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MHC Extended Learning partners with regional parks for dog safety training

Medicine Hat College (MHC) Extended Learning has partnered with several provincial parks, including Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinbrook Island Provincial Park and Tillebrook Provincial Park, to develop and deliver a customized workplace training program focused on safe interactions with dogs.

The Smart Strategies for Safe Dog Encounters course was created in response to a specific training need identified by parks staff. Through customized training, Extended Learning worked with Alberta Parks to develop a program tailored to the unique challenges employees may encounter while working in frontline and visitor environments.

MHC instructor Marissa Jordan leads the Smart Strategies for Safe Dog Encounters workshop, developed by Extended Learning in partnership with Alberta Parks to help staff safely navigate interactions with dogs in visitor-facing environments.

The partnership highlights Extended Learning's ability to respond to workforce and community needs through flexible, industry-informed training solutions.

“We want to be able to give our staff the tools that they need to work successfully,” said CoriAnn Nielson, supervisor for visitor services at Alberta Parks, Dinosaur District. “Customizing a course for our needs gears it more towards our region and our specific needs.”

The interactive, instructor-led workshop provides practical strategies for recognizing canine behaviour, assessing risk and responding appropriately during encounters with dogs. Participants learn how dogs communicate through body language, movement and posture, helping them recognize potential signs of stress or escalation before situations become unsafe.

The training was delivered by MHC instructor Marissa Jordan, whose expertise helped ensure the content reflected current best practices in canine behaviour and safety.

Dinosaur Provincial Park employee and workshop participant Nathanael Kneeland said the training provided practical knowledge that will assist him in his day-to-day work.

“I just feel more confident with how I can deal with dogs in the park with the public,” said Kneeland.

For Extended Learning, the project demonstrates how customized training can be adapted to meet the needs of specific industries, organizations and workplaces.

“We really appreciate Alberta Parks' proactive approach to supporting both staff safety and positive public interactions,” said Olena Mitsuk, Regional Training Development Strategist with Extended Learning. “This training is the first of its kind delivered through Extended Learning and the first in a series of canine-focused learning opportunities we hope to offer in the future for municipalities, organizations and dog owners.”

By working directly with employers and community partners, Extended Learning continues to develop responsive training opportunities that support workforce development, workplace safety and lifelong learning across southeastern Alberta.