Scholars In Collars Dog Training

Update - the people at scholars in collars go above and beyond to provide their expertise. We are not currently enrolled in a class but Diane was kind enough to spend her time with us to explain some tools and techniques to address leash reactivity. Very helpful and caring trainers!

I cannot say enough pawsitive things about my experience at Scholars in Collars. My pup has completed level 1 and 2 (soon to be level 3) and we are blown away by how well executed these classes are. You receive access to excellent video education and tip sheets, then attend class to practice and receive guidance from multiple trainers. The staff are all amazing and very knowledgeable.
The cherry on top is that Scholars treats you like family and provides ongoing support as things pop up during your pups development.
10/10 recommend. I have learned SOO much and have been able to effectively train my dog.

Amazing and professional training school! The in person class are followed by well described video and notes that you can have access whenever ever you want to review new skills. Furthermore,
They are very flexible if you cannot make a class to fit you in another one rapidly. I would highly recommend!

Great facility and excellent instructors who took extra time to assist me with my training challenges.

Our experience was amazing. Maya started her classes at 9 weeks old and I am so greatful that we did started at that age. The information that we got in class was given to us all in a fun way but our puppies learned so much and us human too. Now I am learning to be a good dog owner and Maya to be a happy puppy ready to learn more. Like kids structure is important never too young to learn.

We cannot say enough about how much we and our pups have learned and enjoyed! It has been absolutely amazing to watch our pups learn to become great companions. The training is fun and happy and focuses on reward for good and correct behaviour and reactions and also teaches very importantly how to negate unwanted behaviour. We highly recommend Scholars in Collars for every pup and owner!

We cannot recommend Scholars in Collars highly enough. The team is comprised of wonderful people, who have great insights, a wonderfully positive sense of humour, and huge hearts.
The videos show you exactly how to shape behaviours gradually over time, and remain a resource that we go back to even after our dog has "graduated". And the in-class sessions check to make sure that you're on the right track. We learned - and continue to learn - so much!
Even more, Diane has consistently gone over and above to accommodate some unexpected life situations that forced us to miss and make up some sessions. She was pretty amazing. Her personalized service was beyond anything I expected.
Our only wish was that we started Finn when he was 8 weeks old rather than 16 weeks. We thought we needed to delay, but learned that earlier is always better (although Finn is still doing pretty well thanks to Scholars in Collars!).
All this to say, we heartily recommend this program and the people behind it. Thanks team!

Love the training! Our dog Karma is doing so well with the training! Great trainers and so understanding! So positive for the dogs! I Love their training style!

Great experience with all three dogs. First we brought our dog that had behavioral problems. We were so happy with the results that we brought our other two dogs! Highly recommend!

Highly recommend this school for training your puppy. We just completed Level 1. Excellent step by step training with lessons online and in class. Small well controlled groupings, lots of individual attention with helpful instructors available for technique corrections. We are thrilled with how our puppy has responded to this training and can’t wait for the fun in Level 2.

Our puppy recently graduated from Level One Training at Scholars In Collars and our experience with Diane, Joan and all the staff has been fantastic. The support we received was unwavering and we have seen huge (positive) changes in our puppy since entering the program. Between the in-person training, the puppy play time, and the on-line videos, I am feeling good about the foundation we have established.

The team at SIC are extremely encouraging, supportive, and authentic. Dog training is WAY out of my comfort zone and they made this unique experience very enjoyable. They have knack for putting the humans (as well as the dogs) at ease.

We started our 10-week old puppy here for puppy drop-ins (socialization) and for the introductory behaviour course. Diane and the trainers are skilled, knowledgeable, and engaging with content and generous with feedback and explanations. The online videos to support the in-person class learning was so valuable as we navigated new behaviour with our pup (e.g, chewing, jumping, etc) and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Scholars in Collars!

We love Scholars!

Everyone is friendly and helpful.

My dog has had a great experience - we will be contributing his training courses as a result of our great experience.

Amazing first session - the staff are patient and knowledgeable and are really amazing at helping us and our pup succeed!

Diane and her staff are simply the best. My husky pup is a rescue with anxiety and they've been wonderful with helping us work through that. Diane has a wealth of knowledge and even if I have a question outside of class she takes the time to respond to emails. Captain has come SO far because of Scholars in Collars. We've both even made a new friend! I can't wait to start Level 2.

A big thank you to Scholars in Collars! My pup was afraid to play with other pups. She wanted to see them but hid under the chair at playtime. With the help of their trainers and the puppy play class, by her last class she was so excited to play with the other pups. She was with different dogs each time so it wasn’t because she got used to the dogs in class. This is my third dog that has done training at Scholars in Collars. I highly recommend them!

I’ve started puppy training with Scholars in Collars and I’m enjoying it so much! I’ve bred and raised dogs for years, but I’m learning new techniques that have been so helpful and successful! The online video component is super helpful, not only with the training techniques but important behavioural information and training. Diane and the staff there are so pleasant and helpful. I look forward to having a well behaved dog, with all their help!

Registered my lab/hound mix rescue back in December. I paid in full and was open and honest with behavioural issues. Due to my dogs worsening reactivity, Scholars decided he was not fit for a group class, rather that we would benefit from an associated behavioural specialist. From there, I had trained my dog based off guide given by the specialist. It was at this point in time that the purpose the other half of my deposit was going to be used for had been lost in communication. I went about 6 months without getting my money back. The issue was recently brought up to the owner and she had given me a call to sort the issue out.

All in all, the owner was very professional and brought into perspective our issue. By the end, it was still determined that I no longer would find much use from her services and was refunded the rest of my deposit. Was very pleased to have the owner reach out and was surprised by how understanding and supportive she was of my decision. Although I can't speak on behalf of the classes myself, the owner is very professional, educated and cares about her current and former clients.

The best place to train your puppy. Diane and her staff is very welcoming. They help you and guide you very well.

Had a 11 week old lab/ husky mix (rescue from Fort Albany Hudson Bay) i was ignored most of the course because she was always wanting to play. I was informed that it would be a 1 to 2 ratio no such thing it was like two to all the other dogs ratio. So how they rectified the matter was the cage myself and my dog with a surround covered so she could not see any other dogs and walk by and throw treats and for my dog for the whole session. I am a person that sticks everything out to the end I really wanted to leave after the second session was told no refund $500 I paid, I would not recommend this to my worst enemy sorry for the bad post but that’s how I felt.

Wonderful class for our dog.

He is still currently in training. Hes in grade 2 now but so far everything has been great. We voiced our concerns because our boy is a covid puppy and doesn't have a lot of chance to be around other dogs and had started barking and acting really nervous around other dogs. Especially large dogs (we have a medium size dog. A Bordercollie.) I'm not sure if it was on purpose but we were put in a class where all the dogs where little compared to him (pugs) so he wouldn't be nervous. Which was lovely because now during grade 2 hes around dogs his own size and he isn't reacting to them at all.

Anyways they were lovely and when we had questions, the trainers addressed them. So what we thought where behavioural issues where addressed and guided us through them. The bonus of having access to the online content is also very beneficial.

They also answer emails fast as well.

I'd like to point out that other dog training places said our puppy (who was 8 months at the time) was to old for grade 1 training. Honestly think they just dont want to deal with older puppies, not here. They accepted us, asked us lots of questions, while answering our own. Fully happy with our experience here. So much so we have decided to continued our education here.

Scholars in Collars is such a great training program for dogs/puppies. Their online courses are very easy to follow and effective. Their in person training is also amazing. We had a great instructor, Joan, who was always very patient and positive with everyone. My puppy (and I) learned so much during the program. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for positive training for their furry friends.

As a healthcare professional who relies on science and evidence based practice, I can 100% get behind what Scholars in Collars stands for - positive reinforcement backed by the most up to date science and taught by behavioral experts. No fear or intimidation. In fact, they will DEBUNK everything you read online; and I positively CRINGE at the advice I see on the BMD Facebook group I am a part of.

Do not waste your time reading the internet or Facebook groups for training tips. Register as soon as possible for immediate access to the written materials and videos, then puppies can start classes at 9 weeks! My one regret is that I didn't have these materials before we brought Hagrid home. It would have been great to review beforehand.

The school runs like a well oiled machine. They think of EVERYTHING and truly set you up for success. From how to manage house training, jumping, puppy biting; teaching your dog how to chill, to preventing behavioral issues and all the way to simply enriching your pets life - I have learned so much and continue to learn. We have completed two levels, and will take the level 3 course shortly. Hagrid LOVES to go and is always SO excited. He knows where he's going as soon as his lunchbox comes out of the cupboard.

Tips:

- Order your equipment through them. They have exactly the harness, leash, stuffing bones etc that works best with their program. For a while I used the leash we had, but struggled and immediately felt better after I got theirs. They make it super easy with an order form you can submit anytime.
- Review the videos before going to class. Truly helps maximize your coaching time in class. The teachers at Scholars are some of the best educators I have seen. Written materials, videos, one on one coaching. They really have a way of having you understand the concepts and reinforcing them constantly.
- Puppy Playtime was amazing for socializing Hagrid with other puppies, and now that he is too old/big we use a daycare they recommended which has also been fantastic. I just love the WAY they do things. Teaching to chill and not let the dogs loose all at once; being very aware of puppy behaviors and ensuring no bad experiences. Eg. Not throwing an apprehensive dog in the deep end. They are clearly all about what is best for your puppy.

I am just so happy and grateful that Scholars in Collars is here to teach and support my husband and I, so that we could give Hagrid the best start in life and an education that will forever help Hagrid live his life to the doggy-fullest! Thank you!

Not only have my dogs learned by attending classes at Scholars, I have myself learned a great deal and am a better guardian to my dogs because of it

Great place for puppy training! It’s a fun environment and I love that there are SO many resources online, including lessons to preview and review. We have noticed a huge difference in our very hyper/active, playful morkie puppy since we started the training. When our 4 year old can “trade” a dog toy/treat because she took one his toys, you know the training is working! It’s amazing to have the whole family involved.

Trainers were attentive and patient okay so the test came with my two hounds in the Conservation. Fred gets out of his harness with other dogs around. I tell come and he stopped and came back money well spent. 6 months ago I would be 6 hours hoping for his return. Thank

I took the level 1 obedience class and had a great time. I learned a lot and enjoyed myself while doing it. The instructors are knowledgeable, kind and patient. Our head instructor Joan was great. She provided lots of useful information all accompanied with a smile and some great jokes.

My dog has noticeably progressed over the 8 weeks with them and their teachings. The process certainly doesn't stop there as there is always more work to do for me at home after the end of the course. You are covered there as well because you are given access to all of the training videos and resources for a year after your course completion. So you can always go back.

There are many options near and far for dog training and I'm sure many of them are good as well. However, the price at Scholars in Collars for what you receive felt reasonable and fair.

I highly recommend for anyone in the area.

The staff at Scholars is incredible. They have been very supportive from the beginning and even more so when Rosie got sick. Joan is awesome at her job and very personable and Diane has also done everything she can to make our experience positive. I have had great email support with training questions, been able to watch and take notes when Rosie had to miss after surgery and then Shannon was right beside me at the first class she was back catching me up. I love the small classes and the opportunity I have to spend one on one (+ 4 or 5 staff) with my pooch. And Rosie gets so excited just pulling into the driveway! Thank you to everyone for an amazing experience and teaching us tools to keep Rosie safe and to have fun too!

I found the staff are compassionate, supportive and knowledgeable, They know dogs and support owners to achieve desired behaviour, Excellent

Great Experience! We have learned so much with our new Puppy, it has been 16 years since we had our first dog and getting a new puppy was a big step for our busy family and so many things have changed. The information and guidance Schollars in Collars has given is second to none! I first came here with a close family friend and her dog and I was blown away, so it only made sense to bring our Dublin to class. We are now just finishing level 2 and our little boy is smitten with Joan. Great instructors and at first it was a little over whelming but they have done a great job of making us feel comfortable and I love the fact that I can bring my 3 teenagers to class so they are learning exactly what to do first hand. We look forward to level 3 and having lots of fun with our new addition to the family. Thank you for making this experience great.

Simply put this place is amazing! Scholars In Collars offers training at a next level. Their expertise is 100% what everyone needs if you want to have a successful dog. Scholars In Collars is always there for you and gives you stratigies to help raise you dog. All stratigies are based on current research and really work. We went from feeling overwhelmed to empowered. Our puppy is loving life. One thing to note is that if you join you need to be fully committed. But the pay off is exponential. We cannot wait for level 2.

Fantastic Dog Training Place! Highly Recommend. Give them a try, you will not regret it. I have a rescue Bassett Hound. He did not live a domestic family life before we got him. I needed professional help! With the help of Scholars & Collars training classes and a few Q&A's with Diane (and a visit from Joan Weston, the behavior consultant) - yep, it's a "one-stop" shop, what I thought was impossible, turns out, it's not! We now have a very well behaved family dog. So thank you to Diane & her team of dog training experts!

I honestly cannot say enough good things about Scholars in Collars. The trainers are the absolute best and most supportive people I have ever encounter. Their motto of training should be fun definitely holds true. Every class with them, regardless of instructor, has been great fun! Diane is amazing, full of helpful knowledge and always willing to give her time to help, Joan is an absolute riot in class, Sue and her rottie are always fun and encouraging and all of the class helpers, I just can't praise them enough for their dedication to ensuring each and every student is successful in building that great bond with their dog!

I'm not saying training was all sunshine and roses. I am now in classes with my second dog to go through the Scholars program, but my first, she nearly did me in. Having a dog that suffers from severe anxiety and what I call "neurotic tendencies" is difficult and made me question my abilities as a owner to properly train my dog. Everyone at Scholar was SO supportive. Diane is always super responsive to any questions that I may have had, or issues encountered along our journey together. In the end my Hannah managed to successfully complete Obedience levels 1-3, a Novice Tricks class, & a Scent Detection Class! I was amazed with her progress.

Fast forward nearly 2 years and I decided to get another puppy. Hannah wasn't currently enrolled in classes, but once you're a Scholar student, you're a student for life. I reached out to Diane who offered some great advice and a handout to help with proper integration between Hannah and our new puppy Charlotte. Now Charlotte is half way through her Obedience Level 2 class and I'm STILL learning new things. She is MUCH easier than Hannah, but I find doing the classes a second time, now with a different dog, I picked up so much more than I did the first time around. Well worth the second go round! Plus the dogs love it, I now have a 5 month old puppy with manners! (well like 80% of the time.she IS still a baby.but I know how to redirect to get the behaviour I want). I've also got a 2 year old who now knows how to cope with the world that seems all to scary to her, and I know how to make her feel safe and secure. All done with positive reinforcement, no punishment, just with love and proper reinforcement of good behaviours, all while having FUN.

If you have the opportunity to take classes with Scholars in Collars, DO IT, you honestly will not regret it when you end up with a well behaved dog that you have an unbreakable bone with. Also do the puppy social classes.yes, it's an addition class, but it's worth it to have a properly socialized pup!

A fantastic learning experience for both dogs and owners. Everyone is friendly, understanding and best if all passionately knowledgeable. Would recommend to everyone to get in touch with them!

I have taken 2 dogs here, and just enrolled a third. We have tried other schools that are closer to us (we live an hour away) but always end up at Scholars. Their education is second to none and I can truly say they help you and your dog (s) have the best relationship possible. My dogs love going to class and we always have the best time! We have one puppy who is not the easiest to work with (she has fear aggression towards other dogs when on leash) and they have been the biggest help in getting around that. Thank you Joan, Diane and team!

Our puppy has been in their classes since he was 9 weeks old and he loves it! Their small classroom size with several trainers give us the one-on-one attention we need to make sure we were directing and rewarding our dog at the right instances. Diane and her staffs are always super welcoming of any questions or concerns. We have reached out severals times regarding non-classroom behaviour issues and Diane would always get back to me with several pointers and suggestions.

We are currently in our advance class of the speciality class and I find that my dog and I look forward to it every week. The class size is only 3 for the tricks classes, giving us a lot of opportunities to execute a trick several times with the instructor’s guidance. We’ve been here for almost year and were worried that our dog would finish all their classes but we’re happy that there is still more classes for our dog to learn from and grow.

My favourite thing about Scholars In Collars is that they helped me build a bond with my dog through obedience work while having fun. During one of the classes, I finally understood that my boy was a lot smarter than I underestimated him to be!

Diane, Joan and team at Scholars in Collars has been amazing since our first interaction with them. They were instrumental in helping to manage a difficult situation with an rescue and spent hours providing advice and support. When we got our puppy, there was no question where we were going for training. The Canine Behaviour seminar is incredibly informative, and puppy drop in was an amazing way to help get our little guy socialized with other doggie friends in a safe environment. Level 1+ 2 obedience were fantastic experiences and so well taught by Joan in a way that placed emphasis on having fun learning with your dog. The online resources provided with your Level 1 enrollment are so helpful, especially for reviewing purposes. This is a knowledgeable, expert team - cannot recommend them highly enough!

This is the place to go for training! I have two Goldendoodles and I have gone thru three levels of training with my dogs! I keep coming back as the whole staff is very helpful and patient with the animals and owners. They break everything down in class for you to understand. It’s not just understanding how to train your dog but it’s explaining the behaviour of animals. Dianne is the owner and she is very caring and listens when you need to chat about your animals behaviour. Try them out, they are a perfect place to train your animals!

Scholars in Collars is the best facility I have ever dealt with! The training is top-notch with clear instructions designed to give every dog success and to build confidence in the dog and their owner. The administration is so organized and they go above and beyond to make the entire experience a pleasant one. My dog and I love going to class each week and because of the superb training we have developed a special bond. I highly recommend Scholars in Collars to any family wanting a great life for their dog!
Natalie and Allegro

BEST DOG TRAINERS! We’re so thankful we brought our dog (Entlebucher Mountain Dog) to SIC. Our little guy was born with a birth defect which had him in OVC for some time in his early months. As a result he developed a lot of anxiety issues around other dogs and people. Diane and her team were so helpful providing much needed support and expertises. Today he is a happy confident and obedient dog who is thriving. As dog owners we feel going through the training program really helped us be informed and empowered to be better pet parents. Understanding not only effective behavioural techniques but also the animal psychology behind it has been a game changer.
We credit all our success with our dog to SIC and we’re grateful we found such an amazing community to help us in those pivotal early years.
I would highly recommend them.

People here need to learn what parking spots are for. Maybe the owners need some training, or just let the dogs drive

Can’t say enough about the quality of the trainers. They offer support each and every step of the way - throughout and even after training is completed. It can seem overwhelming at first because there is so much to learn, but definitely worth the money to have a well-mannered dog and confident owner. Yes, you will have to consistently and constantly continue training outside facility in your home and neighbourhood to achieve the best results. We completed level 1,2, and 3 and are eager to start specialty training soon:) keep up the excellent work Scholars in Collars!

All positive reinforcement training. No excessive "dominance" or like holding your dog to the floor to get it to listen, it's all rewarding good behaviour and it *works*. It works very well. My 1yr golden retriever is (mostly) well behaved thanks to the instructors at Scholars in Collars. Classes are very small, so your will get lots of personal attention, and lots of staff to answer any questions you may have. Plus, one of the example dogs, Ike, is SUPER CUTE and listens SO WELL!:)

We decided to bring our year and a half old rescue pup to Scholars in Collars as soon as we got him based on a recommendation from a good friend; we couldn't be happier! So thankful that we didn't just choose a place closer to where we live. We were very impressed with the positive training approach that focuses on setting your dog up for success rather than expecting them to be mind readers.
With small class sizes and multiple handlers working each class, we were incredibly impressed with how they gave each and every student the attention they needed. Obviously classes are going to end up with a diversity of dogs and a diversity of owners.but they managed to cater to each individual need without singling anyone in the class out.
We also appreciated the ability to discuss specific concerns both in class and out (via email) ; the trainers all genuinely care about setting you and your dog up for success.
Class was always fun, and a great bonding experience for us with our new pup.
I will be highly recommending to anyone and everyone!