I adopted Louie in August 2018 and it has been the best decision I have ever made. Having him has added so much joy to life. Louie is my first dog. In fact, he is really my first pet ever. As a first-time dog owner, there was a lot for me to learn. Looking back, I think it is safe to say I was not as well prepared as I thought.

Enter my awesome dog trainer Caryn Liles from The Toronto Centre for Canine Education (TCCE). I must admit, I didn’t know what to look for when I first started searching for a dog trainer. I read a lot about different trainer philosophies and tactics. I knew what I wanted was a professional dog trainer who would work with me and someone that used positive reinforcement. After some online research and talking to pet owners and employees at the local pet food stores, I decided that TCCE would be the place for me.

Louie had some issues I needed help with. When he gets scared or too excited on walks, he likes to bite his leash and sometimes my hand. He also did not respond to his name or come to me when I call for him. And lastly, he was a bit afraid of other dogs.

Dog training classes are more for humans than dogs. Through Caryn, I learned to listen and watch for cues that Louie is giving me. I learned tricks to calm him down when he is too excited, and how to help him become a confident dog.

If you are a new dog owner or need help learning how to manage your dog, a trainer is probably your best bet. I suggest asking around to find a trainer near you. If you live in Downtown Toronto, I highly recommend the Toronto Centre for Canine Education.

Thanks again, Caryn!