At Kinder K9, Lisa is your trusted partner in puppy and dog training in Elmvale, Wasaga Beach and the surrounding areas of Midland and Springwater Township. She will be kind to your canine! Lisa is a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer and works with clients in group classes or with personalized plans. Lisa has experience with many breeds from her volunteer work at the Midland OSPCA and with COPE Service Dogs. Kinder K9's ideal clients may have busy lives but are willing to put in consistent time to build a positive and fun relationship with their dog(s). Lisa gives you the tools to help you and your dog love life together.
Wasaga Beach & Elmvale
Dog Training Group Classes & Private Lessons
Now Open for Registrations!
Questions? Email Lisa@Kinderk9.com or call 705.529.4020
Private Outdoor Dog Training Lessons ($68/session)
One-on-one training in a real-world outdoor setting, perfect for improving focus, leash manners, and recall around everyday distractions. Ideal for dogs who benefit from a quieter environment or need extra support before joining a group class. Sessions take place at the Kinder K9 property just north of Elmvale, available from May to October. Book individually to suit your schedule.
Small Group Classes
Kinder K9 has a small suite of group classes focused on helping you and your dog enjoy life together. Nothing fancier than that!
These classes are best for dogs who are listening fairly well at home. It's okay if they find things more challenging in other settings. For dogs who need some one on one support before coming to a group class consider a private lesson first.
MAXIMUM 3 dogs per class
Foundations Puppy Training (6 classes, $240) - A structured course designed to teach essential skills such as recall, sit, stand, down, wait, and place ("bed"). Ideal for puppies 6 months to 2 years old without significant behavior concerns like anxiety or aggression. Includes weekly video tutorials (2 per week) from Kinder K9, sent in advance so you can practice before class and get the most out of each session. Indoors at Pet Valu.
NEW Dog Walking Confidence Class - Outdoors (INTRO RATE $35/class) - Boost your dog's leash manners and your walking confidence in real-world settings. This small-group class (max 3 dogs) focuses on calmly passing dogs and distractions, minimizing pulling, and reducing frustration. Receive immediate, personalized feedback from professional trainer Lisa. Flexible registration—join one class or attend weekly.
Obedience Refresher Skills (6 classes, $240) - Perfect for dogs over 2 years old and handlers who already have a working relationship and want to polish basic skills. This refresher course revisits key behaviors like name recall, loose leash walking, wait/stay, and impulse control, helping to sharpen focus and reliability in everyday situations. Outdoors at Elmvale Kinder K9 premises May to October.
Tricks for Kicks! Level 1 (4 classes, $160) - Turn basic obedience into fun and functional tricks! This class introduces engaging training methods that build confidence, deepen communication, and teach both practical and playful behaviors. Ideal for dogs with some foundational training who are ready for a creative challenge. Outdoors at Elmvale Kinder K9 premises May to October.
Kinder K9 Training Philosophy
I use a very long standing and scientific evidence based philosophy called “positive reinforcement training”. It is sometimes also called rewards based or R+. It is so effective it even works with chickens!!
I do not work with dogs using methods that rely on a philosophy that fear and pain are effective learning strategies for animals. This means that I do not use shock collars (e-collars), prong collars, spray bottles, noise cans, etc.
My mission at Kinder K9 is to keep dogs out of shelters as a result of behavior challenges that statistically lead more often to abandonment or surrender into the shelter system. I believe that by supporting as many households as possible from before the puppy arrives and through the first couple of years, I can have the greatest positive impact on this challenging societal problem. My training methods are grounded in positive reinforcement for educating both dogs and their humans!
Mission
Katy R.
We loved working with Lisa! She explained everything very clearly, personalized lessons and tips for us and our puppy, and helped us through the new puppy worries. Lisa got us and our little Herbie feeling confident and able to take on the world! Or at least Midland :)
Julian F.
Lisa is amazing. She is engaged, patient and worked at my level. She taught me new ways to improve my pup's behaviour. My favourite line that I use all the time is... "Make good choices". She helped me understand my dog's behaviour and I saw definite improvement. Highly recommend.
