Four On The Floor - Airdrie

26/06/2024

25/06/2024

Training Tip Tuesday Post!

Find your dog’s motivation! Their reward ❤️

Whether it is a toy, a particular treat, a rope, a bottle, or praise from you. Find it, and utilize it in your daily training!

Reward your dog 🐶. Break the commands down into simple steps. Be clear and consistent. Reward reward reward.

Keep training positive. Keep it fun. Keep it engaging!

Happy training friends!

We have a great Skill building class this Saturday! 10am. Only $5!!! Call us to register (403)945-8834

July.9th (Paws and Pastures! Where your dogs get to meet some fun farm animals!)
Also….
My dog, My alarm ! 🚨 let’s stop your dog from barking at everything and everyone!

There is a few spots left in both workshop (403)945-8834

25/06/2024

How lucky are we❤️

We get to spend our days with furry friends. We walk, we play, we cuddle 🤗

We are blessed to be apart of each dogs development and life

Thank you # #❤️🐶

24/06/2024

Sassy Sunday post coming in hot on a Monday!

Ssssh it’s camping season!

Your dog is not your baby.
Your dog is family, yes! Human no.

Stop humanizing your dog. You are doing a deservice to them. The majority of unwanted behaviours stem from us owners humanizing our dogs and treating them like children.

Don’t allow your dog free range in the house 24/7. Don’t let them jump all over the furniture and claim a spot. Give them a secure, safe place (kennel or bed). Have them go there when you are busy running around. They don’t need to be glued to your feet 24/7. You are creating separation anxiety issues. They need to be able to cope when you are not around.

Your dog doesn’t need to be allowed in every store. Even if you have labelled your dog an emotional support companion. True service dogs 🐕‍🦺 are allowed everywhere. Emotional support dogs, no. A store is allowed to say no. Not everyone likes dogs and that’s okay.

Your dog doesn’t need to control your walk. Give it time to sniff and be a dog, but constantly letting them pull and walk infront of you, is letting them practice bad behaviours. This also allows them to react and be alert. They should be beside you and focused on you.

Your dog does not need to eat what you eat. A healthy balanced diet, yes. Processed crap, no. The increase in diabetes in dogs is mind boggling. On that note, your dog doesn’t need daily treats. The calories add up.

Your dog doesn’t need to claim your space.

❤️Your dog does need to be walked daily.
❤️Your dog does need time to be exactly as they are…a dog
❤️Your dog need daily obedience work and consistency
❤️Your dog needs a confident, consistent leader
❤️Your dog need grooming and wellness checks
❤️Your dog needs your love and affection
❤️Your dog need your time

Rant complete

On a side note: join us this Saturday for our Skill building outdoor class! $5!! 10am-11am
(403)945-8834 limited spots available! Call now !

21/06/2024

21/06/2024

Peek into our week *ek

20/06/2024

Happy Thursday 🥰😍😍😍

Let’s talk engaging with your dog! 🐕

Play play play

Your kids love playing with you! Your kids learn best through play. Well guess what!? So does your dog!

You basically have a toddler😂

Playing daily games with your dog is a great way to bond, teach them new skills & fine tune your leadership; maintaining that harmonious relationship. Plus it tires them out!

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Our daycare activity involved; Fishing 🎣

I crumpled up some plain timbits and shoved them in a plastic bottle. I poked some holes in it and attached it to a broom stick with a leash.

I paired the dogs into small groups (based on their personalities. Some resource guard and don’t share toys well. They got individual time). I ensured this game was controlled. I introduced the bottle, let them sniff and check it out (got them interested). I then had them “sit”, “leave it” “check” and “wait” (we practice these commands in daycare daily, so majority know it). I then let them “get it” and have some fun! 🤩 We continued this for 5-10 minutes.

18/06/2024

Training Tip Tuesday 🥰

Here is 10 key points when training your dog

1. Utilize positive training techniques
2. Find the right reward
3. make training sessions fun and engaging
4. End training session on a positive note
5. Be consistent
6. Keep sessions short and often
7. Build up in stage. Break behaviours down into small steps.
8. Use hand signals or que words.
9. Praise and reward often
10. Remember we all have off days.

Join us this Saturday for our $5 skill building class! (403)945-8834 to book!

17/06/2024

Happy Monday!

Meet our staff: Haylee 🥰

Haylee is one of Rhonda’s daughters. She has grown up in the dog world! She’s started in her bassinet, watching while our mom groomed dogs, then joined her in the stroller on the adventures.

Haylee started in the daycare, and made her way to the grooming world! She has apprenticed under our mom (Master Groomer) for over 3 years now! Sssshhh….she’s kicking my mom’s butt now!!

When Haylee isn’t up grooming, you can find her at the barn, hanging with her Horse Spartan or out adventuring with her crew (Capone & Gordo). She also has 3 cats! 🐈

We love you haylee!

16/06/2024

Morning!

Sassy Sunday Rant coming your way!

Training takes more than just a class. Most individual problem behaviours, take a process of breaking it down in steps. So many people come to class wanting to solve 1 problem immediately. It takes time and consistency. You need to break it down into steps.
Example: “my dog lunges at people on walks. Only walks, I want to fix that. They are great with us and in the house”. During class or the consult. We see the dog on alert, the entire time, pacing around, looking around constantly, intense body language. We start to get answers through our questions. The dog stands at the window patrolling through the day, the dog doesn’t get daily walks, or consistent training. There is no clear expectations for the dog. The dog really has no boundaries. In order to fix the issue, we need to start within the home. Start with boundaries, start with creating better leadership, so your dog doesn’t feel the need to patrol and take control.

I tell people: Start with these steps first.
1. Creat boundaries and structure in the home. Training starts in the home. Give them their own place in your home (kennel, bed, ect). When you’re busy in the house, have them go to their place. Don’t let them patrol the windows. When people come over, they go to their place for a bit.
2. Leadership. Your dog needs to look to you as a leader, not a littermate or buddy. You want them to respect you, look to you for guidance in all situations. Don’t take this out of context. You can snuggle and love your dog still.
3. You need to ensure proper physical and mental stimulations, daily. Provide outlets for their needs (herding, hunting, ect). Give your dog a job
4. Remain consistent, train everyday (even small increments)
5. Learn how and when to redirect your dog
6. Learn to read your dogs body language
7. Once you have this down pat, then seek help for individual behaviours. You may even find they disappear

16/06/2024

Morning!

Sassy Sunday Rant coming your way!

Training takes more than just a class. Most individual problem behaviours, take a process of breaking it down in steps. So many people come to class wanting to solve 1 problem immediately. It takes time and consistency. You need to break it down into steps.
Example: “my dog lunges at people on walks. Only walks, I want to fix that. They are great with us and in the house”. During class or the consult. We see the dog on alert, the entire time, pacing around, looking around constantly, intense body language. We start to get answers through our questions. The dog stands at the window patrolling through the day, the dog doesn’t get daily walks, or consistent training. There is no clear expectations for the dog. The dog really has no boundaries. In order to fix the issue, we need to start within the home. Start with boundaries, start with creating better leadership, so your dog doesn’t feel the need to patrol and take control.

I tell people: Start with these steps first.
1. Creat boundaries and structure in the home. Training starts in the home. Give them their own place in your home (kennel, bed, ect). When you’re busy in the house, have them go to their place. Don’t let them patrol the windows. When people come over, they go to their place for a bit.
2. Leadership. Your dog needs to look to you as a leader, not a littermate or buddy. You want them to respect you, look to you for guidance in all situations. Don’t take this out of context. You can snuggle and love your dog still.
3. You need to ensure proper physical and mental stimulations, daily. Provide outlets for their needs (herding, hunting, ect). Give your dog a job
4. Remain consistent, train everyday (even small increments)
5. Learn how and when to redirect your dog
6. Learn to read your dogs body language
7. Once you have this down pat, then seek help for individual behaviours. You may even find they disappear

Don’t forget to register for our Saturday Skill Building Class! Only $5 🤯
(403)945-8834

14/06/2024

Sneek-a-p*ek Friday! Sneek a p*ek into Rhonda’s LIFESTYLES Class. this 8 week class, takes training out into the community! Class is on week 3 right now. They have already got to introduce their pals to cute barn friends!

Rhonda is ONLY teaching this workshop twice for 2024! Next one starts September! Call NOW to register and save your spot! (3 left!! 🤯) 403 945 8834

We have some other fun opportunities happening!

June.22 “Skill Building Class” (June.22nd @ 10am). During this hour you will be working with our trainer and your dog (out in the community) to learn new skills and utilize real environments and triggers. Our first round is on a HUGE PROMO! $5/per person/dog!! (Regular $15 and will be held every Saturday!) call NOW to save your spot (4 left)

My Dog - My Alarm 🚨
2 night workshop with Rhonda. Targeted to those owners who are sick of their dog barking at everything and every sound!
(4 spots left) July.9 & 16th

Walking with Confidence
During this 4 weeks, you will gain the skills and knowledge to walk your dog confidently, in all situations.
July.9 (3 spots left)

Coming soon!!!! Junior Handlers!! Have your kids join us Sundays for a fun day with their pups! Kids will get to learn some valuable leadership skills, how to take care of their dog, fun activities to bond with their dog and so much more!! Keep an eye on our Facebook! Coming July 😍😍😍🐶

Don’t miss these opportunities! Call or email (403)945-8834
[email protected]

Ask for Jordan !

🇨🇦 *ek ❤️💞❤️

12/06/2024

We have some fun thing happening!

We are offering our first Skill Building Class …for only $5.00!!!! 🤯

Yes, just $5.00. Take this opportunity to join us Saturday, June.22nd at 10am 🕙 and learn some valuable training skills!

This is a great opportunity to get out and about and work with your furry companion 🐶

We only have 8 spots, call to pre register (403)945-8834

******************************************

Rhonda is baaaaaaacccccckkkk❤️❤️❤️🐶

Take this opportunity to jump in on her classes!

“My Dog, My Alarm”🚨
Sick of your dog barking at everything? This workshop is for you
*July 9 & 16th @ 7:30pm* $80plus gst

“Walking with confidence”
Need to get control of walks? Dog constantly pulling on leash and controlling the walk? This class is for you!
*July.9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th @ 6pm 🕕 * $180 plus gst*

11/06/2024

It’s Training Tip Tuesday!

Make meal times fun for your dog 🐕 Make them work for their meals. Use games, puzzles, training and activities. This doesn’t have to be expensive!

- Scatter their food outside and have them hunt for each piece.
- Roll up their kibble in a towel, make them have to move it around to get it undone.
-Cut holes in a milk jug or pop bottle. Put kibble inside and make them maneuver it to get the kibble. Or tie the bottle to a string and stick (flirt pole). Keep it controlled, have them sit and wait, then let them catch the toy and shake it around, releasing the kibble. Have them “out” and wait and do it again.
-Hide kibble under a few cups, have them sit patiently and pick one.
- Do a training session with them, working on basic commands. Reward with their kibble.
🐶🐶🐶🐶
By offering dogs the opportunity to work for their food, the dog gets an outlet for his natural hunting instinct & chewing habits, giving him a job to do & using up mental energy. Physiologically, hunting for food is extremely satisfying yet terribly tiring.

Dogs like to have a job

We have our daycare dogs do a variety of fun activities for their lunch everyday

09/06/2024

It’s Sunday!! You know what that means 😆

Sassy Post Sunday!

Rant: Being a dog person and in the industry for this long, ruins the joys of dogs (sometimes).

What!? 😟Wait! 🤯Hear me out

I still absolutely LOVE dogs. Literally all dogs (yes some breeds I personally wouldn’t own based on my lifestyle). But I appreciate them nonetheless.

Now that being said. When you have been in the industry as long as we have. You learn so much on dog behaviour, how they communicate and interact, and what is proper (in the dog world) and what is consider improper behaviour.

With this skill you become hyper aware when you’re out in the community and see dogs interact with people, groups, kids & other dogs. So many times owners think their dogs are interacting or playing properly with the another dog or group of dogs. When really their body language, corrections & play style demonstrate so much more.

Let’s talk dog park as an example: I usually see one dog getting bullied or both practicing improper play (remember the more a behaviour is practiced the hard it is to undo). I see dogs giving all the signals to the other dog, that they don’t want to engage anymore (walking away, running away, turning away, tail tucked, turning head away and looking away, laying down…I could go on, but you get it).

I see uneven play: one dog always on top, squishing, grabbing ears and neck and shaking, biting at back of legs and chasing (herding), mounting.
I see other dogs coming into play, barking in faces, splitting (controlling). It’s a fight waiting to happen. 3 or more dogs playing is a crowd. It’s uneven, usually one is being picked on.

I see owners letting their dog come into a park or offleash area, in an extremely high excited state (barking excessively, pulling uncontrollably on leash, literally vibrating, unable to listen to any command). You are setting your dog up for failure. No your dog isn’t being aggressive but it’s inappropriate behaviour (in the dog world). Other dogs may correct or over correct this behaviour. If you dog doesn’t tolerate a correction, a bickerment may occur. Your dog is in a state of high arousal, cortisol and adrenaline has spiked, they can not think or process in this mind frame. You need to be in control. Wait, bring them in, controlled and in a calm state. This goes for dogs already in the park, don’t let your dog crowd a new dog coming in.

I see dogs in the public, passing people, children, cars, bikes, other dogs. Hair goes up, tail over their head, head lowers, tension on the leash, stiff body and stares as they pass (maybe even start to bark or lunge). Owners pull them away and then pat them after they pass. You just rewarded that behaviour.

I see dogs enter a pet store or other dog friendly businesses in an alerted state.

I see dogs chasing a kid, head low, nipping at their ankles, pouncing on their back, pinning kid down. (owners think they are having fun. Meh the kid and dog probably are but doesn’t mean it’s good to be practiced). Your dog is herding your child, or consider it’s their littermate (doesn’t respect your child as a leader).

I see dogs on a walk, lifting their leg on every bush, every sign, every rock. Owners let this occur the whole walk (he really has to p*e). No he’s marking everything. Control the walk, you are the leader. During the walk, stop and give time for your dog to be a dog, even mark a bit. But don’t allow to control the walk.

I see dogs on owners laps, growling or tensing up when someone approaches owners (oh fluffy, it’s okay as the snuggle their dog). No, that dog is resource guarding you and you just rewarded the behaviour. Put him down immediately. Set boundaries

I know, this makes us sound snobby. We see the fallout of this almost everyday. People call seeking help because their dog bite someone or attacked another dog, dog stopped listening, dog reacts on leash and so on. Sometimes I wish I could not be so aware of this. But this skill comes in handy daily (it keeps me and my child safe, keeps my dogs safe and grounded, keeps the dogs in my care safe).

I know people in other fields can relate to this🥰

If I could give one piece of advice to dog owners. Grab a book on dog behaviour or read some articles on google. Watch some you tube on proper play and how dogs communicate. Join some classes 🥰Watch your dog, learn to read their ques. Don’t let them practice unsafe behaviours.

Rant complete 🥰

07/06/2024

Happy Friday everyone!

This week was a full week! We introduced Zues and River to our daycare. Huey started puppy preschool. Our Spring/Pride theme began, starting with a Pawty!

Activities included: Pool and sprinklers, bubbles, out back forest adventures, community outings, crafts and pictures!

FOTF Fact! We have 9 employees! 2 groomers, a admin, manager, daycare supervisor and 4 daycare specialists. Every single person makes our team amazing! 🤩

Don’t forget to sign up to our Skill Building Hour at Fletcher Park! Saturday June.15 @ 10am! 🕙 it’s only $15!
(403)945-8834

07/06/2024

Huey’s first week of preschool ❤️

We will be working on

*Proper dog on dog interactions, greetings and play.

*Commands such as; Check in, sit, stay, wait

*Leash manners and walking etiquette

04/06/2024

Welcome to Puppy Preschool Huey 😍

Huey is a Novia Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever aka Ducktolling!

He is brilliant and confident! Eager to work! We look forward to having him this month ❤️

On that note: It is Training Tip Tuesday!

Introducing your dog to new things:

It is important to expose to your dog to a variety of environments, situations, people, animals, sounds, ect. You want them to be neutral in all settings and situations.

How to introduce:
Grab those high reward treats! Our go to is dehydrated liver treats!

1. Put your dog on leash

2. Slowly walk them toward the new thing, while
keeping their focus on you, reward when they look at you. Use a command (we use check)

3. At a distance have them sit and stay (reward). Stay there for a bit and have them check in with you.

4. slowly move closer (follow same steps)

5. Watch their body language, if they start to become focused on the object, or body starts to tense up. Redirect their focus back to you and reward. If they fully react (barking, lunging, hiding behind you). Move them back and create more distance until they stop reacting and can focus back to you. This may even removing them fully and starting again a different day.

Happy training friends.

Join us Saturday June.15th at 10am for our Skill building class with Maisyn! 3 spots left! During this hour you will work with your dog, teaching a fun new skill! We are meeting at Fletcher Park! $15 only!
(403)945-8834 to book a spot

02/06/2024

Happy Sunday!!!

It’s time for our Sassy Sunday posts! 😈

This goes out to all other businesses.

Other like minded businesses in your area should NOT be viewed as COMPETITION.

I truely believe there is enough business to go around (expecially in the dog 🌎). I rather develope a relationship with the other businesses, so I have a place to confidently recommend clients to. Our services and setup may not be a fit for all dogs, yet a different setup might be.

For example: Our daycare is an open concept, I don’t have the space to separate dogs who need a group of 4-5 only (dogs who are selective, dogs who get overly excited, dog who are intact over 8 months). I rather dismiss them and have a good place to recommend that can cater to their needs. We want what’s best for the dog 🐶

Example 2: The grooming salon is in the same building as our daycare. We go on dogs time and ask all dogs to be dropped off in the morning. We give them time to play with the staff dogs and get use to the enviroment. We rotate through the dogs (providing multiple breaks and play time). So it ends up being a longer stay for them (we do cater to the ones that need to be in and out right away). However some owners don’t want this, and that’s okay. I would rather refer them out to a small home based groomer. Some dogs can’t be around others and that’s okay too.

Example 3: There is so many training styles. If someone doesn’t align with one of our trainers and their personalities or style, I would 100% recommend them to another. It’s about the dog after all, not us.

Find a niche, set yourself apart, offer a few services that other don’t. Connect with other like minded businesses. Learn from them.
Stick to your values and overall just be KIND. There is no place for competition, hate or jealousy.

Let’s connect!

01/06/2024

Spring Pawty happening now!!

If your dog has been apart of our daycare, drop them off for the day! $30 8am-5pm

Games, walks, spring activities and pool time

.

31/05/2024

Coming at ya with Sneek a Peek Friday 👀

This week was an absolute BLAST!

🐕We had some new pals join daycare

🐕A FULL week of grooming! We are booking into July!

🐕A full daycare, full of walks, activities, games and all around fun!

🐕Got the big pool ready for our PAWTY tomorrow! Sign your dog up, we got 7 spots left! Games, walks, swimming, water activities, spring craft, frozen treats and party time! $30 plus gst (no passes) 8am-5pm

🐕Old classes finished! Happy GRADUATION friends!

🐕 New planning and organizing for some fun new things coming June and July! Stay tuned….

🐕Week 3 of Rhonda’s lifestyle class!

🐕New product come in! First Mate (my dogs fricken love it! My chunky senior started the senior-weight management line, and I’m already noticing a difference!) We also got in PIZZLE sticks! $9

💥💥💥💥DROP IN SKILLS class started June.8th!!! (Every Saturday at 10am). Bring your dog and join us for a hour. Each week we will work on a new skill at a new location! $20
More info coming next week!

Joins us next week! We have some spots in our daycare for some new friends!

We have 2 spots for June for PUPPY PRESCHOOL

(403)945-8834 [email protected] for inquiries

Comment with your email (or send us a email): if you would like to be sent updates on new classes and programs, ect (once a month only)

29/05/2024

Have you bought a raffle ticket yet!?

$5 for 1
$10 for 3

Winner gets:
1 big bag of Boreal (pork): $89.99 value
1 Four on the Floor 50ft Longline: $50 value
1 Saturday Daycare Pass: $28 value
1 Nail Trim: $15 value

This raffle goes til the end of June !

28/05/2024

Happy Training Tip Tuesday:

Let’s chat about leash handling.

My dogs is a 💩 on leash! But I see him walk with you guys and the group and is a 👼

What gives!!!?

First, we have established leadership. We are leaders in the group before we are friends. Don’t get me wrong, we snuggle and show a ton of affection to every dog. But it’s on our time and we ensure we are providing clear boundaries and expectations.

We have worked with your dog individually before they join the big group. Whatever tool we utilize (usually nose halti or harness for the small and short snouted dogs); We desensitize them to the tool first. Utilizing small time intervals and a ton of rewards. Next up we walk them alone, working on what’s expected during a walk. After a few individual walks, we pair them with another dog or two, who are really good walkers (pattern training). The best teachers are other well rounded dogs. 🐕 We slowly build up their group. Sometimes a dog has to revert back to square one and that’s okay! 👍

Okay, cool but what can I do at home?

I’m not trying to sell stuff, but I do highly recommend our LEASH HANDLING class. It is probly one of the most beneficial classes (that and LIFESTYLES). It’s only 4 weeks and will go in depth on everything regarding walking obedience.
Proper walking control and manners is not a quick fix. It takes ALOT of time, consistency and patience. You need to dedicate time daily to work on it. Repetition and rewards is key here.

Some helpful tips: there is a ton of different methods for leash control. Pick what works for you and your dog.

Whatever tool you choose. Take the time to slowly introduce the tool to your dog and desensitize them to it. Reward, reward, reward. Make this the best thing in the world.

Let’s just sum it up:

1. Always reward good leash behaviour. Utilize a reward system
2. Don’t reward pulling. The minute tension is on the leash. Plant your feet and stop
3. Wait for the loose leash before you walk. Reward the minute it goes loose and your dog looks at you (checks in)
4. Incorporate other rewards (sniffing some fun stuff), play games on your walk. Take time to let your dog just be a dog. Provide extra length on the leash and let them explore a bit.
5. Get hustling. Go into working mode and walk at a good pace.
6. Stay calm, redirect your dog attention when needed (put them in and sit and stay off the path when people approach). Be engaging and fun on the walk.
7. BE CONSISTENT

27/05/2024

We got some tasty new treats in today!

12” Veal Pizzle Sticks!

✔️Canadian Made
✔️All Natural

Great for all breeds! Provides a tasty treat, while helping remove plaque off your dogs teeth (by chewing)

Bonus: Purchase one for a daycare, grooming appointment or boarding snack.
**They will go home with whatever is left**

$9.00 +gst

27/05/2024

Incoming Sassy Sunday Post ❤️

I could not of wrote this any better. So I will copy and paste a write up I seen, that sums up how we feel ❤️

“A lot of dogs want you to know this -

Instead of a fancy collar and bed? They’d rather have a fenced in yard - even if it has to be small and home made - so they can have off leash time to dog and dig.

Instead of daily neighborhood walks? They’d rather you drive to a dirt road and put them on a 30ft line and let them zig zag and smell as long as they like

Instead of twice daily meals in a bowl? They’d rather have food through enrichment activities that stimulates their brain and their nose.

Instead of basic obedience training? They’d rather have purpose driven training that feeds their genetic make up and needs AND helps them survive and thrive in todays world.

Instead of a human wanting something from them? They’d love a human wanting to understand them better.

Instead of focusing on perfect “heels” and “stays”? They’d love to learn how to be resilient and less stressed and cope with the outside world and our expectations.

Instead of harsh punishments and corrections? They’d prefer proactive management and rewards for good decisions.

We can’t change everything about the lives our dogs are forced to live with us in, but we can make these kinds of changes and see a huge improvement in their quality of life and wellbeing.”

-Helen St. Pierre