Happy Dawgs Obedience Training

My name is Holly. I have been working with animals for more than 45 years. I started with a small blue budgie named "Boomer" when I was 4 years old. Over the next four years, two more birds and a cat named "Tigger" came into my life and helped me learn even more about different behaviors and how to work with them.  When I was 8, I got my first dog - a beautiful tan-and-white Whippet she named "Princess."  Princess saved my life more than once. And in the process, she gave me the foundations I would need to help dogs in the future.

 

Over the years, I have worked with a variety of canine breeds, helping them become happier and more balanced through positive-reinforcement techniques, calm-assertive energy, and body language. I believe that when you finally experience that "a-ha!" moment and understand what the dog is trying to tell you and you respond the right way, that's when things start to change for the better.

 

One of the most profound experiences a person can have comes in learning to understand and correctly respond to a dog's state of being. It is profound, because not only does the process result in completely transforming the dog's life, it also transforms the human's life, too. Where the human was anxious, tense, insecure, and uncertain at the start of training, they become confident, calm, assertive, and in control of their lives.  That energy is transmitted to their dog, and when they see their dog respondindg accordingly, their surprise and joy is overwhelming.

 

My perspective is that dogs don't need training - they already know how to behave. Rather, it's the humans who need to be taught how to lead their dogs. Dogs do not and will not follow unstable, weak, or soft energy, plain and simple. So, it's up to the humans to learn how to be strong leaders their dogs will trust, respect, and follow. Dogs mirror our true state of being through their own behavior, so if, for example, a dog appears to be aggressive towards other dogs or people (or both), it's very likely that the human's energy is fearful, anxious, and/or tense. This forces the dog to take the leadership position in order to protect the human - and dogs take that position very seriously. When the human takes ownership and control of their energy and becomes calm but assertive, the dog will respond by becoming calmer and more relaxed.  This takes time and patience, but the reward far outweighs the work that goes into achieving it.

 

When we choose to bring a dog into our lives, we are choosing - whether we realize it or not - balance. We are making the choice to become happier, more fulfilled, and more forgiving. We are choosing to learn how to let go of the past and live in the moment.  We are choosing to learn how to truly live, rather than just exist.

 

I help dogs communicate with their humans.  In the process, I help humans become more connected with their dogs. I teach Basic Obedience, but I also offer more specialized training for people in need of Therapy/Support animals. Two examples of specialized training I offer are interruption (stop a human from self-harming) and grounding (providing physical support during episodes of vertigo, PTSD reactions, and etc.).

 

Rates and training times:

 

Local clients:  $30/hr, per dog          **Outside of Calgary:  $45/hr, per dog

Sessions are once a week, and a minimum of one hour in duration.

 

Specialized training (includes Basic Obedience as well as the special training): $45/hr, per dog

Sessions are twice a week, and a minimum of one hour in duration.

 

 

 

Those fostering for a rescue organization receive a $10 discount on Basic Obedience services. Proof of fostering must be provided at the first meeting. Discount will be applied upon confirmation of fostership.

 

** Maximum travel distance is two hours out of the city.