Dogs must be at least four months or older for all classes with the exception of the puppy kindergarten classes. Puppy kindergarten is suitable for puppies between the ages of 10 – 16 weeks
Dog Training
Group Training
Perfect for friendly dogs of all skill levels! A great chance to get social, learn and have fun with your pup.
Private Training
Get the one-on-one care and attention your dog needs. Learn together and help your dog become the best canine citizen ever!
Online Dog Training
Another training option available is GoodPup. GoodPup offers virtual dog training at home and on-demand with flexible scheduling options, using fear-free and force-free training methods.
Dog Behaviour Workshops
OHS Behaving Buddies workshops help teach you and your dog how to overcome common unwanted behaviours. These single-session workshops are taught by professional OHS dog trainers.
Spay or neuter is recommended, but not required for class. Read more about our position on spay/neuter.
Participants must provide proof of up-to-date vaccinations for all dogs involved in the class.
The following canine vaccinations are required for all OHS dog training programs:
- Parvovirus, Distemper, Adenovirus and Parainfluenza
- Rabies vaccine (not required for dogs under the age of 16 weeks)
The following are strongly recommended, but not required to participate in OHS dog training programs:
- Bordetella vaccine
- Preventative flea and worm treatment
We ask that only the dog’s primary caregiver and one family member older than eight participate in the class.
All OHS dog training classes are taught using reward-based training methods. Rewarding your dog for behaviours that you like with treats, praise or toys increases the likeliness that they will repeat the desired behavior in the future. The OHS does not support the use of training methods that rely on pain, fear or intimidation.
Group classes are suitable for friendly dogs who are comfortable working around other dogs and strangers in a group environment. Dogs who struggle with reactivity, aggression, excessive barking or other signs of anxiety around other dogs and humans are better suited to one-on-one sessions with a private trainer.
For more information email education@ottawahumane.ca or call 613-725-3166 ext. 204.
Meet Our Dog Trainers
Robyn Rittmaster
Robyn provides behaviour consults and teaches private training sessions for issues related to house-training, handling sensitivity, leash manners, mouthing/nipping, general manners and possessive behaviour. She was one of the founders and developers of dog training programs at the OHS.
Robyn is a certified behaviour consultant (CBCC-KA) and holds a certificate in training and counselling from the Academy for Dog Trainers. In 2015, she was the Academy’s scholarship award recipient, which is given to trainers who improve the lives of shelter dogs through force-free behaviour modification.
Before training professionally, Robyn was a hockey coach at the University of Ottawa and completed a Master of Science degree at the University of Alberta. Robyn has two dogs, Karma (a husky) and Journey (a pointer), who love to be on the move. Her dogs compete in skijoring, agility and Rally Obedience
Dian McTaggart
Dian is a certified Karen Pryor Academy dog trainer and a guild certified Level II Companion Animal Touch Practitioner. She has been teaching classes since 2003 using positive reinforcement practices. Her focus is to teach pet parents to have a well-mannered dog and build a trusting relationship with their canine companion.
She continues to develop her skill set by attending seminars, online webinars on dog behaviour in order to stay well-informed on the best training techniques.
Dian has two dogs. A Golden Retriever, Cody, and a Labrador Retriever, Benjamin. She participates and trials in rally obedience, scenting and dock diving. Dian has also been a volunteer with a pet therapy organization for the past 20 years.
Cindy Barnett
Cindy is an animal lover who is turning her passion for dogs into a second career. In spring of 2019, Cindy graduated from an apprenticeship program at a local dog training facility where she studied canine behaviour and gained experience leading group training classes. She has provided private training to many local families and their dogs up until the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This time provided a great opportunity to take online courses, to study different areas of positive training and to stay current on training strategies.
In Fall 2022, Cindy joined the Canine Intervention program as a volunteer, working with dogs at the OHS, teaching them the ropes and preparing them for a brand new world with their new families.
Cindy lives in Barrhaven with her beagle Bentley, her cat Zoey and frequent feline foster guests.