If you’re after a personalized dog training experience, Bark Busters is a top contender. They’ve been around for over 30 years, which is pretty impressive, and they’ve honed a method that’s all about understanding how dogs naturally communicate. 

Their focus on positive reinforcement and leadership training means no harsh punishments, which we think is a huge win. And if your dog has serious behavioural issues—think aggression, constant barking, or separation anxiety—they’ve got a great track record for turning things around. 

One thing we love is their one-time fee policy. You pay once, and they’re committed to working with your dog for life. That means if new issues pop up as your dog ages or go through life changes, they’ll come back to help without charging extra. 

However, if you’re looking for group classes to socialize your dog, Bark Busters might not be the best fit since they only offer in-home training. But for anyone looking to tackle behavioural issues right where they happen, Bark Busters could be a perfect choice.

Effective behaviour issue training 

“Our dog has issues with rushing/barking the door when someone rings the doorbell as well as issues with walking on a leash. After each training session, addressing one problem at a time, we’ve seen drastic changes in our dog’s behavior. We’ve had many trainers in the past, but nothing has worked until Rob. We have already recommended our friends to get in touch with Rob for dog training!”

Renee Yu, Google review

Makes significant progress in a short time

“Honestly quite shocked at how effective the training is. With even a limited number of sessions, we made significant progress. Rob provides the tools, but the pet owner definitely needs to reinforce for greater success.”

Anthony Ciardy, Google Review 

It’s great how Canine Connection Training offers a mix of online and in-person sessions, and we love that flexibility. If you’re skeptical about virtual dog training, you might be surprised. 

From our surveys, clients saw big improvements even with their online classes. It’s great for busy folks who want to train their pups without leaving the house. 

We also appreciate that there’s a handy free e-book available if you subscribe to their newsletter—a nice little bonus.

On the flip side, their services come with a higher price tag—the online sessions start at $80 for just a 30-minute chat, and their in-person packages can hit around $400. This includes a mix of online guidance, in-person coaching, and homework, but it’s a bit of a financial commitment. 

Nonetheless, if you’re willing to invest and want the convenience of a virtual option, they’re a solid pick, especially if you’re a new dog parent or have a puppy needing guidance.

Real, sustainable, long-term solutions 

“Annika is amazing!! She truly cares about the wellbeing of you and your dog. She gets down to the root cause of any behavioural issues and will give you real, sustainable, long term solutions rather than a quick bandaid fix. After only 4 weeks of online zoom classes we have a calmer, quieter and more relaxed pup and we have Annika’s tools and training to thank for that (and so do our neighbours)….”

Katie Turvill, Google Review

Learned so much

“I recently adopted a 2 year old dobe x from Mexico. Beautiful dog but as the weeks passed, issues began to show themselves. He had a rough start to life and I needed help in guiding him. Annika of Canine Connection was recommended by a few people on Adoptable Dogs Vancouver. I am so happy I signed up with her. We just finished an 8 week online Manners class. I learned so much from her which helped me teach my pup. He has a ways to go but he has come so far thanks to Annika. I highly recommend her. Money well spent.”

Diane McD, Google Review

Bow Wow Academy shines if you’re looking for both group and private training. They’re great at keeping dogs engaged, whether it’s in a puppy manners class or something more advanced like agility training. 

We got a peek, and we think that the group classes are lively and fun, perfect if your dog thrives around other pups. On top of that, they send you home with training materials so you can keep practicing, which we think is a fantastic way to reinforce what your dog learns.

The catch? Their schedule is a bit limited since they’re closed on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays. This can make it a bit tricky to book a spot, especially if your own schedule is packed. 

The timing of their classes—usually mornings for puppies and evenings for older dogs—might not work for everyone either. Still, if you can fit it into your schedule, Bow Wow Academy offers fun and social learning that’s also easy on the wallet.

Transformative training sessions 

“We are so lucky we found Yoko and Bow Wow Academy! The training sessions we have had for our new puppy Honey has been transformative. We really appreciate Yoko’s kind, positive and thoughtful approach and are so thankful for all of her guidance, support and teaching! I highly recommend the private training sessions and Honey cannot wait to attend more classes! Thank you!!”

Christy Lorne, Google Review

Dynamic and personalized teaching style 

“TI have taken three other puppy classes prior to signing up with my new puppy at BowWow Academy. Yoko’s approach to puppy manners is positive, fun, and rewarding for both me and puppy. Yoko’s teaching style is dynamic and highly personalized; she has excellent understanding of dog behaviour. Above all, Yoko’s masterful lessons are second only to her integrity and kindness.”

Natalie Prichard, Google Review

If you’ve got a multi-pet household with both dogs and cats, Catffeinated The Pet Mom is a game-changer. Doaa, the owner, is known for helping pets coexist peacefully, which is ideal if your furry friends don’t always see eye to eye. 

A standout is how she takes a holistic approach to training, looking at everything from your home setup to understanding pet behaviour. 

We’re big fans of the unlimited text support Doaa offers via WhatsApp. It’s pretty comforting to know you can get advice or a quick check-in anytime between sessions. 

It’s also worth mentioning that she offers both in-person and online training, which adds flexibility. But we’re a bit bummed since it’s a one-woman operation, which means availability can be a bit tight. 

While the personalized approach is incredible, it does mean there might be a wait for an opening. That said, Catffeinated The Pet Mom is a great choice for pet parents looking for a hands-on, holistic training experience for both cats and dogs.

Helpful, supportive, responsive

“I have two toy poodle dogs, one is 12 years old and one is 2 years old. I decided to add two Bengal kittens to my family. I have never had cats before, and wanted to make sure to add them safely. I signed up for 7 sessions with Doaa and so glad I did. She walked me through exactly what I had to do set up all the animals for success and create a loving family….After just a couple months all my pets are able to share the space and get along so well. Doaa has been so helpful, supportive and responsive the entire process. I highly recommend working with her!! Thank you Doaa ”

James Mielnik, Google Review

Amazing holistic dog trainer

“Doaa is an amazing holistic dog trainer who has helped us with our 1 year old Aussiedoodle. After being neutered, our dog had a lot of reactions to humans and other dogs, so we were very worried. Doaa took the time to explain to us what it would take to help our dog become more comfortable and better behaved. She gave us valuable insight and guidance on how to be compassionate and understanding dog owner…”

Patricia Melgar, Google Review

Albany Laser & Cosmetic Centre specializes in TCA peels, using a technique called TCA CROSS that’s perfect for tackling things like acne scars and dark spots. 

Instead of applying the peel to your whole face, they focus only on the problem areas, which is great if you’re looking for a more targeted treatment.

And it’s nice to see that the staff here are professional and approachable, making the whole process smoother, especially if you’re feeling a bit nervous about trying a chemical peel.

That said, their prices are on the higher end, with sessions running between $200 and $400. They’ve also got a pretty strict cancellation policy—if you cancel less than 72 hours before your appointment or don’t show up, you’ll lose your deposit. 

But they do offer financing options, which can make it easier if you’re looking to commit to a series of treatments. If you’re interested in a more targeted peel and don’t mind paying a bit extra, Albany Laser & Cosmetic Centre is worth checking out.

A wealth of knowledge 

“Jane first met our dog when she was just 11 weeks old, and my goodness are we grateful. From tips on how to properly socialize, to walking better on a leash and beyond, Jane is a wealth of knowledge. I’d highly recommend in partnership dog training to anyone.”

Lindsay Sample, Google Review

Better understanding after every session

“Every session that we’ve had with Jane, I’ve walked away with a better understanding of our dog friend. We have worked with Jane a few times now with our livestock guardian teenage dog. She has had some new behaviours around protecting our family with our newborn and introducing her to strangers. We’ve been given concrete tasks to develop positive associations with people and a broader understanding of how to work with her psychology. A pleasure to work with from intro to final report.”

Melissa Lavery, Google Review