Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant

Get help with your Dog Training and Behaviour struggles
and work with a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and  Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant 2004 ( the only one in Essex County),  Fear Free Certified Professional
I teach you how to teach your dog the behaviour's you want.
No force dog training, it is not about the tools, it is about the brain.
Who am I?   

Training Services for All Dogs, Including Reactive, Anxious, and Resource Guarding Dogs, in Kingsville, Leamington, and Beyond
 Whether you're in Kingsville, Leamington, Essex County, Chatham- Kent or anywhere else, my personalized dog training services are here to support you.
I offer training for all life stage dogs, whether you're looking to address behaviour challenges such as reactivity, anxiety, or resource guarding, or you're simply aiming to teach your dog essential life skills.
I also specialize in high-drive adolescent dogs and puppies.
My virtual training options make it possible for you to access my expertise from the comfort of your home, no matter where you're located.  
No matter your dog’s needs, I’m committed to helping you and your dog thrive—both locally and virtually.
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If you are local to me ask me about my Day Dog Training that can help your dog go to school.
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Transforming Dog Behaviour with Compassion and Expertise.
Fear-free, science-based dog training and behaviour consulting to create harmonious relationships between dogs and their guardians.
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I am Sylvia Koczerzuk, a certified dog behaviour consultant (IAABC), a Fear Free Certified Professional, and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. With my extensive qualifications and long-time experience in this field (1989), I understand the importance of finding the right person to work with for your dog’s well-being.
Transforming Behaviour with Compassion and Understanding
 Many dogs and families I work with have tried various trainers and methods that missed their dog's true needs.
Stress and overwhelm often lead dogs to expect the worst, creating a cycle of frustration for both dogs and their families.  
At Walkabout Canine Consulting, my approach goes beyond obedience. READ MOREI focus on helping you and your dog de-stress, rebuild optimism, and foster a sense of safety.
 By addressing your dog’s emotional well-being first, positive behaviour follows naturally.
 A well-behaved dog is the result of trust, security, and optimism.  
Research shows that chronic stress can lead to a pessimistic outlook and more behavioural challenges.
By shifting the focus from control to well-being, we create lasting transformations.
My methods are rooted in kindness and science, proving that a relaxed, optimistic dog is eager to learn, listen, and engage positively.
 Building Trust and Confidence through Positive Training  
I use positive, fear-free methods to help you and your dog build a strong bond based on trust and confidence. Through interactive games and techniques, learning becomes a joyful, rewarding experience for both of you.  
Together, we’ll create a partnership where your dog thrives—whether mastering basic skills or overcoming behavioural challenges—always through kindness, patience, and clear communication.

Our Services -  Check the menu bar for more information and readings.

Behaviour Modification Programs: Tailored plans to address specific behavioural issues. One-to-one in person if you are local or virtually.
Private Training Sessions: One-on-one training to meet your dog's unique needs.
Enrichment Activities: Fun and engaging activities to stimulate your dog's mind.  
Canine Conditioning coming soon.

Experience Compassionate, Research-Backed Dog Training That Strengthens Your Bond
 At Walkabout Canine Consulting, I  believe that effective training goes beyond simply teaching commands—it’s about understanding your dog’s emotional and physical well-being.
Our fear-free, research-backed methods address common behaviour challenges like aggression, anxiety, and more, while also fostering a deeper connection between you and your canine companion.  

DIGITAL PRODUCTS:
Puppy Training
Teen Dog Training
Reactive Dog Training
Recall Dog Training
Leash Walking for your Rowdy Dog
Mastering  your Teens Polite Leash Walking
Enrichment
Fun and Easy Scent Work
Resource Guarding Book
How to Speak Dog for Children
Puppy Biting free
We have  FREE just check out Tips/Blog on the Menu Bar
And More Scroll down for our digital products

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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.    
Certification guarantees continueng education as this is a requisite to keep.
Please check "about us" for more details.



Testimonials

"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

Where am I?
I am where ever you and your dog roam. If you are local to me in Essex County ON, I will come to your home or meet you at  your perfect location.
This can also be dependent on your needs, as Hybrid (in person & virtual) can be an option especially for many behaviour sessions.  Dogs who worry about strangers may be better suited to virtual training.  I am teaching you about how to employ behaviour change for your dog.
If you are further away we can have a ball with my expert virtual services, helping you with your dog training needs as well behaviour changes. Let's create wagging tails and happy relationships.  And yes I can help virtually.  Since this is specialized it does take some experience in working with clients virtually and this is where history and info gathering experience, and then the ability to understand the complexities of behaviour  helps.
Book a chat below and let's unleash the potential for harmony.    


"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"

A moment for some fun!
I was  the trainer for these pups for the October 2021 NHL Season Opener Game Budweiser Commercial.
It was loads of fun and just goes to show you how training using positives create incredible results...these pups worked really hard.
Most important it is such a sweet commercial
CLICK HERE TO WATCH

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.   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.  
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.

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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