Rescue Dogs

Taking the responsibility for a dog that someone else could not, take a special person!

These dogs are looking for a shelter, food, exercise and you! Someone who guide and lead them and teach them what you expect

In-Home Training

Customized to help adapt to your home

Unlimited Training Sessions for One Year

Looking for an article to transform your shelter dog? I get it. But if you’re ready for pros who know pups and can help bridge the training gaps your dog never had, you’re in the right place.

Can You Help Me with My Dog?

You’ve opened your home and heart to a shelter dog, and you want to give them the best life possible. But let’s be real—things aren’t picture-perfect yet. We’re here to help you find the balance, build trust, and tackle the behaviors that need work. We’ll answer all your questions and guide you every step of the way.
Here’s how we roll:
Two Options:

You’re a Talker:
Want to chat it out? Send us your number, and we’ll call you. No pressure, just real advice tailored to your situation.
You’re a Detailer:
Prefer a plan of action? Fill out our onboarding form. We’ll analyze your dog’s behavior and environment, then build a customized training plan.

You’ll also get a personalized video review of our findings and recommendations. If it clicks with you, great—let’s get started.

If not, no hard feelings, but your pup might just give you the side-eye for missing out.

Customer testimonials

What sets Jon and Nancy apart is their unwavering commitment to meeting our needs. They were always just a phone call away, willing to accommodate our schedule and meet at our convenience. Their flexibility and willingness to work on our terms made the entire experience stress-free.

Stella, Ottawa

Nancy of Better Dog is not only a fount of information, she speaks dog and is great at teaching her clients how to as well. We've experienced results and dramatic changes within just a couple of hours.

We have homework and reference materials to help us continue growing and improving until our next session. Having training in home without the distraction of other dogs in a regular class is a bonus!

Lexi, Ottawa, ON

Better Dog dog training has been an awesome experience for my family. The training we received was instrumental in our pack. We found out that we were training our dogs incorrectly and Jon took the time to explain to us how we should be doing things.
On top of everything else, the training we signed up for isn't just for now or until our pack reacts the way it should. Jon stands by his commitment.
Things can go wrong and Jon has always been there to give us advice. He even comes back and/or meets us at a common place to help us.

Koda, Arnprior

Rescue Dogs

Advantages

Adopting a rescue dog offers a rewarding experience that demands careful consideration, specific adjustments to your daily routine, and a long-term commitment.

These dogs often come with advantages like being house-trained, obedient, and quiet.

However, their diverse backgrounds range from loving homes affected by an owner's illness or financial struggles to less fortunate circumstances such as neglect or even abuse.
First Day

The initial days after bringing a rescue dog into your home are a critical period of adjustment and bonding. It's natural to feel excited, but remember that your new dog may be feeling apprehensive and unsure about its new environment. Your main goal during this time is to create a sense of safety and calm for your dog.

Start by taking your dog on a quiet, leisurely walk around your neighborhood. This allows your dog to familiarize itself with the new scents and sights in a relaxed manner.

Ensure that everyone involved in the walk remains calm and collected, as this will help your dog feel more secure.
This walk is not just beneficial for your dog, but also for you to begin understanding how your dog perceives and reacts to its new world.

Rescue FAQ

Zoomies

Be prepared for the 'zoomies,' those spontaneous displays of exuberance your dog might exhibit.

These bursts of joy, although positive, can be disruptive and even hazardous within your home environment.

It's best to wait for this energy to naturally subside before resuming your interaction.

Is my Dog Fat or Skinny?

To assess your dog's weight using their ribs as a guide, you'll want to follow a few simple steps.

Place your hands on your dog's ribcage, with your thumbs on their spine and your fingers on the sides. Give them a little petting to let them know they're doing great!

Now, time for the rib-check. Gently press down on the ribcage to feel their ribs. You should be able to feel them without pressing too hard. If you have to press with a bit of force or can't feel the ribs at all, your fur buddy might be carrying some extra baggage.
Ideally, you should be able to feel each rib without them being too prominent. If the ribs are sticking out like the Rockies, your pup might be a bit too lean.

Feeding

Choosing the right food for your puppy is an important decision that can have a significant impact on their health and well-being. When it comes to feeding your puppy, there are several options to consider, including raw food and kibble.
With so much information available, it can take time to find accurate information. We have seen a significant improvement in behaviour in dogs on high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets

Meet Vinny

Success Story

See his training success.

Simple Start

Nancy or Jon will call you - Easy as that
We will discuss price and provide a written estimate

First Name

Last Name

Best Email

Mobile Number

SUBMIT

We will now ask bout your dog

VIP Start

Fill out our onboarding form, and we'll get to work preparing your personalized file —just like we do for every new client.

You'll receive a detailed written plan outlining your pup's profile and the training paths we'll explore together.

That's not all—we'll also send you a personalized video, breaking down our analysis of your pup's unique behavior & needs.

You’re putting in the effort, and so will we!

Whether we become your trainers is up to you—no pressure, just a commitment to help you and your pup thrive.