Canine Development and Testing

06/22/2026

We get it and are right there with you -- Training isn't linear but you should always know where you're heading.

📲 Text 1-403-457-8811 or visit (https://www.caninedevelopmentandtesting.com/) to ask us about how our "PAWS" program can do that for you..

06/22/2026

Want more peaceful walks with your dogs? Don’t start by trying to muscle your way through a walk.

Instead, take the time to teach excellent leash skills to one dog at a time.

Then, start to combine the dogs with one dog on each side of the handler. I like to work in big circles to do this so the dogs get into a bit of a flow.

When that looks good, combine them on one side. I put the dog that struggles more, on the inside closest to me. I also maintain the circle until the dogs are again comfortable with this set-up.

Finally, take the dogs to the sidewalk! This is such a challenging spot for dogs as the straight lines and narrow path are trickier to navigate. You also have much less room to move around distractions.

These concepts all need to be refined with one dog, and then the group. If you rush it, you’ll end up feeling irritated and your dogs will be frustrated.

Reach out if you want a walk that feels peaceful and inclusive of your pack!

06/20/2026

Parks for Pets new private off-leash park “The Grove” opens soon! 5 acres of peaceful nature!

Our fencing starts Monday so Vimy and I scoped out the perimeter to make sure everything is where it should be.

I’m so excited to share this spot with you all!

www.parksforpets.com

06/20/2026

A well-exercised dog is a well-behaved dog.

Not because they’re tired.
Because they’re fulfilled.
Because autonomy and freedom to move are powerful medicine.
Because when your dog gets space to be a dog…
Everything gets better.

DM us or follow the link to book your private off leash park
https://www.caninedevelopmentandtesting.com/parksforpets

06/19/2026

This post is a good reminder that medication is only one piece of the puzzle. Sure, you can tinker with dose and formulation, but how much is it really moving the needle for many dogs? Are we looking at the right variables?

A dog is struggling with anxiety, reactivity, frustration, or compulsive behaviors and dog trainers and vet behaviorist immediately start talking about medication. Why?

The first question should be, “is this dog living a lifestyle that would leave any high-energy breed struggling?”

No amount of medication can replace:

• Appropriate exercise
• Off leash freedom and exploration
• Species appropriate outlets
• Predictable structure
• Clear communication
• Opportunities to rest and decompress

Medication can a valuable tool, but it’s not a substitute for meeting a dog’s physical, emotional, and behavioral needs.

Whether your dog is taking generic fluoxetine, Reconcile, or no medication at all, the first question we should ALWAYS ask is:

“What does this dog’s daily life actually look like?”

Because often the problem isn’t the brand of medication but rather the quality and quantity of the dog’s daily activities.

06/16/2026

Thank you for bringing Willow for training and for all the consistent work you're doing at home with her. She's such a sweet girl with so much potential!

Struggling with reactivity? Check out our Reactivity Framework:
https://www.caninedevelopmentandtesting.com/contact/reactivityframework

06/11/2026

It’s as simple as that. A well-trained dog gets to go more places, join on more adventures and gets more freedom.

If your dog is an Orangutang on the leash or barks at you every time you try to sit on the patio with it, they miss out on those things.

Give us a call to talk more about how we can help your dog gain more freedom.
(403) 457-8811

06/10/2026

Leash reactivity is seldom just an on leash issue. Here’s what I actually see…

1. Unmet needs - appropriate off leash exercise in nature along with some games that tap into the dogs prey drive are necessary for a calm and coachable dog
2. Misaligned expectations - letting your dog greet all dogs and people on leash until they can’t, is setting your dog up for dashed expectations
3. Rehearsed behavior - what starts small quickly grows as behavior gains confidence and starts becoming reinforcing
4. Miscommunication - dogs don’t naturally underhand time and place. It’s not the time and place to chase squirrels when on leash, and your dog doesn’t know that

Sure, fear, aggression and territorial behavior absolutely play a role, but in my experience, they’re just the sprinkles on one or more of the above.

In order to address leash reactivity, we need to address the whole picture. Not just one symptom.

DM me Kibbles if you want any to learn more about how to address leash reactivity with your dog!

06/09/2026

Welcome to CDT's Home Base! We finally put together a video tour, have a look about half way down the page...

📍 Calgary based dog training. Clarity-first. No fluff. Just good dog training results.