Dog Training and Behaviour Consulting

Can you help me with my dog training problem?

Struggling with Your Dog’s Behaviour? Let’s Create Lasting Change Together.

Whether your dog is reactive, anxious, resource guarding, or simply not listening, I can help you build a calmer, more connected relationship.

***If you are local to me ask me about my Day Dog Training that can help your dog go to school this helps you with a Partner in hand to help you teach your dog.
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 ✔ Fear-Free, Science-Based Training
 ✔ Expert Guidance for Real-World Challenges
 ✔ Tailored Solutions for You & Your Dog  
Training That Transforms – More Than Just a Quick Fix
 Book a Discovery Call →

You love your dog, but love alone doesn’t always solve behaviour struggles.
Let’s build trust, communication, and harmony in your home.
Do you need to find a Balance With the a strained Time Commitment?   (great for pro trainers who need help with cases, too)
Looking for a way to address your dog’s behaviour challenges without the time-intensive demands of a full behaviour modification program?
Our hub offers the perfect solution.
Designed for busy dog guardians, this program provides practical strategies and expert support to:
Prevent behaviours from escalating.
Make meaningful progress, one manageable step at a time.
Build calmness and connection in your daily routine.
Whether you're navigating reactivity, resource guarding, or general training challenges, our membership is here to help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
Explore  the 🔗 Balance Hub today and start creating positive change—on your schedule.
Why Choose Walkabout Canine Consulting?
 A Tailored, Relationship-Based Approach  
At Walkabout Canine Consulting, I don’t offer quick-fix solutions—I offer a partnership.
Every dog is unique, and so is my approach to helping them.
I combine science-backed methods with experience and empathy to ensure lasting results.  
✔ Fear-Free, Science-Based Training – No punishment, just clear communication.
✔ Expert Guidance for Real-World Challenges – Addressing the root of the problem, not just the symptoms.
✔ Support for You and Your Dog – Teaching YOU how to create harmony in your home.  
📍 Serving Kingsville, Leamington, and surrounding areas. Virtual training available worldwide.
🔗 Learn More About My Approach

How I Can Help
 Whether your dog is reactive, resource guarding, struggling with anxiety, or simply not listening, I provide customized solutions tailored to your dog's needs and your lifestyle.  
🟢 Behaviour Modification – Reactivity, aggression, fear, and stress-related behaviours.
🟡 Training for Everyday Life – Focus, engagement, and real-world obedience.
🔵 Separation Anxiety Training – Helping your dog feel safe when left alone.  
🔗 Explore My Services


Who I Work With 
Many dog guardians ask: "Do you work with people like me? Do you work with dogs like mine?"
 ✅ Struggling with a newly adopted rescue dog? Let’s build their confidence.
✅ Have a reactive or fearful dog? I’ll teach you how to help them feel safe.
✅ Dealing with resource guarding? Let’s create a plan that works for your household.
✅ Have an adolescent or high-energy dog? I’ll show you how to channel that energy productively.  
🔗 Find Out If We’re a Good Fit


Service Areas & Virtual Training
 📍 In-Person Behaviour Consulting: Kingsville, Leamington, and nearby areas.
💻 Virtual Training & Behaviour Consults: Available worldwide.  
💻 Digital Products

🔗 Contact Me to Discuss Options


More and more evidence is arising about how behaviour issues can often be driven by discomfort.  
Here is  the Mills et al study click here to read the study where you can learn more about this.
Ask me how this information might impact your dogs struggles.

Understanding all the complexities of behaviour is my specialty.  
I like to describe myself as a concept trainer as helping our dogs learn is much more than just sit and down.  
It about teaching life skills and understanding your dog, their emotions, their communication, learning, temperament and who they are as a whole.  
It is about helping you teach your dog how to be part of your family and life alongside of you in harmony.
I want you to have that connection, trust, create focus, build your dogs motivation for the right choices. I want you to  to work with your dog in a way so that the communication is clear.
I am continually learning ( yes even after 30 plus years) from top experts so that I can do better for you and your dog's because if you know better you can do better.  
Experience does matter in behaviour cases so look to a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (independently with the IAABC ( iaabc.org see below).
I am the only certified dog behaviour consultant in Essex County Ontario.    
Certification guarantees continueng education as this is a requisite.
Please check "about us" for more details.

Success Stories from Happy Clients
 People often ask:
“Can I trust you to do what you say you will?”
Let my clients answer that for you!  
🌟 "Sylvia completely changed how I understand my dog’s behaviour. We went from frustration to a strong, trusting bond!" – Emma, dog guardian
🌟 "Our reactive dog now enjoys walks thanks to Sylvia’s patient guidance." – Mark & Sarah, dog guardians  

 🌟"Another great session to help us settle in and understand what we need to do going forward and get our girl settled into her new home. So far all the advice is working so we could not be happy as this is a such a beautiful girl and we love her so much and are happy to have her in our home.
 
🌟"Another Inspiring Session again" MM

🌟"Thanks Sylvia! G and I were just talking tonight about how we’ve learned so much from you and how all of that information will be so valuable going forward." DJ

Picture of Sylvia Smiling

I cannot believe I have been in this business for over 30 years.  My passion is absolutely helping dog carers and their dogs. For me it is not just about nailing that behaviour but nailing that relationship. I want to help you and your dog. My favorite projects are you and your dog.

🌟"Sylvia is a terrific resource. Thoughtful and professional in her approach, she provided us with the tools and knowledge that set us out on the right path to building a healthier and happier relationship with our canine friend. I would highly recommend working with Sylvia."
MC
🌟"Sylvia is amazing. She is so patient with me and with Lily. In 1998 my husband and I purchased a yellow Labrador retriever puppy and called her Brandy. Our veterinarian recommended Walkabout Services to educate Brandy. Sylvia and another lady gave puppy classes and training. We attended with Brandy. All her life we received complements on Brandy’s excellent manners whether outside or at home. I understood that Walkabout had closed. I adopted Lily on July 23 2018 and looked for a trainer. I was so relieved to find that Walkabout is back. I do not know what I would do without Sylvia. Sylvia is the best! Lily is learning to walk on a lead politely and to have good manners when people visit at home. Lily is 10 years old and was surrendered to the Humane Society 10 days before I brought her home. There is a lot we do not know about her, however, Sylvia is able to assess her learning needs and develop lessons tailored to Lily. I believe our progress is, in large part, due to the skills and patience Sylvia brings to each of our lessons. I am so happy with Sylvia and recommend her at every opportunity." Katherine and Lily Moroun

Picture of Sylvia Smiling

Ready to Get Started?
  If you’re looking for expert guidance, proven strategies, and a real partnership in your dog’s training, I’d love to work with you.  
🎯 Step 1: Book a discovery call to discuss your goals.
🎯 Step 2: Get a customized training plan that fits your needs.
🎯 Step 3: Start seeing real progress with ongoing support.  
🔗 Book a Discovery Call Today


🌟"As a first-time puppy owner, I was quite overwhelmed and so grateful to have found Sylvia from my breeder's recommendation. I attended the Live Planned Puppyhood class, and it was super helpful!! Sylvia is very knowledgeable and has lots of experience. I found her zoom classes more valuable than some of the in-person classes that I took with other institutes. That is why I decided to attend the Teen Adolescent class as well. 🙂 I really enjoy the training sessions with Sylvia. She is giving us some valuable insights into the world of training. Her approach is very easy to follow, and the videos added credibility to the material. Thank you Sylvia, for being generous with your time and knowledge and helping us connect better with our fur friends!! MS"

I am always striving to know better and do better with  continued learning, continued professional development which is mandatory as a certified behaviour consultant.
30 years experience does not mean much if as a professional you are not current in your work.

I  Believe in Humane Training

Essential to a well-adjusted, happy, & confident dog.
In an unregulated industry such as dog training and behaviour, it’s important to understand the facts around methodology and the effects it has on your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

There is importance in researching the work, testimonials, and credentials of the consultants and trainers in which a person seeks advice from.  

These credentials show that a professional is continuing their education to stay informed so that they can provide humane dog training information.

 Understanding the science of learning through education, knowledge and years of hands on experience as with any profession is important.
Those using outdated and harsh methods may not understand the behavioural health and welfare of  animals.  

When working with a professional make sure they keeping up with the science of learning and animal training methods.  
Experience and years in the field will matter just like any profession.

Both the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior have released statements addressing the benefits of humane training methods, and the unintended fallout of more “traditional” methods.


  While I continue to learn and complete and pass courses, webinars and learning since 1989  there are way too many to list .
I learned a long time ago from a veterinarian I was employed by that continuing education was critical.  
Once I started my own business  I knew this is what I needed to do to give the best service and continue to do so For you.  I did this for every service I offered whether it was pet care, dog walking, pet sitting, foster care, shelter work and of course training and behaviour.
Every professional should be upgrading their knowledge yearly.  
We can never say "I know everything there is to know"
I am committed to learning so that I can know better and do better for you and your dogs.  I want this for you and heck even myself as a dog carer and guardian.

Learn with us as we help you
From anywhere, in the comfort in your own home.
CLICK HERE

Learn At Your Own Pace with online options

From any device, any time at your convenience. Resume exactly where you left off. No limits on the number of times you can view video lessons.  We now have a APP for those enrolled in courses!
CLICK HERE

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