Canadian Business Awards 2024 | 11 enrichment activities. Additionally, responding to the needs of those with busy working schedules, Dogs Trail now provides extended weekday hours, which many other daycare facilities do not. Above all, Dogs Tail is unique for its commitment to addressing the dog behaviour crisis that has emerged in recent years. Since the pandemic, reports have shown a dramatic increase in the number of dogs with problematic behaviours. This has unfortunately led to many behaviour-related euthanasia cases. To address this significant problem, Dogs Tail works with reactive dogs, focusing on structure, mental stimulation, and slow exposure. Unlike traditional daycare providers that offer their services based on a pass or fail meet and greet session, Dogs Tail operates on a spectrum. The business provides opportunities for dogs that struggle in social situations, helping them to work on their anxieties and aggression. In this, the goal is for them to eventually be able to join open play with the other pups. To determine each dog’s needs, Dogs Tail evaluates them based on various factors, including interactions with people, response to handling, greeting new dogs, body language, and play energy. In many cases, reactivity stems from a lack of confidence. For this reason, Dogs Tail’s trainers focus on helping dogs to build socialising and problem-solving skills by exposing them to new experiences and mentally stimulating tasks. With this approach, the root cause of reactivity is addressed, creating a happier and more confident dog. Over the years, Dogs Tail’s work has led to the successful integration of many previously reactive dogs into the daycare rooms, even those who were told that they would never be able to play with other dogs. The business has also saved several pups from behaviourbased euthanasia, as well as having rehomed many dogs to provide them with the second chance they deserve. Dogs Tail understands that reactive dogs are often banned from grooming services at other facilities. Sometimes, it is recommended that they receive vet sedation in order to be groomed. Specialising in grooming dogs with grooming anxiety, Dogs Tail creates customised slow exposure programmes, keeping them relaxed throughout the process. By providing them with positive experiences, the business transforms aggressive dogs into pups that are excited to visit the groomer. Ultimately, this reduces the number of dogs who need anxiety medication during grooming sessions. Moreover, Dogs Tail offers a unique boarding experience that is perfect for dogs who experience separation anxiety. The service takes place at a trainer’s residence, providing pups with a break from the stimulating daycare environment so that they can enjoy a comfortable place to rest. During overnight stays, the groups of dogs are smaller, meaning each pup will receive one-on-one care, time cosying up on a couch, and other ‘just like home’ options. A balance between fun and relaxation is important in a dog’s life, improving their mood and overall wellbeing as well as reducing their homesickness. Overall, it is clear that Dogs Tail is passionate about its work, aiming to not only provide owners with outstanding daycare services but also play a role in enhancing the lives of dogs in need. For its continued excellence in everything it does, the company has been awarded the title of Best Dog Daycare & Training Business, Calgary, in the Canadian Business Awards 2024. In the future, Dogs Tail aims to establish a full-scale shelter for dogs that have been given up and require rehabilitation. This will enable it to accommodate dogs on a long-term basis, providing them with the care and training they need. Ultimately, once they are ready, they will be rehomed with a suitable and loving owner. Contact Details Contact: Mia Hodal Company: Dogs Tail Inc. Web Address: www.dogstail.ca L to R: Jon Hodal, Mia Hodal, Issac Parkinson, Gabriela Wagner, Shari Newton
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