Living Better Dog Training Lisa Hoffman Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge Guelph Professional Certified Dog Trainer Dog Training Behaviour
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​Nurturing Beautiful Relationships 
Classes, Private & In Home Dog Training, Behaviour & Aggression Therapy


​
CLASSES & PRIVATE TRAINING


NOTE: WE WILL BE CLOSED ON ALL LONG WEEKENDS AND RUN ONE WEEK LONGER FOR EACH CLOSURE
NEW CLASS FOR 2025 LIFESKILS DOGS IN THE CITY 

​​PRIVATE TRAINING, BEHAVIOUR & AGGRESSION CONSULTATIONS


In Home
$300.00 to $375.00 + HST (Depending on type and severity of issues, age of dog and number of dogs in the home)
Travel fees outside of Kitchener-Waterloo may apply
Sessions 1.5 to 2 hours
​
At Our Training Facility
$250.00 to $300.00 + HST (depending on type and severity of issues, age of dog and number of dogs)
Sessions 1.5 to 2 hours
PLEASE NOTE IF YOU HAVE ADOPTED FROM A REPUTABLE RESCUE (with proof) I LOWER MY PRIVATE SESSION FEES.

​
  • Multi-session packages available after initial consultation
  • All packages include quick reference files and unlimited phone/email support​​

Complementary 15 minute Assessment at the Training Facility
Call or email to book your class placement assessment

​CLASSES


About Our Classes
  • Registration for all classes are to be done via email to [email protected] ​, we do this to ensure the right mix of dogs in each class.
  • All classes include socialization and confidence building to prevent aggression because most dog bites are caused by fear.
  • We teach you to understand your dog’s behaviours, motivations, and communications.
  • We teach the life skills necessary for your dog to become a good citizen and companion.
  • ​We set you up for success with problem prevention as well as helping to solve existing problems.
  • We include Q&A to address your concerns after every class.
  • ​​Over 16 months must be spayed or neutered unless approved by Lisa.
  • IF THE CLASS YOU WANT IS FULL CONTACT LISA AS SHE MAY ADD EXTRA CLASSES OR HAVE OTHER OPTIONS



PUPPY FOUNDATIONS 
Your path to a solid relationship with your canine family member.

​All puppies must:
  • Be under 5 months of age at start of class
  • Have had at least their first set of vaccines (including kennel cough)
  • Have a clear fecal test prior to the start of class​
Class Fees:
$470.00 (includes taxes) 6 Week Program 
Register for Puppy Foundations by emailing 
[email protected]
​
​What is included in your class fee
  • Each session is 60 minutes and the course runs for 5 consecutive weeks.  Following each class is a 20 minute Q & A session.  This provides a safe space to discuss any issues anyone may be having outside of the classroom with their canine companion.
  • Receive immediate feedback during your class.  Our small class size (maximum 4 puppies dependent on size) allows us to work with each puppy and their guardian(s) during every class.
  • Receive weekly emails with content covered during each class along with helpful PDFs to ensure the skills you learned in class can be practiced at home too!
  • Access via email and phone with Lisa throughout the course in case any issues arise between classes.
  • All family members (well behaved) involved in the care of the puppy are welcome to class.
​What we Cover:
  • Proper Socialization:  Supervised off leash playtime and socialization to people, objects, noises, etc., inside and outside of school.  Understanding social skills and the right and the wrong way dogs meet and greet.
  • How and Why Dogs Learn:  Understanding this allows us to train our canine companions by utilizing a wide array of positive and effective training techniques.  Understanding your canine companion's specific breed(s) may determine the tools and techniques that will be most effective for them.
  • ​​The Fundamentals of all Dog Training:  Teaching the puppy to respond to their name and to connect with you.  Focus exercises like: leave it, out/drop it, touch, look, find it, recall, handling, sit, down and stand, mat/placement work.  Introductions to loose leash walking and support with crate training, potty training, teething, jumping and so much more.​
  • NEW:  Fun Exercises in Strength and Mobility and how we can incorporate them in to our daily Training.  Games!  Fun and interactive games that we can take from the classroom to the real world!!

CLASS AVAILABILITY:
 10% OFF for RETURNING CLIENTS AND RESCUES!

JUNE 2025 (5 WEEK SESSION ONLY)  $392.00 taxes included
Sunday May 25, June 1, 8, 15 and 22nd - From 12pm to 1pm -FULL
Tuesday May 27, June 3, 10, 17 and 24th - From 5:30pm to 6:30pm - 2 SPOTS ONLY

JULY/AUGUST 2025  $470.00 6 weeks
Sunday July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 10 and 17th - From 12pm to 1pm - OPEN 
Sunday July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 10 and 17th - From 1:30pm to 2:30pm - OPEN
​
Wednesday July 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6 and 13th  - From 5:30pm to 6:30pm -
ONLY 4 SPOTS LEFT

AUGUST/SEPTMEBER 2025 - 4 WEEK PROGRAM - $314.00
Sunday August 24, September 7, 21 and 28th - From 12pm to 1pm - OPEN
Sunday August 24, September 7, 21 and 28th - From 1:30pm to 2:30pm - OPEN
Tuesday August 26, September 2, 16, and 23rd - 5:30pm to 6:30pm - OPEN


OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2025 - 6 WEEK PROGRAM - $470.00
Sunday October 5, 19, 26, November 2, 9 and 16th - From 12pm to 1pm - OPEN
Monday October 6, 20, 27, November 3, 10 and 17th - From 5:30pm to 6:30pm - OPEN
Tuesday October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4 and 11th - From 5:30pm to 6:30pm - OPEN


NOVEMBER/DECEMBER  2025 - 4 WEEK PROGRAM - $314.00
Sunday November 23, 30th, December 7 and 14th - From 12pm to 1pm - OPEN
Sunday November 23, 30th, December 7 and 14th - From 1:30pm to 2:30pm - OPEN
Wednesday November 26, December 3, 10 and 17th - From 5:30pm to 6:30pm - OPEN


WATCH FOR NEW CLASSES FOR 2026!















  LifeSkills Foundations #1 
Your path to a solid relationship with your canine family member.

​All dogs must:
  • Be 5 months of age or older
  • Be fully vaccinated (including kennel cough)
  • Have a clear fecal test prior to the start of class​
Class Fees:
$485.00 (includes taxes)

Register for LifeSkills Foundations by emailing :  [email protected]

​What is included in your class fee
  • Each session is 60 minutes and the course runs for 6 consecutive weeks.  Following each class is a 20 minute Q & A session.  This provides a safe space to discuss any issues anyone may be having outside of the classroom with their canine companion.
  • Receive immediate feedback during your class.  Our small class size (maximum 2 to 4 dogs dependent on size) allows us to work with each dog and their guardian(s) during every class.
  • Receive weekly emails with content covered during each class along with helpful PDFs to ensure the skills you learned in class can be practiced at home too!
  • Access via email and phone with Lisa throughout the course in case any issues arise between classes.
  • All family members (well behaved) involved in the care of the dog are welcome to class.
​What we Cover:
  • Proper Socialization:  Supervised off leash playtime (only if dogs were previously in Puppy Foundations together) and socialization to people, objects, noises, etc., inside and outside of school.  Understanding social skills and the right and the wrong way dogs meet and greet.
  • How and Why Dogs Learn:  Understanding this allows us to train our canine companions by utilizing a wide array of positive and effective training techniques.  Understanding your canine companion's specific breed(s) may determine the tools and techniques that will be most effective for them.
  • ​​The Fundamentals of all Dog Training:  Teaching your dog to respond to their name and to connect with you.  Focus exercises like: leave it, out/drop it, touch, look, find it, recall, handling, mat/placement work, and stay work (up to a 1 minute stay). We will continue to polish up the basics as well as work on loose leash walking and so much more.
  • NEW:  Fun Exercises in Strength and Mobility and how we can incorporate them in to our daily Training.  Games!  Fun and interactive games that we can take from the classroom to the real world!!
  • Most classes will run indoors and outdoors (weather permitting).

​CLASS AVAILABILITY
10% OFF for RETURNING CLIENTS AND RESCUES!
JUNE 2025 (5 WEEK SESSION ONLY) - $405.00
Sunday May 25, June 1, 8, 15 and 22nd - From 1:30pm to 2:30pm - FULL
Sunday May 25, June 1, 8, 15 and 22nd - From 3pm to 4pm - FULL
Monday May 26, June 2, 9, 16 and 23rd - From 5:30pm to 6:30pm - FULL
Monday May 26, June 2, 9, 16 and 23rd - From 7pm to 8pm - 6:30pm -FULL

Wednesday May 28, June 4, 11, 18 and 25th - From 5:30pm to 6:30pm - 1 SPOT ONLY LEFT

JULY/AUGUST 2025 (6 WEEK SESSION ONLY) - $485.00
Sunday July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 10 and 17th - From 3pm to 4pm - OPEN 
Monday July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 11 and 18th - From 5:30pm to 6:30pm - OPEN
Monday July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 11 and 18th - From 7pm to 8pm - 6:30pm - OPEN
Tuesday July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5 and 12th - From 5:30pm to 6:30pm - OPEN


AUGUST/SEPTMEBER 2025 - 4 WEEK PROGRAM - $324.00
Sunday August 24, September 7, 21 and 28th - From 3pm to 4pm - OPEN

Tuesday August 26, September 2, 16, and 23rd - 7pm to 8pm - OPEN
Wednesday August 27, September 3, 17 and 24th - 5:30pm to 6:30pm - OPEN

Thursday August 28, September 4, 18 and 25th - From 5:30pm to 6:30pm - OPEN

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2025 - 6 WEEK PROGRAM - $485.00

Sunday October 5, 19, 26, November 2, 9 and 16th - From 1:30pm to 2:30pm - OPEN
Monday October 6, 20, 27, November 3, 10 and 17th - From 7pm to 8pm - OPEN
Wednesday October 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5 and 12th - From 5:30pm to 6:30pm - OPEN


NOVEMBER/DECEMBER  2025 - 4 WEEK PROGRAM - $324.00
Sunday November 23, 30th, December 7 and 14th - From 3pm to 4pm - OPEN
Monday November 24, December 1, 8 and 15th - From 5:30pm to 6:30pm - OPEN
Tuesday November 25, December 2, 9 and 16th - From 5:30pm to 6:30pm - OPEN
Wednesday November 26, December 3, 10 and 17th - From 7pm to pm - OPEN












​


​LifeSkills Foundations #2
Your path to understanding your canine family member.

​All dogs must:
  • Be 6 months of age or older
  • Must have completed LifeSkills 1 (or approved by Lisa)
  • Be fully vaccinated  (including kennel cough)
  • Have a clear fecal test prior to the start of class (if a new rescue)​
Class Fees:
$485.00  (includes taxes)

Register for LifeSkills Beginner/Intermediate  by emailing :  [email protected]
Lisa will assess whether you will be in Beginner/Intermediate

​What is included in your class fee
  • Each session is 60 minutes and the course runs for 6 consecutive weeks.  Following each class is a 20 minute Q & A session.  This provides a safe space to discuss any issues anyone may be having outside of the classroom with their canine companion.
  • Receive immediate feedback during your class.  Our small class size (maximum 2 to 4 dogs dependent on size) allows us to work with each dog and their guardian(s) during every class.
  • Receive weekly emails with content covered during each class along with helpful PDFs to ensure the skills you learned in class can be practiced at home too!
  • Access via email and phone with Lisa throughout the course in case any issues arise between classes.
  • All family members (well behaved) involved in the care of the dog are welcome to class.
​What we Cover:
  • Proper Socialization: Understanding social skills and the right and the wrong way dogs meet and greet.  Learning how to have a calm dog in outdoor environments and situations.  
  • How and Why Dogs Learn:  Understanding this allows us to train our canine companions by utilizing a wide array of positive and effective training techniques.  Understanding your canine companion's specific breed(s) may determine the tools and techniques that will be most effective for them.
  • ​​The Fundamentals of all Dog Training:  Expanding on focus exercises like: leave it, out/drop it, touch, look, find it, recall, handling, mat/placement work, and stay work (up to a 2 minute stay, distracted stay, out of sight stay, working inside and outside). We will also continue to develop loose leash walking (both in school and out in public spaces, speed changes, figure 8 exercises) and so much more.
  • Most classes will run indoors and outdoors (weather permitting).
  • NEW:  Fun Exercises in Strength and Mobility and how we can incorporate them in to our daily Training.  Games!  Fun and interactive games that we can take from the classroom to the real worl
  • CLASS AVAILABILTY: 
10% OFF for RETURNING CLIENTS AND RESCUES!

JUNE 2025 (5 WEEK SESSION ONLY) - 
$405.00

Sunday May 25, June 1, 8, 15 and 22nd - From 4:30pm to 5:30pm - FULL
Tuesday May 27, June 3, 10, 17 and 24th - From 7pm to 8pm - OPEN
Wednesday May 28, June 4, 11, 18 and 25th - From 7pm to 8pm - FULL

JULY/AUGUST 2025 (6 WEEK SESSION ONLY) - $485.00
Sunday July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 10 and 17th - From 4:30pm to 5:30pm - OPEN 
Tuesday July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5 and 12th - From 7pm to 8pm - OPEN
Wednesday July 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6 and 13th - From 7pm to 8pm - OPEN

AUGUST/SEPTMEBER 2025 - 4 WEEK PROGRAM - $324.00
Sunday August 24, September 7, 21 and 28th - From 4:30pm to 5:30pm - OPEN

Wednesday August 27, September 3, 17 and 24th - From  7pm to 8pm - OPEN
Thursday August 28, September 4, 18 and 25th - From 7pm to 8pm - OPEN

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2025 - 6 WEEK PROGRAM - $485.00

Sunday October 5, 19, 26, November 2, 9 and 16th - From 3pm to 4pm - OPEN
Tuesday  October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4 and 11th - From 7pm to 8pm - OPEN
Wednesday October 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5 and 12th - From 7pm to 8pm - OPEN


NOVEMBER/DECEMBER  2025 - 4 WEEK PROGRAM - $324.00
Sunday November 23, 30th, December 7 and 14th - From 4:30pm to 5:30 - OPEN
Monday November 24, December 1, 8 and 15th - From 7pm to 8pm - OPEN
Tuesday November 25, December 2, 9 and 16th - From 7pm to 8pm - OPEN








​​IF THERE IS A WAIT LIST I WILL OPEN MORE CLASSES FOR THIS SESSION


NEW CLASS

​​LifeSkills In The City 
​Your path to understanding your canine family member.
​All dogs must:
  • Be 1 year of age or older
  • Must have completed LifeSkills Basics or Intermediate  (or approved by Lisa)
  •  Be Fully Vaccinated  (including kennel cough)
  • Have a clear fecal test prior to the start of class (if a new rescue)​
Class Fees:
$485.00  (includes taxes)

Register for LifeSkills  by emailing :  [email protected]

​What is included in your class fee
  • Each session is 60 minutes and the course runs for 5 consecutive weeks.  Following each class is a 20 minute Q & A session.  This provides a safe space to discuss any issues anyone may be having outside of the classroom with their canine companion.
  • Receive immediate feedback during your class.  Our small class size (maximum 4 dogs dependent on size) allows us to work with each dog and their guardian(s) during every class.
  • Receive weekly emails with content covered during each class along with helpful PDFs to ensure the skills you learned in class can be practiced at home too!
  • Access via email and phone with Lisa throughout the course in case any issues arise between classes.
  • All family members (well behaved) involved in the care of the dog are welcome to class.
​What we Cover:
  • Proper Socialization: Understanding social skills and the right and the wrong way dogs meet and greet.  Learning how to have a calm dog in outdoor environments and in a multitude of situations.  
  • How and Why Dogs Learn:  Understanding this allows us to train our canine companions by utilizing a wide array of positive and effective training techniques.  Understanding your canine companions specific breed(s) may determine the tools and techniques that will be most effective for them.
  • ​​The Fundamentals of all Dog Training:  Expanding on focus exercises like: leave it, out/drop it, touch, look, find it, recall, handling, mat/placement work, Stay work in a multitude of locations throughout the city, Loose Leash walking, how to be calm in City environments.  Basically we take everything that we have learnt in the classroom and take it out into the real world!​
  • NEW:  Fun Exercises in Strength and Mobility and how we can incorporate them in to our daily Training.  Games!  Fun and interactive games that we can take from the classroom to the real world!!
  • Classes will be held away from the school and be both inside and outside (weather permitting).  All locations will be announced each week.

​CLASS AVAILABILITY
​
10% OFF for RETURNING CLIENTS AND RESCUES!
Thursday May 22, 29, June 5, 12 and 19th - From 6pm to 7pm - 1 SPOT ONLY LEFT
Thursday July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31st - From 6pm to 7pm - 4 SPOTS ONLY
Thursday October 9, 16, 23, 30 and November 6th - 6pm to 7pm - OPEN






WILL ADD ANOTHER CLASS IF WAIT LIST STARTS

​

     



Reactive/Sensitive Dog Classes - 
Your path to understanding your canine family member.

​All dogs must:
  • Be 1 year of age or older
  • Must have had a n/c pre assessment by Lisa
  • Must fill out a complete Behaviour Evaluation 
  • May need to wear a muzzle before entering, during class and leaving class while on school property
  •  Be Fully Vaccinated  (including kennel cough)
  • Have a clear fecal test prior to the start of class (if a new rescue)​
  • ALL DOGS MUST REMAIN IN VEHICLES UNTIL LISA COMES OUT TO BRING YOU IN 1 AT A TIME
Class Fees:
$565.00  (includes taxes)

Register for this class by emailing :  [email protected]

Dogs are reactive for one of two reasons. They’re either excited or frustrated because of being restrained when they want to approach an object, dog or person, or they’re afraid and want the object, dog or person to go away. The behaviors' can appear similar in both cases. We use positive, scientifically proven counter-conditioning and desensitization to teach self control and change your dog's emotional state and behaviors'.

What is included in your class fee
  • Each session is 60 minutes ( sometimes we need to shorten the class if your dog becomes overwhelmed in any way) and the course runs for 5 consecutive weeks.  Following each class is a 20 minute Q & A session.  This provides a safe space to discuss any issues anyone may be having outside of the classroom with their canine companion.
  • Receive immediate feedback during your class.  Our small class size (maximum 2- 3 dogs dependent on size and issues) allows us to work with each dog and their guardian(s) during every class.
  • Receive weekly emails with content covered during each class along with helpful PDFs to ensure the skills you learned in class can be practiced at home too!
  • Access via email and phone with Lisa throughout the course in case any issues arise between classes.
  • All family members (well behaved) involved in the care of the dog are welcome to class.
What we Cover:

  • This is dependent on what issues we are dealing with, for each individual dog we will set a class curriculum during the first class of the session.




Payment Options
Cash or Email Money Transfer to: [email protected] 
​

Registration and Refund Policy
Payments to be made to: [email protected] within 24 hours of registration in order to confirm consultation and/or class.
​Non-transferable, no discounts, refunds or credits.

Health and Vaccines
Proof of up to date vaccines required prior to your first class. Failure to do so will eliminate you from the class, no exceptions.
  • Females in season will not be permitted in class.
  • All dogs over 16 months must be spayed or neutered before acceptance into any class that includes Social Play unless approved by Lisa.
  • If you suspect your dog may be unwell in any way (physical or emotional) contact Lisa prior to class to determine whether or not it is suitable to bring your dog to class.
  • If you or anyone joining you for class is unwell, contact Lisa prior to class to determine if you need to miss a class or wear a mask.
  • If you have tested positive for Covid-19 contact Lisa to make other arrangements. A negative test will be required to re-join class.

Equipment
  • 6’ to 10’ leash with handle
  • Properly fitted flat buckle collar, Martingale collar or harness. (Ask Lisa for recommendations)
  • No training equipment is to be used to punish a dog in any way.
  • NOT PERMITTED: Shock or spray equipment of any kind, choke chains, slip collars or leads, pinch/prong collars, retractable leashes or any tool or technique that is designed to cause stress, anxiety, fear, discomfort or pain for the dog.

​​I’m always here for you if you have problems or questions.
Lisa Hoffman, CTB.ccs, IPDTA - [email protected]

CONTACT LISA
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  • Testimonials
  • Contact
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  • Specialty Options