Achieve the true potential within your dog - and yourself

Discover how relationship-based dog training will strengthen the bond you share with your dog.

Get the best education possible so you can provide for your dog’s needs in the best way possible.

Why we do what we do

While people want to live their best life with their dog, turning those intentions into reality can feel overwhelming without a guiding hand. Raising a willful puppy or struggling with serious behavioural problems affects how people see their dog and how they live together.

Our passion is found in the challenge of solving those problems so that people and their dogs live their best lives, side by side. We’ve built our little company on this passion.

When we empower the human end of the leash with knowledge and direction, we improve the quality of life for both dogs and people.

This is what we are all about.

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How we handle our Dog Training

Sound Familiar?

Maybe you are struggling with a puppy tornado who has hit your home with a fury of teeth and inexhaustible energy.

Or you’ve just adopted a rescue dog from a far off land who finds his new world a scary place.

It could be that your once-darling baby dog has now turned into a teenage tyrant, and is now filled with big feelings that don’t always include you.

Your life could include a reactive dog desperately in need of space and understanding.

Our thoughtfully prepared courses offer both private coaching and group class options, empowering you with knowledge and direction so your training is purposeful and productive.

Our services were designed with Your Individual Dog in mind.

With almost 25 years of experience in the industry, we are committed to science-supported strategies that encompass all the needs of your dog, without using fear or force.

In a few sessions, you will have a deeper understanding of the dog you love and share your life with, and creative solutions to help you reach your goals.
About Shannon
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What They Say About Us

No growling or barking here!
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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.

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We took Puppy Kindergarten and absolutely loved it! Shannon has structured the class to spend some time learning skills like sit, down etc but also to provide useful information on things like grooming, diet, spay/neuter etc which was super helpful as first time dog owners. I would definitely recommend this class and will be taking her more advanced classes as our puppy grows up!

google

Shannon is the most knowledgeable dog trainer I know. She combines a common sense approach gained from years of experience with a thoughtful and detailed insight into dog behaviour. Plus, she makes training fun!

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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.

google

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!

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I have worked with Shannon at Zen Dog Training for many years with my dogs. Shannon has been and continues to be an incredible support for dog training as well as anything else doggy related! Shannon's classes are so much fun and my dog enjoys them just as much as I do. Shannon is always willing to answer questions and provide resources. I would highly recommend Shannon and Zen Dog Canine Training for any of your dog training needs.

google

Absolutely cannot say enough great things about Shannon! She’ll work magic with your dog and teach you how to do the same.

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We had a great training experience with Shannon! Our focus was to work on mild reactivity, focus and recall, and most of all to build a stronger bond with our rescue dog and explore awesome things we can do together. She taught us what we needed and more, is very thorough and a wonderful teacher! Highly recommend

google

I have worked with Shannon for 13 years! From help with my reactive rescue GSD, to my baby GSD boy ( now 10 years old!) and my rehomed to me at 5 months old Belgian Malinios girl. Currently taking Rally-O classes with my 10 year old GSD. He is loving it! Lots of incredible feedback. Highly recommend Zen Dogs Canine Training

google

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.

google

Shannon is AMAZING - friendly, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, thorough, flexible, and responsive - everything I could want in a trainer for my sweet little potato! Reggie responds to her immediately!I could not recommend Shannon and Zen Dog Training with any more fervour than I already do! Thanks Shannon - already looking forward to Puppy Grade One!

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Zen Dog Training has made life with our reactive dog possible. We didn't know the extent of our rescue dog's issues when we adopted him and were totally lost when the problems surfaced. Shannon was patient and efficient in teaching us the basics and Jenn has been a complete savior with her Growl classes ever since. She has a wonderfully clear and direct way of teaching us and helping us communicate better with our crazy pup. Her hard work has taught us how to communicate with our dog and build a relationship that keeps us all safe and happy. I truly can't thank her enough.

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Our Services

Age-Based Training

The Puppy

Invest in your puppy's future with first-steps learning.
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Age-Based Training

The Teenager

Helping you survive (and still love!) your adolescent dog.
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Age-Based Training

The Adult Dog

Create new skills, polish old ones for enrichment and maintenance.
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Trait-Based Training

The Rescue

Building confidence with gentle first steps.
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Trait-Based Training

The Reactive

Solutions for the stressed out and worked up dog.
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One-on-one Training

Private Coaching

One-on-one training so you get us all to yourself!
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Our Latest Blog Posts

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