Hands-on Workshops and Seminars for Professionals and Pet Owners
Dogue Academy Seminars and Workshops Are Back by Popular Demand.
Our interactive, fun filled seminars and workshops return to the Dogue Academy classroom. Whether you're a dog trainer, groomer, dog sitter, dog walker, exotic animal trainer, shelter worker, or veterinary technician, staying current in the science of animal behaviour is key to professional growth. Hands-on, science-based seminars and workshops offer a powerful way to deepen your understanding and refine your practical skills in real-world settings.
At Dogue Academy, our events are more than lectures, they’re immersive learning experiences designed to connect theory with practice. Participants engage with cutting-edge concepts in behaviour and learning, including social cognitive learning theory, constructivism, and situativism, and explore how these frameworks apply directly to training and animal care.
Whether you're learning to read dog body language, manage aggression safely, or implement cooperative care protocols, our seminars emphasize fun, interactive, and practical learning. You won’t just walk away with new knowledge, you’ll leave with hands-on techniques, peer collaboration, and renewed confidence in your ability to understand and influence behaviour with compassion and science.
Come have fun while learning and win prizes.
Note: Nous pouvons dispenser les ateliers théoriques et pratiques en français.
Behaviour, Beer, & Bagels
Dogs speak a rich and complex language not built on words, but on body posture, facial expression, and subtle signals. The Dog Language : Deciphering the Canine Code converts this visual language to help dog owners, trainers, and professionals recognize what dogs are really saying.
This engaging seminar helps you move beyond basic obedience to develop true communication and trust with your canine companion. You’ll learn to spot early warning signs of stress, fear, or frustration before they escalate into behaviour problems, and how to respond appropriately and compassionately.
Whether you live with a new puppy, aggressive, or reactive adult dog, this seminar gives you the tools to interpret and influence behaviour using science, empathy, and awareness. Because when we learn to listen, dogs thrive. Key goals of this seminar are:
- Learn to recognize subtle signals and what they really mean in context
- Understand the warning signs before a bite happens
- Discover how dogs use postures, movement, and stillness to send messages to humans and other animals
- Understand your dog’s signals to prevent reactivity, aggression, and anxiety
Date: September 29, 2025
Care, Carlsberg, & Cheezies
Forget wrestling your dog at the vet or chasing them with nail clippers, cooperative care (husbandry) is a progressive, science-based approach that teaches dogs how to participate willingly in their own care. Rooted in trust, communication, and consent, this method gives animals the ability to say yes to grooming, medical, and handling procedures, reducing stress, increasing safety, and deepening the human-animal bond.
This workshop will guide you through practical exercises and protocols that condition dogs to remain calm and confident during care routines. You’ll learn how to recognize and respect your dog’s boundaries, and how to use clear signals that let your dog opt into handling. Using the principles of choice, trust, and communication, this hands-on seminar will teach you how to:
- Recognize your dog’s physical and emotional language to develop the dog's locus of control
- Introduce tools and procedures gradually and positively to desensitize dogs to husbandry practices
- Create predictable handling routines using consent cues
- Build confidence for vet visits, grooming, nail trims, ear care, and more
Date: October 27, 2025
SCAT, Sangria, & Sandwiches
Social Cognitive Animal Training (SCAT) is a revolutionary, science-based method grounded in learning theory. Unlike traditional training approaches that rely on control or conditioning alone, SCAT recognizes dogs as intelligent, emotionally driven beings capable of problem-solving and decision-making.
This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the core principles of social cognitive learning: attachment, imitation, and environmental influence. By focusing on the relationship between dog and human, SCAT empowers you to train with empathy, intention, and trust.
This workshop will deepen your understanding and give you tools to foster change, without the use of lures, force, or outdated pack-theory rhetoric. During this workshop, you will learn:
- The science behind observational learning and mirror neurons
- How to build secure attachments that support long-term behaviour change
- Practical techniques to teach without lures or coercion
- Why SCAT supports confidence, trust, and self-control in your dog
Date: October 13, 2025
Aggression, Ale, & Jalapeños
Not all aggressive behaviour is the same, and not all of it is truly aggression. Dogs may bark, lunge, snap, or bite for a variety of reasons, many of which are rooted in frustration, fear, confusion, or learned responses rather than an intent to harm. In this eye-opening seminar, Gaby untangles the complex roots of canine aggression by distinguishing between true aggression, frustration-driven behaviours, and insecure responses.
Participants learn to identify and differentiate reactivity, territorial displays, and resource guarding. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone working with dogs. By uncovering the why behind the behaviour, we can avoid mislabelling dogs as dangerous and instead provide them with targeted support and safe, effective interventions. Seminar objective include:
- How to identify different types of aggression (interspecies, idiopathic, predatory, conflict, and more)
- The difference between aggression, reactivity, and arousal
- Safe and effective management strategies to reduce risk in everyday life
- Behaviour modification protocols using SCAT
Date: November 10, 2025
Seminar and Workshop Details
📍 Location: Dogue Academy
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📅 Day: Mondays
🍻 Food, Beer, and Notebook included
🔞 Must be 18+ to attend
💲 Cost: $85 CAD per person or $150 CAD per couple
Prices include taxes.
🪑 Limited seating & pre-registration required!
📩 Download the form to register today.
Advanced Clicker Training Horse Camp
In a world where relationships with animals are increasingly valued, horse training workshops have gained immense popularity. One such cutting-edge workshop that stands out is the Advanced Social Cognitive Horse Training Workshop. This unique program goes beyond the traditional methods of horse training by incorporating social cognitive learning theory, a neurological process that allows horses and humans to understand and respond to each other's emotions.
The workshop is designed for seasoned horse trainers and enthusiasts who are looking to deepen their understanding of horse behaviour and improve communication with these majestic creatures. Led by renowned experts in the field, participants are exposed to the latest research in social cognitive theory and its application in horse training. Through a combination of theoretical discussions, practical exercises, and hands-on experiences, attendees gain valuable insights into the minds of horses and develop advanced techniques to build trusting relationships.
One of the key focuses of this workshop is the concept of emotional mirroring, which refers to how emotions can be transmitted between horses and humans. By understanding how horses pick up on our emotional cues and respond accordingly, trainers can tailor their training techniques to create a positive and effective learning environment. This approach not only enhances the well-being of the horses but also promotes a deeper bond between trainers and their equine partners.
The Social Cognitive Advanced Horse Training Workshop is at the forefront of the evolving field of horse-human interaction. By incorporating social cognitive theory into horse training, participants gain valuable tools to navigate the complexities of equine communication. Whether you are a professional horse trainer or an avid enthusiast, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to expand your horizons and take your horse training skills to new heights. So saddle up and embark on this extraordinary journey of understanding and connection with your equine companions.
Advanced Clicker Training Wolf Camp
In the realm of animal training, few creatures captivate the human imagination quite like the wolf. Majestic, intelligent, and deeply social, wolves have long been subjects of fascination and study. Their intricate social structures and cognitive capabilities make them both challenging and rewarding to work with. Enter the Advanced Social Cognitive Wolf Training Workshop, a ground-breaking program designed to delve into the depths of wolf behaviour and advance the art of wolf training to new heights.
Understanding the Program
The Advanced Social Cognitive Wolf Training Workshop is not your typical dog obedience class. Led by experts in the field of animal behaviour and training, this workshop takes participants on a journey into the intricacies of wolf psychology and social dynamics. Over the course of several days, attendees immerse themselves in hands-on training sessions, lectures, and demonstrations, all aimed at honing their understanding of wolf behaviour and refining their training techniques.
Key Focus Areas
1. Social Dynamics: Wolves are highly social animals, living in tight-knit family groups known as packs. Understanding the complexities of pack dynamics is essential for effective training. Participants in the workshop learn about pack hierarchy, communication methods, and the role of leadership within the group.
2. Cognitive Abilities: Wolves possess impressive cognitive abilities, rivalling those of many primates. From problem-solving skills to spatial reasoning, participants explore the cognitive capabilities of wolves and learn how to leverage these abilities in their training efforts.
3. Positive Reinforcement Techniques: The workshop emphasizes the use of positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviours in wolves. Through practical exercises and demonstrations, participants learn how to effectively reward good behaviour and shape desired responses without the need for force or coercion.
4. Enrichment Strategies: Wolves are intelligent, curious animals that thrive on mental stimulation. Workshop participants discover the importance of enrichment activities in keeping captive wolves mentally and physically healthy. From environmental enrichment to cognitive puzzles, attendees learn how to create engaging experiences for their wolf companions.
Benefits of Participation
Participating in the Advanced Social Cognitive Wolf Training Workshop offers numerous benefits for both seasoned trainers and newcomers to the field. Attendees gain a deeper understanding of wolf behaviour and psychology, enabling them to build stronger bonds with their animal partners and achieve greater success in their training endeavours. Additionally, networking opportunities abound, allowing participants to connect with like-minded individuals and experts in the field.
The Advanced Social Cognitive Wolf Training Workshop represents a pioneering effort in the field of animal training, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in our interactions with these fascinating creatures. By delving into the intricacies of wolf behaviour and cognition, participants gain valuable insights that can be applied not only to wolves but to a wide range of animal species. As we continue to unlock the mysteries of the animal mind, programs like this workshop play a vital role in advancing our understanding and enhancing our relationships with the natural world.
Advanced Social Cognitive Training Workshop
A social cognitive animal training workshop typically focuses on teaching participants how to understand and influence animal behaviour through positive reinforcement techniques, while also emphasizing the importance of the human-animal bond and communication. In these workshops, trainers learn about the principles of animal behaviour, psychology, and cognition, and how to apply them effectively in training sessions.
Key components of a social cognitive animal training workshop
Theory and Principles
Participants learn about the scientific principles behind animal behaviour, including classical and operant conditioning, social learning theory, and cognitive psychology as it pertains to animals.
Hands-On Training
Workshops often include practical sessions where participants work directly with animals, practicing the techniques they've learned under the guidance of experienced trainers.
Observation and Analysis
Trainers are encouraged to observe and analyze animal behaviour, identifying patterns and understanding the motivations behind certain actions. This helps them tailor their training approaches to individual animals.
Communication and Relationship Building
Participants learn how to effectively communicate with animals using body language, vocal cues, and positive reinforcement. They also explore strategies for building trust and strengthening the bond between humans and animals.
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
Workshops may address common training challenges and provide strategies for troubleshooting difficult behaviours. Participants learn how to adapt their training methods to different species, personalities, and situations.
Workshop Details
The goal of the workshop is to teach professional animal trainers a new learning model, increase their speed and timing to perfect their training skills and advance their career. The Advanced Social Cognitive Training Workshop is ideal for intermediate to advanced dog trainers and other animal trainer professionals.
Day One:
- Behaviourism & SCT.
- Clicker training for two learning models.
- Free shaping dog behaviour.
Day Two:
- Behaviourism & SCT.
- Working with rodents & the SCT model.
- Free shaping animal behaviour.
Overall, a social cognitive animal training workshop aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework necessary to train animals effectively while fostering a positive and respectful relationship between humans and animals.
Please note: We work with animals, so please consider the schedule might change last minute.