UpDog Training

10/29/2026

Does your dog pull away when you reach for their paws? Turn into a slippery noodle during brushing? Suddenly turn into Cujo when it's time for a vet visit?

Most of us just want to get the job done!
But what if we could make everyday care easier for both you and your dog?

That's where cooperative care comes in.
Instead of expecting dogs to tolerate everything we do, we teach them how to participate.

From brushing and nail trims to ear checks and veterinary examinations, cooperative care helps dogs learn to feel more comfortable and confident with necessary handling.

Here's one example: A chin rest.
Teach your dog to voluntarily rest their chin on your hand. Once they're comfortable, gradually introduce brief, gentle touches around their face or ears.

If they lift their chin, you stop.
That simple skill gives your dog a way to communicate:
"I'm ready."
Or...
"I need a break."

And when dogs learn that their communication matters, we can gradually build more comfortable, cooperative handling routines.
It does take practice, but those small steps can make a big difference!

Because cooperation beats wrestling. Every time.

Helping you and your dog, one paw at a time. 🐾

10/12/2026

If your dog could tell you a few things, what would they want you to know? 🐾

Sometimes, understanding our dogs starts with seeing the world a little differently.

Here are 5 simple things your dog wishes you knew. Small reminders that can make a big difference in how we live, learn, and connect with our dogs.

💙 Which one do you think your dog would want you to understand most?

05/30/2026

AUCTION TONIGHT! 🐾

We’re proud to be supporting the Greenwood Neighbourhood Place Fundraising Auction tonight at the Sundre Legion!

Doors open at 6pm
Auction starts at 7pm

Be sure to check out the UpDog Training gift certificate:
✨ Discovery & Jumpstart Training Session
✨ Valued at $125
✨ Choice of Puppy Start Right Path or Big Feelings Dog Training Path

Come support an amazing community organization while bidding on some fantastic local donations. Hope to see you there tonight!

Have a dog-loving friend? Share this post and help spread the word!

Greenwood Neighbourhood Place

05/26/2026

We’re excited to be supporting the Greenwood Neighbourhood Place community auction this Saturday with a special UpDog Training gift certificate!

The winning bidder will receive a Discovery & Jumpstart Session, the very first step on your dog’s training journey. This session includes both assessment and hands-on training to help you and your dog get started with clarity, confidence, and real-life skills right from day one.

The winner can choose the training path that best fits their dog:
• Puppy Training Path
• Big Feelings Training Path

Whether you’re raising a new puppy or supporting a dog who struggles with excitement, fear, reactivity, or overwhelm, this session is designed to help you better understand your dog while building practical skills for everyday life.

We’re honoured to contribute to an organization that supports community connection and care, and we can’t wait to see who wins!

Good luck to everyone bidding this Saturday 🐾

05/09/2026

04/15/2026

04/15/2026

Welcome, Winston! 🐾

Winston has officially started his training path with UpDog, and we’re diving straight into focus, confidence, and calm thinking.

Big feelings? Big potential 💙

01/09/2026

January is National Train Your Dog Month! 🐾
All month long, I’ll be sharing simple, practical training tips to help you better understand how dogs learn — and why behaviour can look very different depending on the situation.
Add distractions, emotions, and excitement (or fear), and your dog’s brain is working much harder just to stay regulated. That’s why confidence building and emotional resilience are such an important part of training — they allow dogs to think, process, and respond instead of reacting.
This is exactly what my training focuses on.

✨ Today’s Tip: Distance Is a Training Tool
More space often equals more thinking. When dogs feel crowded or pressured, their ability to learn drops.
Using distance helps dogs stay regulated, build confidence, and succeed without being overwhelmed.

Curious to experience this training approach with your own dog?
Train Together Intro Sessions ($45) are available this January only — a relaxed way to meet me, try out my confidence-building, emotional resilience–based training, and see if we’re a good fit.
📩 DM or email to reserve your spot
Limited availability to keep sessions calm and supportive.

01/08/2026

January is National Train Your Dog Month! 🐾
All month long, I’ll be sharing simple, practical training tips to help you better understand how dogs learn — and why behaviour can look very different depending on the situation.
Add distractions, emotions, and excitement (or fear), and your dog’s brain is working much harder just to stay regulated. That’s why confidence building and emotional resilience are such an important part of training — they allow dogs to think, process, and respond instead of reacting.
This is exactly what my training focuses on.

✨ Today’s Tip: Slower Progress Is Often Stronger Progress
Emotional skills take time to settle into the nervous system. Rushing can create shallow results that don’t last.
Steady, supported progress builds confidence that holds up in real-world situations.

Curious to experience this training approach with your own dog?
Train Together Intro Sessions ($45) are available this January only — a relaxed way to meet me, try out my confidence-building, emotional resilience–based training, and see if we’re a good fit.
📩 DM or email to reserve your spot
Limited availability to keep sessions calm and supportive.

01/06/2026

January is National Train Your Dog Month! 🐾

All month long, I’ll be sharing simple, practical training tips to help you better understand how dogs learn — and why behaviour can look very different depending on the situation.

Add distractions, emotions, and excitement (or fear), and your dog’s brain is working much harder just to stay regulated. That’s why confidence building and emotional resilience are such an important part of training — they allow dogs to think, process, and respond instead of reacting.

This is exactly what my training focuses on.

✨ Today’s Tip: Why “Just Ignore It” Often Backfires

Ignoring a dog’s emotional response doesn’t teach them how to cope. Emotions need guidance, not suppression.

Teaching dogs how to process situations builds resilience and long-term success!

Curious to experience this training approach with your own dog?
Train Together Intro Sessions ($45) are available this January only — a relaxed way to meet me, try out my confidence-building, emotional resilience–based training, and see if we’re a good fit.

📩 DM or email to reserve your spot
Limited availability to keep sessions calm and supportive.