Professional Dog Trainer and Dog Behaviour Consultant

Helping you with your dog in Person Kingsville, Leamington and Essex County, and beyond.
You can be Canada wide with Virtual Private Sessions, Online Courses, and more

If you are local to me ask me about my Day Training

I get you and I get your dog!   
Understanding the complexities of behaviour is my specialty. 
It is not about Obedience, its about looking at all the internal and external factors  that can impact your dog's behaviour, 
from the moment they get up in the morning  to the moment they go to sleep at night.

Hi I am  Sylvia Kocerzuk, 


At Walkabout Canine Consulting, we specialize in addressing not just your dog's training needs, but also their emotional and physical well-being.
Our approach is rooted in insightful science-based training and behaviour counseling, ensuring not only the results you desire but also a deeper, more meaningful connection between you and your furry companion. Discover the art of communicating with your dog in a way that resonates with their emotions.
Our methods make training easy, enjoyable, and highly effective.
Strengthen the bond with your canine friend while achieving the behaviour outcomes you've been longing for.
 Experience the joy of a harmonious relationship through our personalized and science-backed training techniques.

I get you and I get your dog!  
Understanding the complexities of behaviour is my specialty.
It is not about Obedience, its about looking at all the internal and external factors that can impact your dog's behaviour, from the moment they get up in the morning to the moment they go to sleep at night.

With your determination, I can help you.


For the discerning dog guardian where our goal is to offer the best and exclusive services.
Transforming canine behaviour with unparalleled expertise, I am your certified dog behaviour consultant, setting the gold standard in the county and beyond.
Experience the exclusive and superior approach to canine companionship by choosing to work with me.
Teaching your dog does not happen in a 4 or 6 week bubble  and it really is a g oing to school approach where you learn to develop habits that build training into your 24/7 life.  If you are that dog guardian then I would love to meet you.

Creating a Canine Connection and helping you to communicate with your dog.  Learning how to build calmness which is the foundation of all behaviour.
Helping you to learn how to teach your dog life skills like focus,  creating desire, motivation and how to make the right choices without constant nagging , using the brain between your dogs ears will serve you and where you can use day to day.  Invest in a solution, a transformation and peace of mind when we work together.

Is your dog struggling with aggression, reactivity, fear-based behaviour – these are all common issues for pet owners.    To do you and your dog justice this needs a thorough behaviour assessment which means if we work together I want to know everything inside and out of your dog.  This  will include a  Dynamic Dog assessment that will help pinpoint and or rule out whether we have data for  you and your veterinarian in order to make sure your dog is cleared from any structural issues that could be contributing to problem behaviours.
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.

WARNING! I DO NOT USE AVERSIVE TOOLS OR TECHNIQUES.  It is time to change yours and your dogs emotions.
I prefer to focus on fear free  methods because I know they work and I know dogs will trust in this way of learning.  
Yes I use food so if that is not okay for you, that is okay but then I cannot not work with you.  If you would like to learn how to  motivate your dog, then I will help you learn how using what our dogs desire to create motivation and create change with science and evidence based methods.  Of course there is much more to it than pushing cookies so you will learn more than just that.
We teach concepts and one of the most important concept to understand is that dogs who are struggling are having emotional responses and are often coming from a pessimistic personality.  My goal is to help you help our dog to learn and become more of an optimist.   The other very important concept is that you can not expect your dog to start in kindergarten with their learning to be able to give you high school responses.  It just cant happen that way.  I want to help you set your dog up for success not failure.
I believe in helping you and your pup build a lasting bond through positive reinforcement and science-based methods. My unique approach to behaviour modification,  will help your pup become less anxious, more confident, and better behaved. With the behaviour modification program, I will help build your dog's desire to learn and be motivated to listen to you.  You will be the deciding factor whether you want serious change and learning.
 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 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) more 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 (independent ,IAABC see below).
I am the only certified dog behaviour consultant in Essex County.  
Please check "about us" for more details.

"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

For over 30 years, I've been helping dog guardians. For me it is not just about nailing that behaviour but nailing that relationship. Let me help you move that dial to help you have a great 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.
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.
Book a chat and let's unleash the potential for harmony, let's get on a call.
"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 am the trainer for the pups from 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.
Enjoy the commercial CLICK HERE

Picture of Sylvia Smiling

What do I offer?
I have a  variety of Dog Training and Behaviour Solutions which you can look up under services but they do include the following:

Ask the Trainer - A one time (or more)  Zoom Session  is the fastest way to get answers to  questions and more, point you in the right direction, get you started on a happy path to address your dogs training and behaviour path.  Shoot me a message and we can set up a time,  get you filling out my intake form along with more details so I can help you to get your started.
 
 Puppy Training Success Sessions - Let me help you teach your puppy the Life Skills that will create Harmony in Your Home.  This is beyond just obedience.  Its about life skills and more, plus you get a whole toolbox of cool training resources.  Do you want to do it yourself....great you can purchase my puppy toolbox and have fun or add on a session.  I also have an independent  Toolbox Click HERE if you want quality content to work on your own.
 
Adolescent/ Teen Dog - A special development stage that can leave you scratching your head.  I have you covered!  I get this stage in its entirety and can help you over those bumps in the road to you come out at the other end.  Teen Handout.    
You also get an awesome Toolbox for your Teen training.  Or!  Do you want to do it yourself?   Sure...you can purchase my awesome Teen Toolbox Click Here that will set you up for some great training.  This is a quality toolbox where you can work on your own.   You can add on session to this as well.

Leash Walking Digital Toolbox Click here
Leash Walking Your Rowdy Teen Digital Videos Click here
 
All Age Dogs from Rescue to Senior - Regardless of the age of your dog or if you have adopted a new dog I have the knowledge and experience to help you set you and your dog up for success.

SENIOR DOG?   Lets set up some enrichment your senior dog will enjoy.  I will teach you proven methods to help keeping them mentally and physically fit.

Behaviour Assessments  - Is your dogs behaviour concerning you?  All behaviour struggles must go through my behaviour assessment.  Learn more here.  CLICK HERE

 Behaviour Solutions, 
Changing your dogs behaviour takes time, repetition and patience.  There is no quick fix.  What is extremely critical is to learn about your dog inside and out so I can help you.
- Reactive Dog Solutions  work with me personally or check out my Do It Yourself with my Reactive Resources
- Separation Anxiety Solutions work with me personally or check out the self taught separation anxiety course.
- Fearful/Anxious Solutions  

Train with me from anywhere virtually - I can help you with training and behaviour issues.  Many behaviour issues often needs a hands off approach especially if your dog is reactive or anxious.  You do  not need me to add to the mix and you get to keep you dog in their safe zone.   Virtually helps keep your dog in their safe zone is key in working with you and your dog.  The training is transferred to owners and with lots of grit you can help your dog change their behaviour.  This may include getting a full medical clearance or a gait analysis which we can provide to you.  FAQ - You need to see my dog, you need to see the behaviour.  No I do not want your dog upset with my presence.  I have seen alot in my career and I can easily see it through the screen.

Digital Courses Do it yourself for puppy, teen, reactive dogs, along with fun and easy scent courses.  Includes videos, resources and more  CLICK HERE

Grief  - Healing Hearts For you -  I am here for you if you are suffering and having emotional trauma from the loss of your dog, cat or any pet.  Even a loved one.
I am a trained Traumatic Incident Facilitator to help you get relief from grief and more so you can live your best life.   CLICK HERE to learn more about this.

Want to chat, I love to speak with all in person potential clients via a Zoom Discovery Call which you can book by CLICK HERE

Join me in my Dog Training and Behaviour Community - CLICK HERE

Local to me only Dog Walking, loving care while you are away for the day.  Add on training , enrichment and more to this incredible service available.   Email Me

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.
My goal is to help you live with your dog peacefully with training and behaviour services.
The Force-Free Method - Informed by Science, Guided by Empathy, Governed by Ethics" TM

In an unregulated industry such as dog training and behaviour, it’s important to understand the facts around methodology and the effects 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 we continue to learn and complete and pass courses, webinars and learnings.  Since 1989  there are way too many to list, before there were badges to broadcast and now with their badges.
I learned a long time ago from a veterinarian I was employed by that continuing education was important.  
Once I started my own business  I knew this is what I needed to do to give the best service and continued with process.   I did this for every service I offered whether it was pet care, dog walking, pet sitting 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.  This has never stopped.

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

Awesome Community

Join our community and connect with myself and all the students from around the world who are just like you. Learn and share with the every growing community.
CLICK HERE