All Dogs Welcome!

Dog Trainer and Behaviour Consultant - Vancouver

Dog training with a focus on fear-free, positive reinforcement training and communication with your dog. Let’s help you and your dog live happier lives together!
About LeaSpecialties
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Years as a dog mom

— reasons to work with me —

Award-Winning, Science-Backed Training

Let’s work together to implement a positive behaviour change plan that is goal-based, collaborative and fully customized to the needs of you and your dog.

Virtual Training Available
Evening and Weekend Availability
In-home Training Available
Positive Reinforcement and Fear Free
Continuous Support
Self-Paced Learning

Real people. Real results.

Check out what clients say about my programs!

— Areas we can focus on —

Training Specialties
Dog in park - dog training vancouver

Reactivity

and Aggression
Puppy training Vancouver

Puppies

Life Skills
Dog training for aggressive dogs

Anxiety/Fear

Life Skills
Life Skills - Dog Training Vancouver

Life Skills

Life Skills

Dog and/or Human Directed Aggression/Reactivity

We’ll work together to find the route cause of your dog’s reactions by using a holistic and collaborative approach. 

Issues such as:

  • Lunging
  • Barking 
  • Biting
  • Attacking others
  • Growling at children
  • Stalking other animals

We will look at your dog’s behaviour, their learning history, genetics, environment, health and emotions to find the best way to help them. We will work closely with veterinarians, veterinary behaviorists and other animal specialists to ensure your dog is getting the care that’s best for their individual needs. 

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Puppy Training

Raising a puppy can be a daunting and exhausting task but it doesn’t have to take over your life. Learn the skills to help your puppy grow up to be the companion you’ve been looking for!

Things we can work on:

  • Nipping
  • Barking
  • Chewing
  • Leash skills
  • Basic obedience
  • Socialization
  • Potty training
  • Enrichment

We’ll work together to help set your puppy up for success in any situation. Puppy training offers you an opportunity to learn the right approach for educating and socializing your pup. We will instill lifelong habits that will make your puppy a happy and healthy dog.

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Anxiety/Fear Issues

It can be heartbreaking to watch your dog live in fear. Thankfully, there are lots of things we can do to help!

Issues such as:

  • Reactive urination
  • Separation anxiety
  • Hiding
  • Antisocial behaviour
  • Trauma

Your dog doesn’t need to live in fear. As with aggression, we will work collaboratively with veterinarians and veterinary behaviourists to find the best way to help your dog feel better. Through building coping mechanisms, providing safe environments and lots of love, we can help your dog live their life without all the stress.

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Life Skills

Build the skills to help you and your dog navigate the world confidently and cooperatively. Learn how to enjoy experiences together from off-leash hikes, relaxing leash walks, and visits with family and friends.

Things you can learn to do:

  • Leash Skills: learn how to have a relaxing walk with your dog
  • Off-Leash Skills: Help your dog learn to not just come when called, but to actively check in and stay close when off leash
  • Settling Skills: Help your dog feel more relaxed and safe by teaching them to chill out on a mat, bed, at your feet or in a crate while at home, visiting friends or at the vet.
  • Polite and Patient Skills: Help your dog be relaxed around people and other dogs.

Help your dog learn how to be patient and polite around food, people, other dogs, toys, thresholds and barriers. We’ll work together to create a plan which supports your dog’s behavioural health. Once we meet our dogs’ needs, we set the stage for them to be happier, more fulfilled and responsive companions.

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Dog trainer vancouver

Lea Mestrovic

Dog trainer and behaviour consultant

From a young age I have been very interested and empathetic toward animals. I wanted to know why they behave the way they do and how they process the world around them. My experience began with my first family dog, a Boxer. He would often act aggressive toward people and other dogs. I tried trainers and obedience classes but nothing seemed to improve his temperament. The approach seemed ineffective, so I had to look for a different way that went beyond “sit” and “stay”. Through this work I began to unravel the complex social structures inherent in canines and how their emotions influenced their worldview. Not only did my perspective change, but so did my Boxer’s and it became clear that this was a skill I wanted to grow in order to help others achieve the best relationship possible with their dogs.

Courses and certifications:

Continued Education:

Volunteer Work:

Speaking Engagements:

Why choose LeaFacebookInstagram
Dog Trainer Lea Consumer Choice Award 2020
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants IAABC
Positivity Pledge
The Association of Force-Free Professionals

— questions & answers —

Common Questions
How long are the training sessions?
Each session lasts about one hour to an hour and a half depending on how much time is needed.
Should I put the other animals in the home away during the training session?
Your other fur babies are more than welcome to join us during the assessment part of the training session! However, once we start working on different training techniques, we might ask your other pets to go into a bedroom (or somewhere else they feel comfortable) for a few minutes so there is no competition for treats!
Where are the sessions held?
Wherever you and your dog feel the most comfortable! I normally recommend starting in a home environment (if possible) so your dog is relaxed and can work on the training with no outside distractions.
Do you charge extra for more than one dog in the home?
Nope! The price includes as many dogs as you have in your home. You will not be charged extra for extra dogs.
How old should my puppy be before we start training?
I normally recommend that puppies be at least 10 weeks old or older before starting the training. This is because puppies younger than this tend to be just settling into their new homes so we don't want to add any extra stress to their transition.
How long should I wait between bookings?
I normally recommend leaving about two weeks between bookings so you have enough time to put in place the training routines we'll be working on. However, if you'd prefer to wait longer between training sessions, that's totally fine too!
How can I book a private or online session with you?
Just follow this link and you'll be directed to my online calendar. Click on the day that works best with your schedule, fill in your information and you're good to go!
How can I pay?
I always take payment at the end of the first session so you can decide then if you would like to do one at a time or a package of three. I accept cash, cheque, etransfer or credit card as forms of payment.

Still hesitating?

Contact Lea today with any other questions.

— make your choice —

Pricing Plans

Appointments are available six days a week including evenings and weekends to accommodate those with busy schedules. Greater Vancouver Area training includes: North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Richmond and New West.

Dog trainer Vancouver

Lea Mestrovic

Dog trainer and behaviour consultant
“There is no fundamental difference between man and animals in their ability to feel pleasure and pain, happiness, and misery.” -Charles Darwin

— check out my blog —

Educative articles on dogs and other animals.

You can find articles on puppies, training advice, experiences abroad and various animals.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Will be available for in-person training sessions in Saskatoon, SK from October 23rd, 24th and 25th! Only virtual training will be available for the Greater Vancouver area during that time.

— any questions? —

Contact Lea

Send message

Contact Lea with any questions you may have about your dog. Whatever the issue is, it can get better.

Available 6 days per week
+1 306 612 2061
North Vancouver, British Columbia
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