For years, Dogma has been leading the way in Calgary with certified trainer-led day school programs. We’ve seen firsthand how much better dogs do when their days are structured, purposeful, and guided by professionals. While daycare keeps dogs busy, it often leads to over-arousal, poor habits, and missed opportunities to build the skills they need most.
That’s why we created DogmaElementary - Calgary’s first certified trainer-led day school program with a detailed 16-day curriculum. This is not just a refresh of what we’ve always done; it’s the next step in redefining what dog care and training should look like.
Why We Built DogmaElementary
Dogs deserve more than simply being dropped off for a day of play. They deserve thoughtful, structured learning that helps them grow into calm, confident companions.
DogmaElementary was born out of years of hands-on experience, industry leadership, and a clear vision:
- To provide a structured learning journey that prevents behaviour problems instead of reacting to them later.
- To focus on individual needs, ensuring every dog gets the right mix of training, rest, and enrichment.
- To make rest and teaching dogs to settle just as important as play and exercise.
- To create a sustainable career path for professional trainers, raising the bar for our entire industry.
We believe dog school should be as expected for dogs as human school is for children.
What Makes DogmaElementary Different
Unlike daycare models, DogmaElementary is about more than keeping dogs busy. Many facilities promote open-concept play because it’s easier on them, but it’s not what’s best for most dogs. Constant activity often leads to stress, over-arousal, and poor self-control.
At Dogma, our certified training team spends just as much time helping dogs settle, rest, and recharge as they do teaching new skills. This balance is what builds true resilience and well-being.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Certified Trainer-Led: Every class is run by certified trainers who understand canine behaviour and learning.
- Proven 16-Day Curriculum: Carefully structured to teach life skills, build confidence, and prevent behaviour problems before they start.
- Low Ratios for Personalized Learning: 6 dogs per class, with a maximum of 4 dogs in playgroups and 2 per trainer on walks.
- More Than Training: Life skills, cooperative care and handling, enrichment, social skills, socialization, and more.
- Fear-Free Approach: Humane methods ensure dogs are comfortable, safe, and set up for long-term success.
- Transparency: If this program isn’t right for your dog, we’ll tell you and guide you toward the best fit. You’ll never get a generic “they did great” report.
If you invest in only one program for your dog, this is the one.
What This Means for Calgary Dog Families
DogmaElementary gives families peace of mind, knowing their dog’s days are purposeful, structured, and led by professionals. It means fewer frustrations at home, stronger life skills in the community, and happier, calmer companions overall.
It also means families are part of a movement that is changing the conversation around how we care for and train our dogs.
Join the Future of Dog Training
DogmaElementary is more than a program, it’s a new standard for dog care. We’re proud to launch this evolution of our day school model, and we can’t wait to welcome Calgary’s dogs.
Learn more and secure your spot today here.
