Our lovable, four-legged friends make life so enjoyable. Dogs greet us with wagging tails and goofy grins. They’re always willing to snuggle and binge watch some Netflix with us (dog-breath and all). No matter what, our puppy-pals are there for us and, in return, they deserve the best. Browse these Edmonton dog trainers to find one that’s just right for your perfect pooch. [Image credit: iStock.com/Halfpoint]
Winner of a Northern Alberta Consumers Choice Award in 2016 and 2015, Dogspaw runs mini-classes, full training classes and drop-in classes. Located off Fort Road, near Wayne Gretzky Drive and Yellowhead Trail, Dogspaw offers training such as: mind your manners, puppy socialization, growl class and loose leash walking. Specialized services are also available, which include doggy daycare, pet boarding and chiropractic treatment for dogs.
Located on Argyll Road, Sadie’s K9 Stay and Play is open Monday through Saturday. Training is offered for three different levels –K9 Preschool, K9 Basics and K9 Advance. Also available is pet first aid classes to help you keep your furry friends safe. Classes are organized as group training; however, before your dog’s first day of school you get to attend a seminar to go over what to expect during training. Check Sadie’s K9 Stay and Play for grooming and daycare options, as well.
Dynamo Dogsport specializes in K9 agility training for competitions; perfect for those new to the sport or for those who are advanced or interested in getting involved in National and International competitions. With a long list of classes available, Dynamo offers everything from puppy classes and competitive agility to trick training and beyond. Classes tend to run for six-weeks at a time. Check Dynamo’s website if you’re interested in finding out more information on agility competitions, as well.
Welcoming all breeds, sizes and ages of dog, Family Dawgs conducts group and private training classes in outside spaces in Edmonton. Classes tend to run for six-weeks, meeting twice per week. Focus is set on instilling tools needed for establishing a trusting bond between you and your dog, whether they are on or off leash. For specific behavioural problems, one-on-one sessions are a good option. Drop-in classes are also available with Family Dawgs.
Canadian Canine Training is located in Sherwood Park, east of Edmonton. Here, you purchase training credits which can be used for any of their available classes. For example, if you buy a 10-credit package, you can use those credits to select a two-credit class, three-credit class and five-credit class (or any combination you chose). Orientation is free. Available at Canadian Canine Training are classes such as puppy training, group classes, and open practice.
Mills Haven Veterinary Clinic in Sherwood Park provides not only typical veterinary services but also grooming and training options. Specializing in Puppy Kindergarten and Manners Training for dogs, these classes are currently being taught by an instructor with more than 30 years of experience. Class sizes are limited to eight dogs (max) and an emphasis is placed on communication and developing positive relationships.
Located in Edmonton’s west end, Waggytails focuses on the importance of developing a mutual respect between dog and owner. Group classes, private training and seminars are available here, as well as a unique kid’s program. Waggytails’ building is a spacious 5,000 square foot facility that includes ample training areas and also pet treadmills and agility equipment.
Little Paws Inn offers a wide range of services, which include boarding, doggy day care, grooming and self-wash, animal reiki sessions and training. Obedience classes and behaviour correction is available here, as well as classes for first-time pet owners. A five-day bootcamp is also available. Classes are kept small, at about four or five dogs per class (depending on the class) and focus on typical training elements such as basic commands (sit, stay, and wait); other more in-depth training, such as overcoming toy-obsessions, jumping on people and barging through doors and gates, is also covered in their classes.
Sublime Cat N’ Canine is open seven days a week. Offering classes from beginner to advanced, Sublime also offers agility training, behaviour consultations and private lessons, as well. This business, which is in a 3,000 square foot building located south of Argyll Road on 99 Street, boasts themselves as Edmonton's only chain-link free, 24-hour-a-day pet care facility. Tours are available daily for those curious, wanting to learn more about Sublime Cat N’ Canine.