Steadfast Dogs

Steadfast Dogs Welcome to Steadfast, owned and run by Caroline Hilliard 🐾At Steadfast Dogs, we believe that every great partnership starts with trust.

Our mission is to help people build stronger, more respectful relationships with their canine companions—whether they’re pets, working dogs, or service dogs in training. We focus on practical, compassionate training methods that support communication, connection, and confidence for both ends of the leash. Because a steadfast bond isn't just built—it’s nurtured. Learn more at steadfastdogs.com
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Land Acknowledgement
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We acknowledge that we live, work, and create on Treaty 6 territory—ancestral and traditional lands of the Nehiyaw (Cree), Denesųłıné (Dene), Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), Nakota Sioux, Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Haudenosaunee, and Métis Otipemisiwak peoples. We also recognize the Papaschase Cree, whose historical presence and enduring connection to this land remain significant, despite the challenges they have faced in maintaining federal recognition. ​

This land has held relationships, responsibilities, and resistance for generations. It is still home to many Indigenous peoples whose presence, culture, and contributions continue to shape this place. As someone who believes in making space for diverse stories, needs, and ways of being, I recognize that land acknowledgements mean little without action. So I say these words not out of habit, but as a small part of a lifelong commitment to listening, learning, and showing up differently. May the work done here be grounded in respect, reflection, and repair—and may we continue to ask what it means to be a better guest on these lands.

TRAINING CLASSES!! From polite public manners to all levels of Rally, we're here to help you and your dog work together ...
06/02/2025

TRAINING CLASSES!! From polite public manners to all levels of Rally, we're here to help you and your dog work together with confidence, clarity, and fun. Whether you're just starting out or sharpening your skills, our classes focus on clear communication, relationship building, and creating positive learning environments for both ends of the leash.

✨ Small class sizes
✨ Welcoming and supportive atmosphere
✨ Skills that transfer to real life

Check out our current offerings and register now:
👉 https://steadfastdogs.42doors.ca/

Let’s build better bonds one paw at a time. 🐶💬💕

✨Imagine you're out running errands and someone stops you—mid-conversation—to confidently tell you you're wearing the wr...
04/30/2025

✨Imagine you're out running errands and someone stops you—mid-conversation—to confidently tell you you're wearing the wrong kind of shoes for grocery shopping.

Weird, right? Now make it medical equipment, and welcome to the world of unsolicited opinions about service dogs. 🙃

In this blog post, I share a recent encounter with a man who tried to explain my own service dog handle to me (spoiler: he was wrong), and break down the difference between guide, mobility, and forward momentum handles—because yes, there is a difference, and no, not every dog with a handle is a guide dog.

Bonus: A shoutout to one of my favorite blind creators, 💙

👟 Handle confusion = cleared up
🚫 Mansplaining = not welcome
🦮 Learning = always encouraged

Read the full post here: https://training.steadfastdogs.com/2025/04/30/differences-in-service-dog-gear/

04/29/2025

This (very briefly) NSFW message brought to you by an amazing client, friend and all around human that resides in our southern land-which-shall-not- be-named. She bought this tiny drum when she visited us for training a couple of years ago. We couldn't resist sharing this gem with you!

(Jeanette wants you to know that she voted for HER!!)

❤️🌈

Thank you to Coral Konanz Photography for catching the moment Dr Watson was getting an updo at the Edmonton Pet Expo!
04/08/2025

Thank you to Coral Konanz Photography for catching the moment Dr Watson was getting an updo at the Edmonton Pet Expo!

New hair-do with the Alberta Poodle Club on Day 1 at the 2025 Edmonton Pet Expo


Photo Credit:

Did someone say "stay-in-bed" Monday??Oh. It was me. I said it.
04/07/2025

Did someone say "stay-in-bed" Monday??

Oh. It was me. I said it.

Is anti-imposter syndrome a thing?It should be. We had a rough week last week, but things are back on track! I felt the ...
04/04/2025

Is anti-imposter syndrome a thing?

It should be. We had a rough week last week, but things are back on track! I felt the need to share this, because it had a huge impact on us.

https://training.steadfastdogs.com/2025/04/04/anti-imposter/

Love and light,

Krys

A personal story of grappling with disability and service dog support, the fear of loss, and the deep relief of knowing your helper is okay. A journey through pain, fear, and gratitude.

Service dog handlers,  ACVO Service Animal Volunteer Eye Screening is at it again! It looks like some of the requirement...
04/01/2025

Service dog handlers, ACVO Service Animal Volunteer Eye Screening is at it again! It looks like some of the requirements have changed a little so make sure to read everything carefully. This screening process was how I learned of a slight (nonconcerning!) abnormality in one of Tzila's eyes, as well as the dryness that was followed up and fixed. Your dogs' eyes are important but it's not something that's checked as carefully in regular check ups. It's worth it to go! There are clinics in Calgary and Sherwood Park this year.

The ACVO®/Epicur Service Animal Volunteer Eye Screening is a philanthropic event that provides free, ocular screening eye exams to qualified Service & Working Animals each May. These exams are provided by those members of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® who choose to participa...

**CLASS UPDATE**: Natasha's drop-in show class on Wednesday has been cancelled for this week! Hope to see you at the nex...
03/10/2025

**CLASS UPDATE**:

Natasha's drop-in show class on Wednesday has been cancelled for this week! Hope to see you at the next one!

Big thank you to the Edmonton Pet Expo for hosting another fun event!!We came away with new friends, new toys and treats...
03/10/2025

Big thank you to the Edmonton Pet Expo for hosting another fun event!!

We came away with new friends, new toys and treats for the dogs, and bottled treats for the people, too!

Until next year!

(Last photo achieved thanks to Alberta's own !)

03/09/2025

It's not often you see a corded poodle, but Dr Watson was showing off at the Edmonton Pet Expo today! There will be more friends to meet tomorrow at the Poodle Club of Alberta booth at the Edmonton Expo Center. Go say hi!!

Want to know what's so great about poodles? Come meet some at the Edmonton Pet Expo  this weekend! Caroline will be ther...
03/07/2025

Want to know what's so great about poodles? Come meet some at the Edmonton Pet Expo this weekend! Caroline will be there with Poodle Club of Alberta with some of her lovely standards. Watch Dr. Watson strut his stuff in the mock show ring tomorrow at 4:30!

See you there!

🐾✨ Show Handling Class Tonight! ✨🐾Spring dog shows are right around the corner—are you and your pup ready to step into t...
02/26/2025

🐾✨ Show Handling Class Tonight! ✨🐾

Spring dog shows are right around the corner—are you and your pup ready to step into the ring? 🌸🏆 Join us tonight for our Show Handling Class, where we’ll level up your dog's ringside manners in a fun, supportive environment.

📅 When: Tonight!
📍 Where: Prairie Grooming 9523 42 Ave Edmonton, AB
⏰ Time: 7:30pm

Basic ring knowledge is required—let’s get prepped for a successful spring show season! See you there! 🐶🎉

Address

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Edmonton, AB

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