When Ollie joined our family, it had been about 9 years since we had a puppy in our lives. I did not feel fully equipped to train him myself. So, I went online, read some Google reviews, and settled on a dog trainer that I thought would help us the most.

I pretty much just needed a refresher course, mostly for myself. 

Luckily, Ollie proved to be a quick learner and I felt confident to train him at home after just one lesson with a trainer.

If I’m being honest, I had two kids in tow with me and scheduling was kind of a nightmare so one lesson was the maximum I was willing to commit to. 

Is he perfectly trained? No, but that’s OK with me.

Puppies are hard. No question about it. They require a lot of attention and it’s important to get started on the right foot with their training.

Fortunately, there are a number of dog trainers in Northumberland County that can help you along with your dog training and obedience journey.

Truth be told, I have not tried any of these trainers, but they do come highly recommended on Google and Facebook, so take that for what it’s worth.

All Paws Ahead Dog Training

Kyla McNeill, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, is the owner and head trainer of All Paws Ahead Dog Training and is dedicated to helping dogs and their humans understand each other while creating a rewarding, lifelong relationship together.

She has previously worked as a dog walker, in a dog daycare, apprenticed with another trainer, and assisted in training classes prior to instructing training lessons independently.

Kyla has found that positive reinforcement and motivational techniques are the most effective way for training behaviours, while also creating great understanding in the dog, and fostering a strong relationship between dog and handler that is based on communication and trust.

Facebook Reviews

With a 5-star rating on Facebook, Kyla looks like a great dog trainer option.

“Kyla is patient and kind… and the dogs thrive in her class… well done.. we have just completed two classes and looking forward to more!”

“Kyla gave me such great guidance in the beginner class and then intermediate! Kyla is very knowledgeable when it comes to training, breeds, multi-dog households, etc. I don’t believe there is a dog out there that wouldn’t love and trust her! Thanks, Kyla”

Services

• Group Training
• Private Training Sessions

Contact

Phone: (613) 827-4148

Email: apadogtraining@gmail.com

Train, Play, Love

Sara Russell from Train, Play, Love is the first trainer in Cobourg to have both graduated from the Karen Pryor Academy for Training and Behavior and to also be certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

Sara brings with her over 13 years of experience working professionally with animals.

After working at the Toronto Humane Society for just over a decade helping rehabilitate animals with mild to severe behavioural challenges, Sara switched gears and began working with pet owners to help prevent animals from being surrendered due to behaviour challenges.

Sara’s passion also extends to teaching other animal care professionals and trainers on low-stress handling, implementing positive reinforcement training into shelter enrichment programs, motivations behind behaviours, and behaviour modification techniques.

Google Reviews

With a 5-star Google rating, Sara just may be the dog trainer you are looking for.

“We have been working with Sara for the last couple of years with our very nervous/fearful dog.   Sara is very professional, patient and has provided us with strategies to navigate our dog’s anxiety.  She is very clear and has given us a training program to work on.  We are so thankful that she has been able to help us!”

“I’m so grateful I found Sara to help out with my dog! She’s been a lifesaver helping out with walks. My dog always comes back tired and she’s been helping to teach him to not pull as much as well. I sometimes work long hours and it’s such a relief knowing he’s getting out in the afternoon.”

Services

• Virtual Dog Training
• Day Training
• Dog Behaviour Consultations

Contact

Phone: (289) 435- 2017

Email: info@trainplaylove.com

On Target Dog Training

On Target Dog Training offers classes in Agility, Obedience, Rally-O, Puppy, and Reactivity/Fear Aggression. Puppy and Family Dog Obedience & Manners for the real world, the building blocks of creating a balanced leadership role with your dog using Positive Reinforcement methods.

Their group classes are one hour in length, once a week for 7 weeks, they limit the number of participants to 6 dogs. This ensures that each team receives the individual attention needed to accomplish their goals. All family members are encouraged to participate in class. All well-behaved children are welcome to attend.

Google Reviews

With a 4.8-star average Google review, On Target Dog Training is definitely worth checking out!

“We started our pups at On Target within 2 days of bringing them home. With Lynn’s gentle guidance and knowledge, we have 2 amazing dogs who love to work with us. We moved on to agility once they were old enough, and the mind work has made our dogs much happier overall. They continue to thrive thanks to Lynn’s training and interaction with not only the dogs but us as well trying to learn so we can teach our pets.”

“Hands down the best dog trainer in the area. Lynn is a wealth of knowledge and always seeking out new information from top trainers worldwide. If something isn’t clicking for your dog, she will seek out alternative ways to help you and your dog achieve the desired results. Truly cares about helping you and your dog work effectively as a team.”

Services

• Puppy Training
• Obedience Training
• Agility Training

Contact

Phone: 613-475-3129

Facebook

My Bark Avenue Academy

Catherine Hudson is the trainer and owner of My Bark Avenue Academy.

With over 40 years as a Dog Breeder and an Obedience Trainer, she has extensive knowledge of how a puppy develops and can see canine behavior long before the owner does.

Unlike other trainers who use food and treats to motivate good behaviour, Catherine teaches dog owners how to be pack leaders. Dogs get the concept right away because they come from a wolf pack mentality. When you are the pack leader, your dog will want to behave well for you – out of love and respect. She loves seeing owners not just have a dog, but have their best friend.

Google Reviews

With a 5-star Google review, dog trainer Catherine may be a great match for you and your pooch.

“I’m so grateful for having found Catherine and her “Bark Avenue” team!  Romeo, my 8-month-old Australian shepherd was ‘a handful’ to say the least and, although I’ve trained my other dogs before, he was a challenge – especially with my 13-year-old senior Mini Aussie Diva.

Not only do I feel like I got a new and improved dog back, I was “trained”, along with his bestie, how to deal with him and what training needed to be maintained and consistently applied.   After only one night at home, I am flabbergasted at the positive change and able to take over from Diva as the pack leader!  Catherine hadn’t seen the last of us as we are going to now start attending the regular obedience classes.  It was so clear yesterday that he loves to learn and be challenged! Thank you again!  Both Diva and I appreciate our ‘new and improved’ little boy!  Catherine gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘dog whisperer’!!”

“If you’re ready to give up on your dog/pup, Catherine is your SOLUTION! We recently got a pudlepointer pup. We had success in the past training our high energy dogs (including Champ, our current 12 yr old dog). Then came Otto! This 7 week old pup quickly gained the name Lucifer.

Our chief complaints: EVERYTHING! Chewing, disaster on walks, terror in the crate, attacking us/Champ/anything but his toys. We were regretting our decision to get a pup! That’s when we knew we needed help!

We called Catherine and our first impression was knowledgeable, genuine, non-judgmental and empathetic; Otto was therefore booked for bootcamp.  However, a couple days go by, we were in crisis mode and couldn’t wait for bootcamp. I sent a tearful email to Catherine and she immediately fit us into a 1 hour tailored private lesson.

After the private session, my tears were for joy. Catherine’s Jedi level methods helped us understand our faults. 1 hour shockingly restored normalcy, we were bonding with Otto, he was listening and the crate and leash issues were resolved. Also the homework was quick, fun and achievable.

Catherine’s methods are worth every penny. She is assertive yet caring and it’s apparent her work is her gift and passion.  If your dog is testing your limits, contact her.

Review update:

Catherine is a dog training genius!

Otto (now a 5 month) completed puppy bootcamp at 11 weeks old and is half way through basic obedience. As for us, our learning has been exponential.

Rewind to bootcamp, we were asked to create a “wish list” of the things we wanted accomplished; we thought “there’s no way”.  Then we got “Otto Ultra, version 2.0” back! Catherine nailed it and taught us how to reinforce the training.

Fast forward to our weekly training sessions. We continue to be amazed at Catherine’s ability and After every session we see a big change in Otto (who gets excited to see her) and our understanding of dog behaviour. Catherine teaches us as much as she teaches Otto. As a result, our home life is more balanced.

Overall, if you are having difficulty with your dog (mild or severe), Catherine can undoubtedly help you. It’s affordable considering the cost of your sanity, destroyed household items and vet bills due to an untrained dog. Don’t hesitate longer. Call Catherine; you won’t be disappointed! She means it when she says, “once her student, always her student”. THANK YOU CATHERINE! P.S., I was serious when I said you can move in and be our 24/7 dog trainer lol!”

Services

• Private Lessons
• Obedience Training
• Virtual Training

Contact

Phone: 289-688-0681

Email: mybarkavenue@yahoo.ca

I hope this excellent list of qualified trainers helps you pick the best dog trainer for you and your pooch.

Do you have a favorite dog trainer in Northumberland County? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks!