Nurturing Beautiful Relationships
Classes, Private & In Home Dog Training, Behaviour & Aggression Therapy
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.
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)
- 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
| Dates | Time | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAY 2026 | |||
| Sunday 24, 31, June 7 and 14 | From 1:30 to 2:30pm | FULL | |
| Sunday 24, 31, June 7 and 14 | From 3pm to 4pm | FULL | |
| Tuesday 26, June 2, 9, and 16 | From 5:30pm to 6:30pm | FULL | |
| JUNE 2026 | |||
| Sunday 21, 28, July 5 and 12 | From 1:30 to 2:30pm | FULL | |
| Sunday 21, 28, July 5 and 12 | From 3pm to 4pm | FULL | |
| Tuesday 23, 30, July 7 and 14 | From 5:30pm to 6:30pm | FULL | |
| JULY 2026 | |||
| Sunday 26, August 9, 16 and 23 | From 1:30 to 2:30pm | FULL | |
| Sunday 26, August 9, 16 and 23 | From 3pm to 4pm | FULL | |
| Tuesday 28, August 4, 11 and 18 | From 5:30pm to 6:30pm | 1 SPOT LEFT | Book Now |
| AUGUST 2026 | |||
| Sunday 30, September 20, 27 and October 4 | From 1:30 to 2:30pm | OPEN | Book Now |
| Sunday 30, September 20, 27 and October 4 | From 3pm to 4pm | OPEN | Book Now |
| Tuesday 25, September 1, 22 and 29 | From 5:30pm to 6:30pm | OPEN | Book Now |
| OCTOBER 2026 | |||
| Sunday 18, 25, November 1 and 8 | From 1:30 to 2:30pm | OPEN | Book Now |
| Sunday 18, 25, November 1 and 8 | From 3pm to 4pm | OPEN | Book Now |
| Tuesday 6, 13, 20 and 27 | From 5:30pm to 6:30pm | OPEN | Book Now |
| NOVEMBER 2026 | |||
| Sunday 15, 22, 29 and December 6 | From 1:30 to 2:30pm | OPEN | Book Now |
| Sunday 15, 22, 29 and December 6 | From 3pm to 4pm | OPEN | Book Now |
| Tuesday 17, 24, December 1 and 8 | From 5:30pm to 6:30pm | OPEN | Book Now |
One On One With Kimber
Private training for reactive or overstimulated dogs
- Classes are held over 4 weeks, 1 Hour per class (+ 20 min Q&A)
- Fee is $450.00 (taxes included)
- 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
| Dates | Time | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAY 2026 | |||
| Wednesday 27, June 3, 10 and 17 | From 5:30pm to 6:30pm | FULL | |
| Wednesday 27, June 3, 10 and 17 | From 6:45 to 7:45pm | FULL | |
| JUNE 2026 | |||
| Wednesday 24, July 8, 15 and 22 | From 5:30pm to 6:30pm | FULL | |
| Wednesday 24, July 8, 15 and 22 | From 6:45 to 7:45pm | FULL | |
| JULY 2026 | |||
| Wednesday 29, August 5, 12 and 19 | From 5:30pm to 6:30pm | OPEN | Book Now |
| Wednesday 29, August 5, 12 and 19 | From 6:45 to 7:45pm | OPEN | Book Now |
| AUGUST 2026 | |||
| Wednesday 26, September 2, 23 and 30 | From 5:30pm to 6:30pm | OPEN | Book Now |
| Wednesday 26, September 2, 23 and 30 | From 6:45 to 7:45pm | OPEN | Book Now |
| OCTOBER 2026 | |||
| Wednesday 7, 14, 21 and 28 | From 5:30pm to 6:30pm | OPEN | Book Now |
| Wednesday 7, 14, 21 and 28 | From 6:45 to 7:45pm | OPEN | Book Now |
| NOVEMBER 2026 | |||
| Wednesday 18, 25, December 2 and 9 | From 5:30pm to 6:30pm | OPEN | Book Now |
| Wednesday 18, 25, December 2 and 9 | From 6:45 to 7:45pm | OPEN | Book Now |
Canine Good Neighbor Prep Class
A Guide to Preparing for the Canadian Kennel Club Canine Good Neighbor Certificate Test
The Canine Good Neighbor Prep Class is intended to assist dogs of all ages, breeds, and backgrounds in preparing for the CGN test. This class covers the 12 steps required for certification, with emphasis on socialization, amenability, and practical skills relevant to everyday situations. This is an advanced class, so a prerequisite of at least LS 1 and 2 or the equivalent are needed to enter this class.
Together with your dog, you'll work on friendly greetings, walking calmly on a leash despite distractions, navigating busy areas, mastering extended stay commands, understanding cues like "Wait" and "OK", standing still for an examination, recall exercises, and additional useful skills.
This course guides participants through the twelve steps needed for certification, focusing on social skills, amenability, and practical abilities that apply to everyday life. The workshop aims to help participants refine their dog's behaviour, continue to build the partnership between guardian and dog and develop effective communication.
- 5 weeks
- $400.00 (taxes included)
- Each session lasts at least 1 hour and will be held in school and public settings.
- Up to 4 dogs per class
- Dogs 1+ years, no leash reactivity/aggression
- Must have completed Foundations 1 & 2 or equivalent
- Approved harness/flat collar, standard leash 6 foot leash
- High-value treats, kibble, favorite chew toy
CLASS AVAILABILITY
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 discounts, 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