Mill Bay, Duncan & Campbell River Group Classes
Our programs bring professional dog training to the Cowichan Valley and Northern Island, offering both group obedience classes and puppy socialization.
Puppy Socialization Classes
With the guidance and support of our trainer, your pup will be supervised while interacting with other suitable puppies.
They are carefully chosen so that the puppies feel safe with each other.
Your Puppy Will:
How does it work?
- Age: Up to 8 months old
- Duration: 45-minutes based on location
- Class size: limited to a maximum of 6 dogs
- Vaccines: Proof of first and second vaccines + at least one dose of Bortadella are required at first session
Please Note:
Please don’t feed your pup right before class. A full tummy and excited play can lead to bloat.
What to expect at our Puppy Social Classes
With the guidance and support of our trainer, your pup will be supervised while interacting with other suitable puppies. Puppies are brought in to the pen in small groups (typically 2 or 4 at a time). The trainer will always carefully match your pup with others and ensure it is a positive and safe experience for them.
They are then encouraged and guided through how to interact with each other appropriately, whether it is to slow down, approach respectfully and learn to read the other dogs body language or boost their confidence by encouraging play and curiosity with each other.
Owner’s will stand on the outside of the enclosure while their pup is interacting. Every few minutes the puppies get to take a break and are given back to you while a few other puppies get to take a try.
When outside of the pen your puppy is under your care and you are encouraged to work with your pup on their patience, calmness in a stimulating environment, or work on their basic training until it is their turn to go back in the enclosure. This cooldown time where they can just observe without participating is just as important for socialization!
Our classes teach your puppy how to respectfully engage with other dogs, they will learn to be confident but controlled and respectful when making new friends.
This class is designed to be as educational for you as it is for your puppy.
Upcoming Social Classes:
Level 1: Basic Obedience
Level 1 Obedience is a blend of basic training techniques and dog psychology to teach well-mannered behaviour, regardless of age or experience.
If you haven’t taken a program with us before we recommend you start here.
Please note:
This package is not a fit for reactive or aggressive dogs – please see our Reactivity Training options here
Who is it for?
Dogs of all ages, and training stages who haven’t taken a program with us before, or haven’t recently taken a formal obedience course.
Where do we train?
Classes are held at convenient locations in the Mill Bay and Duncan area.
Program Features
How does it work?
- 4x group sessions: one 45-minute session per week for four weeks – skips holiday weekends
- Class size: limited to a maximum of 4 dogs
- Attendees: up to 2 people per dog
- Vaccines: Proof of first and second vaccines + at least one dose of Bortadella are required at first session
Upcoming Level 1 Classes:
Looking for more personalized support for your dog?
Aviva Shtull, BabyDog co-founder and master trainer with 20+ years of experience, offers 1-on-1 private lessons tailored to your dog, your goals, and your real-life challenges. Available only in Quadra, Campbell River, and surrounding communities.
Drop-In Training & Social
During this one-hour session, you and your dog will take part in a trainer-guided training and social experience designed to help dogs learn and practice real-world skills around other dogs.
We don’t just walk – we teach new on-leash skills, then practice them in a calm, structured environment with other dogs nearby. Sessions include short training activities, real-life practice, and plenty of guidance along the way.
Our trainer is present throughout to demonstrate skills, offer coaching, and support you and your dog as needed.
Who is it for?
Dog owners who want to teach and practice on-leash skills, build calm behaviour around other dogs, and learn in a supportive, welcoming group.
Where do we train?
- Quadra Island Community Centre
- Campbell River – Willow Point Park
Benefits
Please note
This is a group training and social session, designed to help dogs learn and practise skills in a calm, structured environment.
Because it’s a group setting, it may not be the best fit for dogs who are currently dealing with more intense challenges, such as extreme leash reactivity (tends to lunge, bark or snap at other dogs while on leash), high stress around other dogs, or aggressive behaviour.
If your dog needs more individual support, we strongly recommend starting with private training with Aviva. One-on-one sessions allow us to tailor the approach to your dog’s specific needs, work at their pace, and set them up for success – including building towards joining group sessions like this in the future.
Every dog is different, and needing a more personalised approach is not a setback. It’s often the fastest and kindest way forward.
If you’re unsure what’s best for your dog, we’re always happy to help you figure it out.
Restrictions and Requirements
- Registration required in advance
- Maximum 2 people per dog
- All ages and sizes welcome
- Dogs remain on leash at all times
- 24-hour cancellation policy applies
Safety Information
- Dogs must remain at least 10 feet apart
- Owners are responsible for their dogs at all times
- Please avoid using toys or treats near other dogs
- No aggressive dogs permitted – contact us for support and training option
Upcoming Group Walks
