Naturally Fluent Animal Training

With classes on hold; we were excited to celebrate as two more dogs joined the elite Ranks of Waggology Secret Agent! Using the extra time to prepare themselves based on the skills learnt in class; they mastered the Ultimate Secret Mission! Peanut started as the youngest and smallest member of his class; and graduated as the largest!! Our youngest graduate to date; Peanut proved puppies can learn just like the older guys! Kacey on the other hand proved that mature dogs real...ly can learn new tricks! Learning new ways to communicate she found a love of learning and her inner puppy! Congratulations Secret Agents, we are so proud of you!

Life right now is kind of like training; we’ve got to be prepared for any curve ball that’s thrown at us! While the guardian may know exactly what they expect from their dog; creativity may be needed in order to achieve success. Sometimes our dogs jump ahead in the steps we laid out, other times our approach may come off confusing. Being able to adapt to our learners needs, is key in any training plan. In class we discuss what the game plan is for each behaviour; and how ...it can be modified to help our dogs based on their individual needs. Sometimes the method changes; the philosophy always stays the same. When the new COVID restrictions were released, our upcoming in person classes had to be postponed. Did that mean no learning could occur? Not on our watch! We were delighted to host our first online human orientation! From the comfort and safety of their own homes, guardians learnt the science of a clicker. Two more specialized information sessions will help guardians begin to set themselves and their dogs up for success. Next week we begin our grand adventure into training with our dogs virtually! While a curve ball was placed in front of our learning goals, we were able to develop a solution that benefits everyone! Virtual learning is hard, and doesn’t always offer us the same opportunities as in person can. These Waggology students will get the opportunity to start the basics at home, and use their class time to fine tune these behaviours with distraction! While we are looking forward to the opportunity for in person learning to resume; we are so excited to start a new adventure into training with a new crew!

I like Big Brains and I cannot lie! You other humans can’t deny, That when a dog walks in with an itty bitty face And a waggy tail in your face, You just melt, want to teach them much... ‘Cause you notice that brain is bored Deep in the training your getting, I’m hooked and I can’t stop clicking Oh baby, I want to get you thinking And take your picture Many try to sway me, But with that wag you got me so happy! If you and your pup want to get your wag on; our last available date for Waggology 101 is December 4.

Operation Graduation has commenced with two new super dogs joining the elite ranks of Waggology Secret Agent! Tasked with a highly confidential assignment to save the world; they relied heavily on their 101 skills to conclude a successful mission. Once ensuring the world was safe; these two got to celebrate! ... Agent Oliver added his own mission, deciding to climb up high and keep an eye out for potential spy’s! Agent Huck enjoyed a job well done showing off his exceptional manners and good looks! Congratulations Agents, we are so proud of you! Mission Compete!!

Dogs that love training are always looking for opportunities to learn something new. These Waggology pups had so much fun playing with some of their new skills. One working on confidence, the other on focus; we think they mastered this impromptu exercise!

Tea Time! When a couple little humans decided to have a Tea Party, Kasey was excited to join the fun! Showing her new etiquette, she waited patiently while her kibble was placed on her plate, and the cue it was time for snacks! ... Practicing real skills can come in all kinds of ways. How do you mix play and training?

We were absolutely delighted to welcome the first Graduates of Waggology 101 to their grand celebration ceremony today! While our great ideas were collapsed when cats of the world threatened to steal all the enrichment toys....our brave pups stepped up to save the world! After completing all their missions successfully and saving dogs everywhere from boredom, these secret agents finally got to celebrate! ... Congratulations Graduates! We are so proud of your accomplishments!

With the arrival of winter, many guardians are a little nervous of upcoming ice walks. Keeping balance against a jumping dog or leash puller is much easier when seasonal obstacles don’t suddenly complicate a situation. Working on skills that transfer into achieving your overall goals starts with foundational skills. ... The first step for Guardians is the fully understand the science of how learning occurs in our dogs brain. Positive reinforcement is often thought of as when a treat is given. Understanding how our attempts to stop an unwanted behaviour often unintentionally increase it is fundamental. The first step for our dogs is learning how to effectively communicate. It’s difficult to understand another person speaking another language; let alone another species! Clickers bring science and communication together. While a seemingly simple toy; it is our most effective way to build our relationship with our dogs, while teaching manners and tricks. Once guardians and dogs are speaking the same language, the sky is the limit! (Literally; dogs have been taught to fly a plane with clickers!) The best time to start; before you need to rely on these skills! Teaching loose leash skills becomes much more challenging while trying to skate down the street! Waggology 101 was designed to help guardians and their dogs of all skill levels achieve their goals. Working on foundational, and advanced skills helps strengthen thebond and communicating better while learning. If you are looking for the opportunity to work on these skills before the holiday rush, we would love to welcome you into an upcoming class. Tuesday evening classes will begin November 17: SOLD OUT Monday Evening classes will begin November 25 For more information please contact Nina at (780)235-8077 [email protected] Or by private message. We look forward to helping you and your dog achieve your goals!

Many times the dog barking and lunging on a leash is just as nervous of you; as you might be of them. These behaviours are often rooted in trying to defend themselves and deter you from getting any closer. Thor had this down to an art. New guests in his home could be easily intimidated with some barking. Going outside for walks intensified his behaviours; constantly tugging his guardian and reacting to people and dogs. Men being top of Thors’ Not to be Trusted List.... We began working hard on leash skills. Learning the tug when he reaches the end, simply means: return to guardian. Ensuring positive encounters with Thor’s triggers at a distance began building his confidence in their presence. Thor and his Mom were rapidly climbing their mountain of success; when a new man entered the scene! Could it be possible; could she have both the men in her life be friends? Using their newly developed skills, the training plan was modified and they got right to work. Learning to trust takes time and patience. Slowly Thor would come in for a snuggle; his terms included no touching from this human. Growls were respected with space given. This morning the best update arrived. Thor has decided this new human shall be his new Best Friend; he has after all proven himself. To celebrate their successes and continue building their relationship they spent time at a private dog park. Playing fetch and practicing recall together; their bond will continue to flourish!