Get to know more about Shannon Malmberg
As an avid runner, Shannon began her dog training journey in 1988 by volunteering with Project Safe Run, a personal protection-dog organization for women athletes, while she completed degrees in journalism and political science at the University of Oregon.
Upon graduation Shannon moved to Vancouver and worked as a civilian decoy with the Vancouver Police Dog Squad from 1991 until 2003: a “hired bad-guy” to assist in the training of young patrol dogs in tracking and criminal apprehension. Hiding in dumpsters, running down dark alleyways, and getting bitten by German Shepherds gave her an insight into working with high drive dogs and dog aggression.
It was here Shannon truly got the dog training bug.
She founded her company Zen Dog Canine Training Ltd. in 2002, teaching dogs and their people across Vancouver and the lower mainland. To date she has worked with close to 10,000 clients on a broad range of issues from puppy raising to behavioural cases, and all things in between.
As a professional dog coach, Shannon is enthusiastic and creative, committed to teaching in a way that is positive for both humans and dogs. She has a gift for bringing dogs and their people closer together while meeting the needs of each client she works with. Shannon stays current with science-based methods and is a lifelong student in all things dog.
My Great Dog Story
She tirelessly attends multiple seminars and on-line coursework a year, getting the opportunity to work with some of the world's leading dog trainers in developing her own craft. Shannon is driven by her passion to learn more and do better by the dogs she lives and works with. She also has a keen interest in building relationships through toy/tug play, and understanding canine nutrition, fitness and body conditioning, rounding out her understanding of dogs' needs.
Shannon is recommended by breeders, veterinarians, rescue organizations and related industry peers for the work she does. She currently shares her life with two amazing border collies and can be found in the agility ring or out in nature.
About the company
The company targets specific classes and personal coaching for rescue dogs, as well as reactive dogs, puppies, adolescent and adult dogs, honouring their unique stages and transitions in life. Zen Dog is committed to positive reinforcement-based strategies when working with clients and their dogs and seeks to engage the learner with effective game-based methods so that learning is fun for all.
What do Dog Owners think?
Zen dog classes are amazing! They really challenged our dog and taught him practical and fun skills to take out into the world. Would highly recommend the classes, especially if you have an active dog!
I met Shannon when I was in desperate need of a trainer to help my reactive GSD get over himself. Shannon helped him and, more importantly, helped me to deal with him. She has taught me so much about the many roads you can take to develop a mutually fabulous relationship with your dog. I can't say enough good things about her and Zen Dog.
Absolute gem of a class. Shannon goes above and beyond basic training with dogs. She truly understands the behavior and communication that's crucial in developing a good relationship with your pup. This is our second dog with her and we are never disappointed with our experience!
Shannon is hands down THE BEST! We just completed Puppy Grade 1 - not only was it fun but we learned a ton of tricks to keep our pup safe and engaged! This is the third class we have taken with Shannon (two different dogs!) and we just love her practical approach to training - 10/10 highly recommend. Archie agrees!
Shannon is a fantastic instructor with the experience and resources to help puppies truly thrive. As first-time puppy owners, her support and willingness to answer questions outside of class has been invaluable. We started with a private session, continued into Kindergarten, and are now beginning our third course with her. We can’t imagine training our puppy without Shannon!
Zen Dog Canine Training is one of the best I experienced with my reactive dog. Shannon is a great trainer, knowledgeable, patient, and very supportive. Her classes are always fun for dogs and their people. I learned a lot from the training sessions as well as from the private classes. . I can always count on the constructive feedback from Shannon, and support in sometimes hard reality owning a reactive dog. I am very happy that I found the Zen Dog Canine Training and will continue to work with Shannon.
We have a rare breed, a Thai Ridgeback, which is known to be a challenging breed. But our Cooper is just like any pup, friendly interactive and now well trained. Shannon and Jen that we have worked in private and in classwork are extremely knowledgeable and use most current and best practice in their training methods. Highly recommend.
Shannon is the best trainer there is! Just finished the second series of classes and it’s truly amazing! Also have done some private training sessions at home with her as well. She uses positive reinforcement snd it’s so astounding what you can get your puppy to do with her showing you what to do! What a difference an amazing trainer makes!!!
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.
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.
Shannon is amazing! I'm so happy I started with her classes. She is so patient, knowledgeable and kind. The doggies love her and she has taught me so many important skills that I am working on with my puppy. She has instilled confidence in me as an owner and I am excited for Puppy grade 1 to start and continue this journey. Thank you Shannon!
Amazing and Patient 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.
