Training and classes created to help dogs thrive
Professional, positive dog training on Vancouver Island
From essential obedience to complex behavioural challenges, our certified trainers develop customized programs that address your specific goals while building a stronger relationship through positive reinforcement.
We work with dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments with proven, force-free methods.
160+ 5-Star Google Reviews
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We're lucky to be part of a community passionate about the well-being and happiness of dogs and owners alike. We work with local organizations, offering support, leadership, and guidance.
Train with us!
We want dogs and their owners to understand each other’s needs and learn to communicate clearly with each other. We break down essential obedience skills into practical programs with clear direction
Private training
Work 1-on-1 with a trainer who will personalize a package for you and your dog.
View all servicesGroup classes
Train, grow, and learn in our fun group obedience classes for every level of experience.
View all classesSocial classes
A safe, educational space where your puppy or dog can play and learn respectful social skills.
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1000+ dogs (and their people) helped
Helping you and your dog learn together through practical, stress-free training that makes sense on both ends of the leash
I would highly reccommend Dave to anybody! Helped me with basic obedience with my 2 year old dog (we never trained him at all) and the difference is night and day! Highly attentive and personalized service, Dave was always happy to help over the phone when I was frustrated or had questions. Call him. Now.
My pup is about to age out of the puppy socialization class. She has learned so much. I am proud of how much she has accomplished through this program. It has made her much easier to live with. Thank you Baby Dog. We have also attended the Sunday dog walk. Hopefully, we will get to kore of these to keep the connection.
Our dog Dewey is a rescue from Mexico and came to us with some behavioural issues. Aviva the owner of Baby Dog training is the best trainer we’ve encountered. She uses the principles of psychology including desensitization and positive reinforcement. Aviva is kind and patient and has a sense of humour. Dewey has improved and we will definitely recommend Baby Dog training!!!!!
Two months ago I adopted an 8 week old puppy, Ormandy, from Yellowknife with no idea what I was doing. I had never had a pet before and was overwhelmed and nervous. I started going to BabyDog Socialization classes immediately and have felt so supported and well educated by Ruth and Aviva. We have attended socialization classes regularly and I have seen a huge change in Ormandy's behaviour and an even bigger change in my understanding and behaviour. Me and Ormandy are starting a basic obedience class with BabyDog this weekend and I can't wait to see how much more we learn!! I recommend BabyDog to everyone I meet that has a pup, they've helped us both so much.
We moved to the island in December with our 2-year-old Italian Mastiff, Reese. Due to the stress of the move Reese became reactive around all dogs and some people. Given that he’s a big boy (110 lbs of muscle), walking Reese around the dense spaces in the city of Victoria filled us (and Reese) with anxiety. Walks with Reese became a stressful chore rather than a fun, bonding activity with our pup. Thankfully we found Ruth at BabyDog! Ruth was so kind, patient and knowledgeable that by the end of our first session Reese was going belly up to get Ruth to scratch him. With Ruth’s excellent guidance, we practiced our new skills at home, parks, trails, and wherever we could go to learn and get better at managing Reese’s anxiety. The hard work paid off and Reese is now a very happy boy who’s a pleasure to walk around the city or wherever we choose to go. He’s by no means perfect, but after having worked with Ruth we know we have the tools and the skills to help Reese live his best island life. Thanks for everything Ruth! Marc and Chris (& Reese)
BabyDog is an amazing company. We have a rescue chihuahua mix who was fearful, shy, and had trouble walking on leash. We attended socialization classes (the shy puppy class at Royal Oak Bosley's), basic training, and intermediate training. We are truly raising a dog we can take anywhere! Aviva and Ruth personalize classes when needed and possible, and really engage with the dogs and their families. Our dog's needs were met and so were ours. I cannot recommend BabyDog highly enough! Their training classes are well worth the price, and their flexible drop-in model is fantastic. I could never thank Aviva and Ruth enough for how much they have helped us connect and learn with our dog :)
We feel really fortunate that BabyDog was recommended to us when we got our dog Bear. We took a Basics Class with Danika, an Intermediate Class with Ruth, and two sets of private classes with Danika. Bear is a really big puppy with lots of energy and lots of love to give. Through all of the training we have been able to channel his energy into positive interactions with him and we are so impressed with his growth. The private sessions with Danika were well worth the investment as it gave us the one on one help we needed to work with Bear. Her love of dogs and ability to teach us what we needed to know was amazing. I feel much more confident as an owner and really enjoyed these sessions and the classes with her and Ruth. Both trainers have a wealth of knowledge and very effective training techniques that have really helped us to develop an amazing relationship with the newest member of our family.
We took our dog Angus to puppy socialization with Baby Dog for several months. It was the best thing we did for him as a puppy. He knows how to interact with dogs of all sizes and different temperaments and how to greet people nicely. We also got a lot of training tips and helpful information on how to properly care for a puppy. I highly recommend taking your puppy to Baby Dog.
Our Trainers
Meet the team
We believe every dog deserves to be understood. Our team of compassionate trainers specializes in positive, reward-based methods that strengthen the bond between dogs and their humans.
Our trainers bring personal experience and professional expertise to every session, helping both dogs and their people navigate the world with confidence and purpose.