Nurturing Beautiful Relationships
Classes, Private & In Home Dog Training, Behaviour & Aggression Therapy
JANUARY WORKSHOPS
Patio Party Preview Workshop
- Max: 4 dogs
- Good for All ages
- Cost: $175.00 + HST
- Location: 41 River Rd. E Unit 7
This preview highlights the Full Class arriving in March 2026. If you want your dog to enjoy patio time with you next summer, this workshop will help strengthen their stay in a controlled environment and get you on track for when we take this into the real world in March!
Dates & Times:
- January 5 and 8th from 12pm to 1pm
- January 5 and 8th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Canine Good Neighbor Sampler
- Max: 4 dogs
- Good for All ages
- Cost: $175.00 + HST
- Location: 41 River Rd E. Unit 7
This Preview serves as an introduction to the Full Class starting in March 2026, which will provide comprehensive coverage of all twelve steps required for the Canadian Kennel Club Good Neighbor Certificate test. The two-week workshop helps assess if you and your dog are prepared for the full Program in March. For details on our March Program, see specialty classes.
Dates & Times:
- January 5 and 8th from 1:30 to 2:30
- January 5 and 8th from 6:45 to 7:45pm
Make Your Own Workshop
Have a specific topic or skill you'd like to focus on with your dog? We can create a custom workshop tailored to your needs!
Email us at livingbetterdogtraining@gmail.com for details and to discuss your custom workshop.
Preparing Your Dog for A New Baby
In-person, In Home:
4 weeks, 1 hour each; 2 classes before and 2 after baby arrives
Zoom:
3 sessions, 1 hour each
Benefits:
Desensitize your dog to baby sounds and scents, establish routines, encourage self-control near the stroller when walking and baby, reinforce "go to bed and stay," and help your dog associate the baby with positive experiences.
Tools: Approved harness, 6' or 10' lead (no retractable), plenty of healthy treats.
Book NowPATIO PARTY Full Class
Want to enjoy patio fun with your dog? Strengthen their distracted stay in both controlled and real settings, making quality time enjoyable for both of you.
Class Details:
- 4 weeks
- $325 + HST
- Each session lasts at least 1 hour and will be held in school or public settings.
- Up to 4 dogs per class
Requirements & Bring List:
- Dogs 1+ years, no leash reactivity/aggression
- Must have completed Foundations 1 & 2 or equivalent
- Approved harness/flat collar, standard leash, 15–30 ft long line
- High-value treats, kibble, favorite chew toy
- Weather-appropriate outdoor gear
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 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
- $405.00 + HST
- Each session lasts at least 1 hour and will be held in school or public settings.
- Up to 3 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
Benefits of the CGN Prep Class
- Dogs are trained to respond consistently to cues, regardless of distractions or unfamiliar settings.
- Improved Partnership: Participation may enhance mutual trust and understanding between handler and dog.
- Increased Public Acceptance: Certified dogs may be allowed in more environments, such as certain residential complexes and workplaces.
The 12 Steps of the CGN Certification
1. Accepting a Friendly Stranger
The dog must allow a friendly stranger to approach and speak to the handler in an ordinary manner. The dog should not react with fear, aggression, or shyness.
2. Politely Accepts Petting
The dog must permit a friendly stranger to touch and pet them while under the handler's control. The dog should not jump up or avoid contact.
3. Appearance and Grooming
The dog must tolerate being groomed and examined, including checking ears, feet, and coat. A groomer or veterinarian should be able to handle the dog with minimal resistance.
4. Out for a Walk
The handler and dog walk together using a loose lead. The dog is expected to stay attentive without pulling or lagging.
5. Walking Through a Crowd
The dog moves through a group of people in a calm, controlled manner.
6. Sit/Down and Stay in Place
The dog responds to commands to sit or lie down and remains in position until released.
7. Come When Called
The dog returns promptly to the handler when called from a distance.
8. Praise/Interaction
Handler can praise or interact with the dog, and the dog is expected to remain calm and composed.
9. Reaction to Passing Dog
The dog demonstrates appropriate behaviour around another dog, showing neither aggression nor excessive excitement.
10. Reaction to Distractions
The dog remains under control when exposed to distractions such as sudden noises or movements.
11. Supervised Separation
The dog can be left with a trusted person for a short time without showing signs of distress.
12. Overall Test
The dog demonstrates good manners and training throughout all exercises.
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