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!
A true gem in the world of dog training. Shannon’s compassionate and insightful approach sets her apart from the rest. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, particularly in the realm of dog sports, she goes the extra mile to explain the "why" behind her recommendations which helps me envision everything coming together (and makes it easier to remember for future dogs!).Shannon’s Puppy Kindergarten provides the essential foundations for every puppy in their new home and as a breeder, I can confidently send my puppy people to her, knowing they will be in the best hands during one of the most crucial stages of their lives. Her principles align well with those of Puppy Culture to boot, which is amazing and hard to find.I recently finished Shannon’s rally class with my 11 month old Ridgeback and had so much fun. The class was really well thought out with lots of opportunity to practice, learn and grow. The courses were from past CKC trials which was awesome! I can’t wait to attend another set; the classes were well worth me driving an hour each way to get to.So, if you're looking for a trainer who embodies such kindness, expertise, and genuine love for her work and the dogs she trains, look no further. Shannon is, without a doubt, the gold standard in dog training.
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.
Our Jack Russell Sandy has been having some territorial reactivity and struggles with impulse control. After a few sessions with Shannon we have already seen improvement. She has given us the tools to understand and help our dog through these challenges in a fun and positive way!
Puppies are so cute but also so challenging at times. Shannon’s courses provided both me and my puppy with the necessary foundation and skills required to develop a happy, confident and well behaved adult dog. Each of the courses offered are very informative while being fun at the same time. Shannon’s extensive knowledge and kind approach brings the most out of any owner/dog combo.
The "kindergarten" is an excellent course: thoughtfully designed, thoroughly prepared, and effectively delivered. Our puppy learned a lot while enjoying herself beyond belief. We did too, because Shannon teaches the owners how to work with their dogs. We will absolutely take our puppy to other courses offered by Shannon.
Shannon is the best! My dog Ram and I did the life skills 1 class this spring and had a blast! Shannon is fantastic at explaining exercises in an easy to understand way. I really liked getting real time feedback about how to hold the leash, body position for different exercise and how to clearly communicate with Ram. Ram was engaged for the full hour each week and he was super excited every time we pulled up to Carnavon school. His loose leash walking improved a ton and have made walks much more enjoyable. The detailed homework exersice descriptions Shannon sent out each week helped to keep us on track between classes. Totally recommend!
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!
I’ve adopted and fostered multiple dogs in the past 20 years and taken them all to training classes, from many different companies. Shannon and Zendog are by far the best. Shannon’s decades of experience and incredible talent as a coach and dog trainer make her classes a joy to take. I learn so much every time and I know I can trust Shannon to meet every dog and handler wherever we are. She leaves nobody behind, provides twice ad much information as any other classes I’ve taken, and somehow ensures neither dogs nor humans get bored. I’ve done everything from puppy classes to advanced obedience to reactive dog classes to private lessons with Shannon, and referred many friends there over the years. Shannon gives an outstanding experience and excellent value every single class. It is especially important to get early training and socialization right with young puppies, and Shannon’s puppy classes are by far the safest and best place I've found to make sure that happens.
We have been working with Shannon and Jen at Zen dogs for over 7 years. It started with our highly dog reactive female GSD, Ebony. With private sessions, group classes, nosework class , and sessions of growl class we have a handle on this tough girl ( who is a sweetheart with people, children, bunnies, cats, coyotes! just not dogs). The packs walks worked amazing with Ebony. Four years ago I wanted to get another dog to be able to work with in competitive obedience. With Shannon's help I was able to add an 8 1/2 week old GSD puppy who has now just turned 4. The fear was we would duplicate the issues Ebony had but with careful work and attending classes with Moody this has not happened. Moody is a graduate of Zen Dog kindergarden, level one, nuts and bolts, circuit class, tracking class. Of course we still attend the pack walks. We know how to manage Ebony keeping her comfortable and Moody is a balanced happy boy who loves to work. Highly recomend Zen dogs, it will work for you as long as you listen to the trainers and put in the work.
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!!!
I have a working line German Shepherd puppy. I know it will be lots of work but I love this breed. I took this challenge and decided to set him up for success. Zen Dog Canine Training is the only one I will go to. Shannon has extensive knowledges and experiences in dog training. Her efforts and dedications helping us with my pass dog and the puppy I have now is way beyond just providing a standard dog training service. Shannon is a good listener, she effectively communicates with us, really really understand the perspective on our situation fully. Shannon’s Puppy Kindergarten Class was one of the best experiences ever. My puppy loved the class and I left with ton of helpful information and education that improved my skills. I would definitely sign up for another classes in the future. I highly recommend Zen Dog Canine Training.
