The 9 Best Dog Trainers in Vancouver You and Your Pup Will Love

I never thought I’d become the crazy dog parent in adulthood, but there I was in the middle of the dog park, red-faced and out of breath because my pup decided to play an impromptu game of “let’s chase that human.” 

As you can imagine, pride (and a few grass stains) led me down the rabbit hole of finding the best dog trainers in Vancouver. Let’s face it: there are only so many times you can apologize to strangers for the tackling from your four-legged tornado. 

So, if you’ve got a stubborn furry friend, here are all the dog trainers that made my list of the most effective dog trainers in Vancouver.

How I Chose

1. Hustle Up Dog Training

Contact Details: [email protected]

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 7 PM 

Website: Hustle Up Dog Training

“The Most Transformational Dog Training in Vancouver — Hustle Up is a Game Changer”

If you’re looking for the best dog trainer in Vancouver, stop your search now. Hustle Up Dog Training is in a league of its own.

What makes Hustle Up different? They don’t rely on treats or gimmicks. Their treat-free dog training approach is rooted in science, real-world results, and a deep understanding of dog psychology. You’ll quickly see your dog respond because they respect you — not because they expect food.

From puppy basics to complex behavioral issues, Hustle Up delivers unmatched results. Their team trains in real environments — coffee shops, breweries, parks, even earthquake readiness drills — preparing your dog for life, not just the living room.

They also offer private dog training in Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and New Westminster, as well as group classes that are fun, social, and deeply effective. You don’t just get a trained dog — you become a better handler, communicator, and protector of your pack.

And if you’ve been told your dog is “aggressive,” “anxious,” or “untrainable” — Hustle Up will prove them wrong.

No other dog trainer in the Lower Mainland blends professional-level results, leadership-based methods, and heart like this team does. Hustle Up isn’t just a service — it’s a movement for smarter, more capable dog owners.

If you’re serious about your dog’s future, this is the only name that belongs at the top of the list.
Vancouver’s #1 Dog Trainer — without question.

Customer Reviews

One of a kind workshops, hikes and search and locate sessions

“We have been working with Brad and Hustle Up Dog training for the past two years.  When we first met Brad he told us that we would learn just how amazing our dog is.  The transformation of not only our dog, but us as owners has been phenomenal.  Brad’s knowledge and approach which includes one of a kind workshops, hikes and search and locate sessions is second to none.  Brad is no longer just our dog trainer, he is also our friend.  Our dog adores Brad, Rocket, Brodie, Wolfe, and Lexie.  The Hustle Up Dog training community is now our pack!  Oh and yes, our dog is amazing.  She teaches us everyday that she can do anything she puts her mind too.”

– Ron Kolb Google Review 

Brad is a true animal behavioralist

“Brad is the first dog trainer I have ever met that actually cares about and respects dogs. Previously, we had a “trainer” who fed our dog hundreds of treats per session, only for her bad habits to immediately return when the session was over or if we didn’t have treats. Brad is a true animal behavioralist and has taught us so much about just how incredibly sophisticated, smart, and empathic dogs are. We are so grateful for his lessons and how they have helped us form a much closer bond with our dog.”

– Emi Suzuki Google Review 

2. Catffeinated The Pet Mom

Contact Details:

• Email Address: [email protected] 
• Text/WhatsApp: 604-900-1881

Operating Hours:

• Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM–7:00 PM
• Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Website: https://catffeinated.org/  

Catffeinated The Pet Mom offers a deeply holistic approach to dog training that goes far beyond traditional obedience methods. Led by Doaa in Vancouver, the practice centers on emotional safety, nervous system regulation, confidence building, and relationship-based work to address the root causes behind canine behavior.

Rather than treating dogs as problems to be corrected, Doaa views them as intelligent, sentient beings communicating unmet emotional, physical, or environmental needs. Her work is fully obedience-free and focuses on empowerment, emotional balance, and trust-based partnerships instead of control, fear, or quick fixes.

What truly sets Catffeinated The Pet Mom apart is Doaa’s belief that meaningful change begins with the human. Describing herself as a “human trainer disguised as a pet trainer,” she provides high-touch, one-to-one coaching that helps dog parents understand how their mindset, energy, and daily interactions directly influence their dog’s nervous system and behavior.

Doaa brings decades of hands-on experience working with rescue, fearful, anxious, reactive, and traumatized dogs. Her background includes rehabilitating street dogs, fostering, and supporting complex behavioral cases through real-world, compassionate practice rather than rigid training protocols.

Each session is intuitive and fully personalized, guided by the dog’s emotional state, history, and individual needs. This approach supports dogs struggling with fear, anxiety, stress, and reactivity while creating real, long-lasting change without force or medication.

Catffeinated The Pet Mom is especially suited for conscious, committed dog parents seeking transformation rather than surface-level advice. Through deep-dive sessions, longer-term programs, walk-and-train services, dog-to-cat introductions, and a thought-provoking holistic behavior blog, Doaa helps guardians build partnerships rooted in safety, trust, and mutual respect—welcoming dogs of all ages, backgrounds, and behaviors.

Customer Reviews

She has a true gift for understanding the needs of complex animals

“Doaa spent three months helping Toby, our senior rescue chihuahua mix, with wonderful results for our family. She has a true gift for understanding the needs of complex animals, especially those that may have experienced trauma or abuse in their lives. Upon meeting Toby she was able to understand his emotional needs and stresses and come up with workable and creative solutions for us to meet those needs. As a result, there were many positive behavioural changes for our family.

Within three months, we experienced the following changes: most importantly, Toby was visibly happier. He barked much less frequently and a stress-related skin condition he was suffering from cleared up. The number of accidents he had inside our home drastically reduced (this was huge for us as it has been a major challenge for us the entire seven years he has been part of our family). And lastly, he became more patient and tolerant of my one year old daughter. Our family is so grateful to Doaa for her care for Toby and beautiful understanding of his needs. We are so glad we made the investment to hire her to help us, and hope to work again with her in the future. Our only regret is not hiring her sooner- we recommend her extremely highly!”

– Hannah, Review

An amazing holistic dog trainer

“Doaa is an amazing holistic dog trainer who has helped us with our 1 year old Aussiedoodle. After being neutered, our dog had a lot of reactions to humans and other dogs, so we were very worried. Doaa took the time to explain to us what it would take to help our dog become more comfortable and better behaved. She gave us valuable insight and guidance on how to be compassionate and understanding dog owners.

With Doaa’s help, our dog has made tremendous progress. He can now interact with humans and dogs and we know how to move forward to continue progressing his training. We are so grateful for Doaa and her expertise. She is kind, patient, and extremely knowledgeable in the field of holistic dog training.

We highly recommend her to anyone looking for help with their dog’s training. She is an incredible trainer who made a huge difference in our lives!”

– Patricia, Review

3. Canine Connection Training

Address: 1298 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6H 1J5, Canada

Contact Details: +1 604-362-3626

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM 

Website: Canine Connection Training

I met with the trainers at Canine Connection Training (Annika and Melissa) and came out of my meet-and-greet with more confidence as an owner.

Annika’s been doing this for over 15 years and specializes in training misunderstood dogs and helping people at their wit’s end (like I was). Melissa does better with dogs around little ones and does long-distance coaching.

And from what I heard, the other coaches are just as qualified. Several people I spoke with raved about the personalized approach they received. 

Many said the trainers really took the time to understand their dog’s unique needs. A few highlighted their expertise with behavioural issues, saying their dog’s anxiety improved tremendously. 

However, others mentioned that the pricing was on the higher side. Still, they felt it was worth it for the quality of training provided.

Customer Reviews

Provided me with valuable insights on building a conscious connection with Bunnie

“I want to express my sincere gratitude for Annika’s kindness and generosity in sharing the recording of her recent training session called Conscious Connection Masterclass – How to Connect with Yourself through Your Dog – which, unfortunately, I was unable to attend, but having access to the recording has been incredibly valuable to both Bunnie and me. Annika’s dedication to her craft and her willingness to go above and beyond to support her clients is truly commendable. The recording provided me with valuable insights on building a conscious connection with Bunnie. Her commitment to helping both dogs and their owners build stronger, more fulfilling relationships is evident in everything she does, and it is truly inspiring. Annika: Thank you once again for your generosity and for your unwavering dedication to your clients. Love from Elsie and Bunnie.” 

– Elsie Chang Google Review 

Georgia is so knowledgeable and did an amazing job explaining our dogs behaviour

“When I first got my puppy I decided I’d just do my own training and look at videos online. I quickly became overwhelmed and got the puppy blues really bad. We tried a puppy class elsewhere and my puppy Ralph would bark the majority of the class. We couldn’t learn anything. A friend recommended canine connections 1:1 sessions. We were matched with Georgia. Georgia is so knowledgeable and did an amazing job explaining our dogs behaviour and made the perfect suggestions to help improve our training. (Much of which I would of never thought of nor saw online). I learned a lot from our 1:1 sessions but also wanted to continue in investing in my dogs future by doing some walk and trains with Georgia. Ralph was always so excited to see Georgia and to go on his 1 hour training session. Georgia would give feedback on their training sessions and would give me new things to work on. She was quick to answer my many emails to answer my questions and/or concerns. And even watched many videos to help read Ralphs body language. My puppy is only 5 months old now (2 months training with canine connections) and we get so many compliments on his behaviour! Please invest in your dogs training and book with canine connections! Thank you Georgia! Ralph will miss you, and maybe we will book some walk and trains in the future :)”

– Jennie Johnson Google Review 

4. Raintown Dog Training

Address: 194 W 3rd Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1E9, Canada

Contact Details: +1 236-516-1008

Operating Hours:

• Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 5 PM 
• Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM 

Website: Raintown Dog Training

Raintown Dog Training’s puppy kindergarten is what all the hype is about among the new dog owners I spoke to. I heard from multiple people that they loved the science-based, positive reinforcement techniques used in their classes. 

Others told me that their clear communication and step-by-step instructions made the learning process easy for both them and their dogs. And from my own experience, their puppy socials are a fun way to start your dog’s training.

However, one small downside I noted from a few was the occasional difficulty in booking sessions during peak times. It took me forever to get a session with them, myself.

Customer Reviews

Big credit goes to Bern and Rhi for how well our puppy, Gus, has been growing and learning

“We absolutely love the Raintown team! Big credit goes to Bern and Rhi for how well our puppy, Gus, has been growing and learning. The classes are small, with a very knowledgeable team and really great follow up that makes training on your own easy. We’ve done puppy kindergarten and basic training one. We’re about to sign up for basic training two and will continue to go as Gus gets bigger. For new puppy parents that need to socialize their pups, get answers to their questions, and feel confident with training, we highly recommend the Raintown team.” 

– Kevin Murray Google Review 

My pups and I have grown to understand one another and build an unbreakable bond

“I have been searching for the perfect dog training class for my pups for years until I found Raintown Dog Training.  Throughout their Basic Behaviour and Manners course, my pups and I have grown to understand one another and build an unbreakable bond. They love coming to class every week and are always eager to apply what they have learnt in their daily routine.  I cannot thank Raintown enough for all their great work!  I highly encourage every furry parents to attend Raintown with their fur babies as their staff are by far the best trainers I have met in Vancouver.  If there is anyone who is still on the quest for finding a dog training school, look no further, Raintown is the place to be!”

– Sammy Tseng Google Review

5. Top Dog Canine Training

Address: 9079 Shaughnessy St #4, Vancouver, BC V6P 6R9, Canada

Contact Details: +1 778-960-8863

Operating Hours:

• Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 6 PM 
• Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM 

Website: Top Dog Canine Training

My experience with Top Dog Canine Training and everything their clients told me was overwhelmingly positive. Many praised the trainers here for their ability to build a strong bond between dogs and their owners. 

A few shared that the positive reinforcement techniques helped their dog learn quickly. Other dog parents mentioned the dog obedience classes were just what they were looking for. 

And my pup and I got our exercise in when we tried one of their walk-and-train sessions. The only thing is that a couple of people mentioned that while the session locations are convenient, parking can sometimes be a hassle.

Customer Reviews

Each lesson builds on each other which I love! 

“Jennifer has made the journey of being a first time puppy mom a whole lot easier. She has given Jack and myself so much confidence in navigating the puppy phase; training; food; exercise; structure and routine and has enhanced our relationship tenfold. We have completed puppy class, basic obedience and are currently busy with intermediate obedience. Each lesson builds on each other which I love! Jennifer is a wealth of knowledge and lives her brand! I can highly recommend Top Dog Canine Training for anyone navigating owning a dog! It is remarkable to witness Jack’s and other dog’s progress throughout the duration of the classes.  We will continue with Jennifer until she has run out of classes to offer!”

– Gillian Williams Google Review 

Dogs automatically respond to her

“We’ve had an amazing experience with Jennifer at Top Dog Canine. We started our little cockapoo puppy in Puppy Kindergarten at 11 weeks old and he is now 6 months and taking his 3rd course because our puppy loves her and she does an amazing job. She is super knowledgeable. You can see her experience with dogs the moment she handles a dog that an owner is having difficulty with. Dogs automatically respond to her. Jen’s techniques and teaching style are so useful, consistent and fun. I also like that the classes are outdoors. Even outside of class, Jen is very responsive anytime we have a question whether by email, phone or text. She’s helped us so much with advice on being a first-time puppy parent from nutrition, grooming, vaccines, food, toys, equipment, etc. She even trimmed his nails to teach us, and I contacted her for advice the first time my pup was not feeling well. She is super knowledgeable. I highly recommend Top Dog Canine Training to anyone with a dog and we plan to take more classes. We have 1 friend who loves and goes to her classes too and recommended another pup about to start kindergarten there. Thanks Jen!”

– Wanda Wong Google Review 

6. Positive Paws Training

Contact Details: https://www.positivepaws.ca/contactus

Operating Hours: Contact for more details

Website: Positive Paws Training

Positive Paws Training, led by Holly Ovington, offers a range of dog training services that focus on building trust and cooperation between dogs and their owners. Holly’s extensive background, certifications, and compassionate approach make Positive Paws a reliable option for pet owners seeking positive reinforcement methods. Holly holds credentials from the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP), is a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT), and specializes in handling separation anxiety, making her highly qualified in this area.

Holly’s certifications ensure that clients receive professional training from a trainer with verified skills. Her qualifications include Fear-Free Certified Trainer and Walks N’ Wags First Aid Certification.

Positive Paws has a deep understanding of the emotional challenges that come with dogs experiencing separation anxiety, offering tailored programs to ease this issue. Holly’s specialization in separation anxiety allows her to craft personalized, compassionate strategies that support both the dog and the owner through the process.

Positive Paws avoids aversive techniques, focusing instead on gentle, science-backed methods that create a positive bond between dogs and their owners.

Holly’s commitment to continually expanding her knowledge ensures that clients benefit from the latest advancements in dog training.

From basic obedience to specialized training for separation anxiety, Positive Paws offers a full spectrum of services. However, due to Holly’s extensive qualifications and specialization, her schedule might be tight, leading to potential waiting periods for new clients.

Customer Reviews

“We felt hopeless when our dog seemed to suddenly develop separation anxiety. Holly listened to us and developed a plan specific to our needs. She was also available to answer any and all questions. Our dog is doing so much better now after implementing the recommended training and I can’t say how good it feels to know our dog is okay alone and we don’t have to worry! If I need more training for our dog in the future, I will contact Holly because she is so knowledgeable when it comes to behaviours in dogs.“

– Kaylee Christofferson, Google Review

“We were referred to Holly by another trainer when we hit a wall with our dog’s separation anxiety training. Not only is she extremely knowledgeable, understanding that there’s no single solution for all dogs, but she also offers a great deal of compassion and empathy for us owners.

Even though we’ve stopped working with Holly, she made sure that we had all of the tools to succeed on our own after pulling us out of our rut. It’s clear that she cares deeply about her clients, as she still reaches out to see how Millie is doing (and answers my texts when I’m spiraling about the tiniest setback).

Thank you for being our biggest cheerleader, Holly!“

– Amanda Serafin, Google Review 

7. Honourable Hound

Contact Details: https://honourablehound.ca/contact-us

Operating Hours: Daily: 9AM to 7:30PM

Website: Honorable Hound

Honourable Hound, led by certified dog trainer Holly Chen, offers a range of private lessons, group classes, and specialized services for reactive dogs in Vancouver. With over a decade of professional experience and a science-based approach, Holly has built a reputation for helping dog guardians navigate everything from basic obedience to complex behavioral challenges.

Holly Chen, CPDT-KA, brings over ten years of experience to her work. She has a proven track record with diverse cases, from helping new puppy owners to tackling complex aggression and reactivity issues. Her experience with unique cases, such as wolf-dog hybrids, sets her apart as a versatile trainer capable of handling a wide range of challenges.

Honourable Hound’s training programs are month-to-month, offering flexibility to pause, cancel, or switch programs as needs evolve. The private lessons begin with a comprehensive online intake session, which helps Holly tailor a custom training plan to address the root causes of behavioral issues.

Group classes cap at 4-6 dogs, with 3-4 instructors present, ensuring individualized attention for participants. Services like the Reactive Dog Club also provide a supportive, guided environment for dogs and their owners to practice training skills.

Holly emphasizes a humane and science-based training approach, focusing on creating fulfilling relationships between owners and their dogs. Her services are centered on understanding the underlying needs of the dog rather than just addressing surface-level behaviors.

Honourable Hound has client-friendly policies, such as waiving cancellation fees for illness and allowing unused services to be transferred or donated. The absence of behavior guarantees underscores their ethical stance, as guarantees are unrealistic in training living beings.

Customer Reviews

“I cannot say enough good things about our experience with Honourable Hounds. We are first time dog owners and the help that we have received has been invaluable. Our puppy had a high prey drive and leash reactivity. We were feeling so overwhelmed and definitely had the puppy blues! Honourable Hounds has made us feel optimistic and given us practical help and techniques to train both our dog and us!! We can see the improvements in our dog already and it’s only been a few weeks!”

“I cannot say enough positive things about Holly at Honourable Hounds. From the very beginning, she was incredibly helpful and supportive. Before committing to anything, Holly took the time to speak with me over the phone and answer all of my questions, which helped me feel confident in moving forward.

We adopted a dog who had a number of issues, including body handling, reactivity to other dogs, reactivity to noise, resourcing guarding, food aggression, and separation anxiety. Holly was incredibly patient and knowledgeable, and she worked with us to develop a training plan for each issue. She provided us with detailed handouts and showed us in person how to train our dog. We also got a really good recommendation for a behavioural vet from her.

While we’re still working through these issues, we’re already seeing positive changes in our dog’s behaviour. We’re so grateful for Holly’s expertise and guidance, and we would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a compassionate and knowledgeable dog trainer.”

8. Q & A Dog Training

Contact Details: [email protected]

Operating Hours: By appointment

Website: Q & A Dog Training

Q & A Dog Training is a Vancouver-based dog training service specializing in working with dogs that have “Big Feelings”—those who struggle with behavioral issues due to past trauma, fear, or frustration. Led by Masina, a certified and passionate force-free dog trainer, Q & A Dog Training emphasizes science-based, reward-focused methods that prioritize trust, communication, and positive reinforcement.

The service offers customized training plans tailored to each dog’s needs, virtual consultations, multi-session training packages, parallel walks for reactive dogs, and ongoing support for returning clients. They do not handle separation anxiety cases but provide resources for those in need.

Q & A Dog Training follows modern, ethical, and humane training methods that avoid punishment or aversive techniques. This is beneficial for dogs that have a history of trauma or behavioral challenges, as it builds trust and improves long-term behavioral outcomes.

Many trainers focus on general obedience, but Q & A excels in working with dogs that have “Big Feelings.” They provide structured support for dogs struggling with fear, anxiety, and reactivity, making them an ideal choice for pet parents dealing with behavioral difficulties.

Masina holds multiple certifications from recognized training institutions, including the Dog Stars Training Academy and the Aggression in Dogs Master Course. Her ongoing education ensures that clients receive guidance rooted in the latest behavioral science.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all method, Q & A tailors training to each dog’s needs. Clients can choose from different session packages or engage in targeted services like parallel walks for leash-reactive dogs.

Q & A welcomes dog owners who may have previously used other training methods and encourages them to transition to a more positive reinforcement-based approach without fear of criticism.

Masina is one of the first Black force-free trainers in the Lower Mainland and actively works within the Vancouver Downtown Eastside community, providing support to locals and advocating for accessible, ethical dog training.

Clients who purchase an 8-session package receive a bonus session and priority email/text support. This ensures continued guidance beyond in-person training sessions.

Customer Reviews

“Masina has been the most supportive, kind and successful dog trainer that we could have wished for. She has boosted our confidence as we have welcomed our beautiful rescue pup Cleo into our lives, providing a non-judgmental place for us to learn about how best to deal with her difficult behaviors. Masina has provided fantastic advice, resources and feedback to help us improve Cleo’s leash walking, reactiveness and mouthing. We love working with you Masina, thank you!”

“It was a pleasure working with Q&A Dog Training! Masina gave us the tools to train our puppy to become a well-behaved dog. She taught us how to be patient, what behaviours to look for and address and how to manage a high-energy puppy. We are continually referring back to her information-packed emails and use them as a reminder that everyday is a training day. Thank you for all your work and dedication!”

9. Shelly Smith

Contact Details: 778-836-3647 | [email protected]

Operating Hours: Mon to Sun 10AM – 8PM

Website: Shelly Smith

With over 20 years of experience, Shelley Smith is a Certified Master Dog Trainer with a background in psychology. Her expertise ensures that both dogs and their owners receive well-informed training.

Shelley utilizes counter-conditioning and positive reinforcement methods rather than outdated punishment techniques. This approach helps foster trust and long-term behavioral improvements in dogs.

Clients can choose from various training programs, including group obedience classes (Levels 1 and 2), one-on-one training, virtual sessions, and even therapy dog preparation. This flexibility caters to different needs and schedules.

Shelley is not just a trainer but also a published writer and speaker. She has written a column for Richmond News, appeared on CKNW Radio, and participated in the Dogs in Parks Task Force, further demonstrating her authority in dog behavior training.

For owners dealing with specific behavioral concerns, Shelley offers personalized training sessions that come with a step-by-step plan for ongoing improvement.

Shelley provides a daycare alternative where dogs can socialize and exercise under professional supervision. Though currently at capacity, this service is a great option for dog owners seeking structured walks.

Owners who prefer remote training can access Shelley’s expertise through email, phone, or Zoom sessions, making dog training more accessible for those outside her local area.

Customer Reviews

“When we adopted our second dog, we struggled with introducing her to our other dog, as both had issues with reactivity. Shelley’s advice, actionable recommendations, and encouragement helped us so much during this crucial time, when we really didn’t know if it would work out!”

“Shelley really knows what she’s doing and does well with all dogs (and their owners) in a group setting. She has a good/dry sense of humour which helps lighten the mood and make the lessons enjoyable. She has been very helpful in giving some good tips and tricks for helping train my monster golden doodle Yoda (65 lbs) who she’s nicknamed Clifford lol”