Nurturing Beautiful Relationships

Classes, Private & In Home Dog Training, Behaviour & Aggression Therapy

BE ADVISED THAT WE ARE CLOSED ON ALL LONG WEEKENDS AND RUN ONE WEEK LONGER FOR EACH CLOSURE

At Living Better Dog Training, we tailor our approach to suit each individual dog. Our classes are designed to address the specific needs of every participant, considering factors such as breed, temperament, energy levels, and learning pace with regard to games and techniques. Recognizing that every dog is unique, we strive to ensure that each class or private session delivers an optimal and rewarding experience for every dog entrusted to our care.

Kimber on training table
Kimber on tree
Kimber with another dog

LifeSkills Foundations

A Program for Developing Canine-Guardian Relationships

  • Classes are held over 4 weeks, 1 Hour per class (+ 20 min Q&A)
  • Fee is $375.00 (taxes included)
  • 10% discount for return clients.
  • Maximum of 3 dogs per class
  • Ages 6 months and older (puppies under 6 months of age should have taken Puppy Foundations first)
  • To qualify into the appropriate class please email to book your complimentary 20 minute assessment

Each LifeSkills class is thoughtfully designed to address the individual needs of every dog enrolled. Our teaching method emphasizes building strong relationships between guardians and their dogs. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, we tailor each class to match each dog's personality and learning style, ensuring practical skills and fun activities both inside and outside of class.

During every session, we systematically teach essential behaviours like sit, down, stay, distracted stay, leave, out/drop, touch, walking, greetings, placement exercises, recall, and tackle common behavioral issues among many other valuable skills for daily life (and so much more). With each class, you and your dog will develop greater abilities and deepen your partnership.

None of our classes use a generic template; instead, we adapt them to suit each dog's unique personality, learning style, and understanding. Every dog is different, just like every person, so our curriculum celebrates that diversity.

Our courses offer meaningful learning experiences through games and skill-building activities designed to progress with the team's growth, both in the classroom and at home. We aim to keep learning entertaining and rewarding throughout. Each time you take a LifeSkills course, we'll continue to challenge and support your development as a team!

CLASS AVAILABILITY

DatesTimeStatus
AUGUST 2026
Class Date and Time: Sunday August 30, September 20 and October 4. From 1:30 to 2:30 FULL
Sunday 30, September 20, 27 and October 4 From 3pm to 4pm FULL
Tuesday 25, September 1, 22 and 29 From 5:30pm to 6:30pm FULL
OCTOBER 2026
Sunday 18, 25, November 1 and 8 From 1:30 to 2:30pm 2 SPOTS LEFT Book Now
Sunday 18, 25, November 1 and 8 From 3pm to 4pm 3 SPOTS LEFT Book Now
Tuesday 6, 13, 20 and 27 From 5:30pm to 6:30pm 3 SPOTS LEFT Book Now
NOVEMBER 2026
Sunday 15, 22, 29 and December 6 From 1:30 to 2:30pm 3 SPOTS LEFT Book Now
Sunday 15, 22, 29 and December 6 From 3pm to 4pm 3 SPOTS LEFT Book Now
Tuesday 17, 24, December 1 and 8 From 5:30pm to 6:30pm 3 SPOTS LEFT Book Now

Advanced Life Skills

Strengthen the Bond Between You and Your Dog

  • Four week course; each class lasts at least one hour
  • $400.00, including tax
  • 10% discount for return clients.
  • Maximum of four dogs per class
  • Dogs must have completed at least two Life Skills classes (Basic or equivalent) and show no leash reactivity or aggression
  • Classes take place both at the school and in community settings

Each Advanced Life Skills class is tailored to the needs, personality, and learning style of every dog. Our relationship focused approach gives guardians practical, enjoyable ways to build skills with their dogs in class and in real world settings.

Instead of following a one-size-fits-all template, our curriculum adapts as each dog and guardian team develops, recognizing that every dog and human learns differently.

Skills covered in this course include:

  • Calmly greeting friendly strangers
  • Remaining calm/down on patios and in busy places
  • Practising leash skills around distractions, crowds, and groups of dogs
  • Holding sit and down stays at a distance, with distractions, for at least five minutes, including out of sight stays
  • And so much more

Through games and skill building activities, the course progresses with each team’s development in the classroom and in real world settings.

Book Advanced Life Skills

Private Drop-Off Training

Building Confidence and Essential Skills from Adolescence Onward

  • Session length: Up to 2 hours (a minimum of 4 sessions is recommended)
  • Cost: $175.00 per session
  • 10% discount for return clients.
  • Discounted rate: $135.00 per session when booking 5 or more sessions
  • Puppy Imprinting alumni rate: $125.00 per session
  • For dogs over 20 weeks old. This program is not suitable for aggressive or highly reactive dogs; please book a one-on-one private session with Lisa first.
  • By appointment only; drop-ins are not available
  • A $25.00 fee applies when pickup is more than 20 minutes from the school
  • Maximum of 1 dog per session

This program is ideal for busy households that need extra support with basic or advanced obedience training.

Each session focuses on the skills that matter most to you, such as leash manners, stay, distraction work, socialization, leave it, drop it or out, recall, and more.

After each session, you will receive a progress report, any training videos recorded, and homework for you and your family.

Book Private Drop-Off Training

One On One With Kimber

Private training for reactive or overstimulated dogs

  • 4 Private Sessions held over 4 weeks, 1 Hour per session (+ 20 min Q&A)
  • Fee is $500.00 (taxes included)
  • 10% discount for return clients.
  • Private with your dog and Kimber
  • Ages 6 months and older (some dogs may need to start with Privates due to specific aggression issues and then can move to this class)
  • To qualify into the appropriate class please email to book your complimentary 20 minute assessment

This specialized class is designed for dogs who are reactive or excessively stimulated around other dogs. Kimber, a composed three-year-old, assists in illustrating how canines can focus on their guardians rather than nearby distractions. The curriculum encompasses all essential commands, including sit, down, stay, distracted stay, leave, out/drop, touch, greetings, walking, placement exercises, and recall—alongside effective strategies for managing emotional overstimulation. Our program prioritizes the development of trust and collaboration between guardians and their dogs.

Instruction is conducted privately, allowing you, your dog, Kimber, and myself to operate within a controlled setting. When prepared, participants may progress to our LifeSkills group classes. Each course offers comprehensive learning opportunities through both classroom practice and thoughtfully designed take-home activities that promote ongoing progress. We strive to make every session engaging, constructive, and beneficial for all participants.

Our methodology eschews generic teaching models in favors of personalized instruction tailored to each dog's individual temperament and learning style. By recognizing and respecting the unique qualities of every dog and guardian, we customize lessons to encourage practical skill acquisition and positive experiences both within and beyond the classroom.

CLASS AVAILABILITY

DatesTimeStatus
AUGUST 2026
Wednesday 26, September 2, 23 and 30 From 5:30pm to 6:30pm FULL
Wednesday 26, September 2, 23 and 30 From 6:45 to 7:45pm FULL
OCTOBER 2026
Wednesday 7, 14, 21 and 28 From 5:30pm to 6:30pm 1 SPOT LEFT Book Now
Wednesday 7, 14, 21 and 28 From 6:45 to 7:45pm FULL
NOVEMBER 2026
Wednesday 18, 25, December 2 and 9 From 5:30pm to 6:30pm 1 SPOT LEFT Book Now
Wednesday 18, 25, December 2 and 9 From 6:45 to 7:45pm 1 SPOT LEFT Book Now

Payment Options

Cash or Email Money Transfer to: livingbetterdogtraining@gmail.com

Registration and Refund Policy

Payments to be made to: livingbetterdogtraining@gmail.com within 24 hours of registration in order to confirm consultation and/or class.

Non-transferable, no refunds or credits.

Health and Vaccines

Proof of up to date vaccines required prior to your first class. Failure to do so will eliminate you from the class, no exceptions.

  • Females in season will not be permitted in class
  • All dogs over 16 months must be spayed or neutered before acceptance into any class that includes Social Play unless approved by Lisa
  • If you suspect your dog may be unwell, contact Lisa prior to class
  • If you or anyone joining you is unwell, contact Lisa to determine if you need to miss class or wear a mask
  • If you test positive for Covid-19, contact Lisa to make arrangements. Negative test required to re-join

Equipment

Required:

  • 6' to 10' leash with handle
  • Properly fitted flat buckle collar, Martingale collar or harness

NOT PERMITTED:

  • Shock or spray equipment of any kind
  • Choke chains, slip collars or leads
  • Pinch/prong collars
  • Retractable leashes
  • Any tool designed to cause stress, anxiety, fear, discomfort or pain

I'm always here for you if you have problems or questions.

Lisa Hoffman, CTB.ccs, IPDTA - livingbetterdogtraining@gmail.com

CONTACT LISA