Happy Dog Institute

09/02/2026

We don't know who needs to hear this but... (hint it's all of us, including us.)

It's okay to leave your dog in the car for a few minutes (safely and within reason, obviously!) and...

Grab your supplies, go inside the classroom, and get set up.
Put down your mat & frozen toppl, grab water, use the restroom, preload a snuffle mat etc.

THEN go grab your dog and bring them into your pre-set location.

It's REALLY difficult to carry 447 things while managing a dog on a leash, especially when they are super excited to see all their friends OR are super worried about all the strange new dogs/people in the space.

Now, when you walk in with just your dog, you'll be able to be present with them and give them meaningful support, guidance, and feedback.

And the truth is... these small moments of management (planning ahead and setting ourselves up for success) are also where relationships are built, trust is established, and light bulbs turn on - it's not just during your 45–60-minute classes.

Can you think of other areas where you struggle in between what we consider "training" and "not training?" Drop them in the comments and we can help!

09/02/2026

We hate to break it to you, but... you need to practice your training skills to make progress on your goals.

We know. It sucks.

Here are some tips to help turn dog training into a regular habit so you can get those results!

1.) Start small! Pick something that feels simple and realistic. (Maybe a pattern game? Paws up? Touch?)

2.) Habit stack! Attach training to an existing routine such as before feeding them their dinner or after brushing your teeth. This serves as a contextual reminder.

3.) If contextual reminders aren't enough for you - set a digital reminder using an app you are familiar with to remind you to train once a day at a time you are typically home and available.

4.) Track your progress - SMART Goals (refer back to our previous posts on this) are awesome for tracking your progress. You can also keep a journal, take notes on an app in your phone, or keep an email draft with observations.

5.) Stay flexible - if you miss a day or aren't able to train during your typical times it's okay! Consistency grows over time - missing a day isn't a failure just figure out why you missed and try to modify it in the future.

All habits start with a first step - go out and train your dog today!

If you need someone to help hold you accountable join a group class or sign up for private training with us!

08/30/2026

For folks who are new to our page - we thought a quick reintroduction might be nice.

Meet the team!

Emma (she/her), MSc, CPDT-KA, CSAT - our Co-Owner, Director of Operations, and Admin Extraordinaire! If you've corresponded with the [email protected] email address or chatted on the phone likely you've been in contact with Emma!

Heather (she/her), IAABC-ADT, FDM, CNWI, AKC CGC Evaluator - our Co-Owner, Director of Training, Nose Work, Agility and Truffle Hunting virtuoso. Heather teaches a little bit of everything (except puppies, unless she has to haha) - including Foundation Skills for Adults, Focus and Control for Teens, About Town, Nose Work, Truffle Hunting, and Sports Prep classes. She also offers private 1 on 1 training.

Paul (they/them), BS, CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT, CCUI, AKC CGC Evaluator - started at Happy Dog in 2021 as our resident puppy expert! They've curated the awesome puppy classes at our facility and have a special interest in developing happy, resilient puppies (including ones that go on to be service dogs!) They teach Puppy Primer, Puppy Life Skills, Chaotic Canine, Sports Prep, and Focus and Control for Teens as well as Foundation Skills for adults.

Ashley (she/her), CCS, PSDT-A, FDM, TRCI - also started at Happy Dog in 2021 as our resident rescue dog connoisseur. She got in to dog training via fostering for local rescues and has fostered hundreds of dogs. Her special interest is shy/fearful dogs and Chaotic Canines (especially the adolescent variety.) She teaches Puppy Life Skills, Puppy Primer, Chaotic Canine, Zesty Teens, Cooperative Care, Stranger Danger, Focus and Control for Teens and Foundation Skills for Adults. She also offers private 1 on 1 training.

Have you worked with us? Comment the best thing you learned in a Happy Dog Class or private lesson below!

08/28/2026

Ashley is officially a Certified Treat/Retreat Instructor! 🎉

Always so happy to announce another certified Treat/Retreat Instructor - Ashley Alden!

Congratulations Ashley on this achievement. It is an intensive course, and you poured heart and soul into it at every step. Lucky dogs who find you!

08/26/2026

On National Dog Day we're here to let you in on a little secret...

It's okay if your dog is not an elite level sports competitor.
It's okay if your dog doesn't have obedience titles.
It's okay if your dog doesn't have a "job."
It's okay for your dog to simply be your best friend and family member. Full stop.

Your dog's behavior will indicate to you if they are happy and fulfilled. If you are struggling reach out for help - we can be there for you, judgement free.

08/25/2026

We are so saddened by the loss of Dolly Parton today. We can only hope that all of her beloved animals were waiting for her at that rainbow bridge. Do something kind today in her honor

08/25/2026

Have you ever wondered what our classes actually look like? Well you're in luck! Here is a 60 second sneak peak into Paul's Puppy Life Skills class.

08/24/2026

3 Simple things you can do TODAY to improve your dog training

1.) Stop holding treats in your hand constantly. Using a treat pouch or training vest will drastically improve your results. Leave the treats in the pouch and only reach for them AFTER you've marked.

2.) Stop keeping sustained tension on the leash. Use the leash to set limits, not to hold or pull your dog back (unless necessary for safety.)

3.) Be present. Put your phone away. Don't ignore them for conversations with other humans. Pay attention to what they are doing and connect with them. They notice when you are ignoring them and will get in the habit of ignoring you right back.

08/21/2026

Our Stranger Danger/Chaotic Canine Grads rocking it! (Cameo from Ashley's temp foster Bobby who is also learning to chill around other dogs)