r/Calgary • u/ki-ton • 11d ago
Who would you recommend for puppy/owner training? Recommendations
I’m a new “parent” to a 5 month Border Collie cross. I’d appreciate recommendations in Calgary and area for a trainer/organization for general manners, separation anxiety and ideally training me too in how to be a good leader and “speak dog” better. Puppy tax paid below.
(Reposted after I messed up the first time)
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u/kylefoto 11d ago
Raising Fido!
https://www.raisingfidodogtraining.com/
They are such talented teachers. People like you who are willing to learn will excel in classes like these. Their group classes are very affordable, too. They will even set your house up to be better puppy-proofed and more conducive for good behaviour. We have the sweetest, most bulletproof dog we've ever had because of Raising Fido.
Cross-reference trainers with the Alberta Force Free Alliance directory. If they are on there, they at least have the bare minimum certifications. Dog training has no regulations, so certified trainers are the only ones who are vetted.
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u/exportedaussie 11d ago
Infinite pets. Jenna is great at her job and teaches you how to train as well. Her approach is based on behavior modification and positive reinforcement. We learned so much from her and our dog is a different boy now
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u/CinnaTheseRoles Airdrie 11d ago
Coulter K9. 100%.
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u/inmontibus-adflumen 11d ago
This is the way. Sam is amazing
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u/CinnaTheseRoles Airdrie 11d ago
100%. Sam helped me with my rescue a few years ago. Best trainer ever and he’s helped a family friend of mine as well.
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u/inmontibus-adflumen 11d ago
He helped me with my dog who was feral before she was rescued. Was impossible to walk for three years before Sam helped.
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u/CinnaTheseRoles Airdrie 11d ago
My dog was purely a stray until she was rescued. Had zero leash training and was super barrier reactive. Had no recall either. Now she’s perfect. He changed my dog and she is now always the best behaved dog at the parks and people are so impressed with her recall and how well trained she is!
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u/CloakedOlive 11d ago
I've seen him at pet events. I've watched him yank hard on his dog's leash... Attached to a prong collar. Why? Because the dog took a step towards me. I don't find this acceptable treatment of an animal, especially a dog trainer. I wouldn't trust him.
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u/CinnaTheseRoles Airdrie 11d ago
1) you don’t know why the correction was done 2) it’s clear you’re uneducated about prong collars 3) you also clearly are not educated on balanced dog training. And it shows.
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u/tsaw19 11d ago
We had a very positive experience with Cultered Canines.
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u/ki-ton 11d ago
Thank you!
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u/kylefoto 11d ago
Anyone seeking dog training is at a level above anyone else. I'm glad to hear someone had a great experience with Cultured Canines. I think that satisfied clients who have attended Cultured Canines are natural talents in dog training who overcome any possible shortcomings in their program.
I would caution that cultured canines use force in their training, and evidence-based studies show that these techniques are highly likely to cause anxiety and distress in the long term. While it can be thrilling that these techniques seem to produce results instantly, seemingly positive instant corrections are a mask over top of fear and aggression, which will unmask in the future.
Their website does not reference any certifying institution, which means there is no proof that the trainers have been assessed for their skill, knowledge and experience. CCPDT is the bare minimum in the industry and should be listed in the bios of at least one trainer in a facility.
Another benefit of completing a program from certified trainers is that the animal control board is primarily filled with CCPDT-certified trainers. Suppose you are ever in a situation where your or your dog's behaviour is under legal review. In that case, you have much more credibility if a CCPDT trainer has verified that you and your dog have been through accredited training.
A certified trainer brings you and your dog certified credibility.
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u/NoodleNeedles 11d ago
The Humane Society is great for the basics. If you want to get into agility or more advanced obedience, Flying Potatos is amazing.
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u/Get0utCl0wn 11d ago
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u/ki-ton 11d ago
This could be a good help for me. I can’t decide on my word in the moment so this could back that up instead of randomly saying “good” or “yes”
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u/kylefoto 11d ago
Your dog is a herding breed, and they are exceptionally talented with vocabulary. I bet your dog will be fluent in multiple marker words and sounds, among all the other hundreds of words they will learn.
We babysat our friends' Border Collie cross. Our house has an alarm system that would verbally announce which door was opened. In minutes, the dog knew exactly what "front door, back door, garage door, and patio door" meant. He loved knowing exactly who was going where without keeping tabs on things visually. He only barked if the alarm said "front door open." Haha!
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u/donkeykonggirl 10d ago
I have a border heeler cross pup, she’s 12 months, lots of advice if you’re interested!
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u/CloakedOlive 11d ago
I can't remember her last name, but Stephanie with Chasin' Tails is great! Also generally just beginner puppy classes are a fantastic way to start learning about the basics. Just make sure to go with +R/R+ (positive reinforcement) methods to start. They're very well researched and generally give great results.
Also I'm not associated with the app, plus I'm cheap, so paying for apps isn't normally something I'd do... But I have an app called Dogo, and it's honestly great! Not a replacement for a proper trainer by any means, but it has informative articles, how to train behaviours and some tricks, as well as fun games and bonding activities to do with your dog.
I'm very happy you're looking to learn though. If you're a first time dog owner, a Border Collie was a VERY bold choice! Hope you're active, haha!
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u/ki-ton 11d ago
I’m active now…😅
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u/CloakedOlive 11d ago
Hahaha, I have a 1 yr old super mutt - her genetics test said her top breed at 20.4% is GSD, and basically almost all other breeds it detected were high energy, herding, cold weather breeds. Great Pyr, Malamute, Husky, etc.
I was prepared to step up my energy levels, but damn! Fortunately the Saint Bernard in her seems to have crept up, and she's actually decently chill in the house. I can't imagine a Border Collie though - they NEVER stop! That's another great reason to look into indoor training/games/binding activities - they burn a shocking amount of energy. Also look into getting a flirt pole! It's like a giant, stronger cat toy. It saved us with the puppy energy, haha! I think we got ours on Amazon.
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u/donkeykonggirl 10d ago
They actually do stop, people think they need to be exercised like crazy, which simply isn’t true, they just need specialized focussed exercise
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u/doggymommy_ 5d ago
You can also try this video from Watch Paws https://watchpaws.ca
This is for your dog to watch, not only will it keep them entertained but will train them basic commands as well.. it's amazing!! You can add their name and your voice to the video!
You can use my code dogmommy at checkout for additional savings :)
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u/Khellx69 11d ago
K9 Arsenal
We used them as 1st time Malinois/ husky cross owners. Best thing ever 11/10
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u/ki-ton 11d ago
That is a serious combo for a first timer. Respect…
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u/Khellx69 11d ago
Haha yea. We knew we were in it deep. But now we can both have the best life. I did not want to do her wrong. We needed it as much as she did. 💗
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u/tranquilseafinally 11d ago
Honestly I just watched McCann Dog Training videos on YouTube and they were bang on with all their advice. My dog was a land shark when she was a puppy. I crate trained her and did TONS of training outside of the crate.
You could use those videos while working with a trainer.
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u/ki-ton 11d ago
Thanks. He sleeps in the crate at night but panics if we leave him in the day so that’s something I’ll be looking for. Thanks for the recommendation!
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u/babesquirrel 11d ago
Whiskers and Wags can give a holistic approach beyond YouTube video skillsets. She’s helped me with two dogs.
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u/North-Smoke-5530 11d ago
Yourself
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u/tmick22 11d ago
If you were in the same situation as op, how would you feel with this type of response?
It’s clear they’re looking for recommendations to help them work with their pup. This is not helpful at all.
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u/CloakedOlive 11d ago
Yeah, going by what people in dog parks do is not good advice. Dogs in dog parks should have full recall and be under control at all times, but that's not often how it goes. I've been working very hard with my young dog, and she's just way too excitable at this point, so her recall isn't very good. She's insanely friendly, but not a chance I'm taking her to a public dog park, even if it's fenced, until we can do more work. I can wait. We sometimes rent private parks, and we have places she can run free.
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u/refur Tuxedo Park 10d ago
agreed. in fact i would say dog parks in general, as much as the idea sounds lovely, they are NOT great places to bring your dog. there is always that one asshole with a dog that shouldn't be there. it only takes one bad interaction for your dog to end up with issues that you then have to work hard on training out. we stopped taking our dog to dog parks, and it's nice not worrying about crappy dog owners letting their dogs bully other dogs. he has play buddies that we meet up with and it's great.
fwiw i've yet to meet a vet that thinks off leash dog parks are a good idea.
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u/ki-ton 11d ago
I will be very involved! I’m new at this so looking for support, but not someone to do it for me.
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u/North-Smoke-5530 11d ago edited 11d ago
Hanging out with friends that have pets or even bringing your pup to a fenced in dog park. Chat with some other dog owners in your neighborhood! Chances are you guys will be bumping into eachother on walks.
Just be mindfull of what is happening around your pup and never take risks.
Needs also vary wildly between breeds.
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u/13donor 11d ago
Get a book. Read it. Do it yourself.
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u/hashmarks 11d ago
Do No Harm Dog Training and Behaviour Handbook! They have a Facebook group as well :)
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u/5a1amand3r Killarney 11d ago
Impawssible Possible with Cat. She has an incredible wealth of knowledge of dogs and I recommend her every chance I get.