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Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Training in Vancouver

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

ANSWER: The Dog School offers Vancouver's only scientifically-designed, force-free dog training curriculum, created by Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward (PhD, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP) & Katrina Per-Carruthers (BA Psychology & Communications, RMT, CASI-CBST).

Dr. Shapiro-Ward brings behavioural science expertise, while Katrina contributes unique insights from multi-species training (including classical dressage and equestrian coaching) and biomechanics from her background as a Registered Massage Therapist.


Unlike many training facilities, we offer a start-anytime enrolment model for ALL our programs—meaning you can begin group classes, private lessons, or behaviour consults when it works for your schedule, not when a session happens to start.

We also use a unique credit-based system that gives you complete flexibility: 1 credit works for any group class across all programs (puppy, obedience, agility, nosework, rally).

Our 60+ badge program keeps dogs engaged and motivated through ongoing skill development at their own pace.
 

Location: 4333 W 10th Ave Unit 1, Vancouver, BC V6R 2H6

Contact: info@thedogschool.ca
Serving: [Kitsilano] | [West Point Grey] | [Kerrisdale] | [Dunbar]

 

QUESTION 2: When should I start training my puppy?

ANSWER: You can start puppy training as soon as your puppy comes home at 8 weeks old—and we strongly recommend it! The critical socialisation window is between 8-16 weeks, making this the most important time in your puppy's development. Our Puppy Programs are specifically designed for this age group, focusing on socialisation, confidence-building, and foundational skills. Early training during this period helps prevent behavioural problems later and creates a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.
 

The Dog School's start-anytime model means you don't have to wait for the next session—you can begin as soon as your puppy has their initial vaccinations. Our flexible credit system means you attend when it works for your schedule, not on a fixed weekly commitment.

Learn more: [Puppy Programs]
Serving: [Kitsilano] | [West Point Grey] | [Kerrisdale] | [Dunbar] | [Vancouver]

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

ANSWER: The Dog School uses a unique credit-based pricing system that gives you complete flexibility:

  • Monthly Membership: $200/month (4 credits = $50 per class) - Best value!

  • 6-Credit Package: $330 ($55 per class)

  • Single Drop-in Credit: $60 per class

  • Private Lessons: 3 credits each

  • Behaviour Consults: 4 credits each

What makes this special: 1 credit works for ANY group class—puppy programs, Key Skills (basic obedience), agility, nosework, tricks, rally.

Credits are valid for 6 months, you can cancel your membership anytime with no fees, and there are no hidden costs or registration fees.

This is Vancouver's most flexible and affordable dog training pricing.

Learn more: [Complete Pricing Details]
Contact: info@thedogschool.ca

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QUESTION 4: What is force-free dog training?

ANSWER: Force-free dog training (also called positive reinforcement training) teaches dogs without using physical punishment, fear, or intimidation. Instead of corrections, we use rewards—praise, play, and food—to encourage desired behaviours. This science-based approach is proven to be more effective and creates a stronger bond between you and your dog.
 

At The Dog School, our scientifically-designed curriculum uses exclusively force-free methods, developed by Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward (PhD) and Katrina Per-Carruthers (BA Psychology, multi-species trainer).

All our trainers are certified in positive reinforcement techniques (CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP) and our methods are grounded in behavioural science and learning theory.
 

Methods: Positive reinforcement, science-based, force-free Professional credentials: CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CASI-CBST
 

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

ANSWER: Great question! Unlike most dog training facilities, The Dog School offers a start-anytime enrolment model for ALL programs. This means you can begin classes, private lessons, or behaviour consults as soon as you're ready—you don't have to wait weeks or months for the next session to start.
 

This is especially helpful for puppy owners who need to start training during the critical 8-16 week socialisation window, or for anyone with a busy schedule who can't commit to a specific start date.

Our credit-based system means you have true drop-in flexibility—attend when it works for you, and credits remain valid for 6 months.

Simply contact us at info@thedogschool.ca, and we'll get you enrolled in the next available class that fits your schedule.
 

Start-anytime enrolment available for:

  • Puppy Programs (8-16 weeks)

  • Key Skills - Basic Obedience

  • Badge Classes - Advanced Training

  • Private Lessons

  • Behaviour Consults
     

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

ANSWER: For reactive or fearful dogs, we recommend starting with our private one-on-one Behaviour Consults (4 credits each), which also operate on a start-anytime basis. Reactive dogs (those who bark, lunge, or show fear toward people, dogs, or environmental triggers) often need individualised attention that group classes can't provide.
 

Our trainers have specialised experience in fear, anxiety, and reactivity. Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward has extensive background working with aggressive and reactive dogs, and Katrina Per-Carruthers brings a unique perspective from her RMT background in pain science and biomechanics, which helps identify physical discomfort that may contribute to behavioural issues.

We create customised training plans using force-free, science-based methods to help your dog build confidence and learn new coping strategies.

Specialised services for:

  • Reactivity (dog or human)

  • Fear and anxiety

  • Aggression issues

  • Separation anxiety
     

Learn more: [Behaviour Consults]
Pricing: [See our credit system]
Force-Free Methods Only

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

ANSWER: The Dog School is located at 4333 W 10th Ave Unit 1, Vancouver, BC V6R 2H6, in the Kitsilano area near West 10th and Alma. We're easily accessible from throughout Vancouver and serve clients from:

Our central Vancouver location makes it convenient for dog owners throughout the Lower Mainland. Private lessons can also be arranged at your home depending on availability.
 

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

QUESTION 8 What certifications do your dog trainers have?

ANSWER: All trainers at The Dog School hold professional certifications and have extensive education in canine behaviour.

Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward holds a PhD and is both CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed) and KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) certified. She's best known for her viral trick training videos featuring her cockapoo Percy and has been featured on Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, CBC BC Today, The Daily Mail UK, The New York Post, and more.

Katrina Per-Carruthers holds a BA in Psychology & Communications, is a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), CASI-CBST certified, and CPDT-KA pending. She's also a licensed Equestrian Canada Coach, bringing unique multi-species training expertise (combining French classical dressage with clicker training) to our programs.

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

Professional certifications:

  • CPDT-KA (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers)

  • KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy)

  • CASI-CBST (Companion Animal Sciences Institute)

  • RMT (Registered Massage Therapist)

  • Equestrian Canada Coach

Learn more: [About Our Team]

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QUESTION 9 What is your Badge Program Group Dog Training?

ANSWER: The Dog School's unique badge program offers over 60 skill-based achievements your dog can earn across multiple disciplines including agility, nose work, tricks, rally obedience, and more. Think of it like earning merit badges—each badge represents mastery of a specific skill. Badge Classes are advanced dog training classes where we learn skills for dog sports and more.
 

This program keeps training fun and engaging for both you and your dog, providing clear goals and celebrating progress. Dogs can continue advancing through badges at their own pace, creating a lifelong learning journey. The badge program is available through our advanced training classes and is perfect for dogs who have completed basic obedience and want to keep learning.
 

Bonus: Earn $5 cashback for every badge your dog completes!
 

Badge categories include:

  • Agility skills

  • Scent detection/nose work

  • Trick training

  • Rally obedience

  • And many more!
     

Learn more: [Badge Classes - Advanced Dog Training]
Pricing: [All badge classes use the same credit system]

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

ANSWER: Yes! Puppies can start training at 8 weeks old, after they've received their initial round of vaccinations. The critical socialisation period is 8-16 weeks, so it's important not to wait until your puppy has completed all vaccinations (which isn't until 16-18 weeks).
 

At The Dog School, we maintain strict cleanliness protocols and require proof of age-appropriate vaccinations for all attending puppies. Our training environment is carefully managed to minimise health risks while maximising socialisation benefits during this crucial developmental window. Strict sanitation protocols maintained including use of Prevail veterinary-grade cleaner and we maintain a relationship with a veterinarian who consults us on our protocols. 
 

Vaccination requirements:

  • Puppies 8-16 weeks: At least first round of core vaccines

  • Proof of vaccination required at enrolment 
     

Learn more: [Puppy Programs] 
Serving: [Kitsilano] | [West Point Grey] | [Kerrisdale] | [Dunbar]

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

ANSWER: Yes! We offer private one-on-one training sessions (3 credits each) for dogs of all ages and behavioural needs, with start-anytime availability. Private lessons are ideal for:

  • Dogs with fear, anxiety, or reactivity issues

  • Puppies needing individualised attention

  • Busy schedules requiring flexible timing

  • Specific behavioural problems (barking, jumping, leash pulling)

  • Owners who prefer personalised instruction
     

Private sessions can be conducted at our Vancouver facility (4333 W 10th Ave Unit 1) or, depending on trainer availability, at your home.

Our trainers create customised training plans based on your specific goals and your dog's individual needs.
 

Learn more: [Private Lessons] | [Behaviour Consults]
Pricing: [3 credits per private lesson]
Contact: info@thedogschool.ca

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

ANSWER: While anyone can legally call themselves either title (the field is unregulated in Canada), these terms typically refer to different focuses:

Dog Trainer: Works on teaching specific behaviours and obedience—sit, stay, loose-leash walking, recall, etc. Good trainers focus on "how" to change behaviour using learning theory and training techniques.
 

Dog Behaviourist: Focuses on understanding "why" behaviours occur, particularly addressing underlying emotional or behavioural issues like fear, anxiety, aggression. They often have formal education in animal behaviour.
 

At The Dog School, our team has both training expertise AND behavioural knowledge. Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward holds a PhD with extensive experience in behaviour modification for reactive and aggressive dogs. Katrina Per-Carruthers combines her psychology education with hands-on biomechanics knowledge from her RMT background and mutli-species expertise. Our trainers are certified (CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CASI-CBST), meaning they're qualified to address both training and behavioural issues using science-based, force-free methods.
 

For serious behavioural concerns involving aggression or severe anxiety, we recommend starting with our [Behaviour Consults] (4 credits each).

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QUESTION 13: My dog only listens when I have food - this is a problem?

ANSWER: This is one of the most common concerns we hear! The good news is that food dependence is not caused by using food in training—it's caused by how food is used in training. When food is used correctly as part of a well-designed training program, dogs learn reliable behaviours that work in real-world situations, with or without food present.
 

The key is understanding the difference between luring (holding food to get behaviour) and rewarding (giving food after behaviour).

At The Dog School, we teach proper training mechanics from the start using first principles training, so your dog learns to respond to cues, not food bribes.
 

Want to learn more?

Read our comprehensive blog post: [My Dog Only Listens with Food! Moving Beyond Lures: First Principles Training for Reliable Behaviours]

This in-depth article, written by Katrina Per-Carruthers, explains the science behind food rewards and how to build reliable behaviours that don't depend on having food in your hand.
 

Training philosophy: Force-free, science-based, positive reinforcement
Location: Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC

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

ANSWER: Teaching a dog to "settle"—to relax and remain quiet for long periods—is one of the most valuable skills you can train, whether you're taking your dog to a café patio, the office, or just want them to relax at home. However, it's also one of the most misunderstood exercises in dog training.
 

Many people make the mistake of trying to train settle the same way they train sit or down, but settle is fundamentally different—it's about teaching your dog to be calm and comfortable in various environments, not just physically lying down. Traditional food-based methods often fail for settle training because they can actually increase arousal rather than create genuine relaxation.


Want to learn the right way to teach settle?

Read our in-depth guide: [Training a Dog to Settle: How Treats Have Betrayed You]

This comprehensive article by Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward explains why traditional methods often fail and provides a science-based approach to teaching genuine relaxation and calmness.
 

Serving: [Kitsilano] | [West Point Grey] | [Kerrisdale] | [Dunbar] | [Vancouver] 

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QUESTION 15 Do you use food in your dog training classes?

ANSWER: Yes! Positive reinforcement training (which includes using food, praise, and play as rewards) is the scientifically proven most effective method for teaching dogs. Unlike outdated punishment-based methods, reward-based training:

  • Creates a stronger bond between you and your dog

  • Is more effective long-term

  • Reduces stress and fear

  • Makes learning enjoyable for both dog and owner

  • Is recommended by veterinary behaviourists and animal welfare organisations worldwide
     

At The Dog School, we teach you how to use food effectively as a training tool, then gradually transition to variable rewards and real-life reinforcement (praise, play, freedom). Our scientifically-designed curriculum—created by Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward (PhD) and Katrina Per-Carruthers (BA Psychology, multi-species trainer)—is based on learning theory and behavioural science. We use methods that are proven to work.
 

Concerned about food dependency?
Read: [My Dog Only Listens with Food! Moving Beyond Lures]

Training philosophy: Force-free, science-based, positive reinforcement

Certifications: CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CASI-CBST
Learn more: [About Our Team]

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