Puppies in the classroom: a pivotal learning experience
Four Service Dog & Canine Studies Management Diploma students sitting around and smiling at a puppy.
As six eager puppies bound into the room, hearts melt and futures begin to take shape.
The drop-off is one of the most anticipated milestones in the Service Dog and Canine Studies Management diploma at Medicine Hat College. It marks the moment when students move from foundational learning into hands-on training.
“This is a pivotal moment for our program because students gain experience in handling, raising, and training. From this point forward, they are immersed in all things canine,” says instructor, Marissa Jordan.
Placements occur mid-semester to give students time to build foundational skills and integrate into life as a student. They are paired based on criteria such as experience, personality, home environment, and puppy temperament. The program’s unique multi-student pairing model also supports long-term sustainability and shared responsibility throughout the 18-month journey.
For learners, this is a moment they look forward to.
“It's extremely exciting because we get to apply everything we've been learning in class. It's a very cool opportunity,” says first year student Jenna Shulli. “I've found everything we've learned to be very interesting; it’s things I never even thought about or considered when it comes to training dogs.”
Service Dog & Canine Studies Management Diploma student, Sarah Shields hugs puppy to herself and smiles at camera.
Unlike traditional classroom learning, this hands-on experience extends into daily life. Students integrate training into their routines, building empathy, communication skills, and critical thinking along the way. “I think it will be an adjustment at first because the puppies are so young,” admits Sarah Shields, first year, “but with the right techniques, this course is going to be great.”
Once trained, these dogs go on to support clients across Canada through partnerships with organizations such as Pacific Assistance Dogs Society, Summit Service Dogs, and Dogs with Wings.
Ready to turn your passion for dogs into a career? Explore the Service Dog & Canine Studies Management diploma at www.mhc.ab.ca.