Therapy Tails Level 1 | Therapy Dog Training in Calgary

Program Overview:

Therapy Tails Level 1 – Foundations is a specialized dog training class in Calgary designed for dogs and handlers who are beginning their journey toward becoming a Therapy Dog, Service Dog, or Animal-Assisted Therapy team.

Led by Cat Harbord—who brings over 10 years of experience assessing Therapy Dogs for two of Calgary’s three certifying bodies, along with a background in Service Dog training—this program is built on a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in therapy and service work.

In this 8-hour program (offered as 4 × 2-hour or 8 × 1-hour sessions), you and your dog will begin building the skills, connection, and emotional resilience necessary for success in therapy or service work. You’ll learn how to function as a team while developing calm confidence, emotional regulation, strong obedience, and real-world social skills.

What You’ll Learn:

Dog Skills:

• Emotional regulation and self-awareness

• Social confidence and neutral responses to stimuli

• Respecting personal space

• Gentle interactions and relaxation in new environments

Obedience & Manners:

• Sit, Down, Stand

• Through, Around, Side

• Polite greetings with people

• Loose-leash walking

• Navigating distractions calmly

• Middle, Stop, Fast, Slow

• Switching sides, Front, Perch, Follow

Human Skills:

• Attunement and co-regulation

• Real-time communication and feedback

• Leading with love and clarity

• Creating trust through consistency and compassion

Program Benefits:

• Build a strong foundation for therapy or service dog work, laying the groundwork for emotional resilience, obedience, and social confidence.

• Expert guidance from Cat Harbord, a seasoned professional with 10+ years of experience in training and assessing Therapy Dogs for Calgary’s certifying bodies.

• Develop trust and connection between you and your dog with real-time coaching and feedback that fosters mutual understanding and respect.

  Learn essential skills like emotional regulation, obedience, body-awareness, manners and more!

• Prepare your dog for the unique challenges of therapy and service work, ensuring they navigate the world calmly, with self-control and social awareness.

• Master teamwork and communication with your dog through practical exercises that elevate your connection.

Who Can Attend:

Dogs and puppies aged 5 months and older, along with their humans (up to 3 family members may attend).

Price & Duration:

• Price: $349 + GST

• Duration: 8 hours total (offered as 8 × 1-hour or 4 × 2-hour classes)

Location:

Classes are held indoors at the North Glenmore Park Community Association
📍 2231 Longridge Drive SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Vaccinations:

Dogs must be up-to-date on Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella (or have current titres) to attend.

Fine Print:

All registrations are final. We’re unable to offer make-up classes, pro-rate tuition, or accommodate class swaps. Thank you for understanding!

Real Skills. Real Superheroes. Real Connection.