Most dog owners dread the chaos that ensues when the doorbell rings and this can be especially stressful when you live with a fearful and/or reactive dog. Having people over may be so overwhelming that we avoid this entirely, or when it does happen your dog may embarrass you with their reactive behaviour or not even allow your guest to move within your house. It can be a stressful and discouraging situation for all. The below information outlines how to set it up to have a...

At Dogma, we are committed to providing the best care for your furry companions, and that extends to their arrival and departure from our facility. Our innovative approach to drop-off and pick-up through a simple to use text system sets us apart from the rest. This streamlined process not only minimizes stress for you and your dog but also offers numerous benefits that contribute to their overall well-being and behaviour.

Minimizing Stress and Crowding

Traditional dog care facilities often...

Dog day school can be an excellent option for dogs. However, entrusting your dog's care to just anyone is not always the best idea. Hiring certified dog trainers to manage groups at dog daycare facilities is beneficial for both dogs and their owners. Did you know that Dogma is the only facility ran and operated by certified dog trainers? In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of having certified dog trainers managing groups at dog daycare and share why they matter to us.

Recognized...

We believe that every dog has the potential to be an ideal urban canine! Today, we're going to dive into one of the most essential skills you can teach your dog: the Rocket Recall. This potentially life-saving skill allows your dog to come running back to you at lightning speed, ensuring their safety and your peace of mind. Learn how to unlock your dog's rocket recall capabilities through the below tips:

Lay a Strong Foundation

The key to a successful rocket recall, is establishing a solid...

A well-run dog day school is an excellent way for dog owners to ensure that their pups get training, socialization, and physical and mental stimulation during the day. However, not all dogs are suitable for day school, and it's important that a certified dog trainer conduct a behaviour assessment before enrolling them. It’s not only about whether or not they can attend day school either; it also helps us to learn more about your dog in a stress-free way to determine the best group for...

Dog daycare can be a great option for owners who want to provide their pups with socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation while they're at work or away from home. However, not all dog daycare facilities are created equal. One important factor to consider when choosing a daycare is the size of the group that your dog will be a part of. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of smaller group sizes in dog daycare and why quality of care should always trump quantity of dogs. ...

The Case Against Collars in Dog Groups: Why They are More Harmful Than Helpful 

Dog daycare can be a great way for dogs to socialize and play, but it's important to make sure that the are safe and comfortable while they are there. A common practice in dog daycare and group play is to require dogs to wear collars, but this poses a number of risks to the dogs. In this blog post, we will explore why we keep the dogs “naked” at day school as part of the Dogma Difference. 

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One of the most common concerns we see with dogs is anxiety. Anxiety is a normal emotional response to stress or danger, but when it becomes chronic or severe, it can have a negative impact on a dog's well-being. In this post, we will discuss what anxiety is, the signs of anxiety in dogs, why it matters, how to prevent it, and how to treat it.

What is Anxiety in Dogs?

Anxiety is a state of unease or distress caused by a perceived or real threat. In dogs, anxiety can be caused by a variety of...

Yesterday I had another story of a dog dying at a pet care facility come across my feed. In this case, a larger dog killed a small dog. Unfortunately, it’s one I’ve heard many times before. A quick google search on deaths at dog daycare brings up a long list of new stories. While I don’t know all the details on these, and it’s a risk for any dog care facility, a large majority of these can be prevented. The first step, separating play groups based on size. 

While...