Puppy Start Right Classes
Becoming a puppy guardian is incredibly exciting, but at times can feel overwhelming and even frustrating. Attending a Puppy Start Right class provides a supportive learning environment to help you better understand your puppy, and to help your puppy become a confident and well-mannered dog as they grow older.
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Did You Know?
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour recommends puppies start attending puppy classes prior to receiving all of their core vaccinations. This is because the first 3 months of a puppies life are the most important time to build their confidence, reduce their anxiety, and teach them how to interact with the world. Dogs that do not have sufficient exposure to other dogs until after this time period often develop lifelong issues such as fear, anxiety and aggression.
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Puppy Start Right Classes are:
- Organized and structured: Attend virtual orientation prior to attending 4 consecutive classes
- Open enrollment, so you can start whenever is best for your schedule
- Open to puppies who are 16 weeks or younger at the time of their first class
- Open to puppies that have had a veterinary assessment and have been vaccinated 10 days prior to their first class​
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Topics Include:
- Socialization exercises such as food bowl safety, accepting handling/restraint, being left alone
- Training exercises such as attention to handler, loose leash walking, lay down, greetings, targeting, come, tug of war
- Topics include visiting the vet and groomer, body language, preventing fear/anxiety/aggression, alone time, housetraining, chewing and biting​
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When and Where?
- The first virtual orientation is Monday May 25, 2026 from 6:30PM-7:30PM; the remaining virtual orientations run Thursday June 4 - Thursday August 6, 2026 from 6:30PM-7:30PM
- Classes run Monday June 1 - Monday August 31, 2026 from 6:30PM-7:30PM at Operation Grow​
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Dog Training Approach
Natasha teaches guardians how to communicate with their dogs in a way that they understand, with the use of positive reinforcement training methods. These techniques are based on the most up-to-date research on how to best train and modify dog behaviour. Positive reinforcement approaches are humane, force-free, and fun. Natasha teaches with the use of fun games and patterns to make training enjoyable and stress-free for both dogs and their guardians. Dogs look forward to training and it quickly enriches the relationship between dogs and their guardians. As a Certified Family Dog Mediator, Natasha goes beyond dog training. She is passionate about the use of a holistic approach when modifying behaviour and addressing training goals. Natasha provides imperative education to guardians about the evolution of pet dogs, their development, normal behaviour, body language, and basic needs. This ensures that training goals are approached in an ethical manner that values the unique perspective of your canine companion. Your dog’s physical and mental well-being is priority!
Canine Life Skills Classes
Enrich the bond with your dog by attending classes that teach real-life skills so you can take them anywhere with you!
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Canine Life Skills Classes are:
- Organized and structured: Attend virtual orientation prior to attending 6 consecutive classes
- Open enrollment, so you can start whenever is best for your schedule
- Open to all dogs 16 weeks or older, with all of their vaccinations
- Great after completing puppy classes to help you navigate adolescence!
- A great choice for guardians with new rescue dogs looking to build confidence & enrich their bond
- A great choice for those looking to build and practice new skills in a supportive setting with various other dogs
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Topics Include:
- Positive reinforcement techniques to build essential life skills, including polite greetings, impulse control, reliable recall, loose-leash walking, and stay, with a dedicated emphasis on practical real-world application
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When and Where?
- Virtual orientations run Tuesday June 9 - Tuesday July 28, 2026 from 6:30PM-7:30PM
- Classes run Wednesday June 10 - Wednesday September 2, 2026 from 6:30PM-7:30PM at Operation Grow
- There are no classes on statutory holidays
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*Please note, reactivity concerns are not the focus of this course. If you are unsure if this is the right course for you and your dog, please email info@canineenriched.com so we can advise you on whether it might be best to start with private lessons
Private Lessons
One-on-one lessons to help meet your unique training goals. Perfect for guardians and dogs that are not yet comfortable in group settings or require a more personalized approach.
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Private Lessons are:
- Perfect for dogs of any age
- Scheduled at your convenience from the booking calendar
- Available to purchase as part of a package for a 10-15% discounted rate
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Testimonial
"We were pleased to be present during the past Summer during a series of obedience training sessions presented by Natasha with Golden Lab "Sasha" owned by our friend Renia. We all agreed that was an excellent teacher in demonstrating effective methods to improve obedience and contentment by the dog and confidence in the Owner. Natasha was extremely patient and Sasha , as an intelligent dog, showed excellent response. We are very pleased to recommend Natasha for training."
-Walter & Lady M