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The 15 Best Dog Trainers in Vancouver

THE 15 BEST DOG TRAINERS IN VANCOUVER
We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.

The 15 Best Dog Trainers in Vancouver

So you get a new dog, either a puppy or a rescue, and it’s not exactly like those cute videos you see on the internet in terms of attitude and behavior. What are you to do about it?

Well, you can look at this list of the best dog training centers in Vancouver to find someone to help you get your pet in line!

Keep in mind that the table above doesn’t necessarily reflect the full cost of dog training and the total costs can vary based on the trainer and your dog’s specific needs.

The Best Dog Training in Vancouver

We based the best dog training centers in Vancouver based on the following criteria:

The Cost of Dog Training in Vancouver

There are a lot of costs that go into how much dog training can cost. The breed of the dog, whether or not you’re getting group, private, or online sessions, and the type of training needed can all factor in.

Group classes$30+ per class
Private lessons$65+ per session
Facilities – We based this on the quality of the facilities used in training the dogs, whether it be indoor or outdoor.
Diversity of lessons – We based this on the amount of programs available for pet owners to be able to meet their dog’s needs.
Scheduling – We based this on how their schedule could work for a pet owner who might be working a full-time job.
Customer satisfaction – We based this on testimonials and third-party reviews, including Google reviews.

1. Happi Dog

Happi Dog's Banner
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ADDRESS1616 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
WEBSITEhttps://happidog.ca
CONTACT DETAILSEmail: [email protected]

604-442-8841

STORE HOURSMonday to Saturday: 9am to 7pm
Facilities★★★★☆ (4/5)
Diversity of lessons★★★★★ (5/5)
Scheduling★★★★☆ (4/5)
Customer satisfaction★★★★★ (5/5)

Happi Dog shows the utmost professionalism when it comes to training dogs. They value the safety and well-being of both the dog and its owner, which is why they provide only the best practices for training sessions. Their trainers respond quickly to any questions you might have about their methods or progress with your pup.

At Happi Dog, they understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to dog training, so they customize their services based on individual needs. They also prioritize communication between owners and trainers so that everyone is completely informed throughout the process.

When you choose Happi Dog, you can feel confident that your pup will be receiving only the best training experience. With professionalism and value at the core of their services, Happi Dog is a top choice for dog trainers in Vancouver.

Pros

  • Uses positive training techniques
  • Teaches critical behaviors and practices
  • Diverse set of packages

Cons

  • Closed on Sundays

Customer Reviews

Dedicated to Ensuring the Puppy is Taken Care Of

“WE FEEL SO LUCKY TO HAVE FOUND CHARLOTTE! OUR 1 YEAR OLD PUPPY ALWAYS COMES HOME FEELING HAPPY AND TIRED FROM HER WALKS. WE TAKE OUR DOG’S TRAINING VERY SERIOUSLY AND CHARLOTTE IS DEDICATED TO ENSURING OUR PUPPY NOT ONLY GETS A GOOD WALK/EXERCISE BUT ALSO STRUCTURED TRAINING WALKS TO BUILD HER CONFIDENCE. I WOULD NOT LET ANYONE ELSE WALK OUR PUPPY!” – Sofia S.

Personalized Training Sessions

“WE HAVE LOVED OUR EXPERIENCE WITH CHARLOTTE FROM HAPPI DOG. SHE PERSONALIZED OUR TRAINING SESSIONS TO THE NEEDS OF OUR PUPPY AND OUR FAMILY AND WAS SUPER FLEXIBLE WITH THE OVERALL TRAINING PLAN AS WE WENT ALONG. CHARLOTTE HAS BEEN SO PATIENT WITH US AND HAS BEEN SO SUPPORTIVE WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS THAT WE’VE ENCOUNTERED. SHE HAS EQUIPPED US WITH GREAT TECHNIQUES THAT WE CAN USE FOR SO MANY SITUATIONS WITH OUR SWEET, ENERGETIC PUPPY :). HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!” – Sharon G.

2. Canine Solutions Dog Training

Canine Solutions Dog Training's Banner
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ADDRESSVancouver, BC V5T 2K4
WEBSITEhttps://caninesolutionstraining.com/
CONTACT DETAILS(604) 617-1231
STORE HOURSMonday, Wednesday, Friday: 10am to 7pm

Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 5pm

Tuesday and Thursday: Closed

Facilities★★★★☆ (4/5)
Diversity of lessons★★★★☆ (4/5)
Scheduling★★★★☆ (4/5)
Customer satisfaction★★★★☆ (4/5)

So here’s what stood out to us about Canine Solutions Dog Training – they recognize that busy people don’t always have time to take their dogs to classes or sessions because real life isn’t always so accommodating.

Because they recognize that, they make it a point to work around a pet owner’s schedule. That’s something that we really liked about them since pet owners can have the same issues if not the same amount of free time.

Another thing that they did that we really liked is that their help doesn’t end with just the sessions. They provided tips and resources to continue helping a dog with their issues long after the sessions are done with.

We met a lot of customers who had rescue dogs and rescue dogs can sometimes be traumatized. Many of these customers raved about how  the sessions were able to help their canines better acclimate to their new homes and their new lives. 

The only drawback we’ve found is that sometimes training sessions can take an unexpected turn… like how one customer expected their session to be entirely indoors and was thus unprepared for when it turned into an outdoor session. 

Other than that, we haven’t anything about Canine Solutions Dog Training to dislike. Many of the customers we encountered are perfectly happy with the ways their dogs turned out.

Pros

  • Works around owner’s schedules
  • Provides tips for continued training

Cons

  • Lesson plans can change on short notice

Customer reviews

Made it easy

Drew helped us with some behavioural issues we were having with our very energetic rescue dog.  Drew made it easy to fit training into our lives and taught us a lot of practical tips to continue working on. Drew is very accessible, and offers lots of helpful materials. Our dog is like a different dog after 4 sessions with Drew, and now a pleasure to be around (rather than an embarrassing and hard to control).” – Laura James

Cannot thank enough

“We cannot thank Drew at Canine Solutions Dog Training enough! He helped us structure and improve our relationship with our dog, Kipp. We rescued Kipp from the Meat Market in South Korea and understandably, that came with some trauma behaviors. Our main concern was Kipp’s intense anxiety which sometimes came out as reactive towards people (particularly men) and food guarding/alpha behaviors with other dogs. It was really hard for us as we are social people with male friends and lots of other dogs in our lives. Our first pet trainer recommended Canine Solutions, but in all honesty, we were quite hesitant about e-collar training. We were afraid that using a balanced approach, rather than a strictly all positive reinforcement approach, would break the bond that we had built with Kipp. Well, we were so wrong. The structure and communication that e-collar training offered made our bond with Kipp stronger than we thought possible. Kipp now looks to us for everything. He trusts us when we tell him someone is safe, meaning that he now wags his tail at our male friends who come over and plays endlessly with dogs without reacting negatively when upset. Kipp’s recall is phenomenal for being 1.5 years old. Of course, nothing is perfect, but rarely does he not instantly come back when called which has given him and us such freedom outdoors. He’s a happy dog now which means we are happy pet parents!

Also, we wanted to mention that Drew is such a caring and responsive trainer. He was attentive and responsive to every concern, and he worked with us at our pace. We didn’t realize how important excellent communication between trainer and trainees would be to our success! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Drew!” – Jourdan Jackson

3. Canine Connection Training

Canine Connection Training's Banner
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ADDRESSn/a
WEBSITEhttps://www.canineconnectiontraining.ca/
CONTACT DETAILSEmail: [email protected]

(604) 362-3626

STORE HOURSMonday to Saturday: 8am to 830pm
Facilities★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Diversity of lessons★★★★★ (5/5)
Scheduling★★★★★ (5/5)
Customer satisfaction★★★★★ (5/5)

There’s a lot that we liked about Canine Correction Training and the very first thing to like about them is the variety of training styles they have. 

This is great because not every dog is going to present the same problems and won’t respond to the same techniques in a homogenous manner.

They do one–on–one classes, walk-and-train, group classes, and virtual classes. That kind of variety is great in our eyes because some dogs might need more socializing and others might be better off being trained by themselves.

What really stood out to us was their virtual classes. We were somewhat on the fence about how effective virtual classes could be for dogs, but we were blown away by the results.

Many of the clients who opted for virtual classes raved about how much better adjusted their dogs were after a few weeks of those online sessions.

But their services aren’t limited to just the dogs themselves. The people at Canine Correction Training recognize that the pet owners may not be having the easiest time with their dog and we found that they make it a point to be friendly and personable to put them at ease.

The prices might give someone pause, but the results more than speak for themselves in our estimation.

Pros

  • Lots of different training styles
  • Puts pet owners at ease

Cons

  • Can be pricey

Customer reviews

Can’t thank enough

I can’t thank Annika enough for her zoom classes, training vids, time & dedication. I enjoy working through all the various exercises & her open, honest & humour filled delivery has made me more relaxed about training instead of being overly self conscious & focused on all my mistakes. This has been a sticking point for me mentally and has stopped me actually trying to put into practice all that I watch and read.

Annika gives much of her personal time to help her students and followers; she’s approachable and people feel comfortable asking for help even when the questions seem stupid or the problem ridiculous. With her open hearted approach to dog training, she allows us all to learn from her and each other in a warm, friendly forum.  The zoom classes, although not an obvious choice for training, were great value for money and much fun was had alongside learning.

Myself and my husband are first time vizsla owners and whilst its been a whirlwind of learning, trial and error, instagram brought me to Annika and although distance may have been in the way (we’re in Texas!) her training  online and over zoom has helped me personally, work with our dog Tanner more consistently than any of the in person trainers we had; she ‘gets’ dogs AND people ;)” – Dawn McGuire

Trust implicitly

“As the owner of a highly anxious, reactive dog, Annika has been invaluable to our family over the years.

Annika’s recommendations are clear, well-explained and make sense.

Annika guides us on what is normal/expected behaviour, suggests easy changes that make a big positive difference with our dog and supports us through long-term management plans.

I trust Annika implicitly; my dogs are very lucky to have her in their lives!” – Cora Chok

4. Bow Wow Academy

Bow Wow Academy's Banner
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ADDRESS259 1st St E, North Vancouver, BC V7M 1V4
WEBSITEhttps://www.bowwowacademy.com/
CONTACT DETAILS604) 765-7071
STORE HOURSMonday to Friday, Sunday: 10am to 7pm

Saturday: 10am to 6pm

Facilities★★★★★ (5/5)
Diversity of lessons★★★★☆ (4/5)
Scheduling★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Customer satisfaction★★★★★ (5/5)

Amazing and incredible. Those are two words we noted one client using when describing Bow Wow Academy and based on what we’ve seen, we’re hard-pressed to disagree with that customer. 

When we went to check out the classes for ourselves, we found them to be energetic and engaging and those are two things you want a class, any class, to be if you want learning to happen.

So we liked that they were able to engage the students, the students in this case being dogs who may not have the firmest grasp of human language. 

We also found that their schedule, mostly Saturdays and in the mornings for puppies and Wednesdays in the evening for older dogs, may work well for quite a lot of people with puppies but those with older dogs may have a harder go of it. 

But if that training or schedule doesn’t work, then they also do private training for more complex problems like aggression or separation anxiety. 

Another thing that we liked was their homework. They have materials and resources for pet owners to continue with the training outside of the sessions, which we think is great not just for training the dog but also for bonding with it.

Overall, we found that Bow Wow Academy had a lot to offer and they’re got a lot of happy clients who’ve taken them up on that offer so you’d have a hard time going wrong by going with them.

Pros

  • Trainers make an effort to engage dogs
  • Has homework for continued training outside of classes

Cons

  • Scheduling can be somewhat difficult for older dogs

Customer reviews

Loved our experience

We loved our experience with Bow Wow Academy. The space is large so you don’t feel cramped. Yoko is a dog training master. We learned so many helpful techniques in Manners 1. Yoko sends a summary after class so you can practice at home and go back to what you learned repeatedly.  Our pup loved the classes and it was a fun family bonding experience. We’ve signed up for the next set of classes.” – Joanna Maltby

Great at helping

Yoko was great at helping to train me in how to correct some very bad behavioural issues in my six year old doodle. Was able to see it working immediately

And it feels way less stressful now that I have the tools to work with.  Highly recommend Yoko!” – Melissa Chang

5. Raintown Dog Training

Raintown Dog Training's Banner
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ADDRESS1375 W 6th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B1
WEBSITEhttps://www.raintowndogtraining.com/
CONTACT DETAILSEmail: [email protected]
STORE HOURSMonday to Thursday: 10am to 5pm

Sunday: 10am to 330pm

Facilities★★★★☆ (4/5)
Diversity of lesson★★★★☆ (4/5)
Scheduling★★★★☆ (4/5)
Customer satisfaction★★★★★ (5/5)

So, there’s a lot about Raintown Dog Training to like. The primary thing in our opinion is that they set goals.

They don’t just have blanket methods and training because they recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always fit all, so they work with their clients on what goals they want to achieve in regards to their dogs.

That personalized approach is something that we can appreciate about them because we recognize that, while dogs share some inborn instincts and traits, they’re also individuals who may need specialized attention. 

But that specialized attention isn’t all they do and it isn’t all that we like about them. We also liked their group classes since an issue that many dogs may have is socializing with other dogs and we found that the group classes were a great way to acclimate such dogs with others.

We also encountered a number of clients and those clients couldn’t stop raving about how great they found the services to be, with many of them gushing about how much better behaved or how much more social their dogs were after training with Raintown. 

Basically, we found Raintown Dog Training to be as good a place as any to get your dog trained in the way that you want them to be trained.

Pros

  • Individualized training
  • Sets clear goals with the pet owners

Cons

  • Goal-oriented approach may not be for all pet owners

Customer reviews

Positive trainer

When looking for a trainer to help with Ollie, it was important for me to find a positive, science-based trainer that keeps up with the latest dog training research. Extremely pleased with the work we did with Kris in 1 on 1 sessions. After going through our goals (Reactivity and recall) She helped me put together all the knowledge and come up with a concrete training plan, improved my training mechanics and make break throughs on some of the training plateaus” – Marco Firme

More confident

“My puppy was afraid of the smallest puppies week one and by week three she was running and playing with the wild ones.  She became so much more confident meeting dogs on the street and I learned the basics of how to progress her training.  Instructors are very professional and obviously really care about all the dogs and owners.” – Rosey Hudson

6. Bianca’s Dog Training and Behavioural Consulting

Bianca’s Dog Training and Behavioural Consulting's Banner
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ADDRESS16124 9 avenue Surrey, BC, Canada V4A1A6
WEBSITEhttps://www.biancasdogtraining.com/
CONTACT DETAILS'+1 778-387-1078 | [email protected]
STORE HOURSMonday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Facilities★★★★☆ (4/5)
Diversity of lessons★★★★★ (5/5)
Scheduling★★★★☆ (4/5)
Customer satisfaction★★★★★ (5/5)

Bianca’s Dog Training and Behavioural Consulting is a firm established by Bianca who is a member of the Animalkind Accreditation Program and whose services are also CCPDT Assessed as well.

Stemming from her years of diverse experience in the field, past clients have highly commended her for the fun, engaging, and excellent experience both for them as owners and their dogs as well.

Pleasant to deal with and amicable even to the dogs, her approaches are all tailored to meet the individual needs and concerns of what the dog struggles with along with its owners’ as well.

Note though that their services are charged per hour so clients intending for a much longer period may need to expect extra charges.

Nonetheless, with her versatile dog training style ideal for both individual and group sessions, collaborative and proactive take on communication, and skilled approaches, we highly recommend them to clients in the area looking for dog training services.

Pros

  • Certified services and personnel
  • Effective and versatile training plans
  • Professional and holistic services

Cons

  • Lesson plans are charged hourly

Customer reviews

Here are some reviews from their clients:

“I started working with Bianca in April 2021 when I got my boxer puppy, Laila. Laila and I have done Puppy Class, Teen Manners Class, Social Hour and private lessons. In every situation Bianca has been professional, caring and helpful. She truly understands dogs and their behaviour and is eager to pass on her knowledge. I attended a couple of classes solo when Laila was sick, so that I wouldn’t miss out on what Bianca was teaching that day. Bianca has helped me realize the importance of meeting Laila’s needs so that she is able to learn the appropriate behaviours. I have learned about how Laila’s health affects her behaviour and how to cope when she is reactive. I cannot recommend Bianca enough. Her vast knowledge of dog behaviour and her openness make her an invaluable resource to anyone who has a dog in their life. “

“We came extremely close to rehoming our dog as our issues with him seemed insurmountable. Now we have a wonderful family pet that fits right in with our family dynamic. Bianca has been a ‘dog whisperer’ for us! We appreciated her professionalism, kindness to both us and our dog and her extensive knowledge. She was very good at teaching us as a family how the dog world works. Which is so different than the human one and in doing so, we have been able to bring out the best in our dog. Thank you for your invaluable help Bianca!”

7. CrewK9 Training Services

CrewK9 Training Services Banner
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ADDRESSMetro Vancouver & Fraser Valley, BC, Canada
WEBSITEhttps://www.crewk9.com/
CONTACT DETAILS'+1 778-899-5681
STORE HOURSContact for more information
Facilities★★★★☆ (4/5)
Diversity of lessons★★★★★ (5/5)
Scheduling★★★★☆ (4/5)
Customer satisfaction★★★★★ (5/5)

CrewK9 Training Services has some of the most fun dog trainers in Vancouver we recommend.

It’s reassuring for us that they have several memberships to uphold their credibility. A notable one is with the International Academy of Canine Trainers.

While we appreciate their group classes to teach the puppies some lovely manners, we also like their private training for the more introverted dogs.

And if you just want your pup to have fun, we find it adorable that they have puppy playtime services for $20 + GST. This is great because they’ll place your dog into appropriate play groups depending on size, energy, and confidence.

In our opinion, this shows that they’re sensitive to the dog’s physical and emotional needs. They don’t believe in using fear, intimidation, or pain as part of their training methods, so we can be sure that your furry friends are safe.

However, CrewK9 Training Services’s pricing may be higher than the city’s average. 

Their group classes packages start at $200 plus goods and services tax (GST) and their private training begins at $120 per session. Additional travel charges may also apply.

Pros

  • Has credible training memberships
  • Offers private training and group classes
  • Uses positive reinforcement
  • Provides a cheaper puppy playtime option

Cons

  • Rates may be more costly than others
  • Extra travel fees may apply

Customer Reviews

Helped us with our possessive aggression issues

“I can’t express enough how much gratitude I have for Kate. Her wide range of knowledge and training skills are amazing and she helped us so much with our possessive aggression issues with our Cockapoo. Kate has a calm, nurturing demeanour and our little pup just took to her right away. She gave us many tips and tricks to work out the aggression concerns and I couldn’t be happier with the progress we’ve seen in our puppy. I highly recommend Kate and CrewK9.” – Benito & JD

We are so impressed

“Our pup, Eddie, did board and train with Kate for a week while we were away on vacation.  As a result, his leash manners have improved significantly. We now have almost zero pull when walking in a heel and lots of eye contact. She also gave us tools for how to avoid triggering reactive behaviour and we are so impressed with how well it’s working. Eddie has hearing impairment so with Kate’s help we have now moved all of our commands to hand signals. She is very a patient and knowledgeable trainer and we can tell from Eddie’s interactions with her that he loves and trusts her. I would highly recommend Kate and Crew K9 for training and boarding.” – Stacey Downey

8. Positive Paws Training

Positive Paws Training's Banner
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ADDRESSVancouver, BC, Canada
WEBSITEhttps://positivepaws.ca/
CONTACT DETAILSEmail: [email protected]

+1 778-874-9447

STORE HOURSContact for more information
Facilities★★★★☆ (4/5)
Diversity of lessons★★★★☆ (4/5)
Scheduling★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Customer satisfaction★★★★★ (5/5)

Positive Paws Training is one of the most ideal dog trainers in Vancouver, especially for dogs with anxiety. They’ve been certified by the Karen Pryor Academy and the Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT), among others.

We know that helping your dogs overcome their separation anxiety can be tough when you’re on the go or traveling. 

That’s why we commend this company for focusing specifically on this hurdle – their trainer has learned over 100 hours of effective anxiety resolution methods! 

They also use scientifically proven, fear-free, and positive reinforcement methods – no shock or E-collars, choke chains, prong collars, or retractable leashes. Therefore, we think your dogs are in good hands. 

But due to the complex nature of separation anxiety, they’ll require weeks of commitment to begin. Even as a busy pet owner, you’ll need to give at least a month of support to see results.

This 4-week package also costs $800, which we thought was a bit pricey compared to other dog trainers.

Also, we found that Positive Paws Training’s books are closed until January 2023. In the meantime, you may join their waitlist so they can contact you for available slots as soon as possible.

Pros

  • Has several credible certifications
  • Experienced and skilled trainers
  • Specializes in dealing with dogs’ separation anxiety
  • Doesn’t use negative reinforcement

Cons

  • Booked until January 2023
  • Might be more expensive than others

Customer Reviews

Super knowledgeable and supportive

“If your dog has separation anxiety and you are unsure about hiring a professional – Just do it! Holly is super knowledgeable & supportive. She helped us get our life back by gradually introducing our dog to time alone, and she broke it down into simple daily steps for us to follow. Thanks Holly!!” – Alex Hauser

Would recommend to anyone

“Holly was amazing when it came to our new rescue, Blue. When we first got Blue, we discovered he had some pretty bad separation anxiety, I tried training him myself with some help from Google but with no luck, it was very overwhelming! I contacted Holly and it was the best decision I ever made. Holly is so sweet and super knowledgeable about what your pup needs. She listened to all my concerns and always kept Blue’s best interests at heart! Even after we stopped with our trainings, Holly gave us all the tools to continue on our own and Blue is getting better each day! Would recommend her to anyone dealing with a pup with separation anxiety.” – Steph McCourt

9. Catffeinated The Pet Mom

Catffeinated The Pet Mom's Banner
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ADDRESSn/a
WEBSITEhttps://catffeinated.org/
CONTACT DETAILSEmail: [email protected]

604-900-1881

STORE HOURSMonday to Friday: 9am to 6pm

Saturday to Sunday: 10am to 4pm

Facilities★★★★☆ (4/5)
Diversity of lessons★★★★★ (5/5)
Scheduling★★★★☆ (4/5)
Customer satisfaction★★★★★ (5/5)

If it’s raining cats and dogs, then Catffeinated The Pet Mom may give you a super umbrella! They’re among our most recommended cat and dog trainers in Vancouver.

We believe they’re ideal for dogs and cats individually and together as well. This is perfect for pet owners who struggle to put these two together in a room due to some behavior issues.

It’s also amazing that they help reactive animals have a better relationship with others, making them better walking partners. We like that they have several services for this, such as holistic dog and cat training, walks, and visits.

Should you want to try their services, Catffeinated The Pet Mom is reachable every day for your convenience. 

Just note that the best way to contact them is via email or text. Their team told us that they may be unable to pick up the phone for calls, so we suggest avoiding that.

With the other communication methods, they usually respond within 24 hours too, which is always great!

However, this company is owned and solely operated by one person. For this reason, the services may be limited – it’s best to book early if desired.

Pros

  • Open to serve daily
  • Good for dogs and cats
  • Helps with behavior and anxiety concerns
  • Typically answers within the day

Cons

  • Managed by only one person
  • Limited availability of slots

Customer Reviews

The dogs are a pleasure to walk for us now

“Our pups love Doaa! They get so excited when she comes. Since working with her, they have gained so much confidence and are much more social with other dogs and people – she really has helped enrich their lives! She really took the time to build a relationship with both of them, even when one started off quite timid with her – now they are best friends. The dogs are also a pleasure to walk for us now, which wasn’t always the case with two enthusiastic young puppies.” – Alexandra Luchenko

Simply the best

“Doaa has been our go to dog sitter and walker for several years now and she is simply the best. We initially came across her when we were looking for a sitter for our first rescue dog (Pip) who is pretty anxious and very dog and human selective. How lucky we were as since day one Doaa has been fantastic with Pip. A few months ago we adopted another rescue (Viggo), and Doaa is equally great with this teen (who is definitely full of beans!). Her knowledge and love for rescue dogs, and dogs in general, is amazing. Both of our dogs absolutely adore her. And so do we.” – Åsa Carlsson

10. Evolve Dog Training

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ADDRESS2288 W Broadway #324, Vancouver, BC V6K 0B3
WEBSITEhttps://kitsplumbingandheating.com/
CONTACT DETAILS(778) 875-3525
STORE HOURSMonday to Friday: 8:00AM to 5:00PM
Facilities★★★★☆ (4/5)
Diversity of lesson★★★★☆ (4/5)
Scheduling★★★★☆ (4/5)
Customer satisfaction★★★★☆ (4/5)

There’s a lot that can be said about Evolve Dog Training and most if not all of it is pretty great, at least based on what we’ve been able to observe.

For starters, look at their training options. They’ve got group classes, one-on-one classes, and virtual classes – all of which are pretty bog-standard for dog training.

But just because something may seem pretty basic on the outside doesn’t mean that it is. A class might seem rudimentary, but the results will often speak louder than initial impressions.

Another thing that we really liked about them is that on their website, they have some online resources for you, or the pet owner in your life, to peruse at your own convenience. 

We like that about them because it gives pet owners additional resources that they can use to keep training their dog.

The trainer also gave pet owners clear directions and some helpful tips. We like it when trainers engage dog owners as well since, in our minds, dog owners are a huge part of the training process.

To sum it all up, we found that Evolve Dog Training provided dogs and their humans with knowledgeable, engaging training that got the results that the owners desired, whether it was a more agile dog or a better behaved one.

Pros

  • Additional resources online
  • Gives owners clear directions and helpful tips

Cons

  • Can be somewhat basic

Customer reviews

Fantastic

Vanessa was fantastic and I would recommend Evoke dog training to anyone looking for a trainer. She was professional, friendly, supportive and knowledgeable. I attended her introduction to agility 4 week course with my morkie, Dakota. Dakota was shy and worried but Vanessa knew just what to do, how to read her signals and taught me how to make training fun for both of us. I loved the course and found it so helpful I repeated it! Even then Vanessa met me and Dakota where we were at and Dakota continued to make lots of progress. She now walks beautifully on leash, has great recall, is more confident interacting with other dogs. But most importantly for me, Vanessa helped me to read Dakota’s body language so I can better understand what she is trying to communicate. Thank you Vanessa!” – Sally Carr

Wealth of knowledge

“I have been to many puppy classes over the years and Vanessa’s ranks as one of the best I have attended. Vanessa puts a lot of effort and thought into creating a safe and engaging learning experience for both the puppies and the owners. She covers all of the basic training information and also provides a wealth of knowledge and training tips for any behaviour challenges the owners may be having with for their specific puppy. I definitely would recommend her classes!” – Mary Fed

11. Hustle Up Dog Training

Hustle Up Dog Training's Banner
SERVICES Pre-Pet Counselling
Dog Training Consultation
Private Dog Training
Follow-Up Private Dog Training
WEBSITEhustleupdogtraining.ca
ADDRESS
CONTACT DETAILS[email protected]
(250) 317-0274
OPERATING HOURSMonday – Sunday, 8:00 AM – 7 PM
Facilities★★★★☆ (4/5)
Diversity of lesson★★★★☆ (4/5)
Scheduling★★★★★ (5/5)
Customer satisfaction★★★★★ (5/5)

HustleUp Dog Training is a Vancouver and Calgary based dog training company that offers both in-home private dog training and group dog training classes. Founded by Brad Pattison, a renowned dog training expert and behaviorist, HustleUp Dog Training has been in operation for over 30 years, making it the original treat-free dog training company. The company offers a range of classes that cater to different dog behavioral issues such as reactive dogs, separation anxiety, recall, jumping up, and pulling on leash.

Their company’s philosophy centers on meeting the needs of dogs for adequate physical exercise, lots of mental stimulation, dog socialization, dog play, clear rules and boundaries, to help dogs thrive. The company uses positive reinforcement dog training methods, incorporating healthy rewards for the relationship such as praise in the form of touch and massage, instead of using dog treats to bribe dogs.

We like how their classes take place outdoors, exposing dogs to real-life distractions, and helping them become well-behaved dog citizens in society. Classes are 1.5 hours long and cover much more than basic commands, offering lifestyle training for both the owner and the K9 companion.

In conclusion, HustleUp Dog Training offers a unique dog training experience in Vancouver and Calgary, providing a range of classes that cater to different behavioral issues. The company’s philosophy focuses on meeting the needs of dogs and using positive reinforcement to build a lasting bond between the owner and their K9 companion. The use of touch and praise as healthy rewards for good behavior is a refreshing approach to dog training that sets HustleUp Dog Training apart from other dog training companies.

Pros

  • Treat-free dog training philosophy
  • Outdoor classes for real-life distractions
  • Lifestyle training for both owner and dog

Cons

  • Expensive rates

Customer reviews

Thank you Brad for your time and effort with me and my dog, Indigo!

“My experience with Brad has been nothing short of life changing- for me and my pup. My dog came from the street being scared of everything and everyone. When she grew attached to me, the separation anxiety would kick in to the point where she would cry if I was even a few feet away from her. A few days ago, she sat 50 feet from me and stayed completely content and ready to hear my next request. While her struggles with people are still not the best, I have seen a vast improvement the confidence in herself and me as her owner. Letting a man pet her, and even giving him a kiss on the face – something that I would have never imagined. With the fast paced working environment with Brad’s classes- you aren’t just stuck inside practicing sit/stays. You have distractions, noises, and people walking around like in everyday life. Learning the tools to navigate that probably with your dog is something I am so glad I have begun to learn. Thank you Brad for your time and effort with me and my dog, Indigo! I could not recommend enough !” – LexBargen

Very observant about the levels of development of his clients dogs

“My border collie blue heeler mix was quite a handful as a young puppy and he was trained with Brad at Hustle Up Dog Training. He was off leash trained by about 6 months old. It was so worth it to put in the time to get him trained at a young age. He appreciated learning, boundaries and exercising his brain. He is 5 years old now and he is so well behaved, polite, well balanced and honestly he is brilliant. I am forever grateful for the bond we have now after training. We learned to communicate and respect each other and I can take him anywhere. I would highly recommend if you want a tight relationship with your dog. I learned how to provide what my dog needs to thrive. Brad is a very special dog behaviourist and dog trainer. He knows what dogs need and cares deeply about the dogs he works with. He is very observant about the levels of development of his clients dogs and will make modifications when needed in class. Thank you so much for helping me have a super smart and well behaved dog today! I am so happy that I took the time for the training and grateful for all the knowledge my dog and I learned, it’s truly invaluable! I’m pretty sure Brad is a dog whisperer! He is excellent at what he does and very passionate about dog training. You will not be disappointed if you commit to the process. Highly, highly recommended!! Thank you!”  – Heidi Dummler

12. In Partnership Dog Training

In Partnership Dog Training's Banner
SERVICES Private Training
Day Training
The Adventure Hound
Remote Online Consults
Puppy Training
Puppy Socialization
Basic Manners
WEBSITEinpartnershipdogtraining.com
ADDRESSLocated in Vancouver, Canada and online worldwide
CONTACT DETAILS+1 604-757-7523
https://www.instagram.com/in_partnership_dog_training/
OPERATING HOURS
Facilities★★★★★ (5/5)
Diversity of lesson★★★★☆ (4/5)
Scheduling★★★★★ (5/5)
Customer satisfaction★★★★★ (5/5)

In Partnership Dog Training is a training and behavior modification service that aims to promote happy and stress-free living for both dogs and their owners. Jane, the founder, is a certified dog trainer with a background in wilderness expedition leadership, making her an expert in preparing dogs for adventures big and small.

Their services include training for new puppies, addressing reactive and aggressive behaviors, resource guarding, stress-free leash walking, housetraining, and recall training. In Partnership Dog Training provides clients with the necessary tools and training to build good habits and engage their dogs in positive ways.

Jane’s training methods are rooted in positive reinforcement and she has been accredited by the BCSPCA. The service is available for online consultations worldwide, and their location in East Vancouver BC is perfect for anyone in the area.

With a focus on addressing the problem behaviors that are most frustrating to dog owners, In Partnership Dog Training’s goal is to ensure a happy and easy life with your furry friend. If you’re looking for reliable and effective dog training, In Partnership Dog Training is a fantastic choice.

Pros

  • Positive reinforcement training
  • Online consultations worldwide
  • Addressing reactive and aggressive behaviors

Cons

  • Rates can be a bit expensive

Customer Reviews

Jane was wonderful and gave us crucial tips to help manage our sweet but fearful new rescue

“Jane was wonderful and gave us crucial tips to help manage our sweet but fearful new rescue. She confidently explained behaviours so we could better understand what was going on and was very encouraging and proactive in her recommendations for moving forward. Jane truly has your dog’s best interests at heart. Would happily recommend Jane to any dog parent!” – Bryn Hsu

Jane is awesome to work with

“Jane is awesome to work with. She takes the time to get to know your dog and is very experienced with fearful dogs. She showed me good tricks and techniques to help Savannah deal with high stress situations. She also proactively worked with Savannah’s vet, who in turn commented how impressed she was with Jane’s thorough approach. Highly recommended!”  – Lisa Dorian

13. Q&A Dog Training

Q&A Dog Training's Banner
SERVICES Initial Consultation
Dog Training Packages
WEBSITEqandadogtraining.com
ADDRESS
CONTACT DETAILS[email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/q.a.dogtraining/
OPERATING HOURSMonday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 6 PM
Facilities★★★★★ (5/5)
Diversity of lesson★★★★☆ (4/5)
Scheduling★★★★★ (5/5)
Customer satisfaction★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Q&A Dog Training, owned by Masina Kakese, is a dog training company that offers its services to residents of Downtown Vancouver, East side, and West side. Masina specializes in reactivity cases and employs the latest scientific and reward-based methods to train dogs. The company also helps pet owners of rescue dogs who may have suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment and may have behavioral issues. Masina works at the dog’s pace to ensure they feel comfortable in their new surroundings. 

Masina started her dog training business in 2020 after working in the pet industry for some time and deciding to go back to school to become a professional dog trainer. She has been taking courses and getting certifications to keep her education up to date. Masina’s passion lies in working on reactivity cases, setting rescues up for success, and helping new pet parents with their puppies. She brings a non-judgmental, fun, and calm energy to her sessions. 

The company is committed to helping dogs improve their quality of life by managing their behavior. Masina believes that behavior changes take time and does not guarantee a quick fix in a certain amount of time. She assures pet owners that she will go at the pace that they and their dog are comfortable with and that their voices will be heard and supported. Masina is proud to be the first Black, Force-Free dog trainer in the lower mainland and would like to be a shoulder to lean on for other aspiring BIPOC trainers. 

In summary, Q&A Dog Training is a reliable and professional dog training company that prioritizes the comfort and wellbeing of dogs. Masina’s expertise and non-judgmental approach make the company stand out. Pet owners who need help with their dogs’ behavior can count on Q&A Dog Training to provide them with the latest scientific and reward-based methods to train their dogs.

Pros

  • Reward-based dog training methods.
  • Specializes in reactivity cases.
  • Non-judgmental and calm approach.

Cons

  • Closed on weekends

Customer Reviews

It was a pleasure working with Q&A Dog Training!

“It was a pleasure working with Q&A Dog Training! Masina gave us the tools to train our puppy to become a well-behaved dog.  She taught us how to be patient, what behaviours to look for and address and how to manage a high-energy puppy.  We are continually referring back to her information-packed emails and use them as a reminder that everyday is a training day.  Thank you for all your work and dedication!” – Zarah Hofer

I cannot recommend Masina enough!

“I cannot recommend Masina enough! Her patience, knowledge, and handy handouts have given me great confidence in dealing with my reactive big dog. Additionally, she is a wonderful person, and it was a pleasure working with her. Thank you Masina!”  – Noeka Nimmervoll

14. Honourable Hound

Honourable Hound's Banner
TestInfo
ADDRESS3688 E Sawmill Cres #515, Vancouver, BC V5S 0E6, Canada
WEBSITEhttps://honourablehound.ca
CONTACT DETAILSEmail: [email protected]

+1 604-754-9407

STORE HOURSSunday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Monday: 9:00 AM–7:30 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM–7:30 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM–7:30 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM–7:30 PM

Friday: Closed

Saturday: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM

Honourable Hound is a team of empathetic and reliable dog trainers that provides clients with holistic and well-rounded dog training services that can not only help resolve behavioral problems but also strengthen the bond between pet owners and their dogs.

We like that their team is diversely experienced in handling various dogs and addressing concerns with pet owners due to their extensive and even continuing education in the field for them to employ the best and most adequate approach for each dog they encounter.

Aside from this, interested clients can also readily book both group classes and private sessions alongside other more personalized options that clients can avail of to better accommodate their schedule and environment as well.

Note though that for some of their group sessions, pre-requisite knowledge on basic concepts on training such as body language, mark and reward, and other interrelated fundamentals before joining.

Overall, with their excellent and diverse experience in the field, sociable and personalized take on training sessions, and a wide array of options readily available, we highly recommend interested clients to check them out.

Pros

  • Sustainable and personalized training advice given
  • Highly experienced and trained experts in the field
  • Accommodates both private and group training sessions
  • Widely recognized and partnered with various organizations in the industry

Cons

  • Some services may need prior knowledge for training

Customer Reviews

Here are some reviews from their clients:

“My dog and I have had a great time working with Holly and Maraysha! I have a 5 year old dog-reactive pup, who can be quite the handful! However, after working with Maraysha, I feel that I have better control and more confidence with my dog 🙂 I feel more at ease taking him on walks than I have ever before. We successfully went to two markets recently, where there were loads of other dogs. A typically stress-inducing event, using Honourable Hound’s training methods made the market stress free and more enjoyable for my dog and myself! Honourable Hound is very accommodating and tries their best to find a training schedule and methods that work the best for your family, your dog and you. Thank you so much for all your help!”

“Holly has helped us understand our dog’s (Peanut) reactive behavior. And how to handle any kinds of situations that we may face in the future. We are still learning every day, and he has shown so much improvement compared to before we met Holly. We still have a long way to go, but at least now we know how to help Peanut be the happiest Weiner dog and enjoy his walks 😀 Thank you!”

15. Bravo Dog Training & Behaviour

Bravo Dog Training & Behaviour's Banner
TestInfo
ADDRESS357 14th St W, North Vancouver, BC V7M 1P5, Canada
WEBSITEhttps://bravodog.ca/
CONTACT DETAILSEmail: [email protected]
STORE HOURSMonday to Thursday: 10:30 am - 6:00 pm

Sunday: 10:30 am - 6:00 pm

Bravo Dog Training & Behavior is a great overall choice for those who are looking to train their family dogs and newly adopted dogs. It’s even better if you want to engage your dog with holistic and well-rounded training and behaviour services. 

We love that its team is built around reliable and empathetic trainers who not only help resolve behvioural issues but can help you strengthen your bonds with your dogs. This is further enhanced by its diverse and experienced team which is led by an expert in dog reactivity education & experience.

Its feature service, canine composure is a 4-week long course that aims to resolve issues around behaviour and leash reactivity. We love that this service includes features like tailored courses, weekly group coaching, video reviews, and a dedicated support group. 

It’s worth noting that the majority of its canine composure services assume that you have some pre-requisite knowledge of basic concepts in training. It isn’t the most beginner-friendly training course for first-time dog owners. 

While it isn’t particularly difficult to overcome this, we feel that if you were looking for a professional to train your dog for you then Bravo Dog Training & Behaviour may not be for you.

Pros

  • Personalized training courses
  • Experienced experts 
  • Comprehensive training programs 
  • Extensive free resources

Cons

  • Requires prior knowledge

Customer Reviews

Here are some reviews from their clients:

“I highly recommend Bravo Dog Training & Behaviour. Rene is awesome and our dogs are back together in the same room again. I didn’t think that was going to be possible with the fights they were having. All of our sessions were virtual, you don’t have to be in the same room or city. I won’t hesitate to reach out if needed in the future.” – Linda W.

“The trainers who train you! We adopted a street dog five years ago and Reneé worked with us to create a calm, loving and trusting environment for our pup. She gave us the tools to become his advocate and give him the best life possible. We initially completed the ‘Mind your manners’ course and I’ve continued to learn through Bravo Dog’s social media and podcast. When you choose Bravo Dog, you choose people who use scientifically proven best practices and who have your dog’s welfare at the heart of all they do.” – Amber Y.

FAQs about Dog Training in Vancouver


If you’re looking to find a dog to start training them, then check out this list of the best animal shelters in Vancouver.

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