Continuing Education
Dogma Academy Guest Speaker Series with Annika Alcorso
As dog trainers, we enter this work with open hearts, a deep love for animals, and a genuine desire to help others. But in our eagerness to support our clients and their dogs, we can easily lose sight of ourselves. We carry the weight of outcomes we can’t control, measure our worth against compliance we can't guarantee, and slowly, silently, burnout can begin to creep in. This webinar is a gentle invitation to pause.
Together, we’ll explore what it means to practice self-care—not as a luxury, but as a necessary foundation for sustainable, ethical work. We'll talk about healthy boundaries, the difference between responsibility and over-responsibility, and how to stay grounded when the lines between our clients’ journeys and our own sense of success start to blur.
This conversation is especially for newer trainers, or those finding themselves emotionally entangled in the outcomes of their work. If you've ever internalized a client’s struggles as your failure, or questioned your competence based on someone else’s follow-through—you're not alone. These patterns are common, and they’re also shiftable, with awareness and compassion.
You are allowed to care deeply without carrying everything. You are allowed to support others without sacrificing your peace. You are allowed to be in this work without losing yourself in it.
Join us to learn how and join us live to take part in the Q&A!Â
About Annika:
Annika Alcorso is the Founder of Canine Connection Training & Coaching. She is a triple certified Behaviour Consultant & Life Coach with a passion for helping people connect to themselves, their dogs and their deepest desires. She is a multidimensional being with a compelling history as a world traveler, wolf trainer, energy worker and ever learner. She combines the unique balance of science-based dog training with self development, holistic wellness & spiritual curiosity when working with her clients. Her desire is to create a space where you can come as you are. A place where you can feel supported & understood, and explore the teachings your dog brings forward for you in your life. Annika is invested as much in the transformation of her clients as she is in their pets. With a strong belief that our dogs come into our lives for a reason, she feels if we remain curious, open hearted & self aware, our dogs have much to teach us, about us.
When:Â Friday, July 4th at 1 pm PT/4 pm ET
Cost: $24.95 + gst, FREE to Dogma Academy Students/Grads
Register!
If you are looking to further your knowledge and confidence with dog to dog interactions, this workshop is for you.Â
Join us for our most popular workshop! This interactive experience offers both auditing spots for observation and limited working spots for hands-on participation with a dog. The workshop will delve into setting up, managing, and facilitating dog-to-dog interactions, covering both one-on-one and group settings. We'll explore various types of interactions, learn safe conflict interruption techniques, and strategies for recovery post-conflict.
Participants will practice essential skills such as teaching, narrating, observing, and building confidence in dog-to-dog interactions, taking their knowledge beyond the basics. Whether you're seeking to deepen your understanding of canine behaviour or gain practical experience in managing dog interactions, this workshop goes above and beyond foundational training and is essential for anyone managing group play.
Where: Dogma Training (515- 70 Ave SW Calgary, AB). You can also join us virtually as we will live-stream this workshop!
When:Â September 14th @ 12 pm
Cost:Â
Early Bird before September 1st $125 + gst
Regular Ticket: $150 + gst
Dogma Academy Grads/Students and Dogma Members: Use code MEMBERGRAD for 25% off your ticket!
Are you with a rescue group and looking for training for your team and/or volunteers? Contact us for exclusive pricing or bring us in for private training with your team.
CEU's: 8 CCPDTÂ
Let us know with registration if you plan on bringing a dog. There are limited spots available. Dogs must be:
- people-friendly and dog-friendly
- be able to settle at the facility or remain in your vehicle between turns
- be fully vaccinatedÂ
