What dog training really means to Me

Recently, a client shared something with me that made me stop and reflect.

She told me that while searching for a dog trainer in Vancouver, she came across many beautiful and professionally designed websites. There were plenty of colourful pages filled with impressive photos and videos.

But what stood out about mine was something different: she noticed that so many of my photos and videos showed dogs learning and succeeding in public places, rather than inside a training facility or classroom settings.

She saw once fearful, anxious, reactive, and aggressive dogs walking by barking and lunging dogs, navigating loud and busy distractions, being touched by strangers, and becoming confident companions in real-life situations.

What she pointed out was something I had never consciously thought about before.

Many dog training websites naturally showcase dogs inside a classroom or training facility, where the environment is controlled and distractions are limited. There is nothing wrong with that — those environments can be valuable places for dogs to learn.

But when I looked at my website with my own collection of photos and videos, I realized that most of the moments I chose to share were from the real world.

Dogs were not just practicing behaviours. They were learning how to live.

And that realization made me reflect on why I have always trained this way.

From the beginning, my philosophy has been that dog training is not simply about teaching a dog a list of commands. It is about giving dogs the skills they need to become true companions — dogs who can participate in their owners’ lives and experience the world alongside them.

A dog that can only behave perfectly in a quiet training environment has learned a skill. A dog that can remain calm, confident, and connected with their owner around everyday distractions has learned how to be a companion.

The purpose of training, to me, is not to create a dog that exists separately from our lives.

Dogs are family, and they deserve the opportunity to be included.

Whether that means exploring Vancouver’s beautiful outdoor spaces, joining their owners on adventures, or simply enjoying more moments together, training should create more possibilities.

For me, the greatest reward is seeing owners gain the confidence to include their dogs in more parts of their lives. It is watching a relationship grow because both the human and the dog understand each other better.

The most rewarding moments are not always found in a training session. They are found when a dog can calmly stay beside their person through the world, enjoy new experiences, and create wonderful memories together.

That is why I believe the best training happens beyond the classroom.

Looking back, I realize my photos and videos have always reflected this belief. They show what I have always wanted for my clients: not just a trained dog in a classroom, but a dog who can truly be included in their lives.

And that, to me, is what makes a perfect companion.