Achieve the true potential within your dog - and yourself

Discover how relationship-based dog training will strengthen the bond you share with your dog.

Get the best education possible so you can provide for your dog’s needs in the best way possible.

Why we do what we do

While people want to live their best life with their dog, turning those intentions into reality can feel overwhelming without a guiding hand. Raising a willful puppy or struggling with serious behavioural problems affects how people see their dog and how they live together.

Our passion is found in the challenge of solving those problems so that people and their dogs live their best lives, side by side. We’ve built our little company on this passion.

When we empower the human end of the leash with knowledge and direction, we improve the quality of life for both dogs and people.

This is what we are all about.

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How we handle our Dog Training

Sound Familiar?

Maybe you are struggling with a puppy tornado who has hit your home with a fury of teeth and inexhaustible energy.

Or you’ve just adopted a rescue dog from a far off land who finds his new world a scary place.

It could be that your once-darling baby dog has now turned into a teenage tyrant, and is now filled with big feelings that don’t always include you.

Your life could include a reactive dog desperately in need of space and understanding.

Our thoughtfully prepared courses offer both private coaching and group class options, empowering you with knowledge and direction so your training is purposeful and productive.

Our services were designed with Your Individual Dog in mind.

With almost 25 years of experience in the industry, we are committed to science-supported strategies that encompass all the needs of your dog, without using fear or force.

In a few sessions, you will have a deeper understanding of the dog you love and share your life with, and creative solutions to help you reach your goals.
About Shannon
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What They Say About Us

No growling or barking here!
google

Wonderful positive reinforcement instructor. I have taken puppy classes and all the way to rally obedience with Shannon and my pup and I have enjoyed it so much!

google

Shannon is the best! More than 12 years ago, I was searching out a dog trainer, after purchasing a 'wild child' 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Lucky for us, we found Zen Dog Training and Shannon has been with us every step of the last 12 years! We still do training as often as possible and keep learning all the time! Thanks to Shannon's gentle guidance and coaching, we are a great team!

google

Shannon is AMAZING - friendly, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, thorough, flexible, and responsive - everything I could want in a trainer for my sweet little potato! Reggie responds to her immediately!I could not recommend Shannon and Zen Dog Training with any more fervour than I already do! Thanks Shannon - already looking forward to Puppy Grade One!

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Many of my dogs have benefited from attending classes with Shannon. Her experience, expertise and passion for creating a partnership with your dog is evident in every step. I’ve brought dogs and puppies with varying experiences and all have shown marked improvements in being good dog citizens. I would highly encourage someone looking to develop a great relationship with their new puppy or dog to explore the many options and opportunities provided by Shannon.

google

Shannon was an amazing trainer for me and my rescue pup Rosie, my pup and I were both anxious and Rosie was very reactive with other dogs. Shannon taught me how to deal with stressful situations and create a positive environment for Rosie to be more comfortable / relaxed on our walks when encountering other dogs. She has a wealth of knowledge and is great at passing it on during sessions as well as following up by sending really helpful training exercises to work on at home. I recommend Shannon for anyone looking for help creating a more harmonious relationship with their dog.

google

We highly recommend Shannon and are thrilled with what she has taught all of us!!! We were having issues with Vinny, our French Bulldog, being reactive on his leash which made walking pretty stressful most of the time. Shannon worked with us and provided us with a “tool kit” to handle whichever situation comes our way. Our little guy is like a brand new dog, we are more relaxed with him and our walks are so much fun now!

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Just completed a Rally O class with my 10 month old terrier. It was so much fun! We experienced challenging courses, constructive training and great support from Shannon. I would highly recommend this course to dog owners with good training basics.

google

Shannon is amazing! Gave us a real insight into the what and why with our 16 month old Aussidoodle Murphy and how we as puppy parents could adjust to make us love him even more! ❤️ Thanks again Shannon! Mike, Murphy & Ryan

google

Shannon at Zen Dog has been amazing helping me train my young black lab. She’s so thoughtful and really took the time to understand my pup’s needs. It can be tough sorting through all the online training advice, but Shannon made everything so clear and easy to follow. The 1-on-1 sessions were super helpful, and the Saturday group classes have been a great way to keep building on our progress. I’m so grateful for her guidance and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a kind, knowledgeable trainer!

A friend referred us to Zen Dog Canine Training, and we are so glad they did. We took the Growl program for reactive dogs. Shannon taught us and our dog so much in just two lessons. As first-time dog owners of a reactive rescue dog, we were so overwhelmed, and Shannon was patient and understanding with all of us. We learned ways for Bailey to be less reactive on walks and for my husband and I to be more confident. I can't thank Shannon enough.

Andrea Abaya
Andrea Abaya
google

Shannon is the most knowledgeable dog trainer I know. She combines a common sense approach gained from years of experience with a thoughtful and detailed insight into dog behaviour. Plus, she makes training fun!

google

My dog Leela and I had so much fun at Shannon’s Rally-O classes. We started with no previous experience and within 4 classes we were able to complete an advanced course off leash! Shannon is a phenomenal positive trainer, very knowledgable and patient with doggies and humans alike. Highly recommend!

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Our Services

Age-Based Training

The Puppy

Invest in your puppy's future with first-steps learning.
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Age-Based Training

The Teenager

Helping you survive (and still love!) your adolescent dog.
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Age-Based Training

The Adult Dog

Create new skills, polish old ones for enrichment and maintenance.
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Trait-Based Training

The Rescue

Building confidence with gentle first steps.
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Trait-Based Training

The Reactive

Solutions for the stressed out and worked up dog.
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One-on-one Training

Private Coaching

One-on-one training so you get us all to yourself!
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Our Latest Blog Posts

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