Private Dog Training with Aviva Shtull
Based on Quadra Island
Serving Quadra, Campbell River and surrounding communities
If your dog has big feelings – anxiety, reactivity, barking, pulling – you’re in the right place. And if your dog is simply a little too excited, jumpy, or still figuring out manners, you’re in the right place too.
With 20+ years of experience, Aviva is known across Vancouver Island for her calm, kind, real-life training approach. She doesn’t just teach commands – she helps both dogs and people feel understood and supported.
Why people choose Aviva
Aviva knows how to read it. With 20+ years of experience and thousands of dogs trained, Aviva helps even the most overwhelmed pups feel safe, regulated, and capable of making better choices.
Spotting the tiny signals and emotional cues most trainers miss – then translating them into simple steps you can use immediately. Her approach is calm, kind, and incredibly effective.
Babydog was fantastic! I had no idea what to expect when I walked in with my 8 week old pup. Aviva, Dave and Ruth were great at explaining canine behaviour and helping me understand why something was going on! I became so interested in dog training and behaviour, I became a volunteer. I recommend Babydog to any new dog owner. Also don’t forget their weekly pack walk for dogs of any age!
We got our German Shepherd Niro when he was 12 weeks old and since he was our first puppy, we enrolled him in group training classes right away! Mainly working with Aviva and Ruth, they have taught us everything we need to know in order to raise a happy, smart, obedient dog by using positive training methods. Their puppy socialization classes have taught him how to play with dogs of all sizes safely and he has made many puppy friends through it. We would highly recommend them if you have a new puppy!
Aviva has done amazing work helping my fear reactive dog come out of his shell. I have also worked in the past with BabyDog in puppy obedience classes, which were amazing. Highly recommend!
Engaging. I found BabyDog Aviva and Ruth to be very Engaging. Their approach in classes to both puppy and puppy owner was very attractive and pleasing in a way that holds your attention. Their stories, smiles and positive reinforcement worked for me and worked even better with my puppy. I loved how BabyDog shared their knowledge of canine behaviour, demonstrated patience in the learning process, and especially how they shared their love and joy in helping every BabyDog client become a wonderful puppy parent. Aviva and Ruth worked with my family and my puppy Cookie for over a year, and we have a dog that we are proud to take anywhere.
Aviva came to our place to help us train our Yorkie, she and her team are very knowledgeable and helpful, she gave us very useful tips to handle our 3 years old dog. When we went for a long trip she help us find a great place to take care of him
It was an absolute delight to work with Aviva to help 5 year old Happy, a Crested Maltese Little Man, to feel safe no matter who we encounter walking about and to more immediately respond to directions given. Aviva made it fun to learn for both Happy and me.
Aviva was very knowledgeable, personable and flexible.
When I was being challenged by training my large teenage Golden, I asked Aviva to help me get back on track. We had taken him to puppy socialization previously and knew Aviva would be the trainer that could help us because of her experience and the gentle but firm way she has with dogs. I learned what I needed to do in order to have Monte pay attention and listen to me. We have a much calmer dog now that he respects me as a leader. Thank you, Aviva, you gave me practical and simple things to do so I could be successful with him and consistency and practice have really paid off. Our lives have changed for the better!
What Aviva can help you with
Reactivity: When Your Dog Explodes at the World
For dogs who bark, lunge, growl, or spiral the moment a trigger appears.
Aviva helps you and your dog:
This is where reactive dogs (and their humans) finally breathe again.
Anxiety: When the World Feels Too Big
For dogs who whine, hide, pace, cling, or struggle to settle.
Aviva helps anxious dogs feel safe through:
Slow, steady, supportive – never rushed, never forced.
Over-Excitement, Hyperactivity & Excessive Barking
For dogs who struggle to slow down, settle, or switch off.
Support includes:
Perfect for dogs who wake up ready to sprint – and never stop.
Destructive or Challenging Behaviour
For dogs who need more support navigating big feelings or tricky patterns.
Training for:
Clear steps. Safe practice. No judgement. Ever.
Everyday Training Needs (Puppies, Leash Walking, Manners & More)
For families who want life to feel lighter and easier.
Support includes:
Great for puppies, teens, adult dogs – and humans wanting a calmer home.
How private training works:
Understand the Dog (and Your Life)
A deep dive into history, routines, triggers, and goals. You’ll walk away with:
The Training
Training isn’t “one-size-fits-all” - it’s built around your dog’s personality, challenges, and comfort level. Most sessions happen in a nearby quiet local park, chosen because it helps dogs stay calm and focused.
If your dog struggles most at home or on your regular walking routes, we can train right where the behaviour happens (travel fees may apply).
No matter the location, every session is designed to build practical skills you can use every single day.
Real-Life Coaching & Ongoing Support
Training focuses on building habits that actually stick. Between sessions, you’ll get:
Pricing
- Quadra Island – $500-$550
- Campbell River – $600
- Surrounding Communities – $600 + travel fee
What’s included
Why four sessions?
Because it gives your dog a full learning cycle – enough to make meaningful, lasting progress.
Not sure where to start? Email us anytime at [email protected]. Or book a free 20-minute consultation and we’ll walk you through everything.
About Aviva
Aviva Shtull has spent more than two decades helping dogs feel safe, understood, and confident – and helping the humans who love them finally breathe again. She’s worked with thousands of dogs: wild puppies, jumpy teens, anxious worriers, full-body barkers, reactive firecrackers, and dogs who feel everything a little too intensely.
What sets Aviva apart is her ability to spot what others miss.
She reads body language with incredible precision and uncovers the emotional “why” behind behaviour – the stress, fear, confusion, or unmet needs that drive it. When you understand the dog in front of you, everything else becomes easier.
With Aviva, it’s about connection, confidence, and communication that lasts. It’s also about skills, motivation and communication. Her approach is calm, kind, and grounded in behavioural science. Guided by empathy and clarity, she bridges the gap between dogs and humans and helps both sides feel more regulated and capable.
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, reactivity, aggression, socialization, or everyday manners, she’ll meet you exactly where you are = with patience, skill, and a whole lot of heart.
Ready to Move Forward?
Let’s help your dog feel calmer – and help you breathe again.
Questions? We’re happy to help – just email [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are the sessions?
Most families meet once a week – it depends on your schedule, your dog’s needs, and how much time you have to practise between sessions.
Aviva will recommend the cadence that gets you results without overwhelming you.Where do sessions happen?
We train where learning is easiest and safest for your dog:
- an easily accessible local park (most common)
- your home, if the behaviour happens there
- your neighbourhood or walking routes
- Travel fees may apply for certain locations.
What if my dog is too anxious or reactive to train in public?
No problem. We start at a distance, in quiet spaces, or at home.
For very sensitive dogs, we can mix video sessions + in-person sessions to reduce pressure and keep training moving forward.
Do I need to buy any special tools or equipment?
Nope – nothing fancy.
We stick to positive reinforcement, so you’ll mainly need:
- treats your dog loves
- a harness or collar
- a standard leash (no retractables)
If something specific would help, Aviva will recommend it – but you won’t be asked to buy unnecessary gear.
What if my dog uses a prong collar, e-collar, or slip lead?
All training is fear-free and force-free.
Aviva will help you transition away from aversive tools safely and gradually, without overwhelming your dog.
What’s your cancellation policy?
We ask for 24 hours’ notice if you need to reschedule.
Life happens – just send us a quick email at [email protected] and we’ll sort it out.
How long before I see results?
Most families notice changes in the first 1–2 sessions – calmer walks, fewer explosions, easier routines.
Bigger behaviour changes (anxiety, reactivity, aggression) can take longer, but progress starts quickly once the dog feels safe and understood.
Do you work with aggression?
Yes – Aviva has extensive experience with fear-based aggression, resource guarding, barrier frustration, and dogs who go “over threshold” quickly.
If your dog has bitten before, please mention it when booking so we can start safely.
Can my kids join the sessions?
Absolutely – if it’s safe and appropriate.
For many families, kids are part of the training success. Aviva will guide you on when and how they can be involved.
Can two dogs be trained at the same time?
If the behaviours are connected (like sibling excitement or conflict), yes.
If they have separate issues, Aviva may suggest alternating sessions so each dog gets what they need.
How does communication work between sessions?
You get messaging support for quick questions, videos, updates, and wins.
Training doesn’t stop when the session ends – we’re with you throughout.
What’s included in the private training package?
- 4 × 45-minute sessions
- personalized training plan
- messaging support
- homework tailored to your lifestyle
- 20+ years of experience guiding you