Teach your dog to be amazing – not ordinary!  Wouldn’t it be great to understand why your dog pulls you on walks, chews everything, barks uncontrollably, jumps up on people, and how to fix it?  Wouldn’t you love to have your dog listen to, and obey you consistently, no matter where you are?  I can help.

Jump to: How We Train | Class Schedule | Drop In to a Class | FAQs | Testimonials

How We Train

Dogs are pack animals and require strong leadership.  Through respect-based training, I will educate you how to become a strong leader for your dog and establish a bond with your dog based on mutual respect and trust.  When you fulfill your dogs’ needs, and earn its respect, they will obey you consistently – not because they are forced or bribed – but because they want to.

Dogs learn through body language, first and foremost. Using the umbilical method, your dog will learn to respond to your body movement and pay careful attention to you.

I train outdoors in the real world, for real life. Your dog will be exposed to new surroundings and experiences weekly, building your dog’s confidence and ensuring consistent obedience, regardless of where you are.  I’ll show you how to incorporate training into your everyday life – and make it fun and interesting for both you and your dog!

Dogs need socialization.  Proper socialization skills are key to having a well-rounded, well-mannered dog.  You’ll learn how to properly socialize your dog with others.  Group classes are an excellent way for your dog to meet new dog-friends, and learn to behave within a pack.  I encourage clients and their dogs to socialize outside of class too!

Your dog is unique – and should be trained as an individual.  We’ll work together to understand your dog’s unique personality and needs, and give you the personal attention required to achieve success with your dog.

Dogs need mental stimulation and physical exercise.  Together, we will teach your dog to think for him/herself and “learn” the behaviour you expect of them, all the while giving them the physical exercise they need.

No treats, no bribes, no gimmicks.  When you put in the effort required to train your dog properly, you will have rewarding, long-term success.

Training should be FUN!  We’ll find activities that you’ll both find enjoyable outdoors. When you have fun, your dog has fun too!

Everyone in your family should be involved – even the kids!  I encourage everyone the dog’s household to participate in training.  It’s important for the dog to learn its place within the family, and to educate all family members (especially kids) on how to properly work with the dog.

What you need:  All you need is a Martingale Collar  and 6-foot nylon leash. Hustle Up™ Collars and Leashes are available in a wide variety of colours and can be purchased through me during group classes or private sessions.  Please also wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the forecasted weather and location terrain.

Class Schedule

Now accepting registrations for group classes beginning June 20, 2012.

Contact us for full details.

50% deposit required upon registration.

Drop In to a Class

Prospective clients and their dogs are welcome to participate in any of the current Street Safety Training  (SST) classes for a nominal fee.  Upon signing up for a full 8-week SST course, the fee will be deducted from the cost of the course.

Drop-in classes are also great for clients who have already completed a full SST course, but would like a quick refresher in one or more areas.

Cost: $10

FAQs

If you don’t see the answer to your question below, please contact me and I’d be happy to answer your question(s) personally.

What is a Certified Trainer Educator, and why should I work with one?

There are only 70 Certified Educator Trainers in Canada. As CTEs, we are professional dog trainers, and have graduated from Brad Pattison’s intensive training program at the Hustle Up™ School of Dog Training.   We share Brad’s unique and trusted method to help you become a leader for your dog, to understand and bond with your dog, and educate you on how to have a well-mannered dog you can be proud to take everywhere with you.  Plus, when you work with a CTE, you have access to the knowledge of our full network of trainers.

What kind of support will I get from you, the trainer?

I work hard to ensure that my clients always receive 110% from my classes and private sessions.  In addition to offering you personal attention in group classes/private sessions, as needed, I am also available to all my clients by phone for questions or concerns about your dog, both during and after you have completed a Street Safety Training course or private session(s). I want you to have success with your dog – and I will be there to help ensure you achieve it!

What tools do you train with? 

I use only a Martingale collar and 6-foot Nylon Leash, combined with praise when your dog has done well.  With these tools, I teach you how to use the umbilical method to get your dog paying attention to you, and follow your lead.  I will also work with you to understand your dog’s unique personality and needs, to ensure we tailor a program that will help you achieve success with your dog.

What is a martingale collar?

A martingale collar has both a flat nylon portion, and a chain portion.

Do you sell martingale collars and 6-foot nylon leashes?

Yes. I sell Hustle Up™ collars and leashes – which are of the highest quality on the market.  They can be purchased from me during group classes or private sessions.

Can any dog use a martingale collar?

Yes.  The martingale collar is safe and appropriate for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds.  When sized properly, the martingale collar is one of the only collars that the dog cannot slip out of.

What is umbilical training?

Umbilical training is done “hands free” by having the leash around your hips and clipped to the martingale collar.  Umbilical training teaches your dog to respond to your body movement – the way dogs learn first and foremost.  Done properly, you will have much better control of your dog, and reduce your risk of injury during training if your dog pulls.  Plus, since this training is “hands-free”, you can easily walk your dog, carry your coffee, talk on your cell phone, all while keeping your dog safe and paying attention to you.

Where do you hold your group classes and private sessions?

Group classes are held at a variety of locations throughout Mississauga and Etobicoke.  Private Sessions can be done in-home or at a mutually agreed upon location.  I am happy to travel anywhere in Mississauga, Etobicoke, Oakville, and Brampton, and may be able to travel further distances if required.

Do you offer puppy classes?

Street Safety Training group class is appropriate for dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds. From a socialization and learning perspective, puppies benefit highly from being around dogs of varying ages and sizes.  I will adjust many of the exercises to suit your puppy’s ability and skill level.   You do not have to have taken any “puppy” classes to join a Street Safety Training class.

Do I need to have taken any puppy classes, or introduction classes before taking your Street Safety Course?

No. The Street Safety Training course provides more education and information than 3+ levels of many other obedience courses.  In this course, you will learn everything from basic obedience, to off-lead basics, to urban agility and more.

What if my dog doesn’t get along with other dogs?

If you are concerned about your dog interacting with other dogs, please call me and we can discuss some options for you and your dog. Street Safety Training course is an excellent way to socialize your dog with others; however, you may wish to begin with private training and drop-in to a few Street Safety Training class to try it out, before signing up for a full 8-week course.  I will always work with you to do what is best for your dog.

How many private sessions do I need?

There is no minimum or maximum required for private sessions; the number of sessions needed is dependent on your goals for your dog, and the level of commitment and time you are willing to invest with your dog to achieve success.  Typically, two private sessions are sufficient to achieve success; In one session we will establish your goals and build a specific training plan to get your started, and in the second session, we can review your progress and adjust your plan as needed to ensure you have success with your dog going forward.  I am happy to do additional private sessions if you feel you want to change your goals, or if you would like further assistance and support.

Testimonials

Further testimonials are available upon request.  Please contact us to read more.

“The course offered by Canine Ways is one that I will recommend to everyone.  I have attended others but definitely favour this one because it encompasses so much more material (not just basic obedience but everything from leadership to oral care), and it’s taught outdoors in real life situations with the distractions and safety issues that we all face with our dogs every day.  I am confident that I now have the tools to create and maintain the relationship that I’ve always wanted with my dog. To boot, Sandra Gabriel is a self-assured, compassionate and supportive instructor who also offers one-on-one sessions for individual issues.  Canine Ways is definitely worth the investment – two thumbs and four paws up “

Linda M., Mississauga, ON.  December 2011

“After the birth of our first child, our 18 month old boxer, Brinkley, was a terror.  We were at our wits’ end!  She would not listen, walking her on a leash was a challenge, and she dominated the household. It got so bad, we contemplated giving her up. We tried a lot of tactics/gimmicks to get her to behave (i.e. constant treats for good behaviour and crating her for bad behaviour), but none of them worked. We have known Sandra for a while and love how well behaved her dog is.  When we learned she had become a professional dog trainer, we met privately to seek advice and decided that she was our last hope to get Brinkley to become a well-mannered member of our family.  We took the Street Safety Training course and started to see small improvements almost immediately.  Sandra taught us how to be a strong leader for Brinkley, and how to fulfill her needs so that she would fulfill ours.  We are happy to say that Brinkley is now a great addition to our family; she listens, answers to commands, respects us, and is a much happier, well-rounded dog.  By the end of the course, Brinkley -a dog that we never imagined could be off-leash trained – runs around freely and returns to us on command.  We found Sandra to be very professional, informative and helpful with all of our concerns. Thank you Sandra for helping us with Brinkley, we are all much happier pack!”

Diane, Anthony and Baby-Massimo V., Mississauga, ON.  December 2011

“We highly recommend Sandra Gabriel and her Street Safety Training class!  Our goal was to socialize our dog and train her beyond basic obedience. We saw significant results within the first week and enjoyed training in different outdoor public spaces.  Sandra takes the time to explain and demonstrate exercises, and accommodates lessons for dogs and people of different abilities.  She also took the time at the end of every lesson to address individual questions, and responded to emails immediately.?

Carla and Ryan C., Milton, ON.  December 2011