What dog training services does When Hounds Fly offer?

When Hounds Fly offers puppy training classes, foundation skills classes, reactive dog group classes, and private dog training lessons for fear, anxiety, and reactivity.

Where does When Hounds Fly offer dog training?

When Hounds Fly offers dog training at locations in Toronto, Markham, and Mississauga.

What training methods does When Hounds Fly use?

When Hounds Fly uses humane, ethical, reward-based clicker training methods designed to help dogs and their guardians learn effectively.

Does When Hounds Fly help reactive or fearful dogs?

Yes. When Hounds Fly offers private lessons and specialized training support for dogs experiencing fear, anxiety, or reactivity.

Do you offer dog training for aggressive dogs?

Yes. Aggression toward people or other dogs is one of the most common reasons clients come to us for private lessons. Our certified trainers use humane, force-free behaviour modification techniques to address the root cause. Whether it is fear, frustration, or lack of socialization, our team can help.

What's the difference between a dog trainer and a dog behaviourist?

A dog trainer focuses on teaching specific skills and cues, while a dog behaviourist addresses the underlying emotional state behind problem behaviours like reactivity, anxiety, or aggression. At When Hounds Fly, our team supports both, giving you access to highly qualified and certified dog training professionals across the Greater Toronto Area.

Where are your dog training locations in the Greater Toronto Area?

We have locations across the Greater Toronto Area, including Dundas West, Riverdale, Yonge and Eglinton, South Etobicoke, Mississauga, and Markham.

At what age should I start puppy training in Toronto?

The earlier the better, ideally before 16 weeks. This is the critical socialization window when puppies are most receptive to new experiences, people, and other dogs.

Is Dog Training Worth the Money? Here’s What to Expect

Written by: Andre Yeu, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, Founder of When Hounds Fly

Let’s be direct: dog training can absolutely be a waste of money. But it doesn’t have to be. After working with over 20,000 dogs, we’ve seen exactly what separates owners who get real, lasting results from those who feel burned — and it comes down to three things.

If you’ve ever wondered how expensive is dog training, you’re not alone — and the sticker shock is real.

Dog training cost Canada-wide can range from a few hundred dollars for group classes to several thousand for intensive programs.

So if you’re asking how much does it cost to get your dog trained, the honest answer is: it depends. What matters more is whether the money you spend actually works. Here’s how to make sure it does.

What’s Best – Dog Training Classes or Board and Train?

The single biggest mistake behaviour-problem owners make is paying for a board-and-train program and expecting the problem to be solved when their dog comes home. It won’t be.

Your dog is learning every second they spend with you — your energy, your reactions, your habits. If you haven’t changed how you handle them, the results a trainer worked hard to build will unravel in a week.

The best Toronto dog trainers will tell you the same thing: you are the training. Any program that doesn’t put significant focus on coaching the owner isn’t worth your money.

The Total Cost of Dog Training Over 10+ Years of Owning Your Dog

You need to calculate what peace of mind is actually worth

Every week, we meet owners who are too embarrassed to walk their dog, can’t have guests over, or can’t leave their dog alone for ten minutes without something getting destroyed. That’s not just inconvenient — it’s exhausting in a way that quietly wears you down over months and years.

So here’s the real question: what is ten years of stress-free living with your dog worth to you? For most people, once they actually think about it, the answer is a lot more than a few training sessions. When you’re weighing the cost, factor in what you’re currently losing — not just what you’re about to spend.

When you search for a dog behaviourist near me, you’re not just looking for someone to fix your dog — you’re looking for someone who will change how you and your dog experience life together. That return on investment is something most owners dramatically underestimate.

Price Ranges for Dog Trainers

Heres’s some example ranges for the cost of dog training classes:

Group Classes:

$50-$75 per class. The student to instructor ratio should be no more than 6 dogs per instructor. So, a five week class might cost between $250-$375.

Private Lessons:

$100-$200 per hour, depending on experience and severity of the dog behavioural issue. Some dog trainers may have certain appointment length minimums or lesson commitments.

Board and Train:

On average, expect about $1000 per week, and some minimum lengths (4 weeks, 6 weeks, etc.) Also, it’s important that you (the owners) are required to take lessons as well, or else you won’t be able to cue your dog or maintain the training over time.

A Qualified Dog Trainer is Worth the Money. Unqualified Dog Trainers are NOT.

Since the pandemic, the number of people calling themselves dog trainers has exploded — and most of them couldn’t pass our first round of interviews. Dog training is an unregulated industry in Canada, which means anyone can hang a shingle. If you hire the wrong person, you’re not just wasting money. You risk making your dog’s behaviour significantly worse. So whether you’re comparing toronto dog trainers or searching for a dog behaviourist near me, ask the hard questions: What certifications do they hold? What methodology do they use? What happens if the results aren’t what was promised?

Dog training is worth every dollar — when you choose the right trainer, commit to being part of the process, and go in clear-eyed about what it actually costs not to address the problem.

The owners who get the most out of working with us aren’t the ones who spend the most. They’re the ones who show up, do the work alongside their dog, and trust the process. That’s when the results stick — for good.