Is your dog’s idea of “fetch” more like “hide-the-slipper”? Does “stay” mean “run in the opposite direction at lightning speed”? Well, we’ve all been there! But worry not; this blog is your guide to transforming your mischievous pup into a model citizen.
We’re ditching the old-school “bark and bite” methods and embracing the power of positive vibes. We’re talking treats, praise, and a whole lot of tail-wagging!
We’re revealing the best positive reinforcement training spots in Calgary, where even the most stubborn dog can learn to shine!
| How much does positive reinforcement dog training cost in Calgary? On average, positive reinforcement dog training in Calgary costs $300. However, the final cost may change depending on your trainer’s experience and the specific needs of your dog. |
Table of Contents
1. Raising Fido
— Media credit: raisingfido.dogtraining
Location: Only offers virtual consultations and training sessions
Contact: +587 534 0736
We’ve been looking at a lot of positive reinforcement dog training spots in Calgary, and Raising Fido really stood out to us.
The fact that they completely operate via virtual consultations is a big plus. In a busy city like Calgary, being able to train your dog from home is a major advantage. It’s also great if you have a hectic schedule or simply prefer not to deal with the commute.
What really caught our attention is their Life Skills Level 2 & 3 Subscription. At an affordable $149, it’s a solid investment for ongoing support as your dog matures. These classes also go beyond the basics by helping your dog develop advanced skills that make day-to-day life smoother.
And let’s talk about their “Project Trade” – an innovative program where you can swap out aversive tools like shock collars for up to 20% off their services. It’s a win-win that shows their commitment to humane training.
Booking a consultation? Easy as pie. Their website makes it simple to get started, so you can focus on what really matters – raising a happy, well-trained dog.
Pros
- Life skills level 2 & 3 subscription
- Convenient online training
- Easy booking process
- Affordable rates
- Project trade
Cons
- Lack of in-person interaction
Customer Reviews
Transforms your dog into a well-behaved companion
“Raising Fido dog training is the greatest gift you can give yourself and your dog. Our dog has become so wonderful, and we always know what to do when we encounter undesirable behaviours. Now, we have a dog who walks on a loose leash, is kind and friendly, and, more than that, we have saved a ton of time. Training is the fast track to knowing more about your dog and getting the most out of them. Don’t think twice, this is the best training in the city!”
— Kyle Marquardt, Google Review
Equips your puppy with essential life skills for everyday situations
“Highly recommend Raising Fido! We took our young pup to life skills level 1 &2 + Puppy socials. In the class, you are taught commands that help with everyday life skills that we use on our walks/home/public spaces. Jodi’s program is well thought out to set your puppy up for success. Our pup is 9 months old now and doing very well with loose leash walking(constantly keeping an eye on us during walks) and public commands with tons of distractions. Practice makes perfect, but without Jodi’s guidance, we wouldn’t be where we are with our pup! Our pup still has a lot to learn, but we learned so much from Jodi and the results of her training speaks for it self. Patience and consistency is absolutely key! Jodi truly cares for the dogs and is attentive to each individual dog’s needs. We couldn’t recommend Raising Fido enough!”
— Chi, Google Review
2. Raising Canine
— Media credit: raisingcanine
Location: 20 Crowfoot Crescent NW #520, Calgary, AB T3G 2P6, Canada
Contact: +1 403-984-3644
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
We’ve got to say, Raising Canine has really impressed us with how they’ve made dog training a positive experience for both pups and their owners.
Their approach is all about rewards, not fear, and that’s something we really appreciate. It makes the training process not just effective, but genuinely enjoyable for the dogs.
We particularly like their Puppy Training Classes, which are priced at $285 for a six-week course. These classes cover all the basics like sit, stay, coming when called, and walking on a loose leash.
What we love about this setup is the small group size – just 5 to 7 dogs per class. It’s a more intimate environment, ensuring that each puppy gets the attention they need to really nail those foundational behaviours.
For those of you with dogs that struggle with reactive behaviours, Raising Canine’s Reactive Dog Recovery Program is worth checking out. It’s a bit pricier at $450 for a six-week course, but it’s designed specifically for dogs that tend to bark, lunge, or growl excessively
The program focuses on teaching these dogs to stay calm in situations that usually cause them stress or anxiety.
Another thing we liked is their blog section on the website since it’s packed with useful tips and advice for dog owners. Plus, their online contact form makes it super easy to get in touch with them if you have any questions or want to sign up for a class.
Pros
- Specialised reactive dog program
- Comprehensive puppy training
- Positive reinforcement focus
- Informative blog section
- Easy online contact
- Small class sizes
Cons
- Pricey reactive dog program
Customer Reviews
Helps your dog learn through clear and nuanced guidance
“We had a genuine great time doing the puppy class. Jake was unbelievably responsive, thoughtful, funny and clear. We learned several nuances of things we didn’t realise we were doing and were really happy with the way the whole class turned out! Thanks Jake for making this process as smooth as it can go with our energetic little friends. Furthermore I would like to also add a thanks to Raising Canine for making the process clean and safe for everyone. There were no incidents and it was 100% positive. The space was basically perfect vs the size of the class and the dogs in the class were all very individually interesting and enriched the whole experience.”
— Philippe Durand, Google Review
Equips your dog with effective techniques that truly work
“We absolutely love Raising Canines and we love Justine! We have taken both our dogs to classes on separate occasions. We had Justine for both classes and you leave with a new sense of confidence and love for your pup. It is worth everything. The environment is very relaxing and well set up to ensure success for you and your fur babies. The techniques and knowledge you leave with are beyond helpful. You not only learn about dog training and bonding, but you also learn about the dog brain and why certain techniques work over others. I cannot wait to go in again for more classes!”
— Mykale Hastie, Google Review
3. Clever Canines
— Media credit: clevercaninesyyc
Location: 5513 3 St SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1K1, Canada
Contact: +1 403-226-2275
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Having been around since 2005, Clever Canines has a pretty solid reputation for helping dogs and their owners overcome behavioural challenges.
We were particularly drawn to their “Clever Pups” program – it’s perfect for those early months when puppies are like little sponges, soaking up everything around them. Sure, at $475 it’s an investment, but you get a lot for your money.
Think twice-weekly classes for five weeks, each lasting a generous hour and a half, plus a two-hour online course. It’s not just about sit, stay, and come – Clever Pups dives deep into socialisation, impulse control, and even some fun tricks to build your puppy’s confidence.
For those of you looking to go beyond the basics, they also offer advanced options like the Core program. It’s their flagship course, and they say it’s the only training program you’ll ever need. From what we’ve seen, it’s pretty comprehensive, covering all aspects of dog training.
And if you’re all about continuing that journey with your pup, the Club Evolve program is where it’s at. Year-round classes and activities like hiking, camping, and agility? Yes, please!
It’s all about strengthening the bond between you and your dog, and we’ve heard from customers that they love the variety of activities on offer.
They’ve also sweetened the deal with some nice perks – like a 40% discount on daycare fees for your puppy, a hands-free leash, and discounts on additional training programs and gear. Plus, booking an appointment online is a breeze, which is always a win in our book.
Pros
- Comprehensive puppy training
- Advanced training options
- Established reputation
- Easy online booking
- Year-round activities
- Attractive perks
Cons
- High pricing
Customer Reviews
Makes your dog excel through their programs
“Clever canines has made being a first time dog owner a pleasure. Their trainers are always happy to talk through what’s new and happening with my pup, offer advice or suggestions, and the training is next level. I am so pleased with my puppy’s behaviour after completing the pupstart and core programs, and I won’t be stopping there. I’m looking forward to seeing what more my puppy and I can learn, and as he becomes an adult dog, how we can set and achieve goals in experiencing freedom together.”
— Amanda O’Donoghue, Google Review
Makes your puppy thrive through an intensive and thorough training program
“Have been taking the Core class with my dog Poppy. I have used many different training methods in the past but this, by far, is the best, most thorough class I’ve taken. It is intense and requires a lot of time and effort but what you get back in understanding and dog behaviour is amazing. Poppy also loves their day school. She’s happy to go in and she comes home tired and calm. I love that they integrate the training you learn in the classes with the dogs during the day. Highly recommend the classes and day school. Looking forward to more classes!”
— Jennifer Newton, Google Review
4. ImPAWSible Possible Inc.
— Media credit: exploringkali
Location: 2231 Longridge Dr SW 2nd Floor, Calgary, AB T3E 5N5, Canada
Contact: +1 403-472-7297
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
ImPAWSible Possible caught our attention with their innovative approach to dog training. With over 15 years of experience under their belt, they’ve crafted a method that blends science, art, and a bit of intuition.
What we really like about them is their PAWS training philosophy – Precision, Adaptability, Wisdom, and Synergy.
They’re all about tailoring the process to fit your dog’s unique needs while building a deep bond of trust and communication between you and your furry friend.
Their Puppy Potential classes are a standout for us. Aimed at pups between 12 to 20 weeks, these classes focus on socialisation, obedience, and all those essential life skills that get your pup off to a great start.
For those dealing with more challenging behaviours, their Reactive Dog Training programs, like Feisty Fido and Canine Catalyst, are worth checking out. Starting at $199.50, these programs are designed to help you manage and reduce reactivity and aggression.
We also appreciate that they offer workshops and clinics like Pooch Peacekeeping and Walk Wise. These are great if you’re looking to tackle specific issues like leash pulling or over-excitability.
Plus, their Canine Complexity Academy is a handy resource for continuing training at home with online courses and materials.
However, we do wish they offered online booking. It would make things a bit easier, especially for those of us who like to handle everything from our phones.
Pros
- Innovative training philosophy
- Canine complexity academy
- Puppy potential classes
- 15 years of experience
- Workshops and clinics
Cons
- No online booking
Customer Reviews
Makes your dog calm and well-behaved by reducing reactivity
“I want to share how happy I am with Bianco’s behaviour after being consistent with the knowledge that Cat gave us in the lessons she provided for reactive dogs. Bianco is no longer barking through my neighbours’ fence. Bianco is enjoying walking and not pulling on his leash. I am proud of him and even myself for persevering in his learning. Moreover, my other dog, Lulu, is gaining more confidence in herself while walking. We are still working with her, but she is doing 70% better.”
— Jessica B, Google Review
Guides your dog to be more responsive
“We did Feisty Fidos in June. As my husband occasionally works away, we opted for the bootcamp in the hopes he’d be there for both sessions. The course was 3 hours on two Saturdays. Cat is very knowledgeable and though the course didn’t address our specific issue which is extremely rare but fiery dog to dog aggression, she gave us many tools to implement to understand our dog better. We landed in a place of acceptance and understanding with the pup, and all our lives have improved from that fact alone. The dog is our kid, and I know some will roll their eyes at that. But we love her so much and all we wanted out of this was to find ways to lower her stress levels and learn to understand her better. In those regards, the course was a massive success for us. I’ve even been able to call her off quickly escalating situations because she trusts me more to take the lead. I loved this approach. No reprimands, no negativity. Just seeking to understand and build trust. Highly recommend it.”
— Mykayla Bergie, Google Review
5. Sit Happens!
— Media credit: sit_happens_calgary
Location: 2180 Pegasus Way NE #4, Calgary, AB T2E 8M5, Canada
Contact: +1 403-408-7309
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
We’ve got to say, Sit Happens! really made an impression on us with their commitment to force-free training methods. It’s clear that they’re all about helping people build strong, positive bonds with their dogs, and we’re all for that.
One of the things we like most is their “Canine Calm” class, which is perfect if your dog needs a little extra help managing emotions in stressful situations.
Depending on what you’re looking for, the class runs between $200 and $350, and we’ve heard from some folks that it’s been a game-changer for their anxious pups.
If your dog’s got a bit of an athlete in them, their agility and nose work classes are worth checking out. These sessions, which range from $35 to $150, offer both physical and mental stimulation.
It’s a great way to keep your dog engaged and happy, and honestly, it’s just a lot of fun to watch them in action.
We also love that they occasionally host community events where dog owners can connect, share experiences, and support each other on their training journeys. It’s a great way to build a little community around shared experiences, and from what we’ve seen, people really appreciate that.
They’ve even got a blog section packed with helpful tips and advice. But, we have to admit, we’re just a bit iffy about the fact that they don’t offer online booking.
Pros
- Agility and nose work classes
- Force-free training methods
- Informative blog section
- Canine calm class
- Community events
Cons
- No online booking
- A few reports of being difficult to contact
Customer Reviews
Encourages your dog to thrive in a structured group setting
“My partner and I have been attending classes at Sit Happens with our rescue puppy, Xena, since August. She was very fearful of other dogs when we got her, and we wanted to be able to socialise her in controlled settings, so the structure of the group classes here have been perfect! She absolutely adores the classes here, and the instructors usually give her additional challenges because she learns so quickly. We plan on signing her up for dog sports such as agility and scent hurdle when our schedules allow it in the near future. Highly recommended for rescue and easily distracted dogs!”
— Kyla Couture, Google Review
Guides your pup to thrive in a professional training environment
“Sit happens is has such good training methods. Concentrating on focus and relaxation as well as real life obedience. I can not recommend Sit happens enough. The trainers are very professional and knowledgeable as well as approachable. My Aussie puppy can lay quietly in an off leash park while I chat with another dog owner. The puppy, and adolescent classes last a year and you can choose from a variety of times that are suitable for your schedule. We go 4 times a week.”
— AnnyLaurie, Google Review
