"As an Ethologist and one keenly interested in Canine Behaviour, I am acutely aware of the necessity for owners to have well-trained dogs in order to prevent and treat behavioural problems. A well-trained pet intensifies the owner pet bond and thus promotes a higher level of companionship and care.

Because 1 in 5 pet dogs is euthanized or abandoned before the age of 2 years due to unwanted behaviour, socialization and appropriate training should begin at an early age (10 to 12 weeks).

I have personally observed the training classes at McCann Professional Dog Trainers and I have found them to be professional and very conscientious in the application of modern principles of learning, reward training and control techniques. They have trained in nearly 50,000 dogs in the last 20 years and thus are the largest and most experienced trainers of family pets in Canada. I highly recommend the McCann Professional Dog Trainers for your pet."

Dr. Donal B. McKeown: Retired Associate Professor of Animal Behaviour, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph;
Ontario Veterinarian of the Year 1989; President, Professional Animal Behaviour Associates

Read more testimonials from our Grade 2 or Grade 3 students.

Aberfoyle I have found the instructors most helpful and courteous and know everyone's name - even when I book a makeup - they knew our names. "Kayla" looks forward to coming to class. Patience is a virtue and your instructors have it! Acton This course has already paid for itself. Our dog got out one night and started to run away. Cars were coming in both directions and I yelled "come", and he returned (from around the corner where he was out of my sight) on the FIRST command. I have no doubt that without this course, our dog would have been hit. Alma I have really felt supported and encouraged by all of the staff - everyone makes the effort to be friendly and approachable. We LOVE you McCann's! Thank you! Ancaster I think the training times are wonderful. It is great that you work around others' schedules. I have trained two dogs through McCann's and am about to start a third. I think you guys are great. You are very helpful and thorough in your instruction. The skills taught are extremely beneficial to my dog's behaviour. The best thing about training with McCann's is that they make sure you have fun with your dog. I have trained 6 dogs with McCann Professional Dog Trainers over the last 13 years and it has been interesting to observe the many changes and improvements that have taken place in the classes during that time. Dog behaviour and training is currently experiencing new techniques and new knowledge and this organization is constantly updating their approaches to give their students a good experience with cutting edge methodology.

Arkell

• I like your classes. We need your classes. Our dog is in consistant motion and some days it is hard to keep up let alone keep a step ahead of him. Thanks.

Aurora

• Your school is highly recommended and I find these lessons very useful.

Ayr

• I was very impressed with the instructors' ablility to keep the classes fun - yet very informative. There was never a dull moment.
• I trained another dog with McCann's several years ago and it was a very fun, positive experience. Now we live further away but wouldn't consider any school but McCann's.

Barrie

• I am extremely pleased with this school and Watson and I have had a lot of fun. Staff are all very helpful.

Beamsville

• Staff has been great! I like that they have alternatives for training if one method doesn't work.

Belwood

• The training staff are clear in their instructions - friendly and helpful.

Binbrook

• We are now very pleased with our dog's behaviour. The instructors are very helpful and patient.

Blair

• Staff are very concerned and helpful.

Brampton

• Every experience we have had with your facility has been handled with tact, professionalism, and a dedication to your work that goes beyond personal desire to run a successful business. We are convinced that the investment we have made with your programs will be returned to us tenfold, and enthusiastically refer our "dog friends" to your website. With a sincere thanks and hats off for a job well done, we thank you!

Branchton

• I am very impressed with McCann's training. I have trained two dogs with another club where the emphasis was on corrections. The McCann system works on the basis of reward first, which I find much more effective and pleasurable for both dog and trainer. I have and will continue to highly recommend McCann's and the trainers.
• Our McCann experience has been extremely rewarding. Our dog can accompany us to many places and be welcomed instead of being a nuisance. We enjoy our 'special' quality time together at McCann's. Thank you McCann's for making our dog part of our family.

Brantford

• We're looking forward to continuing our dog's training because a well-behaved dog is a dog others enjoy being with. I didn't realize how much fun it can be coming to class each week. This is our first dog and we are looking forward to having more in the future.
• I found the classes very helpful because I'm a first-time dog owner and I knew virtually nothing about training. Everyone was very patient, understanding, and very clear with all instructions.
• I have found your expertise to be very helpful and beneficial to myself, the household, and our dog. I do plan to continue on with the next level.

Breslau

• Staff are very helpful and there are enough to give personal attention. Very knowledgeable.
• The facility and staff are wonderful. Well worth my time in travel.

Bullock's Corners

• Staff are very observant.
• An excellent course.
• Marvellous, positive staff.

Burford

• I feel our dog has better behaviour than any other dog we have owned. She is the first dog we have taken to training. Thank you.
• The staff are positive, clear, encouraging, firm and fun.

Burlington

• We are first time dog owners and knew less than nothing when our puppy came into our home. All the books in the world (and I have them all!) cannot take the place of one-on-one feedback and seeing how to manage the dogs 'live'. Thank you for sharing your expertise and your obvious love of dogs with the class.
• We feel the staff is extremely friendly, knowledgable, and attentive. They were always willing to help one-on-one if needed. We were very pleased with McCann's and will definitely come back.
• My friends and family cannot believe how well behaved our dog is considering she is only a puppy. Grade 1 is fantastic!
• You all do a wonderful job! Keep up the good work; we will be back. McCann's is Harvard University for puppies!
• A total stranger, who saw our first attempts of going for a walk with our dog, commented today on how much he has improved in only a few weeks!

Caledonia

• Your program was more than I expected and we are very pleased with the outcome. It was worth the cost of the class.

Campbellville

• It was a very enjoyable experience and certainly worthwhile for us and our dog. You have a well organized program that doesn't waste time and produces results. Thank you.
• Our dog was an 11 month old dog directly from the SPCA with absolutely NO training. Six weeks at McCann's has given her a tremendous start on her new life. She is 500% improved in all her training. All the hints and instructions we have been given have worked! We may not be the best in the class but we have progressed the most! Thanks!

Carlisle

• Your instructors were sensitive to the special needs of difficult to handle dogs. The extra time and useful suggestions were greatly appreciated.
• I really enjoyed the class. I now understand how a dog brain works and how to treat him. Our dog was a rescue from the SPCA..., he is now a wonderful addition to our family. Thanks to the staff. They are super.
• The Gentle Leader was a miracle suggestion!

Cambridge

I'm so fortunate that my vet highly recommended McCann training for my dog. Thank you and keep up the excellent schooling. I have never regretted the day I walked through the door at McCann Dog Trainers. It was important to me to have a well behaved dog and I am very impressed with the training here. We own two dogs and can we ever tell the difference between the McCann trained dog and our other untrained dog. We recommend this training to any of our friends that own dogs or are getting a dog. I was accepting a parcel at home from the UPS guy. My dog was sitting by the door and saw a chipmunk run across the lawn and across the street. Being a Golden Retriever, he couldn't resist. He shoved past me and took off down the driveway. As he headed onto the street, the bus came around the corner. I tried to remain calm and hollered, "Come.". He stopped in his tracks and came back to me. Thank you for saving my 5 month old Retriever's life!

Dundas

• This is my second dog being trained here and if we had a third it would also come here. Keep up the good work.
• I have been to three different training facilities and find McCann's to be the best. The training staff are very knowledgable and are always friendly and positive.
• I recommend McCann's to anyone who asks for a good training school. (I work at a vet clinic.) My dog has become focused on me. When we're outside he always checks in with me to see what he should be doing next. I've had other dogs in the past who were well behaved, but this class has been really helpful to learn how to deal with problems I'm having. I'd definately come again.

Elmira

• I've taken another dog to a different school that costs less and got NOTHING out of it. I would pay double what it cost at your school because it was more than worth it.

Elora

• Training staff very knowledgeable and helpful. Great one on one advice.
• McCann's is a great place to train. I always feel welcome. I like the quality of the training areas, the extra programs and incentives to continue. I especially appreciate the more advanced level offered as well the gentle progression from basic skills to more difficult routines I may experience in future training situations.
• I'm very impressed with the thoroughness with which each skill was taught. I was very impressed with the whole program and the staff.

Etobicoke

• Everyone was very knowledgable and helpful.
• My head instructor made and extra effort to work with me one-on-one. All of the instructors remembered both my name and my dog's name.
• We are very pleased with the progress Bailey has made. I look forward to training with you and your staff.
• I am so happy I found your training center for our dog. It has been great to learn the skills I need to help her become a wholesome family pet. There is nothing better than to see a well behaved dog at an owners side. I am always surprised that she actually has learned all these different commands. We have come such a long way since kindergarten. Thank you to all your staff, they are so very helpful, friendly, attentive and not intimidating.

Fergus

• Excellent classes. Being a part of this program gave us confidence to get another dog.

Flamborough

• Thank you for your help. People now comment on how well our dog behaves. I must say he is a pleasure to have around and a wonderful family member.

Georgetown

• The trainers are all great. They are consistent in their training and they are very encouraging.
• The instructors are helpful, encouraging, and never make you feel that a question you have to ask is not an important one. The environment here is very welcoming and I am very imressed with the cleanliness in your facility. It is very apparent that you put a lot of effort into training your staff as they are very prepared for each class with a lot of good advice. I would highly recommend your facility to everyone.

Greensville

• The lessons were great for me because I learned how to treat and train my dog. The philosophy is very clear and easy to understand. Thank you!

Grimsby

• My dog's responses are now much quicker!
• I feel we are making good progress and I very much enjoy the other students in class.

Guelph

• I am impressed that all of the staff remembered both my name and my dog's name. Everyone was extremely patient and the whole experience was a lot of fun. The instructors are positive and always in a pleasant mood. I will continue to highly recommend your business. it is worth the drive from Guelph!
• I am amazed at how fast these dogs learn. From having a young "full of beans dog" to one that listens is wonderful.
• Your positive/happy approach has worked really well with my dog. He wasn't inclined to listen to me when I was being more punitive. We're both much happier.

Hamilton

This is my third dog that I've trained at McCann's and I am as impressed now as I was back then. I have noticed some positive changes in the training methods. When I go for walks with my 2 dogs, many people comment on how well behaved they are and I always say that it's all due to attending class at McCann's. One of my dogs has been a Therapy Dog with St. John's Ambulance for 4 years and I am very proud of her. I knew this dog would be a challenge when I agreed to take him. I attribute his better behaviour to training at McCann's. His attention and responsiveness has improved immensely. He is also exhibiting more affection and seems happier now. The instructors are extremely competent, very patient, and have impressed us in all 3 grades. They give praise when it is due and give constuctive criticism when needed. I never felt like we failed at anything. I also applaud how each person's name is remembered as well as each dog's. Very well done!

Hillsburgh

• My dog had great fun and enjoyed coming to class as much as I did. The staff were encouraging to both owner and dog.

Innerkip

• Keep up the good work!! I trained at Rockton about 10 years ago and McCann's has continued their excellent training classes.

Kilbride

• This is a very well run and professional establishment. Great facility and excellent instructors. Thank you for helping us to have a really great dog.

Kitchener

• The training is excellent. All the trainers know what they are doing. The teaching is clear and there is plenty of opportunity for practice. The training manual is a great help too. Not only has my dog learned a lot but my relationship with him has improved as well. I look forward to our lessons here and so does my dog. I have to admit that before he started these lessons, I was frustrated and very resentful of him - he was such a handful! However, he is now well on the way to becoming a well behaved dog.
• We are pleasantly surprised at the effectiveness of the training. It has made a tremendous difference at home. My neighbours have commented to me about how well she behaves on the leash and sits before we cross the road.
• The staff’s availability to answer problems or questions on the phone or in person was exceptional.

London

• My dog was very headstrong and dominant before we started obedience classes. I've seen a huge improvement in her attitude towards me and she loves to train.

Lowbanks

• I would like to thank our instructor for all of the behaviour consults she gave us. They helped out wonderfully. The classes were fun. Our dog listens, comes when called, and obeys me 100% more than she ever did.
• The instructors were exceptionally helpful and knowledgable to any issues that I may have had.

Lynden

• The staff was patient, with many examples of good training and gently coaching of reluctant students. Location, parking, and phone reception was accessible. I had fun, and my dog loved it.
• It is a wonderful facility for training and getting the dogs used to many distractions. The feeling here is so positive and enthusiastic. What a treat! Thanks so much.
• This is the second dog that I have brought to you and it is the best thing we could do for our household.

Millgrove

• I just wanted to say a big thank you for making it fun. At first I had doubts that classes could improve my dog's behaviour but now I'm convinced. We're really pleased with the results.

Milton

• I was impressed with the personal attention we received. I have been to other obedience schools that were not nearly as effective. Remembering the names of the dogs and trainers was also a nice touch.
• We were very happy with the professionalism, patience, and knowledge of your staff. We noticed an improvement in our dog after just one class.

Mississauga

• My dog loves 'school'. He can hardly wait to get in the door.
• I have made great strides with my dog since being enrolled in this class. She is now an enjoyable member of the family.
• The staff was very helpful. We seemed to have enough time to ask questions without feeling rushed.

Moffat

• McCann trainers are very professional in every respect. They handled all my questions (and frustrations) with good humour and always with helpful advice.
• We take our dog to the nursing home to visit my mother-in-law. She is wonderful with all the patients there and everybody is happy when we come.

Morriston

• I took this course 10 years ago and I cannot believe the changes in some of your methods. It was worth taking it again. Thanks.

Mt. Forest

• I am so grateful for the help, advice & suggestions for handling my dog's deafness (and of course for training me)!

Oakville

I love the fact that there are so many instructors in each class to give feedback, help with corrections and give individual attention. Their attitude and encouragement are most gratifying. This is my second dog but we forget our 'puppy days' and the reinforcement with other dogs and distractions are fantastic. The manual has been super to help remember all the little details. All of our instructors were very pleasant and cheerful. They created a fun learning environment. Our head instructor was terrific. Her training sessions have greatly improved our dog’s behaviour. I receive many compliments on how well my dog behaves, especially for such a big dog. Thanks for your help and encouragement in our training.

New Hamburg

• I am pleased that the instructors took the time after class to give me extra advice.

Norval

• Great - very knowledgeable.

Paris

• The question and answer period has been very helpful. We have another dog that came here and she is truly wonderful. I hope to accomplish the same with the dog I am training now.

Port Dover

• Our dog enjoyed coming to school. At home we would say, "Let's go to school" and she would run to the door anxious to get into the car.

Puslinch

• They do an excellent job - they are patient which helps nervous owners.
• I have enjoyed both the Head Start and Grade 1. I found all the trainers very knowledgable, helpful, positive and enthusiastic. The classes are very well run and organized. The manuals are very informative and easy to read.

Richmond Hill

• Staff are great! They explain clearly what we should (and shouldn't) be doing.

Rockwood

• My dog is more responsive to me and much more confident.

Scarborough

• My dog was in his own little world before we started classes but has changed for the better. He pays attention much better than he ever has. I only wish I had known about your school when both my dogs were little puppies.

Scotland

• We have used McCann's since 1982 and have 3 dogs trained. Everyone is friendly and make you feel comfortable in the classes. Our dog is always excited when she gets to class.

St. George

• The instructors did a great job. They were excellent giving feedback and showing us the proper way to train our dog.
• The training manual given to us in Grade 1 was excellent.

Stoney Creek

• We've really enjoyed the class and would never have believed our dog could learn so much so quickly. It really helped us, as a family, to be consistent in our training and in giving her directions - something that has helped greatly in all aspects of living with our dog!
• I have a very busy life with 2 young children. I always enjoyed coming to class. This will be my 3rd dog - and the only one that has ever listened to me. Thanks for a great experience!
• The instructors were all very helpful, friendly and very understanding of my dog’s nervous behaviour around other people and were great help in overcoming this.

Toronto

• I adopted my dog at three years of age. His previous owners were thoroughly frustrated with him and he had become very hyper. I found classes to be fast paced and interesting. He is like a new dog. He's more self-assured and friendly towards people and other dogs. Thanks for all the help. We're coming back for Grade 2.
• I continue to be amazed at how easy it is to train. McCann's taught us how to fix our dog's fearful problem and what a difference it made in our confidence with him.

Vineland

• I think your staff & classes are very motivating and I enjoy my time here. Even an old dog "trainer" can learn some new tricks.

Waterdown

• I was very impressed with both the training classes and the instructors. Both my dog and I learned valuable lessons that are beneficial to living a happy life together. I would highly recommend anyone acquireing a dog to take the McCann training.
• It was nice to see lots of staff ready to jump in and help with suggestions when we were practising.
• I’ve never had a dog before so you helped me to understand and interact with my dog better. She is becoming a great dog! The staff was very helpful and extremely knowledgeable.

Waterloo

• The drive was definitely worth it from Waterloo. My dog listens at home and at the store. I cannot believe she is the same dog.
• The staff are very knowledgable and are really interested in helping you. No question is too silly and no problem is ignored. Money well spent!
• I have found the sessions very informative to my husband who has never owned a dog. I liked the positive feedback from each trainer. McCann's has been very accommodating to our ever-changing schedule.

Wellesley

• The instructors were able to recognize my dog's individual needs.