UpDog Training

01/02/2026

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.

✨ Today’s Tip: Why dogs “forget” their training away from home

When a dog struggles to listen outside the house, it’s not because they’re being stubborn or ignoring you.
Dogs don’t automatically generalize skills — meaning a behaviour learned in your living room doesn’t instantly transfer to the park, a class, or a new environment.

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.

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.

12/31/2025

It’s New Year’s Eve!
And for many dogs… it’s not a celebration.

Fireworks don’t just mean loud noises for dogs.
They completely change the environment — in ways we often underestimate.

Here’s what many dog parents don’t realize:
Fireworks affect everything, not just the sky.
• Sudden, unpredictable loud bangs
• Bright flashes of light
• Heightened tension in the air
• Wildlife fleeing, hiding, or moving through unusual areas
• New and intense scent trails left behind

Even if you don’t notice much has changed…
your dog absolutely does.
A dog’s nervous system reads this as:
“Something isn’t safe. Stay alert.”

That’s why dogs may:
• Refuse to go outside
• Pull more on leash
• Bark or startle easily
• Pace, hide, shake, or cling
• Seem “untrained” or “dramatic”

They’re not being difficult.
They’re overwhelmed.

How you can help your dog through New Year’s Eve:
✔️ Plan ahead
Get walks and potty breaks done earlier if possible.
✔️ Create a safe space
A quiet room, covered crate, white noise or calming music.
✔️ Offer calming enrichment
Frozen Kongs, lick mats, long-lasting chews (given before fireworks start).
✔️ Lower expectations
This is not the night to work on bravery or exposure.
✔️ Advocate for your dog
If your dog needs space, give it. If they don’t want to greet, listen.
✔️ Leash up & slow down

Even dogs who are usually “fine” may struggle when the environment is charged.
And if your dog does struggle with fireworks —
you’re not doing anything wrong.

Support, distance, and safety are gifts you can give your dog tonight 💛

Let’s go into the new year with a little more empathy for the dogs who experience the world differently.
—
Your Dream Dog Starts Here. 🐾

12/26/2025

12/24/2025

Even the friendliest dogs can feel overwhelmed during busy holiday gatherings 🎄🐾
✔️ Plan quiet breaks
✔️ Prep frozen Kongs or enrichment ahead of time (perfect for downtime)
✔️ Watch stress signals — it’s communication!
Growling or snapping isn’t “bad behavior,” it’s a sign your dog is way overstimulated. Help them out with a quiet space of their own.
✔️ Advocate early and often — it’s okay if they miss the excitement-
They won’t feel left out… they’ll feel relieved!
A calm dog is a happy dog — and thoughtful planning helps everyone enjoy the season.

12/19/2025

12/19/2025

Dolly is so excited! Find It! Is a great game to play with your pup, just look at the pure happiness! Dolly is attending Training Day Camp, but is not just about the real life skills - which she is rocking, it’s also about having fun and learning to relax in new places.

Interested in Training Day Camp for your pup? Send us a message!
January is already fully booked for this program, currently taking bookings for February!

12/16/2025

12/07/2025

Huge thank you to everyone who came out to Sundown in Sundre and stopped to chat with me at Ask the Trainer!
Your questions, stories, and love for your dogs are exactly why I do what I do. I loved answering your questions—from puppies to reactive rovers—and helping you find ways to support your dogs!

12/05/2025

I’ll be out at Sundown in Sundre tomorrow at the UpDog Training Classroom from 4-8 pm for Ask the Trainer!
308 Main Ave W Beside Subway

Struggling with leash pulling, barking, jumping, or distractions?

Free guidance, practical tips, and support for you and your dog—no matter where you’re starting.

11/18/2025

Wish your walks felt calmer, easier, and actually enjoyable?
Leash Skills Day Camp is your dog’s 4-week fast-track to better leash manners — without you having to do all the training yourself.
Drop them off.
We train.
You enjoy the difference.
What your dog gets:
✔️ 4 drop-off training days with focused, professional leash training
✔️ Expert coaching using positive, science-based methods
✔️ A 30-minute private transfer session so the new skills work for you
✔️ Small enrollment → big progress
📅 Tuesdays in December
⏰ 10am–1pm
💲 $430 + gst
If you’re ready for calmer, more connected walks…
Spots are limited — grab your dog’s spot today!

*REGISTRATIION OPEN TO ALL DOGS & PUPPIES INCLUDING REACTIVE DOGS!