Our Services
Strong Foundations + Structured Training = Happy Dogs. Let’s Get Training!
Daycare
Daycare runs 7 days a week. Our weekday drop-offs are 7:30-9 AM and pickups are from 3:30-5:30 PM. Weekend drop-off is 8-9 AM, and pickups are from 4-5 PM.
Dogs must arrive on leash, no exceptions, and no dogs are to interact during these times. We will be adding new dogs to our program and meeting on-leash is the worst way for dogs to meet! Please bring all training tools you use with your dog (leash, collar, prong, e-collar).
All full time staff are trained in canine first aid and we have a high staff-to-dog ratio. We are very proud of how we run things - our structured approach to all of our services is not typical with most daycares. This means small play groups where we can manage obedience and behaviors, ensuring every dog has a good experience. We also include structured walks off property, scheduled downtime, and off leash excursions (for those with recall training).
For dogs to be accepted into our daycare program we require permission to use appropriate training tools to modify behavior. We do not allow dangerous or bad behaviors. These tools include prong collars, remote collars, bark collars, slip leads, flat buckle collars, martingale collars, pet convincers and bonkers. If you have any questions about our tools and training methods, we are always happy to chat!
We are still accepting clients into our daycare program but are currently pulling from our waitlist.
Board + Train
Our 3-week board and train program focuses on creating a calmer dog who listens in all environments. Does your dog have great obedience at home but struggles with real world distractions, a time when you need obedience most? This program gives your dog the opportunity to form a structured, balanced routine under professional guidance that will improve both of your lives and your relationship with one another.
Board and train allows your dog to be fully immersed in a controlled atmosphere with one-on-one attention. We work specifically with your dog’s issues to find the best strategies to set them up for success. Alongside your dog's training you will have two 1.5 hour go-home sessions during the program, one follow-up home session, and ongoing training support for life. Your dog is going to be learning a lot, and so are you. It's important to be on the same page so that you both can apply the education to your daily life.
Dog training is a lifestyle, not a series of tricks. During this program your dog will learn crate training as well as the basic commands: sit, down, place, heel, come/recall. We will also address all forms of unwanted behaviour such as reactivity, resource guarding, separation anxiety, fear/insecurity, jumping, nipping/mouthing, and counter surfing.
We use e-collars and prong collars in all of our board and train programs. When used properly, e-collars are an extremely humane and gentle way of dog training. By using low levels of e-collar stimulation, dogs learn much faster because the communication between handler and dog is very clear.
For serious cases of aggression or separation anxiety additional weeks may be needed, this will be discussed before the start of your program.
Group Classes
We currently offer 2 group classes, Puppy Group Class and Beginner Group Class. We accept a maximum of 8 puppies/dogs per class. New classes start every month - join the waitlist below.
Puppy class will focus on teaching YOU how to train and work with your puppy! We will focus on basic commands such as sit, down, place, heel and recall, with an emphasis placed on a calm mindset. The class will introduce “markers” to your dog to communicate “yes” and “no”. We will also talk about crate training and how to deal with common puppy behaviours. We will utilize your puppy’s food drive in our training to keep your pup motivated! Puppies will also get to socialize in a controlled environment. This class is 7 weeks long, with one 1 hour lesson per week.
A great place to start! This class is for dogs who are just starting off in their obedience journey, or dogs who need a refresher. We will focus on basic commands such as sit, down, place, heel and recall, with an emphasis placed on a calm mindset. The class will introduce “markers” to your dog to communicate “yes” and “no”. We will start the process of proofing the basic commands by adding duration, distance, and distractions with techniques to set you and your dog up for success. We will utilize your dog’s food drive, as well as compulsion with the use of prong collars. Many dogs have a low food drive (and an even lower one in new environments) which is why training tools are so important. Remote collar training is also an option during this class. This course is 6 weeks long with one 1 hour lesson per week. and includes a 30 minute private lesson prior to the course start.
Puppy Class (under 5 months)
Beginner Class (5 months + up)
Private Lessons
Are you struggling to work with your dog? Not sure where to start? Overwhelmed by conflicting advice? We’re here to help if you’re willing to learn! Whether you need to go back to basics or you want to up your training skills, we can put you and your dog on the path to success.
One-on-ones allow for a more controlled environment with lessons geared for your specific goals with your dog. Your one-on-one package will cover the basic commands such as sit/stay, down/stay, place, recall and leash manners. Our programs include six 1-hour lessons. We offer Basic, Advanced and Blended training options depending on where you want to train, current behaviors and your goals. Your dog will learn at their pace and we will troubleshoot right in the moment!
We work the 3 D’s (distance, duration and distraction) to truly set both you and your dog up for success! You will learn the basics of prong collar training and how to achieve a calm mindset. One-on-ones are not intended for dogs with more serious issues such as resource guarding, reactivity, intense fear and aggression. If you are dealing with any of these issues please check out the Board and Train program we offer.
Basic lessons will take place at our property with the option to train indoors, use our fenced spaces, walk locally and utilize an off leash area.
Blended lessons will allow clients to do a mix of training on our property as well as traveling to their community, home or an area their dog is struggling.
When choosing our Advanced lesson option, an e-collar will be required for this level of training. All lessons can take place off property.
Walking
We offer private and group walk options for dogs in Westmount, Coxheath, Sydney and Sydney River. All walk options include pick up and drop off; a great option for clients who work long days. Multi-dog households are offered at a discount.
We offer 30 minute and 1 hour group walks for dogs who benefit from a pack experience. Walks take place in your neighborhood or one that is close by.
Group Walk
We offer 30 minute and 1 hour private walks for dogs who need a little extra attention. Walks take place in your neighborhood or one that is close by.
Private Walk
We offer 1 hour group off leash adventures for dogs with reliable recall. We take care of pick up and drop off; a great option for clients who work long days. Walks will take place in dog friendly areas.
Off Leash Adventure
We offer home visits to let your pooch out for a pee or a stroll in the yard. This is a great option for a new puppy or an older dog
Visit/Pee Break
Boarding
We offer overnight boarding 365 days a year. Our boarding services provide 24-hour care when needed. Our kennel room is monitored by cameras, is climate controlled, and has temperature sensors in place if a system were to fail. Dogs are kennelled individually overnight for safety. We also ensure there is always a staff member on-sight overnight. This is not a standard practice for boarding kennels, but was a non-negotiable for us. Any medications and/or medical care instructions are administered at no extra cost, and daycare activities are included for all boarding dogs.
Our weekday Monday-Friday drop-off and pick-up times are 7:30-9 AM and 3:30-5:30 PM. Weekends will be 8-9 AM and 4-5 PM. We understand with travel, those times may not be convenient, so please discuss details with us when you make your booking so we can properly plan ahead. Dogs will be required to bring training tools and food.
What Our Village Is Saying
- Sarah Power
Arielle is awesome!! Very knowledgeable and professional. I took my dog Dollie to Arielle for private lessons to work on her skills while walking on leash. Dollie has made a HUGE improvement, I can actually enjoy walking my dog now. She’s helped me understand my dog better and the aspects of training her. I highly recommend.
I highly recommend Village Dogs… Arielle and her staff are amazing. We picked Keltie up today after a 12 day vacation. She is a raw fed dog, which wasn’t a problem for Arielle at all. The day we dropped her off she was super excited to see Arielle (huge bonus points). We left her a couple of times for a night or two…but never this long. We got reports and lots of pictures of her on leash walks and off leash walks (more bonus points.) Thank you Arielle and staff for taking such great care of Keltie…she will be back for sure. Also…I did some training with Arielle during the winter. She is very knowledgeable…patient…and awesome at what she does. She gave me the confidence to work through a few problems we had.
What Our Village Is Saying
- Archie & Wendy
My Boxer mix has been with the team for over a year now. She has not only gained confidence and control, (she) is well-behaved and listens significantly more since starting daycare and training. They are the best and make you feel part of their family! No better option in CB.
What Our Village Is Saying
- Stu Kidon
What Our Village Is Saying
- Lisa Adele
Arielle has trained us along with our dog! Our dog was always a good dog, just very excited and uncontrollable in those moments. We have learned in the group classes to help her maintain composure and listen even in the most stimulating situations. Now we don’t just have a good dog we have a dog that listens! We have also taken advantage of her dog waking services, they come in handy when we are working longer hours and aren’t able to give our dog as much time as she deserves.