Happy Dawgs Obedience Training

12/07/2025

Yesterday, Vincent the was re-introduced to the prong collar, and owner Tia Steele MacMillan was guided on how to use it correctly and effectively. Communication between the two has been an ongoing struggle for them; Vincent has a tendency to make decisions Tia should be making, and he doesn't like it when he doesn't get his own way. Once Tia understood how and when to use leash pressure effectively, the difference in Vincent was almost immediate. The two ended up having fun with each other and truly enjoying each other's company. As seen in this short video, when Vincent was momentarily surprised, Tia had control of the situation and she was able to prevent him from reacting. Way to go ! ♥

06/07/2025

As dog trainers, we are held to much higher standards than regular dog owners. We are expected to behave in a professional manner not just with our clients, but in our personal lives, as well. Every time we step out of our homes – picking kids up from school, grocery shopping, meeting a client, etc. – we are representing both our business and ourselves. So, when we are seen on social media taking part in flame wars about different training methods and ideologies, we are not inspiring confidence in the public, we are discouraging them – and that can have disastrous consequences for the dogs who desperately need us.

Unless someone is genuinely abusing animals (e.g. Dog Daddy, to name just one), it is in our and our clients' best interests to work in our own lanes and keep our attention on the dogs in front of us. Yes, it's hard to do sometimes; we're human, and sometimes, we see things that offend and anger us so deeply that it feels almost impossible to hold our tongues. But, we have to remember that the public is always watching us, whether we're online or out in the real world, and deciding whether or not we're the right choice for them and their dogs.

Have a great day, and remember to stay calm and lead on.

Photo: Silas the now-formerly reactive German Shepherd, 2024

02/07/2025

I support the correct and humane use of e-collars 100%. But, I don't use them...... 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙣'𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙤 𝙨𝙤. I have 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 used a tool on a dog that I haven't been properly trained to use, and I never will. If clients want to try an e-collar, I'm happy to refer them to trainers I know are skilled with it.

Have a great day, and remember to stay calm and lead on.

01/07/2025

Happy 158th Birthday, Canada. I love you.

28/06/2025

Canada Day brings celebration and joy, but for many dogs, all the fireworks can feel like a nightmare. If your pup gets anxious during the big booms and bright lights, here are a few gentle ways to make the evening easier for them:

▪️Stay in together: Keep your dog indoors during fireworks. It’s much safer than outside where they might panic or try to run away.
▪️Create a safe space: Set up a cozy spot where your dog can relax – somewhere quiet, with their favorite blanket or toy. A familiar space helps them feel secure.
▪️Use soothing sounds: Soft background noise, like calming music or a fan, can help block out the sound of explosions.
▪️Relax: Dogs are sensitive to our emotions. Staying calm and relaxed shows them there’s nothing to fear.
▪️Take a walk before the fireworks start: Taking a quiet walk before all the hoopla starts will help your dog feel more settled when the noise starts.
▪️If you absolutely *must* go and watch the fireworks, leave your dog at home. For their safety, put them in a quiet room and put on some calming background sounds to help soothe them.

Canada Day should be a safe and happy time for everyone – and that includes your dog. With just a little planning, you can help your dog feel safe, secure, and at peace.

Have a great weekend and a happy, safe Canada Day celebration – and remember: Stay calm and lead on.

28/06/2025

Please share this out as far and wide as possible. If you can help, please contact the original poster. Thank you.

27/06/2025

Good morning. Today is National PTSD Awareness Day. It's a special day for me personally, because..... I have PTSD. Let me tell you my story - in as much of a nutshell as I can.

I spent the first 30 years of my life fighting to survive domestic violence ranging from psychological attacks to sexual assault. I am not a victim - I am a survivor. But I still bear the physical, emotional, and psychological scars of those years............ and that is why I often say, "Trauma recognizes trauma."

My experiences have given me a kind of second sight, so to speak. This "second sight" allows me to safely connect with dogs who have been traumatized and start working to help them heal and go on to live happier, calmer lives. It is also what helps me connect with humans who, like I am, tend to be reactive in certain situations.

Today, in recognition of all the humans and animals I work with that are living in trauma, I say to you: YOU ARE STRONG. YOU CAN DO THIS. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Have a great day and a great weekend, and remember to stay calm and lead on.

26/06/2025

I am so sorry, but classes today and tomorrow have to be postponed. I've been fighting a bad dizzy spell for two days (today is Day 3), and this morning, I've woken up with a brain-melting migraine. I was able to push through the dizziness yesterday, but today is so far over my pain threshold that I can hardly see straight, never mind try to function. I'm opening this weekend to make up for our sessions, so please message or text me with what day and time works for you. I'll confirm with you as soon as I can. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Again, I am so, so sorry to have to postpone things on such short notice.

Send a message to learn more

23/06/2025

Excellent session with Vincent the and his family yesterday! Since he did so well being around other dogs while they were away, it was time to push him just a wee bit by working at distance outside a busy, enclosed dog park. Mom Tia Steele MacMillan practiced her leash handling skills, getting him to engage with her, redirecting him calmly but assertively when necessary, improving her rewards timing, and more. Working this way not only helped Vincent start learning to observe rather than react, it also encouraged more engagement with his handler. By the end of the session, most of the dogs had left the park and Vincent relaxed and had a good sniff before being released and put in the truck. Video will be posted later. Way to go, ! 🥰

22/06/2025

Reviews are a crucial part of all businesses, but especially, to small businesses. I'm grateful to everyone who has posted reviews both here, and on my website; it means so much to me to know you've enjoyed our work together and that I've made a positive difference not only in your dog's life, but in your life, too. ♥

Edit: Facebook keeps breaking links. Here is the link, broken up so it doesn't disappear. I'll also put it in the comment section to make it clickable.
https:// happydawgtraining. com/ reviews/

15/06/2025

Happy Fathers' Day to all the awesome dads, dads-to-be, step-dads, and the men who have taken on the role of dad for kids who don't have a dad. You are rockin' it and you deserve to be treated as the kings you are. Have a great day, and remember to stay calm and lead on.

13/06/2025

Exceedingly proud of Tia Steele MacMillan and sweet boy Vincent the today.🥰 The family is on a "vacation" to get away from the fire smoke here in Calgary, and they took Vincent with them..... and just look at what Vincent has been doing!

Six months ago, Vincent was so afraid that he tried to crawl and hide under my car when he realized all his barking and lunging wasn't driving me away. Three months ago, he was still reacting to other dogs - including Glimmer - and had to be kept at distance while we worked to help him get through his fear. Today, this is what he's doing - and he's having a blast! If proof was ever needed that effort, patience, repetition, commitment, and persistence pays off, these photos provide it. Way to go, ! You are SO rockin' it! 🥰