At Hearts and Hounds Dog Training   in Vancouver, we believe that the relationship between human and dog should be enjoyable and fulfilling for both.  We think dogs should be treated as members of the family, not as something to pay attention to in our spare time, but as someone to share our lives with.  We recognize that we place dogs in an alien world when we bring them into our homes in the city, expecting them to stifle their natural behaviours and adapt to our human rules.  So what can we do to make our dogs’ lives the best they can be? It starts with us understanding their physical and emotional needs and providing them with opportunities to have them met.  It means giving them choices rather than dictating every move they make.  It involves teaching them what we’d like them to do and rewarding them when they get it right, rather than focusing on what they do “wrong” and punishing them.  On the other hand, it is not a free-for-all.  We need to establish boundaries for their safety and ours, and to fit in with society’s rules regarding dogs.  We call it ‘empathic training’ and our philosophy extends to you as well.  We understand the challenges you may be facing whether you’re a new puppy parent not knowing where to start; you’ve had dogs before and need a refresher; or your dog has some behavioural issues.  Our methods are progressive, positive, and reward-based and we are constantly fine-tuning them according to the latest scientific research.

We offer Puppy Preschool, Puppy Kindergarten, Life Skills and Specialty Classes, Private Coaching, and Day Training.  Let us teach you how to understand your dog and provide you with the skills to raise her to be a happy companion with whom you can share a loving, harmonious relationship while you navigate this crazy world together.