THE PAW POST
Local Dog Trainers & Behaviour Support
Looking for a little help with your dog? Here are some local Victoria-area trainers and behaviour professionals who use force-free, reward-based approaches. We hope this gives you a helpful place to start!
Summit Dog Training
Private dog training and behaviour support, including puppy life skills, obedience, reactivity, anxiety, resource guarding, dog walking and board-and-train.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summitdogsvictoria/
WagTails
Dog training and behaviour modification with a focus on fear-free, reward-based methods. Offers private training, day training and board-and-train.
Website: https://wagtails.training/
Authentic Canine
Reward-based dog training and behaviour support, including private training, puppy programs, day training, group classes, dog walks and enrichment visits. AnimalKind accredited.
Website: https://authenticcanine.ca/
Ethical Canine
Behaviour consulting and training for a variety of needs, including reactivity, separation anxiety and cooperative care. Offers private sessions and group classes. AnimalKind accredited.
Website: https://ethicalcanine.ca/
SmartDog Training & Consulting
Training and behaviour consulting for puppies and adult dogs, including group classes, puppy socialization, private training and agility. AnimalKind accredited.
Website: https://www.smartdogtraining.ca/
Mission Paws Dog School
Relationship-first, reward-based training focused on practical real-life skills, including puppy training, focus, calmness, recall and loose-leash walking. Offers in-person and online training.
Website: https://www.missionpawsdogschool.com/
BC Dog Listener
Force-free dog training and behaviour support, with specialized experience in aggression, reactivity and separation anxiety.
Website: https://bcdoglistener.ca/
Coastal Paws
Fear-free dog training, walk-and-trains and training support. Shannon McDaniel is a certified PCT-A and ABC Dog Trainer.
Website: https://www.coastalpawsbc.com/
Fantastic Fidos
Positive reinforcement and force-free dog training, including training walks and personalized support for dogs with a variety of behavioural needs.
Website: https://www.fantasticfidos.ca/
Compassionate Canine
Dog training and walking services focused on compassionate, positive support.
Website: https://www.compassionatecanine.ca/
A Note From Harley & Me
Every dog and every family is different, so we encourage you to visit each trainer's website, learn more about their approach and find the right fit for you and your dog.
This is intended as a local resource rather than an endorsement or ranking of any individual trainer or business.
A Muzzle Doesn't Mean a Bad Dog
This is Harley.
She's goofy, loving, hilarious... and she's also nervous around strangers and can be leash reactive in busy environments.
For a long time, I worried about what people would think when they saw her wearing a muzzle.
Now?
I see it differently.
Her muzzle gives both of us confidence. It keeps everyone safe, allows me to relax, and lets Harley enjoy adventures without me constantly worrying about the "what ifs."
A properly fitted basket muzzle (like this one) allows a dog to:
🐾 Pant
🐾 Drink water
🐾 Take treats
🐾 Sniff the world around them
A muzzle should never be used as punishment. It should be introduced slowly and positively so your dog is comfortable wearing it.
People often ask, "Have you tried training?"
Yes. We've worked with trainers, learned a lot, and have plenty of tools in our toolbox. Training has helped us tremendously.
But sometimes management is just as important as training.
Harley isn't an "everyone" dog.
And that's okay.
She doesn't need to love every person she meets to have a wonderful, happy life. She deserves to feel safe, and this is one of the ways we help her do that.
If you ever see a dog wearing a muzzle, try not to assume the worst.
Sometimes you're simply looking at a dog with an owner who loves them enough to set them up for success. ❤️
(P.S. We don't currently carry muzzles, but this one is from The Muzzle Movement and has been a fantastic fit for Harley.)
Harley & Me Raises $450 for Elderdog Canada!
On March 21st, 2026, we hosted a special community fundraiser at Harley & Me in support of Elderdog Canada, an amazing organization dedicated to rescuing and caring for senior dogs. Thanks to the generosity of our visitors, we raised $450 to help give these senior pups the love and care they deserve in their golden years. 🐾💛
The day was packed with fun ways to support the cause:
- Nail trims for dogs & cats – $20 minimum donation, 100% to Elderdog
-
Raffle tickets for fantastic prizes, including:
- 3 months of FREE dog or cat food from FirstMate
- Dog training session ($125 value) with Summit Dog Training
- Champion (Acana & Orijen) prize packs (5 winners!)
- Prize packs from Pan Pacific Pet & This & That
- $15 gift card + coffee from Caffe Fantastico
- Giveaways & samples for all visitors
It was wonderful to see our community come together to support senior dogs, whether through raffle tickets, nail trims, or just stopping by to say hi. Every dollar raised was sent directly to Elderdog to rescue, care for, and rehome senior dogs, giving them a second chance at a happy life.
Want to help more? 💗
Learn more about Elderdog Canada and donate directly here: www.elderdog.ca
Harley & Me Raises $878 for MexPup!
On September 20th, 2025, we hosted a special fundraiser at Harley & Me in support of MexPup, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome! Thanks to our amazing community, we raised $878.10 to help pups in need. 🐾💛
The day was full of fun and furry friends, with activities like:
- Raffle draws for some fantastic prizes
- Silent auctions featuring unique items
- Nail trims by donation
- Freebies for all our visitors
It was wonderful seeing so many dogs (and their humans!) come together to support a great cause. Your generosity will make a real difference for MexPup and the pups they help.
A huge thank you to everyone who came out, donated, and participated—we couldn’t have done it without you. Stay tuned for more events and updates, and keep following along to see how your contributions are making tails wag!
Want to help pups in need? 🐶💛
If you’d like to support MexPup, you can learn more and donate directly on their website: www.mexpup.org