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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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 friend referred us to Zen Dog Canine Training, and we are so glad they did. We took the Growl program for reactive dogs. Shannon taught us and our dog so much in just two lessons. As first-time dog owners of a reactive rescue dog, we were so overwhelmed, and Shannon was patient and understanding with all of us. We learned ways for Bailey to be less reactive on walks and for my husband and I to be more confident. I can't thank Shannon enough.

Andrea Abaya
Andrea Abaya
google

Wonderful positive reinforcement instructor. I have taken puppy classes and all the way to rally obedience with Shannon and my pup and I have enjoyed it so much!

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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

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!

google

Superb advice, delivered in a patient and easy to understand way! We gained a great deal from the classes and the advice and our relationship with our puppy is many times better for Shannon’s expertise. And we and the puppy know stuff now!

google

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!

google

My husband and I recently had the pleasure of working with Shannon at Zen Dog Training to help our dog Apollo with reactivity issues and making better choices. Her experience was transformative.Shannon provided us with a set of practical and effective tools that have made a significant difference in Apollo’s behavior. She took the time to understand the specific challenges we were facing and tailored her approach to suit our needs. Her expertise and patience were evident throughout the training sessions.One of the most valuable aspects of Shannon's training was her focus on positive reinforcement and clear communication. She taught us how to create a structured environment where our dog could thrive and learn to make good choices independently. The techniques were easy to understand and implement, and we have seen immediate improvements.Shannon’s guidance has been invaluable, and we feel more equipped to handle any challenges that come our way.We highly recommend Shannon at Zen Dog Training to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and compassionate dog trainer.

google

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.

google

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

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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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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