Group classes are currently on hold! Check out our other service options, and join the newsletter for updates.
Announcement!!
We’ve got BIG changes coming up this summer… and beyond!
Phase One!
A major restructuring of training services will begin with “Phase One” as we move into May and June. We will be leaving our current facility on Southgate, and group classes are wrapping up in early June.
Scratch and Sniff Canine Services is restructuring to provide:
- Private training, including in home/in neighbourhood sessions
- Day training (“walk and train”) services
- Group classes will be offered with intermittently though other venues
Phase Two!
Phase Two is yet to be announced…
Keep an eye out for exciting details to be announced in the coming months!
Join the mailing list for future announcements and to receive notice of when next steps of these upcoming changes are in place!
Employment Opportunities
There are currently no employment or volunteer opportunities.
Please do not submit unsolicited resumes, resumes are not kept on file. This page will be updated if a position becomes available.
Policies and FAQ
It’s important for you to understand policies and FAQ prior to registration in any service or program. Policies exist in order to keep services running smoothly, and to offer equal and fair treatment to all of our valuable students.
This important information is written in language that is clear and easy to understand. Take a moment to review this information before registering for any program or service, as registration and/or payment indicates acceptance of these terms.
Follow these links to Policy and FAQ for each type of service:
Advanced Life Skills Series
Next up on the Schedule!
May 9: Next-Level Leave It! full
May 10: Walks and Distractions
Read this webpage carefully and book your spot through the buttons below!
The Advanced Life Skills Series is comprised of five programs that build advanced skills on what you learned in the Foundation Life Skills program.
Each of these intensives will focus on a specific topic introduced in Foundation Life Skills, and can be taken in any order. Check out the info below for details and registration!
Do you see a class you want that’s not on the schedule? Join the newsletter to find out the next time it runs, and email the office to express interest – classes may run on demand!
The Master Prerequisite List (Read me!)
Each Program below requires the following, in addition to specifics listed for each class:
- Foundation Life Skills, or equivalent at a positive reinforcement training facility (please contact the office)
- One consistent handler should attend all classes (do not switch handlers mid-class), family members are welcome to attend with you
- Dogs must be comfortable and food-motivated training in a group class environment
- Proof of dog vaccination including Distemper, Parvovirus and Rabies is required
- Do not attend class if you are ill. See below.
Regarding absences, illness and lockdowns:
- If a STUDENT is ill/absent: Email the office in advance and a ZOOM call will be set up for you to watch live or recorded.
- If the INSTRUCTOR is ill/in case of lockdown: The program will be put on hold until it is safe/legal to reopen, and will resume on the same schedule. No alternatives are available for this contingency plan, please be ready to adjust your schedule if need be.
Walks and Distractions
The Walks and Distractions Program will focus on developing next steps on your leash walking skills, with a big emphasis on tackling social distractions like dogs and people.
Want to focus on not jumping up while greeting people? Check out Stop the Jumping!
Qualifications and Prerequisites for Walks and Distractions
- All points in the Master Prerequisite list above are required
- Dogs must wear a front attaching no-pull harness
This program does not address reactivity or aggression. If your dog barks/lunges intensely, has fought/bitten a dog or person, and/or is unable to eat treats in the presence of a dog/person, private training will be a better fit for you.
Schedule for Walks and Distractions
$295 +HST
Four students in class
5 consecutive weeks (50min)
Starting on: Wednesday May 10th, 5:45pm
Join the Newsletter if there’s no start date listed
Next Level Leave-It
If your dog scans the ground, ready to grab the next leaf, stick, garbage or… poop (eew!) … this program is for you!
Next Level Leave-It focuses explicitly on dogs that have trouble controlling the impulse to grab food or items off the ground when on walks.
Looking for dog distractions? See Walks and Distractions!
Qualifications and Prerequisites for Next Level Leave-it
- All points in the Master Prerequisite list above are required
- Dogs must wear a front attaching no-pull harness
This program does not address resource guarding (food/toy aggression). If your dog is showing threat or guarding behaviours, private training will be a better fit for you.
Schedule for Next Level Leave-It
$295 +HST
Four students in class
5 consecutive weeks (50min)
Starting on: Tuesday May 9th 7:45pm FULL
Join the Newsletter if there’s no start date listed
Stop the Jumping!
Does your dog pummel your guests at the door? This program is made just for you! We’ll be looking at various strategies to calm the excitement and calm the jumping.
Qualifications and Prerequisites for Stop the Jumping!
- All points in the Master Prerequisite list above are required
- The same TWO adults (15yo+) must be present for each class – without exception. Both people will be trainers. Children cannot participate due to safety concerns interacting with other people’s dogs.
- COVID-risk consideration: Students will be standing close together, and masks are not required. Take this into consideration upon booking.
- Dogs must wear a front attaching no-pull harness
This program is explicitly for dogs who LOVE people. If your dog is not loose and wiggly upon greeting a stranger, please contact the office for direction.
Schedule for Stop the Jumping!
$295 +HST
Four students in class
5 consecutive weeks (50min)
Starting on: Wed March 15th 5:45pm
Four students in class
5 consecutive weeks (50min)
Join the Newsletter if there’s no start date listed
Superb Stays
This program is all about cultivating a fabulous STAY! We’ll be focusing on several strategies to teach the next levels in settle and stay, as well as go to mat.
This class is perfect for keeping your dog out from underfoot when cooking, away from the dinner table, or waiting her turn for training in a multi-dog household (and whatever else you can think of!).
Want to focus on being calm in the face of social distractions? The Walks and Distractions Program is for you!
Qualifications and Prerequisites for Superb Stays
- All points in the Master Prerequisite list above are required
Schedule for Superb Stays
$295 +HST
Four students in class
5 consecutive weeks (50min)
Starting on:
Join the Newsletter if there’s no start date listed
Come Quick
Every time you call your dog and they come, they are putting effort into LEAVING the very things they find interesting. Come when called sounds so simple, but it’s one of the most difficult things to teach reliably!
Qualifications and Prerequisites for Come Quick
- All points in the Master Prerequisite list above are required
- The same TWO adults (15yo+) must be present for each class – without exception. Children cannot participate due to safety concerns interacting with other peoples dogs.
- Dogs must be wearing a harness with a leash attachment point on the BACK
- Dogs must be explicitly friendly with dogs/people and show no reactivity or social sensitivity
- Handlers will be running in this class
Due to many off leash components, this program cannot accommodate reactivity to dogs/people. Private training will be the best option if this describes your dog.
Schedule for Come Quick
$ 295+HST
Four students in class
5 consecutive weeks (50min)
Starting on:
Join the Newsletter if there’s no start date listed
Life With Puppy!
Welcome to Life with your Puppy!! There’s so much to learn and so much to do, congratulations on taking the first steps to get your puppy off on the right paw.
Socialization Skills Puppy Class
Socialization Skills is a puppy-focused program that incorporates a safe introduction to mini-agility obstacles to climb on, through and under, along with puppy problem solving/prevention, interactions with other pups, and early skill-building to set the stage for good manners!
Life Skills Foundations Training Program
Life Skills is the best place to start for teaching your puppy manners and obedience skills. This program covers the foundation on everything from leash walking, settle and stay, come when called, and distractions.
Pups under 15wks: This course is best taken concurrently with, or to follow up, the Socialization Skills Program (above).
Puppy Resources
Students of Life Skills and PupAgility! will receive access to the All Things Puppies! online resource classroom
Position Statement on Puppy Socialization from the American Veterinary Society of animal Behavior
(aka “why puppies should be socialized before they finish their vaccines”)
Socialization Skills Puppy Class in Guelph
Socialization Skills is a puppy-focused program that incorporates a safe introduction to mini-agility obstacles for confidence building, along with puppy problem solving/prevention, interactions with other pups, and training skills to set the stage for good manners!
Socialization Skills Program Content
Socialization Skills is a program all about fun, socialization and positive exposure to new obstacles, surfaces, miniature agility equipment and interactions. It’s a perfect way to build confidence in your puppy and build your relationship, too!
Along with this confidence-building, each class includes elements of socialization and problem prevention that are too often forgotten – for example, preventing and identifying sensitivity to sound and resource guarding, and prep for the vet and groomer.
Each class will also include supervised play and interactions between pups, as well as training skills to set the stage for good manners! these skills include an introduction to come when called, leash walking, and how to address exciting distractions.
Students will also receive access to the All Things Puppies! online resource classroom for easy at-home reference.
Also check out the Foundation Life Skills program! These two programs are different and can be completed concurrently.
Eligibility/Requirements
Puppies:
- Maximum 15wks at the time of your first class (enrol early, especially large breeds!)
- Age-appropriately vaccinated by a veterinarian (notably Parvovirus and Distemper, Rabies as age-appropriate), and veterinary documentation must provided
- Deworming documentation must be provided
- Pups must be in their homes for at least 7 days prior to their first class
Schedule Details
Sunday at 2pm with Kathleen
Looking for a weeknight class? Let us know!!
$239+HST
Four consecutive weeks (skipping holiday weekends when applicable)
Flexible Start Date
You can start class any time space is available!
- Submit the registration form by clicking the button below. We’ll confirm the next available start date.
- Once your start date is selected, submit payment within 24hrs of receiving the invoice to confirm your spot
Join us for Socialization Skills!
Check eligibility/requirements prior to registration
Contact the office if you have questions.
NOTICE: We’re restructuring! Enrolment for Socialization Skills is currently closed. Please contact the office for alternative training options.
Raising a Pandemic Puppy!
Briar came home January 1st 2021 – Right in the middle of a STRICT COVID lockdown!
A puppy’s Socialization cannot be put on hold no matter the reason. Every week is an eternity in the life of a puppy, and we need to take strategic advantage of this sensitive time in a puppy’s life to set them up for success in our human world.
Follow along with Briar’s first months at home, and how I still made Socialization happen from day one despite being in the middle of a winter COVID lockdown.
Want to know more about what Socialization REALLY is? Read this first.
All-Ages Life Skills – Program Options
The Life Skills Series is your go-to for manners and obedience!
The Foundation Life Skills Program, in-person or virtual, will get you started right with your puppy or new adoption of any age. (Or maybe your old dog want to learn new tricks!)
From there, work through the Advanced Life Skills Programs for an intensive focus on advanced skill-building for distractions, come when called, stay, leave it and more!
Foundation Life Skills Program (In-Person)
In-Person Life Skills is great for those living in or near Guelph who enjoy the accountability that comes with a in-person interaction, and whose schedule allows for weekly classes in this six-class program.
Advanced Life Skills Series (In-Person)
The Advanced Life Skills Series is made up of multiple programs that you can attend in any order for a deep-dive into advanced application and skill-building of concepts introduced in the Life Skills Foundation program.
Foundation Life Skills Program (Virtual)
Virtual Life Skills is perfect for pandemic safety, for those living outside of Guelph, and owners with hectic or unpredictable schedules! Get started on-demand and receive personal feedback on your training for the duration of the 8-week program.
VIRTUAL All-Ages Life Skills: Foundations
Dog training in the age of Social Distancing…
it CAN be done!
The COVID-19 pandemic has created lots of barriers in our lives, but luckily we can achieve the same great training results with the wonders of modern technology!
Virtual Life Skills is an all-ages manners and obedience program, appropriate for puppies and adult dogs alike – with the BONUS All Things Puppy Classroom for puppies under 6mo!
We will cover topics including:
- Come when called
- Settle and stay on a mat
- Polite leash walking
- Dealing with distractions
- Polite greetings with people
- Prevent running out the front door
- Impulse control around food
- Preventing “Counter surfing”
- And more!
How Does Virtual Life Skills Training Work?
Using a virtual classroom called Google Classrooms, you will be guided through training exercises with video demonstrations, verbal descriptions and written instructions. You will also receive entirely personalized feedback on your training from your instructor! This is NOT just a video tutorial.
Each exercise is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, and you will receive personalized support and guidance as you train your dog.
- Train at your own pace and on your own schedule
- Join class any time
- Eight weeks access to dynamic content and personal guidance and training support
- Access to the handy reference manual after your program is completed which includes written and video instructions for all training exercises
Technology requirements are:
- A basic understanding of computer/internet use, including recording a video
- Internet capacity that allows for watching and uploading videos
- A computer, phone or tablet that:
- Has a functional microphone
- Has a functional camera
- Can connect to the internet
Read the FAQ for more important details
The All Things Puppy Classroom!
Puppy students receive free access to the All Things Puppy Classroom for information on socialization and problem prevention that is specific to puppies – including guidance on nipping, house training, crate training and more!
Try out Google Classroom before you register!
You are encouraged to access the test classroom and familiarize yourself with how the platform works before registering. Simply:
- Sign in to Google or click here if you don’t have an account
- Click here to access the test classroom
Register for Virtual Life Skills!
This program is not interchangeable with the in-person Life Skills Program. You cannot transfer between programs after registration.
$295+HST
Start on demand!
Top-up your program timeframe: $60+HST/2 weeks (available only to current students)