UpDog Training

09/23/2025

Check out this weeks Training Tip!

Big Feelings Need Small Steps
Reactive moments are often just your dog saying,
“That’s too much for me right now.”
Shrink the challenge so your dog can succeed:
🐾 More distance from the trigger
🐾 Shorter exposure to keep it manageable
🐾 Extra rewards to create positive associations
✨ Less pressure = more progress. Tiny wins today build calmer, more confident dogs tomorrow.

Want to feel confident knowing how to set the right step size for your dog?
Chaos to Calm Programs make those big feelings manageable one paw at a time!

09/23/2025

Big Feelings Need Small Steps
Reactive moments are often just your dog saying,
“That’s too much for me right now.”
Shrink the challenge so your dog can succeed:
🐾 More distance from the trigger
🐾 Shorter exposure to keep it manageable
🐾 Extra rewards to create positive associations
✨ Less pressure = more progress. Tiny wins today build calmer, more confident dogs tomorrow.

Want to feel confident knowing how to set the right step size for your dog?
Chaos to Calm Programs make those big feelings manageable one paw at a time!

09/16/2025

Check-Ins Change Everything
A “check-in” is when your dog looks at you on their own — no cue, no name call.
Why it matters:
• Shows they’re aware of you, even in distraction
• Builds teamwork without constant nagging
• Gives you the chance to reinforce focus before trouble starts
How to teach it:
1. In a low-distraction space, stand still.
2. The moment your dog glances at you — mark (“yes!”) and reward.
3. Repeat often, in different places.
Soon, “checking in” becomes their default way of navigating the world with you.

Help your dog build confidence and emotional regulation not just obedience – it all matters. Join our Foundations Program and let’s do it together — one paw at a time!

09/10/2025

Reinforcement Drives Behavior
The real key to dog training is simple: what gets reinforced gets repeated.
If you only notice your dog when they’re “misbehaving,” you’re missing hundreds of little wins every day. Dogs learn fastest when we catch them in the act of doing something right.
Instead of waiting for mistakes, watch for those “yes!” moments:
• Four paws on the floor instead of jumping
• Choosing to lie down while you’re cooking
• Glancing at you instead of lunging toward a distraction
Each time you mark and reward those choices, you’re teaching your dog, “This is the behavior that pays off.” The more it pays off, the more they’ll repeat it.
Pro tip: Keep treats handy in different rooms, so you’re always ready to reinforce the good stuff.
Focus on building up what you want, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly the “unwanted” stuff fades away.
Want help learning when and where to reinforce for maximum training success? Join our Foundations Program and start building behaviors that last — one paw at a time.

09/03/2025

Leash pulling isn’t about being “stubborn” — it’s usually about emotions and clarity.

Here’s how to make it easier:

✅ 1. Be Clear About Position
Your dog doesn’t come pre-programmed knowing where “heel” or “loose leash” means. Show them where you want them to be and reward them for being there.

✅ 2. Teach How It Feels
It’s not just about location; it’s about comfort. Help your dog learn that a loose leash feels good and tension doesn’t pay off.

✅ 3. Reinforce, Reinforce, Reinforce
Catch your dog doing it right! Every time they’re in position with a loose leash, pay with praise, treats, or movement forward.

When your dog can think, they can learn. When they can learn, you BOTH enjoy the walk.

Ready for calmer, connected walks? Let’s make it happen — together.

08/27/2025

Happy International Dog Day! 🎉 Did you know there are over 340 dog breeds in the world? From tiny teacup pups to gentle giants, every dog brings something special to our lives.

💛 Show us your dog below—bonus points for a fun fact about them! 🐾

Let’s fill this thread with wagging tails and happy faces

08/26/2025

Say It Once, Make It Count

Your dog’s name is like a spotlight—it should grab their focus, not fade into background noise. If you repeat it over and over (“Buddy…Buddy…BUDDY!”) without a response, it becomes meaningless.

Pro Tip: Say their name once, then pause. The pause gives them a chance to respond. The moment they look at you—even just a glance—mark and reward. This builds a strong habit: name = pay attention.

Why it works:
✅ Keeps the name valuable
✅ Creates clear communication
✅ Prevents the “tune out” effect
Start in a quiet space, then practice in more distracting places. Soon, saying their name once will actually mean something!

🐾 Want to teach this step-by-step? Join our Foundations Program and help your dog master Name Attention—one paw at a time.

updogtraining.ca

08/21/2025

"Relax" isn’t just something you hope for—it’s a teachable skill! Just like “sit” or “down,” you can train your dog to relax on cue. This means when you need to get some focused work done, your dog can settle calmly instead of pacing or demanding attention.

✨ Start by letting your dog know that you like when they naturally take a deep breath, soften their body, or rest quietly. Mark this naturally offered behaviour calmly. Over time, you can add a cue like “relax” and build it into your daily routine.

🌟 Calm isn’t luck—it’s learned.

🐾 Want to teach this step-by-step? Join our Foundations Program and help your dog master your dog's relax on cue!—one paw at a time.

updogtraining.ca

08/14/2025

The Albertan’s Readers’ Choice Awards are back! This is such a great way to celebrate all the incredible local businesses that make our community special.
We’re honored to be included among so many amazing people who care about what they do.

While there isn’t a specific category for Dog Trainer, we have been nominated under the category pet boarder/ pet groomer/ supplies
If UpDog Training is your pick, your vote means a lot to us!

(please remove spaces in the copy/paste link, there are 2)
https://www. thealbertan.com /directory/zone-d-business-and-services/4-best-pet-boarder-groomer-supplies/updog-training-sundre-107188

Here’s to lifting each other up and keeping our local community thriving!

08/14/2025

The Albertan’s Readers’ Choice Awards are back! This is such a great way to celebrate all the incredible local businesses that make our community special.
We’re honored to be included among so many amazing people who care about what they do. If UpDog Training is your pick, your vote means a lot to us!

(The category isn’t for dog trainers specifically, its general pet services)

(copy/paste in browser, remove space in the link after the .com)

https://www.thealbertan.com /directory/zone-d-business-and-services/4-best-pet-boarder-groomer-supplies/updog-training-sundre-107188

Here’s to lifting each other up and keeping our local community thriving!

08/14/2025

Please help support us and add your vote!
🐾

https://www.thealbertan.com/directory/zone-d-business-and-services/4-best-pet-boarder-groomer-supplies/updog-training-sundre-107188?utm_medium=paid&utm_source=fb&utm_id=120228847206290786&utm_content=120228847206310786&utm_term=120228847206300786&utm_campaign=120228847206290786&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMKR31leHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQBqyN_7TuwMgEefsHFKTbp3QofrD2DfYYH8zkHT82WT7F40BA1gDm25ZbGpJTIE0UOUeEBg0k_aem_aLbRCUui852Jmhg-NsQDcw

08/12/2025

Training Tip: Sniff Walks Benefit Training!

Sniffing lowers heart rate, boosts emotional recovery, and builds resilience.

Stopping to sniff might feel frustrating to us, but from your dog's point of view, their nose is how they decompress and learn about the world!

Try slowing your pace and letting them lead the part of your walk!

Want to learn more? Join our Foundations Programs and discover how to build your dog’s emotional regulation, confidence, and focus — one paw at a time!

updogtraining.ca