Questions? Fetch answers here.
Explore our FAQs for quick answers about our services and approach.
About our training services
Start by reading through our FAQ to answer some of the most common questions. Then, head to our Booking page and fill out the form to tell us a bit about yourself, your dog, and your goals. We typically reply within one business day to discuss next steps.
We provide services in the Montreal boroughs of Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (CDN-NDG), Côte-Saint-Luc, Hampstead, Ville-Marie, Sud Ouest, Verdun, and the City of Westmount.
Let us know if you’d like us to expand to your neighbourhood and we’ll see what we can do.
We can help with a variety of challenges, including leash pulling, over-exuberant greetings, jumping, door dashing, excessive barking, counter surfing, and more. We can also help address reactivity, fear, and anxiety. If you’re dealing with a specific issue, just ask. We’re here to help!
We use reward-based, fear-free methods rooted in behavioural science and social cognitive learning theory to help dogs of all types learn in a way that’s kind and stress-free. Plus it makes for fun and enjoyable sessions!
We offer private training and day training for puppies, teens, and adult dogs, plus behaviour consults for specific challenges.
We also provide additional services like walk & trains, pet minding, pet transport, and workshops (see below for related FAQs).
Our private training is perfect for families who want to be actively involved in teaching, modifying, and maintaining their dog’s behaviours.
For those looking to speed up the learning process, we recommend day training. While you’ll still need to learn how to maintain and reinforce the training, you can skip the initial effort of developing the behaviours from scratch.
Depending on the behaviour we’re addressing, we’ll typically train in your home or local public settings, like the neighbourhood sidewalks and/or park.
We’ll review your assessment forms, gather extra details to fully understand your dog’s background and needs, discuss your goals, and perform an evaluation. We’ll set realistic expectations, outline a personalized training plan, and provide tools and strategies to address immediate concerns.
If needed, we’ll observe specific behaviours you want to change and share practical steps to manage them. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan, actionable insights, and homework to kickstart progress.
Your dog will learn best if their basic needs are met — they’ve done their ‘business,’ aren’t thirsty, and aren’t too hungry (a little hunger is fine since it helps them get excited about yummy rewards). It’s also important they’re not overtired or exhausted. Don’t worry about tiring them out before our training sessions. We’ll handle that for you!
Otherwise, just bring yourself (and a notebook if you’d like to jot down some thoughts). We’ll discuss any additional training tools when/if they’re needed.
Yes, we’re happy to answer quick questions by email and share helpful resources to keep you on track. However, in-depth guidance and training are reserved for our scheduled sessions to make the most of our time together.
It’s hard to say without knowing more about your dog and the goals we’ll be working on. Training takes time and practice for both you and your dog, so it’s unlikely everything will be resolved in a single session.
The number of sessions depends on factors like your dog’s behaviour, the complexity of your goals, and how consistently you implement the strategies we discuss. Simple skills may take fewer sessions, while behaviour modification often requires more time and commitment. We’ll discuss this in detail as we get started!
We focus on patience, understanding, and positive reinforcement. Every dog learns at their own pace, and we tailor our approach to find what motivates them, building trust along the way.
There are no punishments for getting something “wrong”, we simply give them another opportunity by teaching them about the expected behaviour.
Yes! We work with dogs of all breeds and ages, from energetic puppies to senior dogs and everything in between. Every dog is unique, and we tailor our training to fit their needs and personality.
Absolutely! We love working with rescue dogs and understand they may have unique challenges. Whether they need help adjusting to their new home or working through specific behaviours, we’re here to support you both.
Yes, we can work with multiple dogs in the same household, which can be helpful for certain behaviours. That said, we generally prefer to train dogs independently to ensure each one gets the focused attention they need to succeed.
No, we do not use aversive tools like prong collars, choke collars, e-collars, or anything that causes pain or fear. We also ask our clients to avoid these tools to ensure consistency with our positive, fear-free methods.
While aversive tools might suppress unwanted behaviours, they don’t teach your dog what to do instead. They can also create anxiety and fear, which may lead to more serious issues like aggression. Positive reinforcement builds trust, encourages proper behaviour, and sets your dog up for long-term success.
No, because every dog is unique with their own personality and free will. Just as no teacher can guarantee a student’s exact results, it wouldn’t be ethical to promise a specific behavioural outcome for your dog.
We promise we’ll provide the training, tools, and ongoing support to set you and your dog up for success. The progress you see will depend on the time and effort you put into practicing and reinforcing what we teach.
If your dog isn’t making progress, it’s our job to figure out why. We’ll reassess, adjust our approach, and develop a new plan to help.
Yes! We offer a small-group walking class and structured group walks. These sessions are designed to build leash skills, focus, and confidence around other dogs in a supportive environment. Check our Group classes page for current availability and registration info.
We don’t offer virtual training, but we do provide virtual consultations. These are great for discussing specific cases, preparing for a new puppy, choosing the right breed, or answering any other questions you might have. Let us know if you’re interested!
Yes! We offer both private training and day training packages. Each one is tailored to your dog’s unique needs and goals. By purchasing a block of sessions, you benefit from a discounted rate while staying on track with a clear, consistent training plan.
Booking and scheduling
First, fill out our Booking form to tell us more about yourself and your dog.
We’ll typically respond within one business day to answer your questions and ask any follow-ups of our own. Once you confirm you’d like to move forward, we’ll email you a couple of assessment forms, confirm the cost of the first session, and discuss scheduling options.
To finalize your booking, simply complete the forms and send full payment for the first session.
The assessment forms give us a clear understanding of your dog’s history, behaviour, and needs, allowing us to start creating a customized training plan. They also save time during our first session by letting us review the details in advance.
Our training hours are Monday – Wednesday, 10am to 6pm and Thursday – Friday, 10am to 4pm.
Please let us know if you’re interested in evening or weekend training sessions so we can consider offering this availability in the future.
Consistent training is essential to your dog’s success, so we strive to stick to the session schedule as closely as possible to help you achieve your goals. We also text to confirm each session 24 hours in advance to ensure everything is on track.
If you need to reschedule, we ask for at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations made within 24 hours or missed sessions will be charged a cancellation fee, as it’s often too late to offer the time slot to another client.
We understand that emergencies happen, and we’re happy to address those on a case-by-case basis.
Yes, you can reschedule a session as long as you provide at least 24 hours’ notice. This helps us keep things running smoothly and offer your original time slot to another client.
If you’re late or we’re unable to access your home on time, it’s at our discretion whether to extend the session that day or make adjustments to a future session. We’ll do our best to accommodate, but scheduling constraints may prevent us from making up the time immediately.
Packages and related services are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase. To get the most out of your training and keep progress steady, we recommend scheduling your sessions early and sticking to a regular rhythm.
The private training process
Private training can help with everything from basic obedience and manners to addressing specific challenges like leash reactivity, fear, anxiety, excessive barking, or impulse control. We tailor each session to your dog’s unique needs and your goals.
The initial consult is typically 90 minutes. Regular sessions are 60 minutes.
Yes, private training is designed to teach you how to work with your dog and build a strong connection.
If you’d prefer to let us handle most of the training, you can opt for our Day Training service instead.
Absolutely! We encourage all family members who will be involved in training your dog to participate in our sessions—it helps ensure consistency and success.
It depends on the behaviours we’re addressing, your family’s availability, budget, and how much training you can do between sessions. That said, scheduling once a week for the first few weeks is a great way to build a strong foundation and maintain consistency.
The day training process
Day training can help with skills like loose leash walking, recall, basic manners, confidence-building, and addressing behaviours like reactivity or impulse control. It’s a great option for focusing on specific goals while giving your dog plenty of one-on-one attention.
No, you don’t need to be present for day training sessions. We’ll handle the training while you’re at work or busy, and keep you updated on your dog’s progress through notes and transfer sessions.
The initial consult is 90 minutes. Regular sessions and transfer sessions are 60 minutes.
For the best results, we recommend at least two 60-minute day training sessions per week. This consistency helps accelerate your dog’s learning and reinforces new behaviours effectively.
For transfer sessions, scheduling one every week or two will keep you up to speed and ensure you’re confident in maintaining your dog’s progress.
We’ll provide detailed notes after each session to keep you informed about what your dog is learning.
Transfer sessions are also a great opportunity to see their progress firsthand and learn how to reinforce their new skills.
Make sure your dog has had some exercise beforehand so they’re calm and focused during the session. As always, ensure their basic needs are met. They’ve done their ‘business,’ aren’t thirsty, and aren’t too hungry or overtired.
Your dog will be mentally and physically engaged during the session, so they’ll likely be ready for some rest. We’ll also share notes on what we worked on and provide tips to help you reinforce their new skills at home.
Group walks and classes
A small-group training session focused on improving leash skills, attention, and calm behaviour around other dogs. We combine structured practice with real-world walking scenarios.
This class is ideal for dogs who are generally friendly but need help with leash manners, focus, or staying calm around distractions. It’s not suitable for dogs with significant reactivity or fear in group settings.
Group walks are structured outings that offer safe social exposure, mental stimulation, and low-pressure practice around other dogs. They’re not formal training sessions, but they do provide valuable real-world experience.
Walking classes, on the other hand, are hands-on training sessions focused on leash skills, focus, and working calmly in a group setting. To ensure a safe and successful experience for everyone, completing the group walking course is required before joining group walks.
Enriched walks by a trainer
An enriched walk is a one-on-one outing with a trainer that goes beyond basic exercise. These walks are designed to support your dog’s emotional, mental, and behavioural well-being through sniffing, exploration, training games, and calm engagement. We never visit dog parks or dog runs during enriched walks. Every route and activity is chosen with your dog’s comfort and safety in mind.
Unlike a quick potty break, enriched walks are intentionally paced and designed to support your dog’s emotional and behavioural well-being. They’re part training, part adventure.
Yes!, They’re a great way to complement your dog’s training plan by reinforcing behaviours we’ve already worked on. Let us know what you need, and we’ll help you make the most of both!
About our trainer
Our trainer is committed to continual learning and bringing the best, science-based methods to every session. For a full list of qualifications, visit our About page. It’s the best place to learn more about our experience and approach.
We believe training should be kind, effective, and fun for both you and your dog. That’s why we stick to humane, force-free methods that build trust and respect, not fear or intimidation.
Positive reinforcement works for all kinds of dogs and keeps the process stress-free and enjoyable. No scary tools or harsh methods here, just plenty of treats, praise, and tail wags as your dog learns and grows!
We’re dedicated to staying at the forefront of dog training by regularly studying the latest research, completing advanced courses, and reading publications from top behaviour experts and thought leaders in the field. This commitment to continuous education ensures we use modern, science-backed techniques to help you and your dog succeed.
Yes! So far, we’ve worked with cats, pigs, ducks, chickens, and even a horse. While dogs are our main focus, it’s always rewarding to apply training techniques to other clever (and occasionally quirky) creatures!
Additional services
Yes, pet minding is available for all kinds of creatures and pets, not just dogs. Pet transport is also an option, as long as the animal fits comfortably in our vehicle and is unlikely to soil it during travel.
Yes! We offer pre-adoption consults to help you choose a dog that fits your lifestyle and set your home up for success. Whether you’re adopting a puppy, adult dog, or senior, we’ll guide you through the decision-making process and help you prepare with confidence.
Our pet minding service includes quick visits to care for your pets when you can’t be there. We’ll feed them, administer medication if needed, provide attention and playtime, and for dogs, let them out for a quick “business” break. This service is best for short-term needs and is not recommended for dogs left alone for more than a day.
Each pet minding visit lasts 20–30 minutes, providing enough time to feed, medicate, play with, and care for your pet.
No, we don’t offer overnight or extended stays. Our pet minding service is designed for quick visits to meet your pet’s needs, but we’re happy to recommend trusted carers or kennels for longer stays.
We provide pet transport services across the island of Montreal. If you’re unsure whether your location is covered, just reach out and we’ll let you know!
Your pet’s safety is our top priority. We use secure crates or seatbelt harnesses during transport to keep your pet safe and comfortable. Our vehicle is well-maintained, climate-controlled, and equipped for safe travel.
We recommend booking additional services as early as possible, but here are the minimum notice times:
* Pet minding: 48 hours
* Pet transport: 72 hours
Let us know if you have last-minute needs, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
We offer workshops on a variety of topics to help you and your dog develop new skills and understanding. Topics include clicker training, introducing a new dog to your home, choosing the right breed for your family, and an introduction to agility. If there’s something specific you’d like to learn, let us know. We’re always open to suggestions!
General questions
The idea of needing to be “the boss” or asserting dominance over your dog is outdated and has been debunked by modern behavioural science. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) emphasizes that building a relationship based on trust and cooperation through positive reinforcement is far more effective. Instead of focusing on dominance, aim to be a consistent, clear, and kind leader by rewarding desired behaviours and setting boundaries that help your dog feel secure.
You’ll need a well-fitted collar or harness, a leash, and lots of high-value treats to reward good behaviour. A clicker can be a helpful tool for marking desired behaviours, and having a few favourite toys on hand can keep your dog engaged.
Depending on your training goals, you might also want to invest in a treat pouch, long line, or agility equipment. Reach out to us if you have more questions!
Not if managed properly. Training treats are typically small and used in moderation. To balance things out, you can adjust your dog’s regular meals slightly. Plus, training sessions are mentally and physically stimulating, which helps burn energy and keep your dog in shape.
Keep in mind that treats aren’t the only reward we use. Anything your dog loves, like toys, praise, or playtime, can also be a great motivator during training.
You can start training your puppy as soon as they come home! Puppies are like little sponges and start learning from day one. Focus on simple skills, socialization, and positive experiences to set them up for success.