K9 Kind offers a holistic education for companion dogs with a team of knowledgeable trainers. We offer various expertise specializing in reactivity, early puppyhood development, aggression, rescue dogs, herding breeds, service dog preparation, and companion dog training. Various training options include; group classes, private training options in our classroom, in-home, in real-life park settings in the Comox Valley, with decoy dogs for reactivity training, as well as virtual that you choose as you go.
The dog training industry is unregulated meaning anyone can call themselves a dog trainer regardless of their education, experience, or methods. It is a “buyer beware” system for dog owners seeking professional dog training and behaviour consulting which is why we are BCSPCA Animal Kind accredited. As Animal Kind accredited trainers, we adhere to the educational requirements and professional standards of dog training. Our trainers are certified and hold an Animal Kind approved dog trainer qualification and have been assessed for their competence to train dogs using positive reinforcement training.
Dog training methods are most effective when they teach your dog what to do, rather than punishing them for unwanted behaviours. Reward-based training leads to a dog that chooses to do what you want them to do instead of a dog that avoids doing the wrong thing to evade punishment or corrections. Punishment starts when knowledge is exhausted. A positive reinforcement approach to training fosters trust and builds positive human-animal relationships, as well as protects you and your dog from the trauma and behavioural problems that result from substandard dog training. We promote non-confrontational and humane solutions to living successfully with our canine companions.
Punishment relies on force and coercion to teach, and fear and intimidation to maintain. Positive reinforcement relies on teaching by association, and motivation to maintain. The difference between behaviour based on fear compared to behaviours based on motivation, is reliability.
I adopted two shelter dogs who were terrified when we tried to clip their nails. The vet had to put them out to do it for us. I consulted with Carrie, who worked with the dogs for a short time, and we have since been able to use positive reinforcement to get the job done quickly and efficiently, with no stress to them at all. Also worked for barking, whining and handling thunderstorms. Superb!!!
Hunny’s Mom
Awesome experience with K9 Kind. Really enjoyed attending classes and they were great at providing feedback on our training and advice for specific situations. We would definitely recommend if you're looking for an awesome puppy school experience!
Jessica Kerr
I highly recommend K9 Kind for high quality, professional dog training services. They are the best at what they do and have helped our family immensely to understand and train our dog.
Cameron Knox
We had a wonderful experience with positive reinforcement training for our German Shepherd with Carrie - she was so informative, kind with us and our dog -- the result = a delightfully sweet disposition and super obedient 4 year old Shepherd who is amazing with kids, adults and our kitten :)
Sharmeen
Great training courses, well structured, organized and accommodating.
I would not hesitate to bring another pup or adult dog who needed some additional aid with training to K9 Kind.
The one on one training was incredibly helpful also!
Ryan Wanner
K9 Kind is a wonderful training resource for your dog. I’ve tried other trainers and Carrie and Karou are amazing to say the least. You won’t be disappointed by choosing them.
Jessica Turmuende
Our family has tried every dog trainer in the area, and this team was by far the most courteous, thoughtful and professional service we’ve encountered.
Scout’s Dad
We attended puppy kindergarten. She is absolute magic with dogs - any dogs.
We learned so much and it was a great socializing experience for our little one.
All sizes, breeds, behaviours, and issues. Would recommend!
Kathryn Nimchuk
We took our 8 month old, high energy Labrador Retriever puppy (Teddy) to K9 Kind puppy kindergarten classes. Carrie and Kaoru are very good at what they do! They were patient and skilled at making our very excited puppy do exactly what they asked of him and teaching us how to be better puppy parents. They gave us the tools to continue training him at home which has made a world of difference. Our pup is now very well trained, even off leash, which we thought would never happen. Thank you Carrie and Kaoru! We highly recommend K9 Kind.
Jake Bapty
As a professional dog trainer and behaviour consultant, I have the opportunity to refer clients to Carrie on a regular basis, I am more than happy to do this, as her professional, friendly and helpful attitude all make her someone I am proud to be in the dog training profession with. Oh! And she is also good at training dogs, too! :)
Lynne Fedorick
I did the obedience 1 training with my 8 month old puppy and it was worth every penny. K9 kind do a great job of breaking down positive reinforcement training and both my dog and I are better for it. Would highly recommend.
Summer Scott
I brought both my dogs (German Shepherd cross & Blue heeler) to K9 kind Obedience Classes and had a positive, educational experience. Carrie takes time with each dog and handler to help with specific issue or questions. Classes were fun and good mix of real life situations and take home practice!
Sara Schouten
Rita Picard
Rudy's Mom
Sharky's mom
Erica Grace
Melissa Flynn