Ottawa dog owners have plenty of options once puppy classes stop cutting it, whether the issue is leash reactivity, separation anxiety, or a dog that just needs a refresher on the basics. This list was put together by researching public websites, Google and BBB listings, and customer reviews for trainers currently operating in and around the city. Not every business publishes a verifiable rating or founding date, so those fields are left out where they could not be confirmed.
1. Civil Canine Dog Training
Area: Ottawa (Ramsayville Road area) · Specialty: balanced obedience and behaviour modification · Since: 2023
Civil Canine is run by trainer Zoë, who has worked with dogs domestically and internationally since 2019 and competes in protection sports like PSA. The business takes a positive-first balanced approach, meaning foundational obedience and relationship-building come first before addressing tougher behavioural issues. It suits owners who want a trainer with a competitive sports background, not just a pet-manners focus.
2. Look Mom, No Leash!
Area: Ottawa (Melbourne Avenue) · Specialty: loose leash walking and off-leash recall
Run by Kevin Burns, a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals, this business is built around what Burns calls the Tempered Dog Training Method. The focus is narrower than most trainers on this list: getting dogs walking politely on leash and reliably off leash, with general obedience folded in as needed. It is a good fit for owners whose main complaint is a dog that pulls or won't come back when called.
3. Awesome K9
Area: Ottawa · Specialty: puppy training, obedience, and pack walks · Since: 2013
Awesome K9 is led by Nancy-Lynn Stoller, a trainer certified since 1999 and recognized as an IACP Master trainer. The business runs group pack walks alongside private obedience and behaviour modification sessions, and offers both in-person Ottawa sessions and online coaching. Longtime local presence and the pack-walk format make it a common recommendation for dogs that need structured socialization, not just one-on-one lessons.
4. The Canine School (Ottawa Canine School)
Area: Ottawa · Specialty: separation anxiety, aggression, and reactivity
The standout here is Chantal Mills, a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer mentored by Malena DeMartini, widely regarded as the field's leading expert on the condition. This is a specialist option rather than a general obedience school: the separation anxiety program runs a minimum of four weeks and is aimed squarely at dogs that panic when left alone. Owners dealing with aggression or reactivity issues beyond basic manners are the best fit here.
5. Shield K9 Ottawa
Area: Ottawa (Bank Street) · Specialty: obedience, reactivity, and board-and-train
Shield K9 operates out of a dedicated facility with both indoor and outdoor training space, run by Greg Borger and Sophie. Reviewers describe the instruction as patient and knowledgeable, with private lessons, board-and-train programs, and reactivity-focused work all offered on site. The business is reported to carry the highest volume of Google reviews of any Ottawa dog trainer, which points to a large and active client base.
6. A Pawsitive Difference Dog Training School
Area: Orleans, Gloucester, Cumberland, and Ottawa · Specialty: in-home obedience and aggression correction
Owner Viola Larkin has more than 20 years of dog training experience and runs sessions directly in clients' homes, covering basic obedience, crate and house training, and advanced skills practiced in the environment the dog actually lives in. The business is known for using positive, motivational methods even when working through aggression, which suits owners in the east end who want training done in their own space rather than at a facility.
7. Best Friends Dog Training
Area: Ottawa (Stevenage Drive) · Specialty: obedience, agility, and reactive or aggressive dog rehabilitation · Rating: 4.7 on Google (126 reviews)
Best Friends runs a full slate of group courses, Puppy K, Beginner and standard Obedience, Rally Obedience, Therapy Dog prep, and Tricks, plus private coaching and behavioural counselling. Reviewers consistently name instructors like Nancy, Chantal, and Sam for clear communication and a punishment-free approach. The breadth of programming makes it a solid option for owners who want to progress a dog from puppy class through to more advanced titles at the same school.
8. Canadian Canine Training Academy
Area: Bells Corners, Ottawa (Menten Place) · Specialty: aggression and anxiety-related behavioural problems · Since: 1995
Founded by Randy Chartrand, this academy has been operating in Ottawa for close to three decades, originally out of the National Capital Equestrian Park before relocating to Bells Corners in 2012. Its focus leans toward serious behavioural problems rather than basic manners, and client testimonials point to noticeable improvement in the dog-owner relationship, not just the dog's behaviour. The long track record makes it a common referral for tougher cases.
9. Carolark, The Canine Learning Centre
Area: Stittsville · Specialty: group classes including scent detection, rally-o, and agility · Since: 1992
Owned by Heather Laundry, Carolark has been running out of Stittsville since 1992 and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Beyond standard obedience and puppy socialization, it offers a wider menu of group activities like scent detection, agility, and brain games, using positive methods throughout. It is best suited to owners in the west end who want a long-established, activity-based training centre rather than strictly private sessions.
10. BetterDog
Area: Ottawa and Gatineau · Specialty: in-home training and reactive dog pack walks · Rating: 5.0 on Google (96 reviews)
BetterDog is a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers and says it follows the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) standard, explicitly ruling out shock collars or fear-based methods. Its reactive dog pack walks are structured to keep dogs moving in a controlled line without nose-to-nose contact, aimed at dogs that bark, lunge, or shut down around others. The combination of in-home lessons and dedicated reactive-dog walks makes it a strong pick for owners whose main problem is how their dog behaves outside the house.
How We Built This List
This list was compiled from publicly available websites, Google and BBB listings, and customer reviews found through web search. It is not a paid placement and no business on it paid for inclusion or ranking. Ottown has not tested or visited any of these trainers directly; all details are drawn from sources read during research. Last reviewed August 2026.
Source: Ottawa's Top 10 Dog Trainers You'd Sit and Stay For and individual business websites listed above.
