as little as you'd like - you manage your own class reservations
▪️ We offer monthly group class passes that include membership and unlimited class passes!
▪️Our Kinderpup Dayschool Program includes FREE classes!
🐶 Dayschool Dogs: Get ready for a month of fun, including a Thanksgiving Dinner for your pup or a Costume contest for Halloween👻
09/24/2024
Registration for the Dogs and the City Conference is closing on Thursday! This is your last chance to join us and receive the recordings. We have in-person and virtual tickets available!
Canadian dog trainers, we have repeatedly heard requests for more offerings this side of the border and in CAD, so it's critical that we support them when they become available.
Take advantage of code educanine2024 for 15%. If you are a Dogma Academy student/grad or a CAPDT Member, reach out to me for a 20% off code.
This is an excellent option for dog trainers and guardians!
09/09/2024
We will be more like a Catma on September 29th as Boomer’s Haven - Animal Rescue & Sanctuary is hosting another yoga with cats event here! Hope to see you there!
Are you ready for it?! 😬
We’re bringing back an event you’re sure to love! It was well attended last time and we know many of you have been waiting for the next one… 🥁
🧘🏾 YOGA WITH CATS! 🐈 🐈⬛
Sunday September 29th from 2-4p, at Dogma Training. Just $25 per person. Sign up through the following link:
Come and experience the sheer joy of cat cuddles mixed with Yoga. The class will be led by the outstanding Jess Yan, co-owner and operator of One of kind Vegan Icecream!
Light refreshments will be available, you’ll also have ample time to check out our Boomer’s Haven merchandise and meet many of our lovable, adoptable kitties!
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dogma Training posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
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Shelley 10 Years!
🎉✨ 10 Years at Dogma! ✨🎉
Please join us in extending our utmost gratitude and sharing our congratulations to Shelley Cherniawsky, our Head of Behaviour & Education, who is celebrating 10 years with us today!
What a journey it has been!
✨ Graduated as a DCBC in 2013
✨ Joined our team in 2014 as a trainer
✨ Quickly advanced to Head Trainer in 2015
✨ Progressed to Location Manager in 2017
✨ Earned her CPDT-KA in 2018
✨ Welcomed 2 beautiful girls into the world
✨ Returned into her new role
✨ Continues to grow and help our dog and team
These are just some small highlights of her time with us. We are all so grateful for her leadership, desire to learn, and commitment to the Dogma Difference. We are a better team because of her.
We have much to celebrate! Thank you for all you do for the dogs, their families, and our team 🙏
🥂 Cheers to many more! 🚀
As we say goodbye to 2023, we want to thank everyone for your continued commitment to your dog's well-being through training, enrichment, and socialization. We are grateful for the trust you put in us and the joy your dogs bring us each day.
We've had a big year - we celebrated 15 years at Chinook and closed the doors on our Killarney location after 11 years. This transition has paved the way for exciting opportunities, allowing us to expand our services and create a foundation for growth in 2024. We have big plans and cannot wait to share them with you and spend more time with your pups.
Your support has been instrumental in our journey, and we are truly grateful for it.
As the holiday season wraps up, we hope you've enjoyed moments of warmth and happiness. May the year ahead be filled with countless snuggles and grand adventures with your canine companions.
Happy New Year! 🎉✨
Through my #FlashbackFriday series, the value of education becomes increasingly evident. In my early days, the absence of formal schools for dog trainers prompted me to rely on books, seminars, and hands-on experience for my learning. While effective, this trial-and-error approach left room for improvement. As my business grew, the number of people seeking ways to become trainers increased. I started as a mentor through Animal Behavior College, but the program was lacking in many ways. Similarly, those directly mentored by me lacked a structured learning path and a credible way to validate their skills. From this, the idea for @dogmaacademyyyc began.
The vision was clear: to provide aspiring dog trainers with comprehensive knowledge, practical experience, and a credible certification. I did an outline, updated our website, and launched the initiative, hoping for at least four students. To my surprise, our first session welcomed nine eager students. While still busy with work at Dogma, my Thursdays through Saturdays were dedicated to curriculum prep, session planning, and gearing up for intense Sunday training.
Teaching dog trainers brought such joy and developed my skills as a behaviour consultant. The dog training industry is known for its challenges, often tinged with negativity, discord, and dissonance. I envisioned a safe place where enthusiasts could acquire knowledge, fostering a community driven by support, shared values, and collaboration.
Dogma Academy has evolved beyond my expectations. Our graduates are the most sought-after trainers, a testament to the rigorous education they receive. Even Covid couldn't deter us. We pivoted into the virtual realm to welcome students from all over, including a practicum student from Mexico.
What sets Dogma Academy apart is the fusion of theory and practice, nurturing skillsets, and providing a pathway to recognized certification. It's a space where dog passion converges with learning, debunking the industry's stereo
How cute are KinderPup Baxter, and mentor dog, Sunny? Play is an essential component of a dog's life that can help with their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. But not all play is created equal, so our social class for dogs is the perfect answer!
Not only do these classes provide an excellent outlet for play, but they also help your pup learn how to interact appropriately with other dogs both on and off-leash. Our certified dog trainers are on-hand to supervise and ensure a safe environment for all.
Join our Core Training classes to gain access to these exclusive classes. Dogs must demonstrate appropriate social skills to join this fun class, but not to worry; we are here to help them get there. Don't miss out on the opportunity for your pup to make new friends and build their social skills. Be sure to check out our group class bundles that provide unlimited access to classes at both of our locations.
Find out more and sign up at http://ow.ly/rTPu50OiWJg
We have only 14 more of these to sell this week! Help us raise funds for Canmore Pride and support local Calgary and Canmore businesses. For ONLY $50/box, you get:
🏳️🌈 Unleash the Pride sticker
🥎 Pride-themed dog toys/snuffle ball
🍾 Cork screw from Vin Room
🐾 $10 off products or services from Tiarific Canine
🍬 Maggies' Favourites freeze-dried liver treats from Doodle Dogs YYC
🍩 $5 gift card and sticker pack from Frankie D’s Donuts
🍪 Rainbow dog cookie from Give Love Pet Confectionery
👜 A beautiful Come As You Are canvas tote bag from Feeling Allyve
🌸 Organic Baby Balm (great for those paws) and Wild Rose Beaty Balm for us from Neal's Yard Remedies
Free pick-up at either Dogma location, $10 delivery within Calgary, and free delivery to Canmore this weekend!
Order your box at https://bit.ly/3RwWWd5
Please SHARE and help us get the word out for these awesome boxes that 100% of the proceeds are going to an important organization.
The #DogmaDogs prediction is in for Game 4 of #BattleOfAlberta!
The #DogmaDogs predict a win for the Oilers for Game 3 of the #BattleOfAlberta! 🛢
#hockeydogs #playoffhockey #hockeypredictions #dogsofig #dogs #dogsofalberta #albertadofs
.The #DogmaDogs have a prediction for Game 2 with the #BattleOfAlberta! Do you agree?#hockeydogs #doghockey #dogsofinstagram #albertadogs #dogsofalberta #calgaryflames #edmontonoilers #goflames #playoffhockey
The #DogmaDogs have their prediction in for Game 1 of the #BattleOfAlberta! #dogmadogspredictions #flameshockeyfans #clagaryflameshockey #flamesdogs #dogsinalberta #albertadogs #yyc #yycdogs
Our story begins in 2002 when our Founder, Megan Stanley, adopted her first dog Guinniss. She quickly learned that the sweet and affectionate boy at home became a scary and reactive dog out in the real world. Guinniss was terrified of our urban environment and demonstrated his fear through over-the-top reactions. Megan knew that through patience and the right approach with training, that she could teach Guinniss that the world was safe and help him integrate successfully in our busy human environment.
Guinnis was Megan’s best teacher and is credited as being dogma’s Canine Co-Founder. Through the work with Guinniss, Megan learned that there were limited options for dogs with reactivity and fear concerns. The options available utilized punishment, which Megan knew put Guinniss at risk to worsen his behaviour and he could become a dangerous dog due to the behavioural fallout from these harsh methods. As well, facilities were ran by well-intentioned dog owners who put far too many dogs in groups with only one or two supervisors with no experience or education on canine behaviour. She knew that she needed to create an organization to set the standard for care and training and advocate for improving the lives of dogs and the people who love them.
Megan quickly began attending seminars, apprenticed through The Calgary Humane Society and earned her Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) designation. She was then the first of only four in Canada to obtain her Certified Behaviour Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA) designation. She has become a leader in the industry and was a founding member of pause4change Animal Rescue Foundation, is the President of The Guinniss Foundation and was the first Canadian to sit as Chair for the Association of Professional Dog Trainers in 2018.
Dogma opened its doors in 2008 and quickly became the place to visit for all your dog education, daycare and training needs. At Dogma, we know that real dog training is about relationship building. It's about communicating with your four-legged companion, building a relationship based on mutual respect and learning together. It's positive, it's peaceful and, yes, it's productive.
We are the only facility to offer a variety of education programs ran by reward-based certified dog trainers. Our education, awareness programs and seminars are the core of our business. Our dog behaviour and education facilities are conveniently located and are based on the same philosophy as our training: in an environment where you are both comfortable, you will unleash your dog's spirit and build a happy life together.
As part of the #dogmadifference, Dogma was the first to have only certified trainers conduct training, segregate play groups based on size and play style, mandate an assessment before dogs were allowed to attend day school, maintain strict capacity numbers, ensure a low staff-dog ratio, provide rubber-flooring and solid, high walls to ensure the dogs’ safety. We maintain the highest standards of excellence through staff training, 100% supervision, the lowest staff-dog ratio, facility design, equipment used and we make every decision to ensure the emotional, physical and behavioural well-being of each dog in our care.
We continue to innovate dog training to ensure training is easy and accessible. We have training to fit every budget and schedule and work with any breed or behaviour. We are not a dog daycare. Our programs focus on training, not free play. Let our certified trainers do the training for you so you can come home after a busy day to a trained and appropriately tired dog. We offer an exclusive training and socialization program, kinderPUPS, to get your puppy started off on the right paw. From there, we offer dogmaHigh and then dogs graduate into dogmaU, before becoming a dogmaALUM. We ensure dogs are comfortable and successful in our day school programs to prevent over-arousal or behavioural fallout, which is commonly seen due to time spent at dog daycare.
We also offer unique membership-based group classes to allow you to progress at your dog’s level and attend classes at your convenience. From basic obedience to helping with fear/reactivity concerns, we help you integrate your dog successfully into our urban world. We also have a variety of private training options that can happen at a location of your choice.
Register today to learn more about the #dogmadifference and how we can help you develop an ideal urbanK9; a well-mannered and confident dog that you can take anywhere with confidence!
