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?
We did five private sessions with Shannon, and wow—game changer. Right off the bat, she nailed what Bami (our high-energy, lovable pup) needed and gave us actionable strategies we could use immediately.What I loved most was her focus on systems—not just quick fixes. She didn’t just train the dog; she trained us, showing us how to communicate clearly and set boundaries that actually work.Results? Night and day difference. Bami listens better, walks are way smoother, and there’s just less chaos in general. If you're on the fence about dog training, trust me: invest in Shannon. You’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
We loved Shannon's Puppy Kindergarten and Puppy Grade 1 classes, and also adored her assistant Isabelle! Learned a lot and practiced a ton of socialization. Definitely stressful as first time puppy owners to try to handle your pup around other dogs in a class setting, but ultimately I think it made a huge difference in giving us great exposure and better tools to do so! Every time we doubted a command or trick and wondered if we'd use it, we'd end up realizing how right Shannon was a week or two later haha. Hope to continue taking her classes and have heard folks sing her praises around Vancouver for good reason! She's the best
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 :)
We really love Shannon’s dog classes! We were referred by a friend since we were looking for something that was the right amount of a challenge that tested our pup’s obedience in more complex settings, and this was exactly that! Working in a group class outside with different dogs and smells has helped to refine our dog’s obedience. Shannon also does a great job giving out personal pointers as well as generalized tips, and adjusts the class seamlessly to cater to the vibe and level each week! If you’re looking for good and fun group classes with an experienced trainer, we recommend this one :)
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!
Shannon is a professional, understanding and extremely knowledgeable trainer! I’ve had dogs my whole life but didn’t realize that there was so much more to learn about bringing up a well behaved and happy dog. My dog has learnt many useful habits from her class and he loved every second of it. Highly highly recommend!
I have known Shannon for years, she helped with training of Roxy, my first black lab.Did amazing job. When I moved down the street from Simply Natural, found out she was doing puppy classes there.So after I found Marli, female black lab puppy, I did not hesitate to take her puppy classes. Thing I love about Shannon, she constantly on top of new training ideas. Still has the great touch with dogs.Positive training. Made huge difference with Marli. 2 paws up from Marli & Terry
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.
Game Changer
Shannon is amazing and has been KEY in the behavioural success of my rescue dog Freya (GSD/Rottie/Presa mix). With the help of her growl program and numerous behavioural consultations, Freya’s reactivity levels have become completely manageable. I am now more than confident handling anything my teenage tyrant pup throws my way. Thank you Shannon!!!
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!
I am beyond impressed with Zen Dog Training and their exceptional training programs. They don’t just teach you techniques—they focus on building a true connection and effective communication with your dog. Before starting with Zen Dog Training, I was unsure how to train or communicate with my puppy, but now I feel completely confident and at ease with her. I know I can teach her anything I set my mind to!Shannon and Isabella are incredible dog trainers who go above and beyond to ensure you understand every step of the process. They provide fantastic support, answering all my questions and offering personalized advice to help me succeed. Their expertise has made a real difference in how I interact with my puppy, and I’m grateful for their guidance.If you’re in the Lower Mainland (Vancouver area) and want to build a strong, positive relationship with your dog, I highly recommend Zen Dog Training. Their courses are a game-changer for anyone looking to improve their dog’s behavior and strengthen their bond.
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!
