
This programme is aimed at dogs over 4 months of age that are happy around other dogs and people, and where we teach basic manners.
TWO OPTIONS IN THIS PROGRAMME
In this programme, we offer two different class formats:
Foundation is a flexible course consisting of one Welcome Class followed by 2 classes/week for 8 weeks, for a total of 17 classes. It teaches nine different behaviours (see below).
Pet Manners is a linear course consisting of 10 weekly classes, one class each week, always at the same time. It teaches six different behaviours (see below).
There is no maximum age - senior dogs are welcome!
TO REGISTER
NOTE: Foundation has rolling enrollment (no need to wait for a "course" to begin), whereas Pet Manners may require you to wait for a few weeks for a class time to be fully booked.
In either class, your first, compulsory, class is the Orientation Class (CLICK HERE for schedule). This FREE class introduces you to Cowichan Canine, what we teach and how we teach it. Then, you can decide which course is right for you!
WHEN YOU REGISTER, you need:
- Registration form
- Your dog's vaccination record
- Payment (Visa, MC, Amex, cash or Online Shop)
(Click here for current class fees)
If you register multiple dogs from the same household at the same time, you will receive 10% off your additional dog's registration fee.
Instructor:Student ratio is 1:4.
CURRICULUM
We offer the classes (Foundation and Pet Manners) in two different formats, and you can choose which one you prefer based on the following criteria:
DETAILS
TRAINING SHEETS
As you progress through your course, you will receive a full set of training sheets, which include complete, step-by-step instructions for all the behaviours that are included in your course.
CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF WHAT TO BRING TO CLASS
HOMEWORK
You WILL need to practice at home in between classes. THE GOOD NEWS is that, because of the positive training methods that we use, most students only need to practice on average 10-20 minutes effective training time each day!
So long as you do your homework, you should be able to develop a happy and obedient dog that you will be proud to take out in public. You will also have gained a basic understanding of how to continue to teach your dog most basic skills and tricks. These classes are based on the curriculum developed by the Karen Pryor Academy.
TOP-UPS
In the unlikely event that you find that you need more time to complete your course, top-ups of one or several weeks are available for purchase.
Flexibility Comes With Responsibility
If you incur a NO-SHOW, that class still counts as attendance on your record.
If you have any questions or concerns about our programme, please do not hesitate to send an e-mail to info@cowichancanine.ca or call 250-929-1400.
WELCOME TO CLASS!

My big triumph was on the beach two weeks ago. Arwyn gets to be off leash at the beach (she's been on the long line on forest hikes for months now) and there was a deer eating seaweed... the dogs, of course, blasted off after the deer up the steep bank... I called... AND THEY CAME BACK!!
A miracle.
Well, the miracle of training.
Cheryl (PhD, Reg Psychologist), with Sukha & Arwyn
Maple Bay, BC
Hi Lisbeth - just a quick note to thank you so much for your help with Jay. My relationship with him has transformed completely and we're really in a good place. It was definitely a great thing that we did with you and we really appreciate your expertise and care.
Brenda & Jay
Cobble Hill, BC