Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Training in Vancouver

Question 1: What makes The Dog School different from other dog training facilities in Vancouver?

The Dog School is Vancouver's only dog training studio with a scientifically-designed, fully force-free curriculum built and taught by Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward (PhD, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP) and Katrina Per-Carruthers (BA Psychology, former RMT, CASI-CBST).
 

What makes us different from most Vancouver dog trainers:

• Start-anytime enrolment for every program. No waiting weeks for the next session to begin.

• Credit-based booking — one credit gets you into any group class (puppy, basic obedience, agility, nosework, rally, tricks). Train on your schedule, not ours.

• 60+ Badge Program for ongoing skill development beyond basics.

• PhD-level behavioural science combined with Katrina's multi-species training expertise and pain-science biomechanics insight from her former RMT career.

• Free supervised Saturday Puppy Play for any registered puppy.
   

We're at 4333 W 10th Ave Unit 1, Vancouver, BC V6R 2H6, serving:
Kitsilano, West Point Grey, Kerrisdale, Dunbar, and UBC.

Contact: info@thedogschool.ca

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Question 2: When should I start training my puppy?

The dog school follows the Position Statement from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviourists  (which you can read here:  https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Puppy_Socialization_Position_Statement_Download_-_10-3-14.pdf ). The critical early socialization window is important and we provide a safe, sanitary and supervised environment for your puppy to learn and grow with our two puppy programs: Free Puppy Play and our modular 6-topic Puppy Program.  The critical 8–16 week socialisation window is short, and waiting four weeks for the next session can mean missing it entirely which is why our program is start-anytime and modular.  It also helps anyone with a busy schedule who can't commit to a fixed weekly slot.

There is some risk of early socialization however the risk is quite minimal compared to the benefits of early puppy socialization. At The Dog School, we provide the following risk mitigation strategies:

• We use Prevail to thoroughly disinfect and clean the floor (A vet-grade disinfectant that kills Parvo Virus, Kennel Cough and other harmful pathogens)

• We schedule our puppy sessions as the first class of our work-day to ensure the studio is at its cleanest

• We screen all our puppies and ensure they have up-to-date vaccination records

• We monitor all puppies in class and ensure if anyone has a symptom that 

• We have had an independent veterinarian assess our facility and SOP's to ensure we are above the recommended guidelines outlined by AnimalKind
   

Risk mitigation is of course a personal decision and if you'd rather come to Puppy Program and not have your puppy interact with other puppies we can accommodate this until 14 weeks when the Ab titres are up.
 

Because we're start-anytime, you don't wait weeks for the next session. Most puppies join within days of their owner reaching out.
 

Learn more: Puppy Programs | Puppy Classes Kitsilano Serving: Kitsilano, West Point Grey, Kerrisdale, Dunbar, UBC, Vancouver
 

Question 3: How much does dog training cost in Vancouver?

The Dog School uses a flexible credit-based system. One credit covers any group class (puppy classes, Key Skills basic obedience, badge classes, agility, nosework, rally, tricks). Credits stay valid for six months.

Option Price Per credit

Monthly Membership (best value): $200/month for 4 credits,  $50/Credit

6-Credit Package: 6 credits for $330, $55/credit

Single Drop-In: $60

Private Lesson: 3 credits

Behaviour Consult: 4 credits
 

No registration fees, no cancellation fees, no hidden costs. Cancel anytime.
 

Full pricing details: Pricing page
Email: info@thedogschool.ca

Question 4: What is force-free dog training?

Force-free dog training (also called positive reinforcement training) teaches dogs without physical punishment, fear, or intimidation. Instead of corrections, we use rewards like food, praise, play to build the behaviours we want. It's the method recommended by veterinary behaviourists worldwide because it's more effective long-term and doesn't damage the relationship between you and your dog.
 

At The Dog School, every class, private lesson, and behaviour consult uses force-free methods.

Our curriculum was designed by Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward (PhD) and Katrina Per-Carruthers (BA Psychology), and our trainers hold professional certifications including CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, and CASI-CBST (Pending).
 

Learn more: About Our Team

Question 5: Do you offer classes that start right away, or do I have to wait for the next session?

You can start right away. The Dog School uses a start-anytime enrolment model for every program: Puppy Prgoram classes, Key Skills, Advanced Badge Classes, Private Lessons, and Behaviour Consults.

This matters for puppy owners. The critical 8–16 week socialisation window is short, and waiting four weeks for the next session can mean missing it entirely. Our start-anytime classes also helps anyone with a busy schedule who can't commit to a fixed weekly slot or for those who travel for work or leisure regularly.
 

Our credit-based system gives you true drop-in flexibility:  book classes when they work for you,  credits stay valid for six months.
 

To get started, fill out our intake form on the Book Now page or email info@thedogschool.ca.

Question 6: What's the best dog training program for a reactive or fearful dog in Vancouver?

For reactive, fearful, or aggressive dogs, start with our private one-on-one Behaviour Consults (4 credits each). Reactive dogs need individualised attention, controlled environments, and customised plans that group settings can't provide.

Our team has deep experience with these cases. Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward has worked extensively with aggressive and reactive dogs and frequently consults with veterinarians on complex cases. Katrina Per-Carruthers brings a unique perspective from her RMT background — pain and physical discomfort are common contributors to reactive behaviour and are easy to miss without biomechanics training.

Behaviour Consults include a written report you can share with your veterinary team and a structured behaviour modification plan, not just a single training session.
 

Specialised support for: reactivity (dog-directed or human-directed), fear and anxiety, aggression, separation anxiety, resource guarding.
 

Learn more: Behaviour Consults | Pricing

Question 7: Where is The Dog School located and what areas do you serve?

The Dog School is at 4333 W 10th Ave Unit 1, Vancouver, BC V6R 2H6 — on the Kitsilano/West Point Grey border, near West 10th and Alma. We're easily accessible from across the West Side and central Vancouver.

We serve clients from:

• Kitsilano

• West Point Grey

• Kerrisdale

• Dunbar

• UBC and University Endowment Lands

• Point Grey

• Arbutus Ridge

• Shaughnessy

• Fairview

• Mount Pleasant

• Marpole

• Richmond and Burnaby

• We even have clients driving in from Ladner, Abbotsford and Langley! 

Private lessons can sometimes be arranged at your home depending on trainer availability.

Email: info@thedogschool.ca | Address: 4333 W 10th Ave Unit 1, Vancouver, BC V6R 2H6

Question 8: What certifications do your dog trainers have?

Every trainer at The Dog School holds professional certifications and has formal education in canine behaviour and learning theory.

Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward holds a PhD and is certified through:

• CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed)

• KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner)

She has been featured on Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, CBC BC Today, The Daily Mail UK, NHK Japan, and The New York Post, and is a frequent guest on CBC BC Today's live call-in radio show answering listener questions about dog behaviour.

Katrina Per-Carruthers holds:

• BA in Psychology and Communications

• CASI-CBST certification (Companion Animal Sciences Institute) pending

• CPDT-KA pending

• Equestrian Canada Coach licence

• Former Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)

These certifications require rigorous education, demonstrated training skill, ongoing continuing education, and adherence to ethical, force-free training standards.
 

Learn more: About Our Team

Question 9: What is the Badge Program, and how does it work?

The Badge Program is The Dog School's advanced group dog training track. Dogs earn skill badges across eight disciplines: agility, nosework, scent detection, trick training, rally obedience, advanced manners, canine good neighbour, advanced obedeicne and trail skills. There are over 60 badges available.
 

Think of it like merit badges. Each one represents mastery of a specific skill, and dogs progress at their own pace. There's always a new challenge, which is why our advanced students stay engaged for years rather than graduating once and stopping.
 

Bonus: you earn $5 in cash credits for every badge your dog completes!! We believe humans should get a click & treat for training too.
 

Badge categories:

• Agility, cones, and obstacles

• Nosework and scent detection

• Trick training

• Rally obedience

• Fancy heeling and competition heel

• Advanced loose-leash walking

• Advanced off-leash and trail skills

• Advanced manners and obedience
   

Learn more: Advanced Badge Classes | Pricing

Question 10: Can I bring my puppy to training before they've had all their vaccinations?

Yes. Puppies can start at 8 weeks old once they've had their first round of core vaccinations. Waiting until your puppy is fully vaccinated (typically 16–18 weeks) means missing the most important socialisation window of their life.

This is exactly the trade-off our Puppy Program is designed to solve. Our studio is cleaned before every class with Prevail. This is the same vet-grade disinfectant used in veterinary clinics, which kills Parvo (and many other dog-borne illnesses!) and exceeds BC SPCA AnimalKind cleaning standards. We require proof of age-appropriate vaccinations from every attending puppy, and we maintain an ongoing relationship with a veterinarian who consults on our protocols.
 

The result: safe, controlled socialisation during the critical 8–16 week window, without exposing your puppy to the risks of off-leash parks or unknown environments.
 

Vaccination requirements:

• Proof of first round of core vaccines

• Submitted at enrolment (you can email it after if you don't have it handy)
   

Learn more: Puppy Programs

Question 11: Do you offer private dog training sessions in Vancouver?

Yes. We offer private one-on-one training sessions (3 credits each) for dogs of every age and need, with start-anytime availability.

Private lessons are a good fit for:

• Dogs with fear, anxiety, or reactivity issues

• Puppies who need individualised attention before joining group classes

• Specific behavioural problems (excessive barking, jumping, leash pulling, counter-surfing)

• Owners with schedules that don't fit our group class times

• Anyone who prefers personalised instruction

Private sessions are normally held in our Vancouver studio at 4333 W 10th Ave Unit 1. Home visits can sometimes be arranged depending on trainer availability and the situation.
 

Each private lesson is built around your specific goals and your dog's individual needs. We don't run a fixed curriculum in private sessions. 
 

Learn more: Private Lessons | Behaviour Consults Email: info@thedogschool.ca

Question 12: What's the difference between a dog trainer and a dog behaviourist?

Both titles are unregulated in Canada as anyone can use either but they generally describe different focuses:

• Dog trainer: Teaches specific skills and behaviours. Sit, stay, recall, loose-leash walking, manners. Focus is on the how of behaviour change.

• Dog behaviourist: Addresses underlying emotional or behavioural issues. Fear, anxiety, aggression, reactivity, compulsive behaviours. Focus is on the why. Behaviourists often have formal academic training in animal behaviour.
   

The Dog School covers both. Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward holds a PhD with extensive experience in behaviour modification for reactive and aggressive dogs. Katrina Per-Carruthers combines her psychology background with biomechanics knowledge. Our certifications (CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CASI-CBST) cover both training and applied behaviour.
 

For serious behavioural concerns (like aggression, severe anxiety, complex reactivity) we recommend starting with a Behaviour Consult (4 credits), which includes a comprehensive written report for your veterinary team.
 

Learn more: Behaviour Consults

Question 13: My dog only listens when I have food. I think food is the problem?

It's one of the most common concerns we hear, and the answer is reassuring: food dependence isn't caused by using food in training. It's caused by how food is used. When a dog learns "follow the food" and not "respond to the cue" they can develop some challenging behaviours when food is not present. The solution is not to blame food but to change the approach and to teach what we refer to as "clean clicker mechanics" which isolates behaviours from the delivery of food. 

Done correctly, food becomes a tool that builds reliable behaviour rather than a bribe your dog depends on.

We teach this from day one in every class at The Dog School, using first-principles training rather than rote protocols.
 

Read more: My Dog Only Listens with Treats — Moving Beyond Lures, by Katrina Per-Carruthers — a detailed walkthrough of the science and the practical fix.

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Question 14: How do I teach my dog to settle and stay calm?

Settle is one of the most valuable skills you can teach a dog and one of the most misunderstood. It's the difference between a dog who can come with you to a café, the office, or a friend's place, and a dog who can't.

Read the full method: How to Teach Your Dog to Settle (And Why Treats Don't Help) — a 19-minute deep dive by Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward.

Serving: Kitsilano, West Point Grey, Kerrisdale, Dunbar, UBC, Vancouver

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Question 15: Do you use food in your dog training classes?

Yes. Food is one of the most effective rewards available, and positive-reinforcement-based training is the scientifically proven gold standard for teaching dogs.

Compared to outdated punishment-based methods, reward-based training:

• Builds a stronger relationship between you and your dog

• Is more effective long-term

• Reduces stress and fear

• Makes learning enjoyable for both ends of the leash

• Is recommended by veterinary behaviourists and animal welfare bodies worldwide

At The Dog School, we teach you how to use food as a training tool and not as a bribe. That means proper mechanics from the start: cue first, behaviour second, reinforcement third. Over time we transition to variable reinforcement schedules, then to real-life reinforcement (praise, play, freedom, access).

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Worried about food dependence? Read: My Dog Only Listens with Treats — Moving Beyond Lures

Learn more: About Our Team