About Us
JV Training at A Glance
JV Training has been in business for 10 years!
Thank you everyone for all of your support throughout the years, we are so grateful to be able to work with you and your dogs. When I started JV Training back in 2013, I knew I wanted to be able to help people understand their canine companions better. Growing up on a farm, animals have always been not only a huge presence in my life, but also a core component of who I am. When I am around animals, I feel most like myself, and most at peace. I brought home my first personal dog, Mysti, when I was 17 years old and there was nothing I loved more than teaching her new things and attending classes with her. She even came with me throughout my entire University career, and I honestly wouldn’t have made it though without having her there to keep me sane and focused on what I love.
After University, I was struggling with the decision of wanting to become a teacher, but also wanting to continue to work with all of the various critters that I missed on the farm. I knew I wanted to work with dogs specifically, but back then not a lot of trainers were looking to hire. I chose to make my own path, become certified, and learn as much as I possibly could about how to train dogs with as little aversion as possible. Choosing to start the business where I could have the best of both worlds was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Currently, I enjoy competing in the sport of Dog Agility, competing in Reining (horseback riding), fostering rescue dogs, and continuing to expand and grow my own knowledge of the dogs we love.
I feel so blessed to have the space, my amazing team, and wonderful clients that I have now. None of this would be possible without you.
At JV Training we believe in creating a harmonious relationship between dog and owner using primarily reinforcement-based training everywhere possible. We bring connection and clarity to every relationship while still respecting the individual needs of the dog in front of us. With a focus on providing effective hands-on services, we use modern and proven methods to set you and your dog up with the right techniques and conditions for success, and will work with you to find the appropriate program to achieve your goals. We use a combination of proper management, relationship building, and skill building to give you and yor dog the tools you need for long term results.
What we are known for:
Our Levels Program and Puppy Programs designed to provide consistency in your dog's training
Our easy to follow Pattern Games designed for success
Our Sports Classes like Agility (AAC and CPE), Scent Detection (UKC) and Rally Obedience (CARO)
Our welcoming environment
Our specialties include:
Leash Reactivity and Distraction Training
Building value for owner
Response and Recall
Loose Leash Walking
Polite Greetings Inside and Outside
Impulse Control
Resource Guarding
Polite Play and Interaction with humans and dogs
Relaxation Inside and Outside
Separation Anxiety
Anxiety and Fear behaviours
Teaching new behaviours such as fun Tricks and Shaping Games
And many more!
What is Reinforement Based Training?
Reinfrocment-based training refers to the modern approach to working with our dogs. Backed by science, this approach to dog training uses the standards of the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) techniques to shape desirable behaviours that we want to see from our canine citizens. Reinforcement is our primary tool in teaching as we believe that it is far more humane and effective to teach our dogs what we want them to do, rather than using averse correction for mistakes. Constantly managing our dogs mistakes can be tedious, time consuming, and stressful for both you and your dog, so why not set them up for success?
Reinforcement is not always treat based but can be whatever your dog would like access to and finds motivating. It can consist of verbal praise, toys, affection, movement, or whatever stimulates your dog and makes them want to work for you and make the desirable choices. By following something called the Humane Hierarchy, we formulate a training plan that is easy for you and your pooch to navigate through to resolve problem behaviours, and reach your goals in an effective and timely manner. Reinforcement-based training uses the philosophy that your dog will not only learn quickly, but will be willing and happy to learn when given the proper communication, structure, and management plan put in place. Together this system creates a confident and responsive dog. Harmony!
It is easier to achieve than you think.
If this is something you can truly get behind, please contact us. If you are looking for a quick fix without taking your dog's needs into account, please reach out to someone else.
Before beginning a training exercise ask yourself:
Is my dog healthy, happy and able to thrive?
Is there something directly causing my dog's behaviour?
Am I motivating my dog?
Is there something specific I am trying to teach my dog?
Am I using the right equipment?
Am I using training methods that make sense to me?
Am I repeating the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?
Am I, as well as my dog, in a good state of mind?
Remember: there can be valuable, positive solutions to common problem behaviours. Safety always comes first with you and your dog.
The Treat Misconception
Many people have asked me about “treat training” in puppies and dogs. Their question is usually along the lines of “if I use treats to train my dog, won’t I ALWAYS need to use treats?” The answer is quite simple. If treats are being used as a “reinforcement system” for layering your dog's learning rather than a bribe, then no. Treats are a wonderfully effective and easy way to reinforce behaviours. Once our dog has learned and proofed a behaviour, then treats will be needed less and less. The behaviour becomes a habit, and we expect more from our dogs for less consistent rewarding (similar to a paycheck at the end of your work week). Pretty soon your dog will be completing a whole series of behaviours (for example, a 30 minute loose leash walk) for ONE treat at the end!
What is "socialization" and why is it important?
Socialization means learning to be apart of human society, a society that many dogs find bizarre without proper acclimation. Without a proper setup and positive experiences your pup may never become truly comfortable with the world around them. Our aim is to make sure your pup receives wholesome, positive based experiences that set them up for the real world.
Socialization does not alwasys mean free play with other dogs. This can also involve conditiong to new experiences, places, people, and things. A dog who is able to co-exist and remain neutral in a world with lots going on around them will be a much more confident dog.
