PLAY BASED PUPPY PROGRAM

Because training should be fun for you and the dog!

A person standing outdoors in cold weather with a German Shepherd puppy sitting on the grass, looking up at the person.

Private Training

For those interested in 1 on 1 training, we create a training program for your individual dog and YOUR need’s. Private lessons start in home or at a nearby environment.

Person walking a dog on a sidewalk in a suburban neighborhood with houses, a wooden fence, and trees.

Day Training

I will pick your dog up and drop them off, every lesson will be recorded and sent the day of. Perfect for those interested in board and train but are looking for a less costly option.

A woman playing tug-of-war with a large brown dog inside a spacious garage or workshop. The garage contains tools, equipment, and pet supplies, with one side featuring cages and various items stacked or stored.

Board and Train

Drop your puppy off for our 3 week minimum board and train program. Guarantee off leash results and a customized program, any command YOU want taught.

GET STARTED NOW!

WHY TRAIN YOUR PUPPY WITH PLAY?

Training through play isn’t a marketing gimmick — it’s the superior option.
If I had a dollar for every time someone told me, “My dog listens, but… [insert distraction here],” I’d be a millionaire already. Anytime I hear a “but,” it tells me that the moment something interesting happens, the dog tunes their owner out.

This happens because behaviors are paired with the emotional state the dog is in at the time. So when you’re calling your dog and they ignore you for a squirrel, or when they drag you down the street to chase something, it’s because what you’re offering them isn’t of equal value.

Training through play means we build a game around what the dog finds more exciting than anything else in the world. This allows us to train when the dog is in their most aroused state — and then we gain control over that state. We’re not trying to get rid of your dog’s desire to chase a squirrel — we’re providing an outlet of equal or greater value, and teaching obedience within that arousal.

That way, when they see a squirrel in the future, it’s no longer a big deal. We train in that state of mind — not by suppressing it, but by using it.


What You Will be Learning:

  • Play is not as simple as just throwing the ball or tugging. I am talking about creating a game with rules, penalties for not following the rules, cooperation and competition. The only way to accomplish this is to create a game around your individual dog’s genetics and create something more motivating than anything in the world. For example, a dog with a high prey drive, what king of prey drive? Chasing, stalking, fighting etc… We will identify exactly what your dog loves and build the motivation as high as we possibly can, then control it.

  • After building the right motivation through play, we shift our focus to obedience. While most trainers start with commands like “sit,” we begin with impulse control, followed by the “drop it” command — where the dog must release whatever is in their mouth.

    “Drop it” becomes our window into teaching any command you personally want. The only mandatory commands in our program are:

    • Recall

    • Leave it

    • Drop it

    Everything else — like a “heel” command — is optional and tailored to your goals.

    • Learn how to properly socialize your dog while out exploring the world

    • Learning how to ignore people is just as important as liking them.

    • Learn how to introduce new people, dogs or any other pet you may have.

    • Proper greetings

    • House training

    • Crate training

    • Understanding basic body language and how to read emotions

LEARN MORE ABOUT KWK9TRAINING

Screenshot of a Google review about David, a canine behavior specialist, praising his training skills and positive approach.
Two dogs resting on grass beside a dirt path, one black and gray with a leash in its mouth, the other light-colored with a collar and leash, in a grassy outdoor setting.
Screenshot of a positive review for a dog trainer named David, praising his professionalism, knowledge, and personalized approach.
Review by Abby Major praising trainer David for training her puppy, highlighting professionalism, knowledge, and positive results.

Servicing the waterloo region and surround areas.

519-222-8636

kwk9training@gmail.com