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.
We attended Babydog’s puppy socialization classes and they were awesome. Aviva and her team really know their stuff. I highly recommend!
While I have owned dogs most of my life so far, I have never had a young puppy. Wanting to do right by her, I researched training and socialization classes. Baby Dog was the one that was recommended over and over again without hesitation. We've now been going to weekly sessions for three months and my dog while having mastered what they teach loves the class so much that we just keep coming. When I pull up in front of the class she knows what we're there for and her excitement is off the charts. Aviva and her team run amazing classes and they should be the go to for every new puppy owner in Victoria. I studied to be a dog trainer 17 years ago when considering a career change. That said, I have learned a ton from Aviva while having our pup trained and her approach and explanations are much more effective and in line with what dogs need, than what I was originally taught. We are very luck to have Baby Dog as a resource.
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!
Ruth and Aviva of BabyDog are a fantastic resource for new puppy owners. We took our timid puppy Jazz to their shy dog socialization sessions at Bosleys and after a few weeks she graduated (with flying colours) to the regular sessions. We partipated in the Sunday pack walks and enjoyed both the human social aspect and the improvement in Jazz’s social behaviour. We also had 2 private lessons with Aviva to deal with a couple of problem behaviours (leash pulling and barking), with great success! I highly recommend them.
I came to BabyDog in desperation with my rescue dog Pheonix, who had multiple behavioral issues. I was really at my wits end, and thought I would have to rehome her because I didn't have the environment or tools to help her. We only had 4 sessions, thus far, and the impact has been incredible. Aviva (owner) has been absolutely amazing to put it mildly. She's not only incredibly perceptive and adjusts the training to your dogs needs, but she is compassionate, has a plethora of knowledge, and goes above and beyond. She offered so much support and resourcefulness, it literally saved both Pheonix and myself. She helped me understand her postures and behaviours, enabled me to communicate effectively, and most importantly empowered me to give Pheonix what she needs. She connected us to Bosley's on Burnside for their first ever Reactive Dog night which not only helped Pheonix overcome her fear of stores, but we were actually able to return and attempt bathing. I could really go on and on about how grateful I am to Aviva and her team, and so happy that there are people out there dedicated to truly making a difference in not only dogs lives, but their guardians as well. I will definitely be returning for further training and to tap into their many resources. I highly recommend them to anyone anytime. Thank you Aviva and BabyDog team!!! Sincerely, Erin and Pheonix :)
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 :)
Baby Dog…I must say, having had dogs all of my life, showing, training, and competing, taking my new young “man” to baby socialization classes was brilliant! Baby Dog taught me a lot as well. I love that they teach and use positive reinforcement philosophy for training. As we encountered some growing pain challenges, particularly with “focusing”, I took advantage of a few private lessons that were spot on! Aviva knew which tool to pull out of her tool box to assist with our particular challenges. Thank you Aviva and Co for all that you do and offer! I have a dog who loves to work, is engaged and focused, and who interacts respectfully with other canines! I highly recommend Baby Dog…for your young pup, as well as your “mature” pup.
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.
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