Mission Paws Dog School

23/06/2025

If you let your dog off leash and then call “come!” — and they glance back at you like,
“That’s a no from me dawg…”

Then this class is for you.

Enjoying off-leash walks isn’t about having a perfectly obedient dog.

It’s about knowing how to show your dog that you’re worth coming back to.
✅ Even when there are other dogs to play with
✅ Even when a squirrel’s darting across the road
✅ Even when there’s a random pizza crust on the ground

Rapid Recall teaches what most recall training misses:
👉 That real-life recall isn’t about drills — it’s about competing with a world full of distractions your dog finds way more exciting than you.

Most training teaches recall from a “sit-stay” as the human walks away and calls them from 50 feet.
But that’s not what off-leash life looks like.

Your dog is in motion.
They’re sniffing, chasing, playing — while the world is constantly calling to them with movement, scent, and sound.

That pizza crust? It’s recalling them.
The squirrel? Recalling them.
The bear p**p to roll in? Recalling them.

This class teaches your dog how to respond in those moments — when everything else is pulling them away.

You’ll learn how to:
✅ Build a pattern of choosing you — even when they’re already mid-run
✅ Train for sudden distractions, not just “stay still and wait” obedience
✅ Set up practice that reflects the real challenges of off-leash life

🎁 Includes:
- Lifetime access to the full online Rapid Recall program ($147 value)
- Lifetime access to Perfect Place Training to train your dog to not launch out the car, door, or gate the second it opens ($97 value)
- Biothane longline from Tiny Horse mercantile ($55 value)

📍 Training in Victoria — with distraction-smart progressions

Positive reinforcement, fear-free training methods
All ages and breeds welcome
Small classes to ensure personalized coaching.

Sunday July 13 & 20
2:00pm - 2:50pm

Prospect Lake Community Hall (outside)
5358 Sparton Rd, Victoria, BC

$145 + gst

Register Now: www.missionpawsdogschool.as.me/recall-july

13/06/2025

Does this sound like you?

You call your dog…
…and they don’t even flinch.

Meanwhile, a pigeon flaps its wings two blocks away and your dog’s fully dialed in.

It’s not that your dog doesn’t know what “come” means.
It’s that it doesn’t make them feel anything.

Because dogs don’t respond to cues out of obedience — they respond because of value.

And distractions?
They come with built-in dopamine hits.

Sniffing, chasing, running, wrestling… it’s reality TV for dogs.

You? You’re giving CBC energy — calm, educational, and easy to flip past.

But here’s the good news:
You can build that emotional spark into your recall.

You just need to stop thinking of “come” as a command —
and start treating it like a party invite.

Ready to discover the 5 common mistakes dog owners make that make them less interesting to their dog than last weeks leftovers?

Comment FIVE and I'll send you the link to my free video & cheatsheet.

10/06/2025

You want to walk your dog off leash, buuuutttt

right now, it feels like you need a prayer and a backup plan.

Not because you haven’t tried training them to come when you call…

But because your dog ghosts you the second there’s something more exciting than you.

Here’s the truth:
Reliable recall isn’t about yelling louder.

Or finding the world’s stinkiest treat.

Or drilling “sit, stay, COME” until your dog's ears fall off
(I mean, isn't that kind of the problem? It's like their ears fall off? I digress.)

It’s about teaching your dog to choose you even when the environment is wild and exciting..

You're doing so many things right.

And when you know the mistakes that are silently underming your progress, having those off leash walks without being ghosted will be so much easier.

Discover 5 more common mistakes dog owners make that sabotage their recall in my free video + cheatsheet.

Comment FIVE and I'll send you the link 🖇

03/06/2025

Hot take: Your puppy shouldn’t become your full-time job.

And I say that with love.
Because I’ve been there—
rearranging my life around a tiny ball of fluff who seems to need everything from me. All. The. Time.

But here’s the truth no one tells you early on:
If you teach your puppy that your constant presence = constant entertainment,
they won’t just depend on it—
they’ll require it to function.

That means when you’re not engaging?
They spiral.

When you leave the room?
They panic.

When you stop managing every moment?
Chaos.

This doesn't grow a calm companion.
It creates a tiny dopamine ju**ie with separation issues.
(Not always. But often enough to make a comment about it).

This doesn’t mean ignoring your puppy.
Or letting them “cry it out.”
Or denying their needs.
Or not giving them love and play and attention or letting them sleep on your bed or couch or whatever.
(Don't put words in my mouth, internet).

It means teaching them how to coexist with you.
To rest.
To settle.
To observe.
To be part of your life—without hijacking your independence.

Because one day you’re trying to meet their every need…
And the next, you’re stuck with a 60lb velcro dog with zero chill factor.

That’s what Puppy Foundations is for.
To help you raise a dog who fits into your life—without you having to shrink it.

1 spot left.

Send me a message to grab it.

📍 Vic West Community Centre
🗓️ Starts June 4 | 🕕 Tuesdays at 6PM
🐶 For puppies up to ~6 months (ish)

Let’s build calm. Build confidence.
And raise a dog who can be more Phobe Buffay and a little less Ross Gellar.

01/06/2025

Where most puppy parents go wrong…

They’re excited. Obsessed. In love.
(Duh. Who wouldn't be?!)

BUT, and this is a big BUT...

They shift their entire life around their new puppy’s every move.

And it feels like the right thing to do.

But here’s the trap:

They adapt to their dog, instead of shaping a dog who can adapt to them.

They focus on obedience cues—sit, down, stay—
instead of teaching their pup how to cope with the life they actually want to live.

Fast-forward a few months, and they’re frustrated.

Burnt out.

Trying to undo habits that were never sustainable in the first place.

If you start how you mean to go on—
with calm, clarity, and real-life skills—
you don’t have to “fix” anything later.

You raise a dog who’s easy to live with.

A dog who fits your lifestyle without you having to shrink it.

📍 Want help doing it right from the start?
Join my Puppy Foundations class
🗓️ Starts June 4 | 🕕 Tuesdays at 6PM
📍 Vic West Community Centre

💕 Fear and force free games based method
🐶 For puppies up to ~6 months (ish)
💻 www.missionpawsdogschool.com/groupclasses

Let’s raise the dog you dreamed of—without losing yourself in the process.

31/05/2025

Here’s something no one tells you about raising a puppy:

It’s not about getting them to “behave.”
It’s about helping them cope.
With change. With distractions. With their own emotions.

Sit, down, and stay?
Sure, they’re useful.
But this class is the stuff you won’t find on YouTube.

What will help?
✅ Teaching your puppy how to handle the world so that they don’t just listen, they choose to tune in
✅ Building a relationship rooted in trust and clarity so that your dog doesn’t just know commands—they understand you
✅ Playing purposeful training games so that learning is fun—for both of you—and your pup actually wants to engage

Not only will you grow a secure bond with your puppy—
you’ll start to understand why they behave the way they do, and how to help them navigate life more confidently.

So that life together flows easier.
So that those patio hangs, off-leash hikes, and quiet evenings on the couch feel natural—not like something you have to “work for.”

That’s what we do in Puppy Foundations.
No rigid drills. No “quick fixes.”
Just real training, rooted in connection, confidence, and the joy of doing life together.

📍 Vic West Community Centre
🗓️ Tuesdays at 6PM | June 4, 11, 18, 25
🐶 For puppies up to ~6 months (ish)
🎟️ $247 for 4 weeks
💻 Register here → missionpawsdogschool.as.me/puppy
💙 Fear & force free - games based training

✨ Spots still open.
If you're feeling behind, overwhelmed, or unsure what actually matters—this is the reset you need.

Let’s raise the dog you dreamed of—together.

Dog training group classes in Victoria BC. Positive reinforcement dog training for recall, jumping, obedience, leash manners, reactivity, pulling on leash, puppy training, dog life skills, local to Victoria, Saanich BC,

24/05/2025

My dog was attacked 3 times last year.
And while he didn’t end up reactive, he easily could have.

•He started flinching at sounds.
•Scanning constantly.
•Freezing on walks.

It was clear: his confidence had taken a hit.

So we didn’t dive back into busy trails.

We didn’t practice sit-stay near barking dogs.

And we didn’t “face our fears” head-on.

Instead, we focused on building resilience in his nervous system.

🔹 We did boundary games so that his body could learn:
“Stillness is safe. You don’t always have to brace for impact.”

🔸 We did body awareness games so that his brain could reconnect with his body and say:
“I know where I am. I’m grounded. I’ve got this.”

🔹 We explored new objects and textures so that his reticular activating system — the part of the brain that filters sensory input — could stop sending “red alert” signals over harmless things.

🔸 And we gave him choices, every step of the way, so that his prefrontal cortex — the thinking, problem-solving part of the brain — could stay online and build true confidence.

Because here’s what most people don’t realize:

When your dog is triggered, it’s their amygdala running the show — the brain’s alarm system.

And you can’t train an amygdala with "commands".

You calm it through trust, safety, and controlled success.

So no — we didn’t push through.

We built up.

With tiny, intentional wins that told his nervous system:
“You’re safe now. You’ve got this.”

🟡 Want to do the same for your dog?
Join my FREE 10-Day Confidence Boost Challenge starting June 1.
1 game a day.
10 minutes or less.
Real-life benefits.

🗨Comment COOL and I’ll send it to you!

23/05/2025

Whether you dream of off-leash adventures, a chill café companion, or a calm cuddle buddy on the couch—your puppy’s future starts with the right foundation.

Puppy Foundations with Mission Paws Dog School is a supportive, small-group class designed to help you raise a dog who can confidently move through the world with you.

We’ll focus on what actually matters long-term: real-life skills, calm behavior, and a strong relationship with clear communication.

Together, we’ll lay the foundation to:
🐾 Loose leash walking without pulling for calm neighborhood walks
🐾 Reliable recall so that you can enjoy a life of off leash hikes
🐾 Settling at home and in public so that you can have a couch buddy and a patio partner
🐾 Preventing reactivity, counter surfing, and jumping up
🐾 Building confidence through games and positive reinforcement
🐾 Understanding your pup’s needs, emotions, and communication style

Whether this is your first dog or your fifth, we’ll meet you where you’re at and help you create lasting habits—without pressure or perfectionism.

📍 Vic West Community Centre
📅 Wednesdays – June 4, 11, 18, 25
⏰ 6:00 – 6:50 PM
💻 Register now: missionpawsdogschool.as.me/puppy
🎟️ $247 =gst

This course is open to puppies up to 6 months—all breeds welcome.

✨ Spots are limited to keep class calm and connected. Grab yours early!

Dog training group classes in Victoria BC. Positive reinforcement dog training for recall, jumping, obedience, leash manners, reactivity, pulling on leash, puppy training, dog life skills, local to Victoria, Saanich BC,

20/05/2025

Your dog doesn’t need more exposure.
They need a confidence boost. 🧠🐾

Here are 3 signs your dog is low on confidence (and what it really means):

1️⃣ They freeze, flop, or pancake in new places.
(That’s not calm — that’s emotional shutdown.)

2️⃣They bark at random stuff —
Statues, plastic bags, mailboxes with ✨vibes✨.
(It’s not “overreaction.” It’s insecurity.)

3️⃣They’re glued to you at home…Until the doorbell rings and they go full Olympic high-jumper.
And outside? Head on a swivel, scanning for doom.

🎯 Join my free Confidence Live Training on May 21 @ 6pm PST to learn how to build that confidence without sending your dog into an emotional meltdown.

💬 Comment COOL and I’ll DM you the link.

12/02/2025

People are always surprised when I say I only do big walks with Vince 3-4 times per week.

(And by big I mean 20 minutes off leash).

Especially since he used to hike 90 minutes every day. Sometimes twice.

On average he spends about 20 hours per day sleeping.

He's fit. He's healthy. And he's behaviorally sound.

Now if I still gave him 90 minute hikes, every day, played fetch or did other typical "high-energy working breed" exercise, this guy would be a maniac and quite difficult to live with.

It's the frequent quiet days with more mental exercise instead of physical exertion that make him more physically, mentally, emotionally, and behaviorally fit.

11/02/2025

3 Little-Known Ways Trick Training Improves Your Dog’s Everyday Behavior! 🐶✨

Think tricks are just for fun? Think again! Trick training is a powerful tool that can transform your dog’s behavior in ways you never expected. Here’s how:

1️⃣ Boosts Focus & Engagement – Teaching tricks strengthens your dog’s ability to pay attention to you, making everyday behaviours like recall and loose leash walking easier! 👀🐾

2️⃣ Builds Confidence & Reduces Anxiety – Mastering new skills helps nervous or reactive dogs feel more secure in their environment, leading to calmer behavior at home and on walks. 🧘‍♂️🐕

3️⃣ Provides Mental & Physical Exercise – On days when walks aren’t ideal (hello, bad weather! ☔❄️), trick training gives your pup a healthy outlet for their energy, preventing boredom and unwanted behaviors. 🎾🧠

Want to see the difference for yourself? Join our Tricks 101 class and turn training into a fun, rewarding experience for you and your dog! 🐾🎉

Saturday Feb 22nd & March 1st
9:30am to 10:20am
Vic West Community Centre Gym

All ages, breeds, ans levels are welcome!
Positive reinforcement training method

BONUS: when you join Tricks 101 you get lifetime access to
😌 Perfect Place online training for training your dog to relax at home, on their bed, in the car, or patio.
🪄lifetime access to online trick training videos so you can continue training at home, never running out of ideas to advance.

$135 +gst

Save your spot:

Schedule your appointment online Mission Paws Dog School

03/02/2025

Until I realized this, training my dog to walk on leash was a nightmare.

He pulled as we left the house, dragging me across the street to sniff, towards other dogs, into traffic to get to the park.

And on the way home he lagged, stalled, sat down, and refused to go back home.

It was literally the worst of both worlds.

I tried all the typical training advice:
- stop walking when your dog pulls
- change directions when your dog pulls
- treat them for being at your side
etc.

NONE of them worked. Even cooked steak wasn't cutting it.

Then I realized, those things aren't working because his brain is 10 blocks ahead already.

How the heck is he going to learn when his brain is outside his body and he cannot compute what I'm asking of him?

So we took a different approach by:
> training Disengagement and Arousal Regulation from low-level distractions in our livingroom so that
> he could accept food outside
> which meant Focus and Engagement with me was on his radar
> allowing us to get down the street without pulling

Just like an arrow, sometimes you gotta take a step back in order or launch forward.