The Pals Academy

23/06/2024

To get in contact, please email me at [email protected]! I do not monitor this page often, so email me for the quickest response! Thank you!

08/04/2024

Announcing my new, flexible board-and-train program! Email [email protected] if you're interested!

04/04/2024

Hello everyone!

I (Dagny) have not been great with keeping up with this page. I am working on it!

My website is always updated (palscanineacademy.com), and the best way to get in contact with me is via email: [email protected]

I am excited to say that I've got some new things in the works for this year!

Firstly, I am partnering with Preuss Pets to incorporate educational resources at their store. Visit me there when Topher's comes in to do nail trims once a month!

The services I have available right now include:
- Private lessons at Annabelle's Canine Station
- In-home private lessons
- Overnight boarding (no daycare)
- I am also introducing a new, flexible board-and-train program that is intended to target problem behaviors (more info coming soon here and on my website)
- I am renovating a new teaching space where I intend to host group classes! Keep an eye out for that-- my goal is to have the space ready to go by the end of this year.

Thank you for following and supporting! ❤️

24/02/2024

Come see me and Topher's at Preuss today! ❤️

17/11/2023

Update: by some miracle, all of my contacts have re-appeared! I'm not sure what happened, but I'm just glad they're back. Thank you to everyone who reached out! ❤️

ALL CLIENTS AND STUDENTS:
I have had to replace my phone and have lost all my contacts. Please, please text me with your name so I have your number again! If you've texted me within the last 24 hours, please send it again because all texts from the last 24 hours are now lost. 517-528-2021 is still my number! Please send me yours!

17/11/2023

Update: this has been resolved!

Please note: my SMS app has gone rogue and is sending texts to people on its own. I am sorry if you receive confusing messages from me! I have deleted the app. Please let me know if you continue to receive sms stuff from me that doesn't make sense.

05/11/2023

SCIENCE IS AMAZING!!
"UA research reveals that dogs and 2-year-old children are more similar than toddlers and chimpanzees when it comes to cooperative communication skills."

GENETICALLY, humans and chimpanzees are way more similar than humans and dogs. But SOCIALLY, humans and dogs are immensely more similar than humans and chimpanzees!

How can this be?! The answer lies in the differences in evolutionary circumstances in chimpanzees vs dogs.

"One explanation for the similarities between dogs and humans is that the two species may have evolved under similar pressures that favored 'survival of the friendliest,' with benefits and rewards for more cooperative social behavior."

This is, first and foremost, an incredibly important finding. It is also MORE EVIDENCE that the relationship between humans and dogs has always been COOPERATIVE, not combative. Which means that training based on cooperation will always be more effective than training based on domination or punishment.

"There are different kinds of intelligence, and the kind of intelligence that we think is very important to humans is social in nature, and that's the kind of intelligence that dogs have to an incredible extent."

Dogs HAD to learn our social cues in order to live not only near us, but WITH us. They had to understand our social nuances so much more intensely than any other non-human species. And that is one of the most special features of the dog-human relationship, in my opinion. ❤️

Evan MacLean, director of the UA's Arizona Canine Cognition Center, found that dogs and 2-year-old children show similar patterns in cooperative communication skills.

27/09/2023

I've got a brand new group class starting October 7!!
"In this class, we will address some of the most common problem behaviors I see, including bad recall, jumping up, stealing things to initiate a game of chase, socialization, and grooming cooperation. Students will have an opportunity on the last day to ask about any specific problem behaviors they are still struggling with. Each class will include a short presentation on one aspect of dog ownership (ex: debunking dominance theory and seeing things from your dog’s perspective) as well as several exercises to mitigate each problem behavior. Students will come away with a better understanding of their dog’s perspective, motivations, and language."

Reserve your spot ASAP!

Dagny of The Pals Academy is offering a new Saturday class starting in October!
Saturdays 1-2 p.m. Six weeks: 10/7 - 11/18 *No Class 10/21.

01/06/2023

I've got private lessons at AnnaBelle's Canine Station available on Fridays and Saturdays this June and July! This is a great option for any dog, especially if you're not sure what class you want, are unable to get into a class you wanted but need training right away, or struggle to focus in the class environment.

My #1 goal is to bring you and your dog closer together through positive training and education. I'd love to meet you and your pup this summer!

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜https://www.coolcitydogs.com/categories/training-classes/products/private-lessons-with-dagny-june.html

25/05/2023

When you hear the treat bag...

24/03/2023

Dogs look to us more than each other for safety and comfort even though they KNOW we are not dogs. This is incredibly rare in the animal kingdom (a kingdom we as humans belong to, by the way... we're not THAT much different.)

Dogs have a specific gene-- not shared with their wolf cousins-- that changed the behavior of their direct ancestor and motivated them to abandon the pack mentality. Your dog's behavior has nothing to do with wolves. This is a caregiving relationship. It requires trust, compassion, and leadership.

Historically, we have sorely over-corrected when it comes to analyzing dog behavior; we wanted to avoid anthropomorphising so much that we alienated our dogs from the social fabric they evolved to exist in. We did this with "dominance" or "alpha" theory. (A debunked theory based on faulty science.)

Dogs evolved to need us and to want relationships with us. They're not the exact same as us, but we're more alike than people like to admit. We both want safety. We both have feelings. We both need each other.

Their ancestors abandoned the pack mentality in favor of relationships with humans. This is so unique! It does our dogs (and ourselves) a huge disservice to overlook this and focus only on how we are different from our dogs. The truth is, we aren't that different. And our relationships with our dogs begin to blossom when we start looking for the ways we are alike and how we can help one another. In this way, we honor our dog's biological history.

I invite you to shift your perspective regarding our closest canine companions.

This isn't about a constant struggle for dominance.

It's not about how wolves behave.

It has everything to do with trust, compassion, and respect. Three tenants of every healthy relationship.

17/03/2023

I finally added boarding to my website! If you want more info on it or want to refer a friend, use this link:

The kennels are located on my property in Grand Ledge. I have a pole barn, part of which I have renovated to serve as my kennel space. There is full climate control, video monitoring, a TV, a bed for snuggles, large individual kennels, and a large private yard in which to run and play.

28/02/2023

I am honored to announce that I have been nominated as one of Michigan's top positive dog trainers for 2023! VOTING IS OPEN NOW, and ranking high on this list would mean so much for my business and also for my own personal dreams. Please, if my dog advice has helped you at some point, follow this link and vote for me (Dagny Kaspar)!!

Participate in the best dog trainers contest from Sniffspot and win new customer and industry recognition and an inclusion on the exclusive lists!

09/01/2023

I've got private dog training lessons available for purchase here!: https://www.coolcitydogs.com/categories/training-classes/dagny-kaspar-1.html

These lessons are taught at Annabelle's. We can work through problem behaviors, further training for tests like CGC and TDI, practice confidence-building with agility equipment, work on new skills, and whatever else you may need help with!

I have spots available for Fridays AND SATURDAYS the rest of the month!

If you're not sure what your dog needs, this is hands-down the best option for you. Meet me at Annabelle's and we can discuss your dog's entire history, their tendencies, and their motivations. I will make recommendations for next steps, whether that be a class with another trainer, more private lessons at Annabelle's, in-home lessons, or in-public lessons for socialization assistance.

I'm here for you and your dog! Sign up today!

24/12/2022

Hopefully it shares the full post this time...

I have lessons available Fridays and Saturdays in January!!

Top notch dog training, expert dog grooming, and our pet boutique, all located in our convenient loc

24/12/2022

I've got lessons available Fridays AND SATURDAYS in January!

Top notch dog training, expert dog grooming, and our pet boutique, all located in our convenient loc

29/09/2022

20/09/2022

I have an Agility for Confidence class starting this weekend with just a couple spots left! If you've taken my Social Skills class, this is a GREAT next step. This class focuses on relationship-building, trust-building, confidence-building, and FUN! Sign up today to save your spot!: https://www.coolcitydogs.com/categories/training-classes/dagny-kaspar-1.html

08/09/2022

I've got new Annabelle's private lessons slots available as of yesterday!: https://www.coolcitydogs.com/categories/training-classes/dagny-kaspar-1.html

I am HERE to help you reach your training goals in a way that will strengthen your bond with your dog. No averse training techniques, just science that WORKS! Private lessons are a good fit for:
- Dogs with problem behaviors you want to address
- Dogs with no training, some training, or lots of training under their belt. All levels are welcome!
- Dogs that are working towards CGC or Therapy Dog testing
- Newly-adopted dogs that need help learning the household rules
- Multiple-dog families that are struggling with their dogs getting along
- Cautious/timid dogs that need help trusting their environment

You will not only learn how to change your dog's behavior, you'll learn WHY they behave the way they do. You'll learn how to communicate with your dog in a way that actually works!

Follow the link above to sign up today before the slots are all gone! I can't wait to meet you and your dog!

16/08/2022

Lots of lessons on my Annabelle's schedule today! Thank goodness Dibs is here to supervise. 🤣

11/08/2022

In case you didn't hear, I host private dog training lessons and behavior consultations at Annabelle's Canine Station in Dewitt! You can schedule and pay through their website at your convenience. If you cannot find a time that works for you on the website, text me at 517-528-2021 and we can try to find a different time that works.

Whether you're not sure what your dog needs, you're overwhelmed by your dog's behavior, or you simply want to improve communication skills between you and your pup, I am HERE TO HELP! My methods are 100% positive and serve to strengthen the relationship between you and your dog. I guarantee you will come away from your consultation with a better understanding of your dog. Schedule today to save your spot! Follow this link: https://www.coolcitydogs.com/categories/training-classes/dagny-kaspar-1.html

28/07/2022

Is this you? Reach out today and I will help you navigate the relationship between your dogs, bringing harmony back to your household! No force. No shock. Just dog science. Text 517-528-2021 or fill out a contact form on my website: palscanineacademy.com.

13/07/2022

AnnaBelle's Canine Station is Lansing, Michigan's premier stop for all your pet's needs, including training classes, salon services, tips, products, and much more!

13/07/2022

Caught myself feeling hella grateful today! I can't believe I have my own little boarding and training facility. My dream has come true! I just had to show it off again because it still feels unreal!

If you're interested in boarding, text me at 517-528-2021 or fill out a contact form on my website: palscanineacademy.com!

29/05/2022

Tuesday musings.

Dogs want to get it right. Their lives are easier when they understand the human rules. It is our job and responsibility to teach them kindly, consistently, and gently how to be dogs in a human world.

It is also important that we take the time to learn their communications and body language to make sure we are fully meeting their needs and making sure they feel safe.






+training

28/05/2022

I think it's safe to say: Sage and Layla approve of the new space. Look at these sweet peppers! 😍

24/05/2022

Kennel #1 = DONE!
And an updated pic of all three kennels. I added the black floorboard to the inside of each one today. Lots of little updates and decorations to come! I'm beyond thrilled and I cannot wait to start using the space tomorrow!

All this was built by the amazing Laran Bowers of Handl'd LLC! I could not be happier with how it turned out and I can't wait to keep adding to it as I use the space!

19/05/2022

Big things are happening at The Pals Academy! The first phase of the barn renovation is *almost* finished!

Here's a couple sneak peek pics: