About

Whiskers and Wags

Not every trainer is created equal.

We believe continuing education is the only way to ensure we’re always using the most modern and up-to-date training techniques… so we invest 80+ hours each year!

What We Do

Kindness to All Students

We believe in kindness for both our people and their pets.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

We use modern, evidence-based training techniques.

Training for Real Life

Training happens in the places where you need it most.

About Whiskers and Wags

Founder Donia Roorda is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) as well as Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (CDBC) through the International (IAABC), one of only a handful in Alberta. She’s also a certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM), a certified Fear Free Professional and a certified Trick Dog Trainer!

She really values continuing education and participates in classes, seminars, conferences, workshops, webinars and more on an ongoing basis.

With her own dogs, Donia actively trains and competes in agility, obedience, tricks, rally, and nose work, and dabbles in tracking. 

Donia established Whiskers and Wags in 2010.

She works hand in hand with Ayka Reitsma, who is the primary in-home animal care coordinator. Ayka has been working alongside Donia since the beginning of Whiskers & Wags Pet Services providing individual and small group walks, in-home visits and live-in care.

With a background in nursing, Ayka is a great asset when it comes to administering medications and catching symptoms of an illness, even when a pets’ owners are away from home. 

— An Example of Our Commitment to Continuing Education —

Options for Every Dog

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Private Lessons

Looking for help with a specific behavior problem or just want to get your dog off to the right start? We’d love to work with you one-on-one!

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Group Classes & Workshops

Want to continue to build your dog’s skills and give him a chance to use that brain? We offer a range of group classes for canine enrichment!

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In Home Care

Going away but want to ensure your dog has someone who knows their stuff (and won’t undo all your training)? We do that too!

“We found Donia when we were struggling with our dog Murphy’s fear aggression towards other dogs we met on leash (and sometimes off leash). Her work has given me the tools to work with Murphy and keep up the progress he has made. Donia was open and personable — she helped us so much and has so much knowledge!”

— Wendy & Murphy