In Partnership Dog Training

05/14/2026

I've added a 2nd puppy class to the sessions that start next week and there is 1 spot left!
Classes start next Tuesday at 7pm and run for 5 weeks total in Nelson.
Register here:

Join expert-led dog training classes in Nelson, BC! Our positive reinforcement puppy socialization classes, obedience training and trail dog class help build confidence, manners, and off-leash skills. We are certified in positive reinforcement dog training and behavior consulting and BCSPCA Animal K

05/13/2026

Portrait of a sweet and sassy dog.
Some dogs are “easy” (not that many really) and some dogs really keep you on your toes. Aaaaand there’s everything in between.

This post is for all the doggy humans out there who are constantly kept on their toes and yet keep offering their dogs 110% -working to understand them,working to help them feel comfortable, working methodically and step-by-step on their dog’s training and management, and sometimes feeling,frustrated, insulted, mad or wondering if they’re doing something wrong. While the truth is: they just have a harder dog, a bigger character! All these feelings are real. I see you. And this is a shout out to you.

On behalf of your dogs thank you! 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼

If you meet someone with one of these dogs, especially in one of the dog’s more challenging moments, give the human some positive reinforcement, perhaps a high five and have some grace with their dog. Most importantly, remember that 95% of the time their dog is the sweetest, cutest, best pal who 5% of the time has some challenges. They are a good dog too.

05/05/2026

I love all of Patricia Mcconnell’s content. She is just a fab, smart, dog lady (to say the least)!
But this is an educational read on many fronts.

How does a dog heal if it was raised in an abusive situation? Can it ever become a “normal” dog? I’ve been asked this question often in the last week because of the release (sale, actually) of 1,500 beagles from Ridglan “Farms”, which has gotten national attention. Primarily a place that b...

05/05/2026

So many people reach out to me because they want their dog "to listen better." Generally your dogs do not have a listening problem - it's your job to show them what you have to say is meaningful and worth their while!

04/25/2026

Some sweet, happy spring faces of late!
❤️❤️❤️🐾

04/21/2026

Starting with a step that is too difficult and expecting too much too soon are common training errors I see all the time.

The first step in your training plan should be what the dog can succeed with in this moment and then progress in incremental steps from there. Training is never linear so expect a forward progress but some steps back too! Thats just normal.

04/17/2026

Congrats to the latest batch of sweet Manners Class graduates! By the final class they were holding stays while other dogs walked by, walking by dogs in a stay on a loose leash, recalling from mayhem and more! Thanks for you hard work this session everyone.

04/16/2026

Get your spot now!
(Or share with a friend who you’re hoping will! 😉)
After this there will be one more Trail Class at the end in August and that’s all for 2026!

03/24/2026

Some of the sweet faces from last week. It was a full one! From Nelson to Fruitvale to Trail to Rossland, I was all over the West Kootenays! It was lovely to see some of you who I haven’t seen in a while or meet some of you who I have only met online.

Albert
Kane
Zoe
Heartly
Mash
Kiva
Colin

You haven’t heard from me in a bit because I have been BUSY! As such, notes are a little slower to turn around and there is less space in my calendar. So if you are hoping to book for April I recommend doing it now in order to get the times that work for you.

Thanks for all your hard work with your doggos, for entrusting me with their (and your!) education and for being a rad batch of clients.

kootenaydogs

03/03/2026

Do you sometimes feel like you are moving backwards in your training even when you think are are being really clear with your dog? This might be what is going on! Especially when it comes to basic manners and obedience.
Has this happened to you? What was the situation? Did you just ignore until the dog gave up? Did you ask for incompatible behaviors too? Let's hear your story.