Ottawa’s 8 Expert Dog Trainers to Unleash the Genius in Your Pooch

Ever tried to teach your dog to fetch and ended up playing a solo game of catch instead? Yeah, been there, done that. 

But, hey, turning your adorable but occasionally clueless canine into the genius of the dog park doesn’t have to be just a dream. And no, it doesn’t involve watching endless hours of dog whisperer reruns either.

Lucky for you, we’ve listed Ottawa’s best dog trainers who can teach Fido tricks that’ll make even you impressed. Let’s unleash the potential sitting (or more likely, snoozing) right at your feet!

Best Friends Dog Training 

Services Offered: Private and Group Dog Training Classes, Obedience, Agility, Scent, Behavioral Counseling, Pet Tricks, Private Online Coaching

Address: 2413 Stevenage Dr.

Website:  http://bfdogtraining.ca/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/muttmanners/ 

Contact Details: +1 613-667-9948 

Business Hours:

• Monday to Thursday – 12 PM to 9 PM
• Saturday – 9:30 AM to 4 PM
• Sunday – 9:30 AM to 10 PM

Best Friends Dog Training caught our eye because of their super personal approach where each dog is treated like, well, their best friend. 

We were totally on board with their use of positive reinforcement. Sure, some folks might want quicker fixes, but we love that they’re all about those good vibes and treats.

But, to be honest, some of us were a tad worried about the size of the groups. Sometimes you wonder if your fur baby is getting enough one-on-one time. 

Yet, the progress we saw is amazing because the dogs that started off a bit shy were playing and following commands like pros later on. 

They also offer extra sessions for dogs needing more focused attention, which reassures us about the level of care and customization they provide. 

Additionally, the clean and spacious facility adds to the comfort for both pets and owners, making it a top choice for anyone looking for effective, compassionate dog training.

Top-notch training and positive vibes

“Fantastic dog training school, and a positive atmosphere. We have taken both of our dogs here for beginner and intermediate obedience training, including our somewhat skeptical Chihuahua mix puppy, and have had great results. Very highly recommended, and we will continue to take classes here in the future.”

– Jamie Raadt, Google Review

Engaging class and great instructor

“We recently completed the 6 week puppy kindergarten class and absolutely loved it. It was great socialisation for our puppy and helped us and our dog nail down the basics, and taught us a lot as dog owners. Having weekly homework to practice helped us stay accountable and motivated to be prepared for classes. Our instructor Nancy was great, very knowledgeable, clear and communicative. We will be back for the Beginner Obedience course!”

– Courtney Buchanan, Google Review

Sunny Dog Training Ottawa 

Services Offered: Puppy Training, Private Training, Board and Train

Address: 814 Riddell Ave N.

Website:  https://sunnydogtrainingottawa.com/in-home-dog-training-ottawa/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sunnydogtrainingottawa/?hl=en 

Contact Details: +1 613-981-1903

Business Hours:

• Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 10 PM

Sunny Dog Training has this vibe that when you walk in, it’s like everyone—dogs included—is just happy to be there. The trainers are super professional, and we were really into how they customised the training programs.

It’s not one size fits all, which, let’s face it, is great because dogs are different from one another. Now, though their space isn’t huge, they still manage it like pros, keeping the training sessions engaging and effective without feeling cramped.

Some of the clients we were able to talk with said that despite the snug fit, they’ll gladly always share that their dogs get this tailored experience that seems to work wonders.

The sunny staff also emphasises good communication, providing regular feedback to owners so they can continue the training at home. 

They believe in a holistic approach, involving not just training but nutritional and lifestyle advice to foster a well-rounded and happy furry companion.

Exceptional training and outstanding results

“We hired Belen right after adopting our two year old livestock guardian, Leo. Leo’s breed is intelligent and large and with our toddler, it was important to make sure Leo received good, effective training.

Leo now comes when called, walks with a loose leash, is crate trained, and is growing comfortable with guests in the house — Belen is responsible for our confidence as dog owners and we cannot thank her enough. We highly recommend Belen, she’s absolutely worth it.”

– Andrew Walker, Google Review

Significant improvement and highly recommended

“Before training with Belen, Ashton was a bit out of hand. He chose when we wanted to listen to me. This has improved significantly since our training. We are very happy with Ashton’s improvements and would definitely recommend Sunny Dog Training.”

– Iyoma Edache, Google Review

Awesome K9 Inc. 

Services Offered: Dog and Puppy Training (person and online training), Pack Walks, Consultation visits and Custom Training Programs

Address: 904 Winnington Ave.

Website:  https://awesomek9.com/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/awesomek9ottawa 

Contact Details: +1 613-515-5959 

Business Hours:

• Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 7 PM

Our first impression of Awesome K9 is that it has a cool, welcoming vibe that both you and your dog will dig into as soon as you step foot in it. The trainers are top-notch, and they have a way of connecting with the dogs that’s just, well, awesome.

What really stood out for us was their focus on real-life scenarios during training. It’s practical and something you don’t see everywhere.

But, keeping it real, some of us were slightly sceptical about how busy it gets. It made us wonder if our furry friends would get the attention they deserved, but it turns out we had nothing to worry about.

The trainers are like dog whisperers and make sure that every pup gets their moment to shine. Previous clients praise them for seeing the real difference in their dogs’ behaviour, in and out of class.

Beyond the bustling environment, Awesome K9 has incorporated enough staff to ensure a low trainer-to-dog ratio, facilitating personalised training. They also use the latest training equipment and techniques.

Moreover, clients also love Awesome K9’s periodic workshops and seminars, from which they get to learn about dog psychology and training techniques. 

Outstanding expertise and effective training techniques

“I can’t say enough good things about our dog trainer Nancy-Lynn! She is incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and kind-hearted. The training tools she provided are not only easy to use but have also proven to be highly effective and fun to learn. We’ve seen noticeable improvements in our dog’s behaviour and are thrilled with the progress. We can’t wait to continue our journey with the Awesome K9 pack walks. Highly recommend!”

– Camille Megenbir, Google Review

Top-notch obedience training and results

“I highly recommend Awesome K9 for obedience training. From puppies to troublesome furry friends, Nancy-Lynn’s knowledge and experience helps the pet and pet owner. My “Pepper” is a happy grad.”

– Paula WaddellHarris, Google Review

Carolark The Canine Learning Centre 

Services Offered: Puppy Training, Good Manners, Specialised Obedience, Sports, Skills and Games, Help for Dogs Who Overreact

Address: 5933 Hazeldean Rd.

Website:  https://www.carolark.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Carolark/   

Contact Details: +1 613-591-3277

Business Hours:

• Monday – 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM
• Tuesday to Thursday – 11 AM to 8:30 PM
• Friday – 12 PM to 5 PM
• Saturday and Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Carolark offers a range of classes including puppy basics, advanced obedience, and specialised sessions that focus on agility and therapeutic training, catering to all levels of needs. 

Their positive reinforcement techniques not only address the issues at hand but also foster a deeper bond between dogs and their owners.

We were happy with their facility too—it’s clean, well-organised, and spacious. Trainers here are not just about commands, but about building a relationship, which, honestly, is pretty cool and clients read about.

They’re also known for their post-training support, providing tips and guidance to ensure that improvements continue at home.

Now, we’re just a bit iffy on their availability because they’re pretty popular, so booking a session might take some patience. But based on what we’ve seen, people keep going back, so they must be doing something right.

We’re talking about real, noticeable changes in behaviour that had us and the fur parents we had talked to all nodding in agreement—this place knows what it’s doing.

Remarkable improvement and personalised support

“We took our super anxious and somewhat aggressive rescue puppy to Carolark and were very happy with the help we received over the last few months. The progress was amazing and the tailored help and suggestions during the puppy classes gave our ourselves and our puppy the confidence to keep trying new things. Our puppy is no longer aggressive or anxious with other dogs and humans at this point. Thanks!”

– Andrew Vanden Hoek, Google Review

Exceptional individualised training and support

“Logan was a phenomenal trainer throughout our puppy sessions. Provided so much individualized help and encouragement when we brought up our puppy resource guarding at home. Recommend to anyone and everyone with a dog.”

– Maya Clarke, Google Review

Keshet Kennels 

Services Offered: Boarding/Daycare, Dog Training, Facilities Rental, Rescue and Adoption

Address: 6157 Russell Rd, Carlsbad Springs

Website:  http://www.keshetkennels.com/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/keshet_kennels_rescue/ 

Contact Details: +1 613-850-6212 

Business Hours:

• Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 8 PM

One of the major reasons that Keshet Kennels caught our attention is because their space is massive. Another thing we like most here is that not only do they do training, but they’ve got this amazing boarding facility that makes your furry friends feel at home.

The variety of training sessions is impressive. From obedience classes to agility courses, they’ve really got the full package.

We were happy with the personal attention each dog gets. Trainers at Keshet are attentive and really seem to connect with both the pets and owners, which they attest to.

Most of us think their pricing is pretty reasonable too, especially considering the quality of service you get. We’re just a bit iffy on their location being a bit out of the way for some folks in Ottawa.

But hey, what’s keeping us positive is everyone else who teaches there, and the peace of mind you get knowing your pooch is in great hands.

Additionally, Keshet Kennels conducts regular training updates and progress reports, ensuring owners are always in the loop regarding their dog’s advancements and well-being. 

Outstanding care and enjoyable experience

“I can’t say enough good things about Keshet. My dog stayed with them for 8 days and he had an absolute blast! I could leave with my mind at ease knowing he was being so well taken care of. He was one tired pooch when he came home. Will definitely be using their daycare services and boarding again in the future.”

– Rach Stja, Google Review

Exceptional care with personalised touches

“My dogs have stayed there twice now and they are always treated so well. I got updates and a really cute “e-card”. They even sent us home with a beautiful picture of my girls.  There is lots of a pace to run and play in their outdoor pens.

Thank you all very much!”

– Lydia Periard, Google Review

Swell Hound

Website: https://www.swellhoundtraining.com/

Contact Details: https://www.swellhoundtraining.com/contact 

Address: Contact for more information

Operating Hours: Contact for more information

Swell Hound Dog Training and Behaviour Consulting, led by Lynzey Ruscitti-Conroy, offers a unique and compassionate approach to dog training.

Based on force-free, science-based methods, we like how Lynzey focuses on building secure attachments between dogs and their guardians, emphasizing communication and positive relationships rather than mere obedience. 

Lynzey’s extensive education and certifications, including those from Good Dog Academy, Fear Free Certification, L.E.G.S Family Dog Mediator, and the International School of Canine Psychology & Behaviour, provide a solid foundation for her training methods. 

We appreciate how this ensures that clients receive the most up-to-date and scientifically supported training practices.

We like how Swell Hound offers tailored training sessions designed to meet the specific needs of each dog and guardian. 

Whether it’s puppy training, cooperative care, basic manners, life skills, or behavior modification, Lynzey provides customized plans that suit individual circumstances.

Training sessions are conducted in the comfort of the client’s home, creating a familiar and less stressful environment for the dog. 

This approach can lead to more effective learning and a better understanding of how to manage behaviors in everyday settings.

“Lynzey has been helping us with our very reactive border collie, Molly, for months now and we have had such excellent service. We love her philosophy of fear free training and her endless patience. She helps us celebrate the small wins to show our dog is always make progress. She helped us introduce our new kitten to Molly and they’re the best of friends now. We can’t thank Lynzey enough for all her help and hard work.” — Megan Mardus

“I cannot say enough about Lynzey or how her training method has made our life easier. When we introduced a new puppy to our 2 year old dog we realized quickly that the older dog had issues that we wanted to correct as well as training the new puppy. She.listebed to our situation and made a plan. Both dogs are on a great path. I especially liked the documentation  that followed each session to reinforce what we learned. She taught us how to read their body language, along with training their behaviour and that has helped so much. Lynzey is obviously passionate about animals. Spending time with her at sessions was more fun than work. I recommend her!” — Danielle Holden

Civil Canine Dog Training

Website: https://www.civilcanine.com/

Contact Details: https://www.civilcanine.com/

Address: Ottawa, ON

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 9AM to 5PM

Civil Canine Dog Training offers a personalized and positive-first balanced approach to dog training. With a focus on creating a strong relationship between dogs and their owners, the services offered range from basic obedience and behavior modification to advanced training for competitive sports. Led by experienced trainer Zoë, who has extensive training and experience with dogs, Civil Canine strives to provide a tailored solution for every dog, avoiding a one-size-fits-all method.

Civil Canine understands that every dog is different. Their approach of avoiding cookie-cutter methods ensures that each dog’s unique needs and temperament are addressed.

Zoë’s background is highly impressive, with years of experience, numerous certifications, and participation in professional dog sports like PSA. Her involvement in seminars and internships, such as her time at Stateline Canine, reflects a deep commitment to canine training.

The focus on positive reinforcement allows dogs to learn in a low-stress environment, enhancing their enthusiasm and responsiveness. This approach creates clarity in expectations, leading to better long-term results.

From private lessons to behavior modification and even board-and-train programs, Civil Canine offers a wide variety of services to cater to different training needs. They also provide overnight boarding, giving peace of mind to dog owners who need a reliable place for their pets.

The welfare of the dogs is at the forefront of their philosophy, ensuring that the training process is enjoyable and stress-free for both the dogs and their owners. This approach helps foster better relationships and communication between pets and their families.

“Zoey is a fantastic dog trainer with an expert knowledge in dog behavior! It’s great to leave my dog with her and have 0 worries on his safety or his behavior. 10/10 would recommend civil canine to anyone who needs to board their dog or have them trained. I don’t normally to google reviews but had to support such a great business!”

“Zoe is the best EVER!!!! I cannot recommend her enough – I hired her for a 3 week board and train with my 1 year old Samoyed, Thea. Zoe was so kind, funny (bonus stars for this point lol), and SO knowledgable! I loved her approach to training, Thea loved loved loved her and completely transformed all while keeping her goofy spunk. We worked on basic obedience, structured walks, regulating emotions on place, and a few other items. Not only did Thea come back fully trained in ALL areas, but I personally felt SO at ease and in control as well due to Zoe’s write up, sessions with me, and instructions. Best investment ever, I HIGHLY recommend Civil Canine for your fur baby!!!!!“

Ingrid Van Overbeke

Website: https://www.petcounsellor.ca/

Contact Details: (613) 697 4350 | [email protected]

Address: 865 Berry Side Road, Dunrobin, ON, K0A 1T0, Canada

Operating Hours: By appointment

Ingrid Van Overbeke is a highly qualified animal behaviorist with an impressive educational background, including a Ph.D. in veterinary science and specialized postgraduate training in companion animal behavior and welfare. Based in Ottawa, she offers personalized in-home training solutions tailored to dogs with a variety of behavioral challenges, using positive and force-free methods.

Ingrid’s qualifications are exceptional, including postgraduate training in animal behavior, hands-on workshops, and certifications from internationally recognized organizations. Her continuous education—such as her participation in conferences and advanced training courses—ensures she stays up-to-date with the latest methods in animal behavior science.

Ingrid’s approach involves visiting your home or the location where problematic behaviors occur. This real-world, tailored training is highly effective, as it provides insights into the dog’s behavior in its natural environment.

She exclusively uses positive, force-free techniques, emphasizing respect for the pet’s emotional well-being. This humane approach fosters trust and strengthens the bond between dog and owner.

From puppy education to behavioral modification for issues such as aggression, separation anxiety, or over-arousal, Ingrid offers a wide range of programs. This variety ensures that clients can find a solution tailored to their specific needs.

While her primary focus is on dogs, Ingrid also offers services for cats and horses, making her a versatile choice for multi-pet households.

For minor issues or clients outside the Ottawa region, Ingrid provides virtual consultations, adding flexibility for busy or distant clients.

“Ingrid was recommended to me by another client of hers. My dog Callie has many behavioural issues, but the main ones were reactivity, resource guarding and separation anxiety. I was nervous having Callie meet Ingrid only because she isn’t the friendliest dog. Ingrid’s extensive education, training and experience were so apparent from the moment she walked in the door. By the end of the first visit, Callie was in love with her, which said a lot given how standoffish she can be. Throughout the 4 sessions with Ingrid, and obviously a lot of work with Callie outside of the sessions, I finally got to leave the house without having to crate Callie, her resource guarding instances have declined drastically and our walks when meeting other dogs and humans are consistently improving. Ingrid provided so much support, resources, and provided the confidence to make me feel like things were going to get better and they did. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a super knowledgeable person, in need of some serious help. Not to mention she comes to your home to see the dogs behaviour in their own environment! Thank you so much Ingrid!”

“Ingrid has been wonderful to work with! She was recommended by our vet and came to help us with our young dog Freddie. She helped us understand the science behind his reactivity to strangers around the home, and also how to take steps to mitigate his separation anxiety. Both of these issues came about due to Freddie’s early months being in lockdown and never experiencing visitors coming into our home nor us leaving our home. It’s a process and to be successful you as the owner have to put the work in with your dog, but Ingrid has been there cheering us on and her continued support has been invaluable. Ingrid knows animal behaviour, but more importantly she truly loves animals and that makes her a great behaviourist!”