About | Canine Development and Testing

DOG TRAINING WITHOUT THE KOOL-AID

No culty methods. Just clear communication and solid outcomes.

Why Choose Us?

You’ve got options.
But if you’re here, you’re likely looking for more than group class chaos, TikTok tips, or “just be more alpha” advice that doesn’t actually help.

Here’s what sets us apart:

We Train for YOUR Life

Not for someone else's ideal. For the actual, messy, unpredictable life you live with your dog.

Our Environment Is Built for Success

Our 40-acre property east of Calgary means space to work, move, and regulate. No barking walls of dogs. Just the right conditions for learning.

We Use What Works — Not Just What’s Trendy

No method allegiance. No ego. Just a full toolkit used skillfully and ethically.

Your Dog Isn’t a Robot, and Neither Are You

We don’t force a certain ideal. We help you build the relationship, communication, and structure you actually want in your context.

Meet the Team

Founder. Head Trainer. Over Thinker.

Tamara Champagne

Tamara Champagne is the founder of Canine Development & Testing — and the brain behind the structured frameworks that help reactive dogs recover, high-drive dogs thrive, and handlers finally feel like they’ve got their sh*t together.

With a background in process improvement, adult education, and coaching, Tamara saw firsthand how overwhelmed dog owners were — cobbling together advice from YouTube, Reddit, and random blogs with no clear roadmap. So she built one.

Now, she helps clients cut through the noise with practical, actionable strategies that meet dogs and humans where they’re at — and get real, sustainable results.

She’s a Ford K-9 Certified Scent Detection Trainer-2 and Canine Cognition Instructor as well as CKC & C-Wags Scent Detection judge.

But what she’s really known for? Developing confident, cooperative dogs who thrive.

Trainer. Problem Solver. Head of Adulting.

Alyssa Spencer

Alyssa brings a sharp eye, a steady hand, and a deep passion for helping dogs feel at home in the world — especially those destined for public access and service work.

Originally from Edmonton, Alyssa began training dogs in 2018 while completing her degree in Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta. Since then, she’s become a certified Service Dog Instructor and Early Education Trainer, specializing in obedience, confidence building, and accessible skill development for both ends of the leash.

Her philosophy? A calm dog and a confident handler make for a powerful team.

Now based in Calgary, Alyssa and her chocolate English Lab, Mocha, spend their time exploring the city, practicing life skills, and nerding out over cooperative care.

She’s a key player at CDT — helping dogs and their humans build skills with consistency, structure, and passion.

A5D52E15-8BB9-48F8-A6D1-E0B2B5FAE771_L0_001-2_29_2024, 7_55_49 AM.jpg

Trainer. Detail Ninja. Enthusiastic Dog Nerd.

Olivia Paladino

Olivia first showed up to CDT’s Grand Opening in 2022 — asked smart questions, chatted with every trainer, and made it very clear she was meant to be here. Since then, she’s trained her own dogs through our programs, proven she’s got natural handling skills, and officially joined the team.

Now, Olivia supports our programs while continuing to build her skills under the mentorship of Tamara and Alyssa.

Her background? A lifetime of living with (and loving) dogs of all shapes and sizes — from Bichons and Schnauzers to big mixed-breed rescues — and a deep appreciation for what it takes to raise a well-rounded family dog.

When she’s not working with dogs, you’ll find her hiking the trails, browsing Costco like it’s a sport, or hanging out with her husband and their dogs, Scotia and Piper.

She’s got the heart, the instincts, the curiosity — and all the makings of an incredible dog trainer.

Let’s talk goals, game plan, and whether we’re the right fit for you and your dog.

Let's Chat