Canine Catalyst is a one-of-a-kind dog training program in Calgary where dogs become catalysts for behaviour breakthroughs. In a world where dog owners face a variety of behavior problems such as distractibility, anxiety, fear, reactivity, and aggression, in spite of the multitude of available training tools and methods, it begs the question: is this simply due to a lack of information or knowledge, or is there something else going on here?
Rather than relying solely on human help, Canine Catalyst allows dogs to direct their learning. This approach differs significantly from traditional methods of training and behaviour change. While these tactics can be effective in specific situations or stages of the learning process, they create intervention dependence, where the dog and the owner rely on ongoing training to sustain behaviour change over time.
Our Canine-Centric “Emergent Curriculum,” which promotes true agency and autonomy, is akin to the Montessori method for dogs. This allows dogs to learn how to change their behaviours with their owners’ support and guidance, leading to better outcomes and flourishing relationships.
Who is Canine Catalyst in Calgary for?
Canine Catalyst is for dog owners and dog professionals who wish to explore new possibilities for living with and “training” their dogs using what we lovingly refer to as “non-training, training.” The program will benefit virtually every dog and owner, but it will be especially helpful for owners whose dogs are described by labels such as:
- Reactive
- Fearful
- Anxious
- Excitable
- Distractible
- Leash pullers
- Disobedient
- Stubborn
- Insecure
- Demanding
- Needy
- Jealous
- Avoidant
- Over the Top!
Program Overview
Canine Catalyst is a comprehensive behaviour change program made up of four 2-hour classes that help dogs and their families to catalyze behavioral breakthroughs. Each lesson is carefully designed to provide both theoretical information and practical skills for promoting behavioural evolution in dogs.
Class 1: Canine Catalyst Introduction (Humans Only)
The first class introduces students to the Canine Catalyst Canine-Centric Approach to Behaviour Change. You will learn about the program’s philosophy, common barriers to breakthroughs, and required equipment. You will learn how to break the cycles that prevent your dog from catalyzing their behaviour change. This class lays the groundwork for the remainder of the program by creating a thorough understanding of the principles and strategies used in Canine Catalyst.
Class 2: Viewing Change through Your Dogs Eyes
In this class, you will learn to see the world around you and behaviour change from your dog’s perspective. You will learn to facilitate foundational setups in a safe and secure environment.
Classes 3 and 4: Catalyzing Change in the Real-World.
In the final two classes, you will take what you learned on the road and expand the boundaries within which your dog can function autonomously, strengthening your and your dog’s confidence, trust, and freedom.
Vaccinations
To attend classes, dogs must be fully vaccinated or have completed titre testing (uploaded at point of registration).
Age Requirements
Cost
Price: $599+GST /8 hour program
Introductory Rate: $349+GST /8 hour program
Location
All classes meet at 2231 Longridge Drive SW, Calgary, Alberta. Class 1 is inside. Classes 2-4 are outside.
Weather Information
In the event of inclement weather for any of the outdoor classes, that class will be re-scheduled and added to the end of the series. Flexibility is needed when signing up for this program.
Dates
Class 1: Sunday, May 26@6:00pm-8:00pm Humans Only
Class 2: Thursday, June 20@7:30pm-9:30pm
Class 3: Monday, June 24@7:30pm-9:30pm
Class 4: Thursday, June 24@7:30pm-9:30pm
Virtual Attendance Options
Living out of town? Can’t make it to the clinic in person? Click here for virtual attendance options. Please note that if you live in Calgary, you may purchase the a virtual ticket and audit the clinic without your dog.
Upcoming Classes in Calgary
The Fine Print
All registrations are final. No make-up classes. No pro-rating of tuition.