Happy Dog Institute

24/07/2025

When our facility opened up four years ago we were offering 5 main classes students could take.
Now, 4 years later, we have over 13 class options to choose from!
We wanted to open up our options for learning no matter where you are starting from.
Missed puppyhood? We got you! Woke up and realized your friend is pretty Spicy? We got you! Maybe your dog was great and then a big life changed happened? We got you! Saw a really cool dog sports video on youtube? That's right, we have a starting point for you too!

Thanks for continuing to help us build such a wonderful Happy Dog community!

18/07/2025

so many graduates it's hard to keep count!!!

Check out some of these adorable faces that have graduated our classes.
Keep an eye out for updated course tracks and fun summer opportunities to keep harness your training skills!

15/07/2025

Bringing back our book reviews!
There is so much dog training information out there it can be hard to sort through it all without getting overwhelmed.

Let us help! Alexandra Horowitz studies dog cognition. What makes this book so magically is that she gently guides the reader through the science behind our dogs noses without getting too heavy in the textbook jargon.

Check out your local library to see what versions they have available.

11/07/2025

Did you know that we have been running a group class specifically for dogs that are conflicted or fearful of humans?

This course is designed around Suzanne Clothiers Treat Retreat content and Ashley has been hard at work studying and created a successful course for people to continue on after graduation.

Check out our website to learn how to get started!

Not sure if Stranger Danger or Chaotic Canine are right for you? Each class focuses on very different skill set and approach to coping with stress- we encourage people to take both depending on their dogs fear level and life goals!

08/07/2025

The Spicy Sky Raisins are out!
Here are some simple things you should know that can help you and your dog stay prepared for potential stings.

remember to always have an updated emergency vet number, AND research emergency vets close to any travel locations you are going to.

04/07/2025

Just a reminder that we will not be holding classes on July 4th and 5th.

Great opportunity to get some extra homework OR just relax and find some easy and novel and enrichment to help satisfy your pup over a busy weekend.

29/06/2025

We have classes opening all throughout summer!

Get a new rescue and looking for a place to start? Dive right into our Foundation Skills for adults class to brush up on some basics and see what skills your dog already has!

Maybe your new dog is under 1? We have Focus and Control as well as our Zesty Teens class all lined up for you. These offer great foundations to understand important developmental stages, find proper breed specific outlets, and get those building blocks for improved manners.

Follow the links in our bio for signups!

28/06/2025

Following out long-line post. Preventative Vet has this nice article on how to train with them. https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/long-leashes-for-dogs

Want a solid recall? Maybe you want to explore offleash skills? or you have some property and want your dog to be better with livestock (or the neighbor dogs) all those skill s start here, with building trust!

Long leashes are a popular training tool but takes practice to learn how to use! Get trainer tips on how to choose a long leash and use it safely.

24/06/2025

Summer safety: let's normalize the use the longlines!!!

So many dogs will get lost over the summer, between Fireworks and traveling to new places it's important to prepare for issues before they arise.

Don't discredit that being seen using a long line can also help normalize this for other people in your community to try as well.

Here at Happy Dog we have so many classes that you can join in to help improve your long line skills. From Puppy LifeSkills, to Chaotic Canine, to Scentwork!

22/06/2025

This question has come up in all of our classes recently. Most of the time it's from people who have already had undesirable run-ins with off leash dogs.

We can't always control our environment so here are some ways to help you and your dog respond appropriately to off-leash dogs.

18/06/2025

Great seeing everyone at Dog Days this past weekend. We love connecting with other organizations and checking in with past clients!