LIFE SKILLS
Build Strong Reliable Behaviours For Real Life
Our Life Skills Level 1 course is the first step in our three-level training program for Calgary dog owners who want to build strong foundations in a supportive group setting. Through guided group classes, you will learn how to teach practical behaviours that make daily life with your dog easier, including coming when called, loose-leash walking, waiting safely at doors, resource guarding prevention, and settling, while strengthening your relationship and building lasting habits. Suitable for dogs of any age, this program follows a structured, ethical, and effective curriculum and prepares you for continued learning in Levels 2 and 3.
Click the sign-up button below to create your Client Portal account and get started.
monthly membership
$389 +GST
8-WEEK COURSE
consecutive classes
Next Start Date: March 5, 2026
Contact us for future schedule and start date info!
NOTE: The classroom is upstairs with no elevator access.
*Must have completed level 1 or equivalent private training. Advance booking required for each class. Expiration dates apply - Click here to view policy details on FAQ page
The Learning Process
Training is learning and learning is life-long. Our programs are constructed to align with the 4 stages of the learning process: acquisition, fluency, maintenance, and generalization.
AQUISITION
Can do the skill when prompted, but not always fast or accurate. The goal is improved accuracy of the right response.
FLUENCY
Does the skill accurately when prompted, but thinks slowly and gets confused with other skills. The goal is increased speed of the right response.
GENERALIZATION
Does the skill accurately and quickly when prompted, but only in certain setting. The goal is speed and accuracy of response in range of contexts.
MAINTENANCE
Near perfected ability to complete the skill when prompted whenever and wherever. Since nothing is ever 100% guaranteed with behaviour the goal is to keep practicing to strongly retain the skill.
Following this learning process produces strong skill development and so is applied by educated and skilled animal trainers world-wide. Our Life Skills Program is intentionally divided into three learning stages identified by levels in order to set you and your dog up for life-long learning success!
How Program Levels Work
Life Skills Level 1
+ Focuses on the acquisition of a selection of helpful skills for urban living.
Life Skills
Level 1
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Dogs aged 15+ weeks as of start date
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Limited to a max of 4 dogs per course
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45-60 minute training session once per week for 8 consecutive weeks
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You'll be with the same classmates for the duration of your course
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Thursdays @ 6:00 PM (excluding holidays)
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Location: Sit Happens! (2180 Pegasus Way NE).
Course
Overview
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Required orientation attendance prior to starting first class
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Work toward completing first stage of the learning process for the following skills: name attention, touch, sit, down, recall, leave it, drop it, leash walking, stay, wait, mat targeting, body handling, resource guarding prevention
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Free play opportunities narrated by certified professional trainer for well matched dogs
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Management strategy suggestions for training success
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Written resource guides available on all "hot" topics by request
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Easy to follow written handout each week to aid at home practice of skills
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See Life Skills Level 2 & 3 page for further details on the program's progression
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Trainer may make individual changes such as switching participants to another class, course, or training service we provide if necessary.
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Must be a minimum of 2 participants registered per course intake to avoid delayed start.
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We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule any class or individual's booking if necessary, and will notify participants as soon as possible in such cases.
Please note that the Life Skills Program is not for dogs struggling with fear-based reactivity toward people or dogs, or has an injurious bite history with medical treatment required.
If this sounds like your dog please visit our Fear & Aggression page; if unsure please email us directly.
Be sure to review our Policies, and Terms & Conditions before booking.
Essential Life Skills Training
We know that an overwhelming experience is not conducive for learning and so we do not practice or support the "sink or swim" approach to training. The Life Skills Program focuses on providing an environment where new learning challenges are presented in fun achievable steps. Classes are designed to build confidence and connection between handlers and their adolescent dog in a group class setting while acquiring behaviour skills that for many dogs are seen as essential in order to thrive in a busy urban city.
Every learner differs in terms of the skills that come more easily to them and those that require more practice. And just as there are half steps and modifications when practicing Yoga for example - our program is similarly constructed so that we are able to efficiently overcome roadblocks to maintain motivation on both ends of the leash! Class participant maximums are deliberately kept low to better allow for individual attention in class so that the trainer can best meet each learner's needs.
Booking a spot in Teen Life Skills Level 1 concurrently with our Teen Socialization Program gets your life long training journey with your dog started with a powerful one-two combo.
Get Started!
Follow our guide below to set up your account and get booked in.
Once your account in Busy Paws is created this is now your portal for everything Raising Fido.
It’s easy to book your pup in for courses, make or cancel reservations, communicate directly with us, process secure payments, receive written training updates with photos or videos and more.
Let Us Help You Raise Fido Well