
Pet Manners classes are for non-reactive dogs over 4 months of age who need training in basic manners. There is no maximum age.
Pet Manners is a linear course of 10 classes, usually twice a week for five weeks.
Classes are kept small and personal, with a maximum of 4 handlers and their dogs in each class.
Curriculum
You will learn how to teach your dog the following behaviours:
- Paying attention to handler, practised with distractions
- Emergency Recall, practised with outdoor distractions
- Come When Called, practised with outdoor distractions and distance
- Loose Leash Walking, practised outdoors with distractions
- Sit and remain sitting while handler talks to a friend
- Lie down and stay
- Wait at the door/gate, with distractions on the other side
This curriculum is based on a curriculum developed by the Karen Pryor Academy.
CLICK HERE for a list of upcoming classes
To register, CLICK HERE.
Training sheets
Trainings sheets with step-by-step instructions for all the behaviours 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, and your dog does not have any fear or aggression issues, you should be able to graduate with 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.
Loved it? Want to learn even more?
When you graduate, ask us about Advanced Manners or Canine Good neighbour, weekly classes for graduates of our Pet Manners or Foundation course.
For more information, contact us at [email protected] or call 250-732-5415.
WELCOME TO CLASS!

Thanks so much Bev. You are a great teacher! We learned soooo much...myself as well as Bindi!!
Wanted to take the time to give you and Cowichan Canine a big THANK YOU!
Marilyn & Bindi
Ladysmith
Dear Lisbeth,
Those of us who are devoted dog owners are fortunate to have this gem of a facility here in the Cowichan Valley. These qualified, experienced, good humored and kind-hearted ladies have been so helpful to this “experienced” lifelong dog family with hell puppy Radar. New insights and practices prove you can teach these old dogs’ new tricks. And a program so reasonably priced too. It’s not that often these days you get such value for your dollar. Really. These last couple of months have been fun watching our little land shark morph into a loving and disciplined member of our family. We have so much respect for Karen, who worked with us in our Foundation training, with her amazing lengthy qualifications and down to earth sense of humor. She’s such a fantastic teacher! Our little grad Radar will now enter into her graduate studies - Scent Detection. Such Fun!
Thank You
John, Joanna, Rosie and Radar Blaszczyk
Duncan, BC