Top 7 Dog Trainer Schools in Canada (And the One That’s Actually Treat-Free)

Brad Pattison
May 11
3 min read

Updated: May 21

Bodhi's life is just beginning, his future is wide open, 11 weeks old

Choosing the Best Dog Trainer School in Canada: What You Need to Know

Looking for the best dog trainer schools in Canada can be overwhelming. With so many programs claiming to offer expert-level dog trainer certification programs, how do you know which one will set you up for success—not just in theory, but in real-world practice?

Before you invest your time and money, it’s essential to compare dog training schools based on a few key factors:

Certification credibility
Hands-on experience
Focus on canine psychology and behaviour
Post-graduation support
Training philosophy (treat-based vs. behaviour-based)

Here, we break down six of the most well-known schools across Canada and then introduce you to the one that truly stands apart: Hustle Up Dog Trainer Academy, the only treat-free program backed by real rescue, coyote behaviour studies, and more.

7. Karen Pryor Academy

Location: Online, with some workshops in Canada Approach: Positive reinforcement, clicker training Duration: Self-paced Pros: Established brand, well-organized curriculum Cons: Heavy reliance on treat-based methodology; minimal hands-on experience in real-world environments

Website: Karen Pryor Academy

6. Animal Behavior College (ABC)

Location: Online with in-person externship opportunities in Canada Approach: Positive reinforcement, basic obedience Duration: 6 to 12 months Pros: Externship allows some hands-on experience Cons: Curriculum focused more on textbook learning than real dog behaviour dynamics

Website: Animal Behavior College

5. International Academy of Canine Trainers

Location: British Columbia Approach: Balanced training (combination of reward and correction) Duration: 8 weeks Pros: Offers in-person training Cons: Lacks depth in canine developmental behaviour and rescue rehabilitation

Website: IACT

4. Canine Correspondence Studies

Location: Online (based in Canada) Approach: Traditional obedience with flexibility in technique Duration: Varies Pros: Affordable Cons: Limited live instruction, no real-time feedback

Website: Canine Correspondence Studies

3. National K9 Learning Center (Canadian Extension)

Location: Some courses available in Canada Approach: Balanced methods Duration: 3 to 6 months Pros: Reputation and alumni network Cons: U.S.-based curriculum not fully tailored to Canadian dog laws or public training environments

Website: National K9

2. Dogma Academy

Location: Alberta Approach: Reward-based, group and individual training Duration: Varies Pros: In-person options Cons: No alternative to treat-based learning philosophy

Website: Dogma Training

1. Hustle Up Dog Trainer Academy (The Only Treat-Free School in Canada)

Location: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto (in-person) Approach: Behaviour-based, zero treats, no gimmicks Duration: 6-week Certified Dog Trainer Educator (CTE) Program

Pros: Hands on training, Science based, Empowering education, knowledge, and designed for todays dog ownership needs Cons: Certification locations available in Canada only

Founder: Brad Pattison

What Sets Hustle Up Apart:

30+ years of live instruction experience
Over 20 years of studying coyote and feral dog behaviour
Rescue training built into the curriculum
Search-and-rescue components, outdoor survival, and dog behaviourist certification options
Lifetime alumni support and community collaboration

Student Testimonial:"I took three other dog training programs before Hustle Up. Nothing compares to the hands-on learning, support, and actual dog psychology I gained here. I now run my own successful training business."

Another Bonus: You can even access wholesale pricing on dog gear, get training on running your own business, and receive ongoing mentorship directly from Brad Pattison himself.

Website: Hustle Up Dog Trainers Academy

The bond created with Hustle Up Certification is not comparable to treat training. Dogs bond to food unreliably with treat based bribes. Imagine teaching the dog to bond with family members, not food. Something treat training can not achieve. Your decision is simple, you can either be just another treat trainer with a less then impressive success rate, or choose to join the elite team of Certified Educator Trainers.

Pro Tip: How to Find the Right Dog Trainer Certification for YOU

Use specific search terms when comparing programs to weed out gimmicky schools. Try:

"treat-free dog trainer certification Canada"
"certified dog trainer program with hands-on learning"
"dog behaviourist course with rescue dog focus"

Then look for curriculum transparency. If a school doesn’t list exactly what you’ll learn, it probably isn’t offering enough real substance.

Ready to Become a Certified Dog Trainer?

If you want to be part of the next generation of trainers focused on dog psychology, communication, and offer an alternative in dog training with real transformation—not just short term temporary obedience—Hustle Up is for you.

✉️ Talk to a real trainer about your goals — Book a free consultation now

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