Happy Dog Institute

01/11/2025

Check your emails!
We’ve got a new line up of classes open for winter- some exciting updates to our Puppy LifeSkills classes- and another Free Handout!

Know someone who could benefit from some training- send to a friend or family member!

01/09/2025

Starting the year off strong with some client wins!

Ashley has been working hard to help prepare certain clients for holiday visitors (and just any stranger in general).

We received this lovely win from Tyson and his family! Because we started off slowly working with 1-2 "safe" people, Tyson was quickly able to generalize to other visitors.

Have some recent wins for you and your pup? We want to hear about it!!

01/05/2025

Rest in peace, Karen Pryor.

Pryor pioneered the positive reinforcement movement for animal training. The culture of dog training experienced a drastic shift due to her influence. Animal welfare was drastically improved from her work. If you use a clicker, it is because of her.

01/02/2025

We will be here when you are ready!

The holidays are a lot, and sometimes the future is very unclear. Instead of feeling the pressure, why not take some imperfect time to breath into the chaos.

Your dog might not be hitting your goals, and that is okay. As long as you are putting in the effort for connection. It's okay to lack motivation or struggle with setting the next steps.

We will be here when you are ready!

12/31/2024

Just a reminder that there are not classes 12/31-1/1

Worried about your pup for new years? check out our youtube channel for a free video on preparing and navigating for fireworks!

12/23/2024

Schedule reminder that no classes will be held 12/24-12/27

Normal classes will resume on 12/18.
For Private lessons: double check with your trainer!

Keep an eye out for ideas to keep up with training over holiday breaks. Fun fact: it's okay to take a break from training!

12/20/2024

There are a lot of good reasons why someone might choose to get a new animal over the holidays.
The biggest being that this is a time where more household members may be home to help them acclimate before having to head back into work or school. Pets are a lifetime commitment so helping someone get started on the right track can be such a long term gift.

Know someone getting a new animal for the holidays? Here are some ways you can show support and also help them prepare.

Image description: ways to support someone getting a puppy for Christmas: 1) offer to accompany them on walks 2) Research classes for them 3)Join in a class or outing for peer support! 4) Help problem solve dog care 5)Watch Marketplace or Goodwill for dog necessities

12/18/2024

More Client wins!

Toona and his family rocked out Chaotic Canine class this past round. They were able to end class working calmly on relxation while other dogs were in our training space with mild barriers.

Way to go team Toona!!

12/16/2024

Show us your dog’s head tilt photos please! Martha has been practicing. 😍

12/15/2024

Tips for your senior (or soon to be senior) dogs this winter!

It's never to early to help your dog learn skills necessary for aging! Things like normalizing the use of ramps, having cozy spaces or wearing jackets (if needed), helping them learn to slow themselves down (and not get frustrated!) and building a strong consistent relationship either with your vet or just prepping vet skills are all wonderful ways our trainers prepare for aging pets.

Gray muzzles, no problem! It's never too late to learn new skills.

12/13/2024

We made a cheat sheet for meetings your dogs needs!

It's busy being a human, and hard toggling between everyones needs. It can help to actually write dog your dogs behaviors and some outlets that parallel those. That's right! Evening things like demand barking comes from a genuine need.

Before heading to big events (even a few days before) think about what needs seems unique to your dog, and how you can meet those ahead of time.

12/09/2024

Client wins!!
We could all use some time to celebrate wins! And what better way than pair it with a cute and slightly intense border collie picture!

Copper graduated from our Chaotic Canine class and continues to make amazing progress out in the world!

Tell us your recent wins with your dog!

12/06/2024

Group class breakdown!

It's been wonderful reflecting on all the classes we have added to our curriculum over the last few years. We have been so excited to be able to continue to grow with our communities needs and interests.

Have a favourite class you have taken with us? We want to know!

12/04/2024

Along with group classes on a variety of subjects we also offer private lessons for those particularly sticky situations and pups.

You can even book a free 10min consult to get you started!

12/01/2024

This topic came up across all our puppy classes !

With seasons changing it’s normal for your pups routine to be off, we also see restlessness in our older dogs as well. Here are some reasons they might be extra cranky or restless at night.

A lot of our clients share that their pets keep them up at night, so you're not alone if you're also dealing with this issue! Sleep is a fundamental need for ALL species, and when you're sleep deprived, it can leave you feeling cranky and strain your bond with your pet. Nobody wants that to happen!

Take a look at these five common reasons for nighttime disruptions and let us know if you have any questions or need further help!

11/30/2024

Does your puppy need more practice traveling? Wanting to do some sight seeing, but they are just now fully vaccinated and you don't know where to start?

We got you covered! Heather is starting a special Holiday Edition of our popular field trip class, Puppies About Town. Starting December 7th at 11am.

Check our course calendar linked in our bio for more information.

11/27/2024

Holiday Adventures!!! We don't have to tell you how weird people get during the holidays. Here are four main areas to think about to help set your dog up for success.

When in doubt- use us as an excuse! "Sorry my trainer said...." we are here for it!