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?
Shannon is the BEST trainer I have ever had the pleasure working with. Thanks to Shannon, I finally feel confident when it comes to understanding and working with my dogs. For the last three years, Shannon has been an immense help in training my Border Aussie through puppy classes, Rally-O, Skills & Drills, and private sessions. These classes have been fabulous socialization opportunities for my dog who sadly became reactive after a traumatic experience as a puppy. Thanks to Shannon's help and classes, she now also has more ease around other dogs. Shannon is like a human encyclopedia when it comes to doggie knowledge, is extremely patient, encouraging, and one of my dog's favourite humans. After working with Shannon, I am a better dog owner! Highly recommend her as an amazing dog trainer!!
I cannot say enough good about Zen Dog and especially Shannon. Anyone who registers with Zen will not be disappointed!!!😊
Had such a wonderful experience with the first couple of lessons we started with Shannon and our new rescue puppy. She definitely catered the training to exactly what she felt my dog needed and was extremely realistic and understanding with him. We will be looking to continue more in the warmer months, as well as attending group classes!
Shannon is great, and I love that she offers drop-in options for ongoing training as well as package deals. Monique has made so much progress since we've been working with Zen Dogs!
Remy and I love coming to Saturday classes! Shannon is knowledgeable and kind. We trust her expertise. Saturdays are a wonderful way to supplement our own training and stimulating for my dog :)
Shannon has been such a pleasure to work with! For context, I have a Shiba Inu who was reactive, especially around resource guarding. After opting for the “Growl” training package, I find that he has calmed down, is less aggressive, and hasn’t exhibited any resource guarding (fingers crossed this lasts!). Shannon is super knowledgeable and really takes the time to get to understand your concerns and provides relevant training for you to work on with your dog. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who is considering training!
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.
When my partner and I adopted an energetic, bouncy and sassy husky-mix last year, we knew we needed help and Shannon has been our super-hero! We first signed up for Shannon's leash walking super set; the classes were fun and gave us the tools we needed to work on Zendi's leash skills, which were non-existent. We went back to Shannon again recently for private classes to focus more on Zendi's unique needs (mainly managing her enthusiasm in a healthy way). While there's no quick or easy solution, the tips and tricks Shannon has shared are enabling us to engage more with Zendi and provide the physical and mental stimulation she needs. Shannon's guidance has been nothing short of invaluable! In addition to her extensive knowledge and experience, she is personable, thoughtful and just everything you would want from a dog trainer. We honestly can't recommend Shannon enough!! :)
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.
I highly recommend Shannon for dog training. She is knowledgeable and makes training logical and easy to understand. My rescue dog has made big improvements in dealing with her new city environment and big dog anxieties. Thanks for all your invaluable help with the dog AND ME!
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.
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!
