FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Choosing the right training support for your dog is important, and it’s normal to have questions!
Here are some of the most common questions I get about private training, day training, and group classes.
If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out on my contact page. I’m always happy to help!
Private Training
I offer both private training and group classes.
Private training begins with a Consultation Package, followed by a training program tailored to your dog and your goals. This allows us to build strong foundations first, then move into the specific skills or behaviour work you need support with.
I also offer group classes for puppies, basic skills, sport foundations, and skills-specific classes in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
We start with a free 15-minute discovery call to make sure we’re the right fit and to briefly discuss your goals and training needs.
From there, we book your Consultation Package, which includes a 60–90 minute phone consultation and your first 60-minute in-person session. This helps us build a strong foundation and create a training plan that fits both you and your dog.
After your Consultation Package, you can choose the training program that best fits your goals. Once your program is complete, additional packages or single training tune-up sessions are available for existing clients who have completed their initial training package.
Yes, all private training plans begin with a Consultation Package. This allows me to fully understand your dog, your goals, and the challenges you’re working through before we begin ongoing training.
Starting this way helps ensure your training plan is clear, realistic, and tailored to both you and your dog.
Your Consultation Package is designed to help us build the right foundation from the start.
It includes a 60–90 minute phone consultation where we’ll discuss your dog’s history, daily routine, current challenges, and your training goals. This helps me understand the full picture and create a realistic plan that fits both your dog and your lifestyle.
Your package also includes your first 60-minute in-person session, where I can meet your dog, observe behaviours, and help you get started with strong foundations. We’ll focus on clear communication, practical skills, and making sure you feel confident moving forward.
Every dog and family is different, so this process helps ensure your training plan is practical, supportive, and tailored to you.
Private Coaching is owner-focused training where I work directly with you and your dog together. You’ll learn how to train, handle challenges, and build skills that carry over into everyday life.
Day Training is more hands-on from my side. I work directly with your dog during the week, and we finish with transfer sessions so you understand how to maintain and continue the progress at home.
Private Coaching is ideal for owners who want hands-on support, while Day Training is a great option for busy owners who would like extra help with the training process.
This depends on your dog, your goals, and the challenges we’re working through. Training is not a quick fix. It’s a process that takes consistency, practice, and clear communication.
Some goals, like foundation skills or loose leash walking, may improve fairly quickly, while behaviour challenges like reactivity, fear, or over-arousal often take more time and management.
My focus is always on creating realistic progress that lasts.
Behaviour & Training Methods
I work with dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes; from puppies learning the basics to adult dogs working through more complex behaviour challenges, as well as sport foundations and performance skills.
I work with everything from foundation training like loose leash walking, recall, and polite greetings to more complex behaviour concerns such as reactivity, fear-based behaviours, frustration, and over-arousal.
Every dog is an individual, so the best fit depends on your goals, your dog’s history, and the type of support needed.
If I feel your dog would benefit from additional support outside of my scope, I’m always happy to refer you to another trusted professional. I also work collaboratively with veterinarians and other canine health professionals when needed to make sure your dog receives the best support possible.
I work with a wide range of training and behaviour concerns, including puppy foundations, loose leash walking, recall, polite greetings, over-excitement, focus and engagement, and general life skills.
I also work with behaviour challenges such as reactivity, fear-based behaviours, frustration, over-arousal, and helping dogs learn calmer responses in everyday situations.
My goal is always to create practical, realistic solutions that improve life for both you and your dog.
I use reward-based, practical training that focuses on clear communication and helping dogs succeed in real life, not just during a training session.
Training is built around positive reinforcement, using things your dog values like food, toys, play, and access to rewards, while also helping owners create structure, consistency, and clear expectations.
My goal is to make training feel simple, supportive, and something you can actually use in your day-to-day life.
Training is primarily based on positive reinforcement using rewards like food, toys, play, and access to things your dog values. Depending on the dog and the goal, I may also use tools such as properly fitted harnesses, flat collars, long lines, treat pouches, toys, and management strategies to help set both dogs and owners up for success.
I focus on teaching dogs what to do through clear guidance, consistency, and reinforcement, rather than relying on fear, force, or intimidation.
My goal is always to make training feel clear, supportive, and something you can actually use in everyday life.
I am an IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer (IAABC-ADT) with a Diploma in Canine Behaviour Science and Technology (CBST) and additional education focused on behaviour and aggression cases.
I actively train and compete in dog sports like Rally Obedience, Agility, and Scent Work, which gives me valuable hands-on experience beyond everyday pet dog training.
I believe continuing education matters, and I’m always working to expand my knowledge so I can better support both dogs and their people.
Booking & Contact
The best place to start is with a free 15-minute discovery call.
You can reach out through my contact form, email, or social media, and we’ll briefly discuss your goals, your dog, and whether we’re the right fit.
From there, we’ll book your Consultation Package and create a training plan that works for both you and your dog.
The best way to reach me is through my contact form on the website or by email.
You’re also welcome to message me through Facebook or Instagram for general questions.
I do my best to respond as quickly as possible, and I’m always happy to help you figure out the best place to start.
I am based on the South Shore of Nova Scotia and primarily serve Barrington, Shelburne, and Yarmouth Counties for in-person training.
Travel fees may apply depending on your location.
Virtual coaching is also available for clients outside of my regular service area.
Yes—I offer virtual private coaching for clients who are outside my service area or prefer online support.
Virtual sessions are a great option for training foundations, puppy support, behaviour coaching, management strategies, and ongoing guidance between in-person sessions.
Many training challenges start with owner education and clear structure, which can be very effectively supported virtually.
Still Have Questions?
Every dog is different, and sometimes the best place to start is simply having a conversation.
If you’re unsure which service is the right fit, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to help!