Passionate Paws Structured Daycare Adventures

05/27/2026

🐾✂️ NAIL TRIMS THIS SATURDAY ✂️🐾

Madison & I will be doing drop in nail trims at Passionate Paws in Lacombe this Saturday, May 30th from 11:00am - 3:00pm. $20 per dog 🐶

This clip was taken during our Charity Nails event at Bone & Biscuit this past weekend. Huge thank you to them for having us out & helping support such a fun event 🖤 Adrienne is at Bone & Biscuit once a month doing Charity Nails & it’s honestly something we really look forward to each month supporting a great cause.

Nail trims can be hard for a lot of dogs. Sometimes it’s fear, lack of confidence, handling sensitivities, restraint pressure or simply not knowing how to cope in that moment. Having trainers doing the trims allows us to slow things down when needed, read the dog properly, adjust how we handle them & help support them through it instead of just fighting through the experience.

Come see us Saturday! ✂️😁

05/27/2026

♡ ASSESSMENTS ♡

One thing we really try to emphasize is that Assessments are not about judgement or expecting you to have everything figured out already. They’re simply a starting point.

Our Assessments are 30-40 minutes & cost $75. During that time, one of our trainers will meet with you & your dog, listen to what’s going on, discuss your goals, assess the situation in front of us & help build a realistic plan that fits both your lifestyle & your dog’s individual needs.

A lot of behavioural struggles are not just about “obedience". Many dogs are lacking confidence, coping skills, impulse control, structure, clarity or appropriate outlets. Especially with puppies & adolescent dogs, what people often see as “bad behaviour” is frequently an overwhelmed dog who doesn’t yet know how to properly regulate excitement, frustration or emotions in different environments.

That’s why we look at the full picture - the dog, the home life, routines, exercise, mental stimulation, boundaries, communication & what realistic progress looks like for that specific team.

Not every dog needs the same approach & not every owner needs the same level of support, which is exactly why Assessments can be so valuable. Sometimes people leave needing a few simple changes at home. Sometimes we recommend private lessons, Day Trains, Structured Daycare, exposure work or confidence building exercises. It really depends on the dog in front of us.

Meet Bear!

Bear is a 5 month old Rottie/Shepherd/Dalmatian mix who came in for an Assessment earlier this month 💛

Here’s Bear doing a little tug with Madison & searching for treats in the snuffle pool today 🖤 For growing puppies especially, enrichment, problem solving & engagement exercises like this can make a huge difference. Learning how to use their brain in healthy ways, work through frustration, stay engaged with people & channel energy appropriately are all important pieces of development.

➡️ To book an Assessment, please text or call 403-741-4153.

05/17/2026

Reminder, daycare is closed tomorrow. 🐾

We have a few spots left this Thursday and Friday. Otherwise booking into next week. 🤗

05/11/2026

Exciting News Daycare Fam! 🐾

We’re now opening up Friday daycare starting May 22nd & adding additional spots on Wednesdays. 🤗

As a reminder, all daycare still requires pre-booking to make sure we keep things organized & the dogs set up for success.

Also, a quick heads up that Tuesdays are currently at full capacity unless we have a cancellation.

If you’d like to attend on Fridays, send us a message! 🐶

05/11/2026

🐾 Structured Daycare Punch Pass Reminder 🐾

As our Structured Daycare program continues to grow, we wanted to do a quick refresher on how our Punch Pass system works!

Our punch passes help us:
✔️ Keep groups balanced
✔️ Hold consistent spots
✔️ Maintain structure & routine for the dogs
✔️ Simplify scheduling & tracking

🎟 Punch Pass Options 🎟
• 6 Punch Pack - $90
• 10 Punch Pack - $150
• 20 Punch Pack - $300 (Includes 1 FREE Full Day!)

🗝 Punch Breakdown
Each ⬛ = $15
⬛⬛ = Half Day ($30)
⬛⬛⬛ = Full Day ($45)

Your dog’s card is kept at the shop & punched/date tracked each visit to help keep everything organized & accurate.

⚠️ Punch passes are required for regular daycare attendance. Daily drop in payments are reserved for trial days or special circumstances that have been discussed ahead of time.

Payment Methods: 💵 Cash 📲 E-transfer

Thank you for continuing to trust us with your dogs & for helping us keep the program structured, organized & running smoothly ❤️🐾

Pictured below is an example of our 20 Punch Pass Card ⬇️

04/28/2026

Let’s Talk Engagement!

Engagement is your dog’s willingness to tune in to you. Even when the world around them is busy, loud & full of distractions. It’s not about flashy tricks or perfect obedience. It’s about having a dog that checks in, follows your lead & wants to be part of the conversation.
It’s the difference between a dog who’s just existing around you…& one who’s working WITH you.

Why Engagement Matters
✅ It’s the foundation for all training: If your dog isn’t paying attention, they’re not learning.

✅ It builds relationship: Dogs that feel safe, understood & guided naturally become more connected to you.

✅ It boosts confidence: A dog that learns to focus on their handler in tough situations feels more secure.

✅ It reduces reactivity and overexcitement: A dog who’s engaged with you is less likely to spiral in stimulating environments.

✅ It keeps things fun: When your dog wants to be with you, training feels like a game, not a chore.

How to Build It
Engagement isn’t built in one session, it’s built in the small, everyday moments.

▪︎ Be intentional: Dogs repeat what works, if the environment is always more rewarding than you, that’s where their focus will go

▪︎Reward check ins: Eye contact, following your movement, pausing to look at you - Mark & reward those moments.

▪︎Train in short, focused bursts: Keep sessions fun & leave your dog wanting more. Less is more.

▪︎Be unpredictable. Change pace, direction, ask for a command out of nowhere - keep them guessing (& paying attention).

▪︎Make yourself matter: If everything else is more interesting than you, it’s time to switch things up.

Engagement isn’t just a skill, it’s the foundation everything else is built on. Once you have it, everything else becomes easier.

04/09/2026

🐾 PASSIONATE PAWS – APRIL EVENTS 🐾

Come train, learn & have some fun with your dog this month 👇

April 10
🐾 Barn Hunt Intro (8:00am–1:00pm) - FULL
💆‍♀️ Wellness Clinic (Chiro, Massage, Acupressure). Text Delia to book: 403-895-2365

April 13
🐕 Group Social (7:00–8:00pm)

April 20
🐕 Group Social (7:00–8:00pm)

April 22
🚶‍♀️ Red Deer Pack Walk (6:00–7:00pm)

April 24
🌎 Exposure Day (9:00am–3:00pm)
🐾 Barn Hunt Intro (8:00am–1:00pm)

April 27
🐕 Group Social (797:00–8:00pm)

**Please Note: NO Blackfalds Pack Walk this month. I will be out of the country next week.**

For more info, or to book, please text 403-741-4153.

04/06/2026

🐾🐀 Intro to Barn Hunt - Done For You 🐀🐾

Ever wondered if your dog would love something like Barn Hunt, but haven’t had the time (or energy) to try it yourself?

We’ve got you covered.

🗓On April 10, 24, May 1 & 22 🗓Madison & I will be taking a small group of client dogs to Prairie Dog Sports for an Introduction to Barn Hunt, where your dog gets to tap into part of what they were naturally designed to do.

So…What is Barn Hunt? ⬇️
Barn Hunt is a fun sport for dogs of all breeds where they search for gerbils (safely housed & protected in aerated tubes that are carefully handled) hidden within a course made of straw bales. It taps into your dog’s natural hunting instincts in a safe, controlled & mentally enriching way.

After drop off at the shop, your dog will head out with us for a structured, hands on experience where they will be introduced to:
• Gerbils (in quarry boxes & tubes)
• Navigating the ring (climbing, tunneling, searching)
• Using their nose & problem solving skills
Each dog will be worked one on one to ensure they’re supported, guided & set up for success.

📸 We’ll also be capturing videos & photos so you can see how your dog experiences it!

✨ Why this is so valuable for your dog:
• Builds confidence through problem solving
• Taps into natural instincts in a healthy, structured way
• Provides powerful mental stimulation (way more tiring than a walk 👀)
• Helps develop focus & engagement in a new environment
• Great outlet for high energy or busy minded dogs
• Can reveal new interests or strengths you didn’t know your dog had

☆Please note: this is a ONE DAY experience, choose the date that works best for you.

📅 Dates: April 10, 24, May 1 & 22 (choose one)
🕗 Drop Off: 8:00 AM (at the shop)
🕐 Pick Up: 1:00 PM (at the shop)
💲 Cost: $152 per dog
🐾 Dogs must be at least 4 months old & fully vaccinated

This is a really cool opportunity to give your dog a new experience - without you having to figure it all out yourself.

**Spots will be limited** - Please text Adrienne at 403-741-4153 to REGISTER.

Prairie Dog Sports Inc.
Kind K9 Services

04/01/2026

🐾 Passionate Paws Structured Daycare Notice🐾

Attention daycare family!
We will be closed on the following dates. All other days will operate during regular daycare hours.
Please plan ahead and be sure to pre-book your pup’s appointments to avoid any inconvenience.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support! 🐶💛

03/30/2026