Scholars in Collars Dog Training

I found the staff are compassionate , supportive and knowledgeable, They know dogs and support owners to achieve desired behaviour, Excellent

Reviewed on Google Maps

My wife and I just love the positivity in this type of training, Amber, Bristol and now Daisy. The first two were awesome dogs and now Daisy will be A well behaved and trained dog.

Reviewed on Facebook

Trainers were attentive and patient

Reviewed on Google Maps

My little Finn, had a great first day, we learned lots, and are looking forward to going back....Instructors are very helpful

Reviewed on Facebook

Fantastic Dog Training Place! Highly Recommend. Give them a try, you will not regret it. I have a rescue Bassett Hound. He did not live a domestic family life before we got him. I needed professional help! With the help of Scholars & Collars training classes and a few Q&A's with Diane (and a visit from Joan Weston, the behavior consultant) - yep, it's a "one-stop" shop, what I thought was impossible, turns out, it's not! We now have a very well behaved family dog. So thank you to Diane & her team of dog training experts! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Great Experience! We have learned so much with our new Puppy, it has been 16 years since we had our first dog and getting a new puppy was a big step for our busy family and so many things have changed. The information and guidance Schollars in Collars has given is second to none! I first came here with a close family friend and her dog and I was blown away, so it only made sense to bring our Dublin to class. We are now just finishing level 2 and our little boy is smitten with Joan. Great instructors and at first it was a little over whelming but they have done a great job of making us feel comfortable and I love the fact that I can bring my 3 teenagers to class so they are learning exactly what to do first hand. We look forward to level 3 and having lots of fun with our new addition to the family. Thank you for making this experience great. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Simply put this place is amazing! Scholars In Collars offers training at a next level. Their expertise is 100% what everyone needs if you want to have a successful dog. Scholars In Collars is always there for you and gives you stratigies to help raise you dog. All stratigies are based on current research and really work. We went from feeling overwhelmed to empowered. Our puppy is loving life. One thing to note is that if you join you need to be fully committed. But the pay off is exponential. We cannot wait for level 2. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Great school. Very concerned with the dogs well being.

Reviewed on Google Maps

I honestly cannot say enough good things about Scholars in Collars. The trainers are the absolute best and most supportive people I have ever encounter. Their motto of training should be fun definitely holds true. Every class with them, regardless of instructor, has been great fun! Diane is amazing, full of helpful knowledge and always willing to give her time to help, Joan is an absolute riot in class, Sue and her rottie are always fun and encouraging and all of the class helpers, I just can't praise them enough for their dedication to ensuring each and every student is successful in building that great bond with their dog!I'm not saying training was all sunshine and roses. I am now in classes with my second dog to go through the Scholars program, but my first, she nearly did me in. Having a dog that suffers from severe anxiety and what I call "neurotic tendencies" is difficult and made me question my abilities as a owner to properly train my dog. Everyone at Scholar was SO supportive. Diane is always super responsive to any questions that I may have had, or issues encountered along our journey together. In the end my Hannah managed to successfully complete Obedience levels 1-3, a Novice Tricks class, & a Scent Detection Class! I was amazed with her progress. Fast forward nearly 2 years and I decided to get another puppy. Hannah wasn't currently enrolled in classes, but once you're a Scholar student, you're a student for life. I reached out to Diane who offered some great advice and a handout to help with proper integration between Hannah and our new puppy Charlotte. Now Charlotte is half way through her Obedience Level 2 class and I'm STILL learning new things. She is MUCH easier than Hannah, but I find doing the classes a second time, now with a different dog, I picked up so much more than I did the first time around. Well worth the second go round! Plus the dogs love it, I now have a 5 month old puppy with manners! (well like 80% of the time... she IS still a baby... but I know how to redirect to get the behaviour I want). I've also got a 2 year old who now knows how to cope with the world that seems all to scary to her, and I know how to make her feel safe and secure. All done with positive reinforcement, no punishment, just with love and proper reinforcement of good behaviours, all while having FUN.If you have the opportunity to take classes with Scholars in Collars, DO IT, you honestly will not regret it when you end up with a well behaved dog that you have an unbreakable bone with. Also do the puppy social classes... yes, it's an addition class, but it's worth it to have a properly socialized pup! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Diane, Joan and team at Scholars in Collars has been amazing since our first interaction with them. They were instrumental in helping to manage a difficult situation with an rescue and spent hours providing advice and support. When we got our puppy, there was no question where we were going for training. The Canine Behaviour seminar is incredibly informative, and puppy drop in was an amazing way to help get our little guy socialized with other doggie friends in a safe environment. Level 1+ 2 obedience were fantastic experiences and so well taught by Joan in a way that placed emphasis on having fun learning with your dog. The online resources provided with your Level 1 enrollment are so helpful, especially for reviewing purposes. This is a knowledgeable, expert team - cannot recommend them highly enough! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

One of only a handful of quality training schools in the Toronto area. Highly recommend.

Reviewed on Facebook

A fantastic learning experience for both dogs and owners. Everyone is friendly, understanding and best if all passionately knowledgeable. Would recommend to everyone to get in touch with them! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Our puppy has been in their classes since he was 9 weeks old and he loves it! Their small classroom size with several trainers give us the one-on-one attention we need to make sure we were directing and rewarding our dog at the right instances. Diane and her staffs are always super welcoming of any questions or concerns. We have reached out severals times regarding non-classroom behaviour issues and Diane would always get back to me with several pointers and suggestions. We are currently in our advance class of the speciality class and I find that my dog and I look forward to it every week. The class size is only 3 for the tricks classes, giving us a lot of opportunities to execute a trick several times with the instructor’s guidance. We’ve been here for almost year and were worried that our dog would finish all their classes but we’re happy that there is still more classes for our dog to learn from and grow. My favourite thing about Scholars In Collars is that they helped me build a bond with my dog through obedience work while having fun. During one of the classes, I finally understood that my boy was a lot smarter than I underestimated him to be! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I have taken 2 dogs here, and just enrolled a third. We have tried other schools that are closer to us (we live an hour away) but always end up at Scholars. Their education is second to none and I can truly say they help you and your dog(s) have the best relationship possible. My dogs love going to class and we always have the best time! We have one puppy who is not the easiest to work with (she has fear aggression towards other dogs when on leash) and they have been the biggest help in getting around that. Thank you Joan, Diane and team!! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

This is the place to go for training! I have two Goldendoodles and I have gone thru three levels of training with my dogs! I keep coming back as the whole staff is very helpful and patient with the animals and owners. They break everything down in class for you to understand. It’s not just understanding how to train your dog but it’s explaining the behaviour of animals. Dianne is the owner and she is very caring and listens when you need to chat about your animals behaviour. Try them out, they are a perfect place to train your animals! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Fun training. They teach you lots of skills that you can expand on at home.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Won a number of Burlington community awards. Recommended them to a number of new parents. Parenting is hard but with their help and the right amount of time your dog will love your attention. When the time comes I'll be back and I know S&C will be there. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Hands down the best dog trainers I've ever experienced.  They've helped shape 6 or 7 of our dogs over the years.  I cannot sing their praises loud enough.  These other reviews absolutely baffle me.  At least 10 of our friends have gone here and swear by how good they are! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Scholars in Collars is the best facility I have ever dealt with! The training is top-notch with clear instructions designed to give every dog success and to build confidence in the dog and their owner. The administration is so organized and they go above and beyond to make the entire experience a pleasant one. My dog and I love going to class each week and because of the superb training we have developed a special bond. I highly recommend Scholars in Collars to any family wanting a great life for their dog!Natalie and Allegro More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Joan for president.

Reviewed on Google Maps

BEST DOG TRAINERS!!! We’re so thankful we brought our dog (Entlebucher Mountain Dog) to SIC. Our little guy was born with a birth defect which had him in OVC for some time in his early months. As a result he developed a lot of anxiety issues around other dogs and people. Diane and her team were so helpful providing much needed support and expertises. Today he is a happy confident and obedient dog who is thriving. As dog owners we feel going through the training program really helped us be informed and empowered to be better pet parents. Understanding not only effective behavioural techniques but also the animal psychology behind it has been a game changer. We credit all our success with our dog to SIC and we’re grateful we found such an amazing community to help us in those pivotal early years.I would highly recommend them. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I've been very happy with Scholars in Collars. Jin has been going there since he was a puppy. He's completed levels 1 through 3 and is now in their speciality program of trick training. Jin was quite a handful as a pup, and regardless of how embarrassed I sometimes felt because he didn't seem to be catching on as quick as the other pups, everyone at Scholars was always encouraging and reminding me that it won't just happen overnight. Fast forward to now (Jin is now just over 16 months) and is doing amazing! He actually pays attention in class, he is WAY better at chilling out, and he's been having so much fun in the Scholars trick classes. Jin just finished Advanced Trick Dog 1 classes, which are super fun and a great way to reinforce obedience taught in level 1,2 and 3. Thank you to Diane and her team for being the best team ever! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Love, love, love this place and their instructors! Fun, friendly, positive training!!

Reviewed on Facebook

Can’t say enough about the quality of the trainers. They offer support each and every step of the way - throughout and even after training is completed. It can seem overwhelming at first because there is so much to learn, but definitely worth the money to have a well-mannered dog and confident owner. Yes, you will have to consistently and constantly continue training outside facility in your home and neighbourhood to achieve the best results. We completed level 1, 2, and 3 and are eager to start specialty training soon :) keep up the excellent work Scholars in Collars! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

All positive reinforcement training. No excessive "dominance" or like holding your dog to the floor to get it to listen, it's all rewarding good behaviour and it *works*. It works very well. My 1yr golden retriever is (mostly) well behaved thanks to the instructors at Scholars in Collars. Classes are very small, so your will get lots of personal attention, and lots of staff to answer any questions you may have. Plus, one of the example dogs, Ike, is SUPER CUTE and listens SO WELL! :) More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Had a fun fall photo session with one of the instructors, Erin Crossman! She will be back for a Christmas photo shoot!! Date TBA great photographer! !! One of the many cool events at Scholars in Collars!! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Positive training and knowledgeable instructors. Throughout the level one class, we were given one on one attention and detailed guides on how to coach our dog at home through the lessons. We learned a great deal through the lessons and our pup has mastered some handy everyday commands. Additionally, it was very helpful that the instructors had many modifications for small flat-faced dogs like our pup, which helped set him up for success. Would recommend to any new puppy owners. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I am so glad I brought my 2 year old hyper rescue here! The staff are very supportive in giving you the information you need to be successful! I would highly recommend them!

Reviewed on Google Maps

We decided to bring our year and a half old rescue pup to Scholars in Collars as soon as we got him based on a recommendation from a good friend; we couldn't be happier!! So thankful that we didn't just choose a place closer to where we live. We were very impressed with the positive training approach that focuses on setting your dog up for success rather than expecting them to be mind readers... With small class sizes and multiple handlers working each class, we were incredibly impressed with how they gave each and every student the attention they needed. Obviously classes are going to end up with a diversity of dogs and a diversity of owners... but they managed to cater to each individual need without singling anyone in the class out. We also appreciated the ability to discuss specific concerns both in class and out (via email); the trainers all genuinely care about setting you and your dog up for success.Class was always fun, and a great bonding experience for us with our new pup.I will be highly recommending to anyone and everyone! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I love, love, love all the great training that myself and my labradoodle Ozee have received from scholars in Collars. Diane and all of her trainers are top notch! Ozee loves to go to class, I love that he's happy and I am so grateful for not only the inclass but Diane's commitment to her clients out of class, where she is always available to answer questions, send email information/links, and give great referrals for anything "doggie" related. Great work...Scholars team!!! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Outstanding! it was 15 years ago that we first took classes from Diane McWhinnie with Scholars in Collars! 15 years later, new puppy in tow, we found this Dog Training school even more competent than before. They are attentive, kind, helpful, knowledgeable and very skilled! Our family will always highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a positive training school with experienced trainers! Thanks Scholars in Collars! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Great staff, a friendly environment, and the latest evidence-based training methods. Bring your puppy here.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Diane and her team are excellent! I highly recommend Scholars in Collars to anyone who wants positive and proper training with their dogs!

Reviewed on Google Maps

A few people have told me that they don't agree with strictly positive reinforcement training but from what I could see at home I didn't think that telling my puppy "no"was the best approach as he would just give attitude. I am very please with Scholars in Collars!! We graduated level 1 about a month ago and continuing our training and I couldn't be happier with the 8.5 month old puppy I have today!!! We still have lots of work to do but I am thrilled. He is an overly excited pup when it comes to seeing other dogs and people and we now have ways to work through this. Diane always answers any question I had whether it be via email or in class. I had a Christmas party at our house the other day and what I thought was going to be an over stimulated puppy going crazy and not settling down ended up being a calm pup sleeping at my feet all night even with people coming and going. We really followed the things taught in class and in the behaviour seminar and it definitely paid off!!Thanks everyone at Scholars!!! We look forward to continuing our training :) More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Before choosing a training school for my dogs ( I have had 3 go through scholars in collars), I researched extensively the most up to date and scientifically proven effective methods of dog training. Scholars and collars uses these methods in their school, which is why I believe it is the best school in the area.My current dog has done 3 levels of training and is now doing a trick class. He LOVES coming to class and also loves practicing what he has learned at class. Diane is genuinely interested in helping each dog and their owner however she can. She is always willing to answer questions and work through any issues that may arise. I highly recommend Scholars in Collars!!Cynthia More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Diane and her team are next level amazing. They really showcase their care and knowledge for the development of your dog. They utilize incredible training techniques, and really work with you along the way .If I still lived in the area, I would be continuing further training with her and her team.J. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

The two best dogs I have ever owned were because of the training we received at Scholars. My first guy, an active boarder collie I went to 5 different training places until I found Scholars and they taught me how to train positivity. My next guy has was born without eyes. He is now a therapy dog all because of the amazing training we had. Thank you so much! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I had a bad experience with my first dog at a different training facility so when I got my second dog, I was looking for a different school. I heard wonderful things about Scholars so I gave them a try. They were wonderful and have helped me a LOT with my sometimes difficult rescued dogs. I highly recommend them to anyone, whether it's a new pup (start EARLY!), an adult who needs a refresher, or a new-to-you family member!***add***I have a new pup and of course, we’re enrolled! Scholars is as amazing as ever...we’re having fun and he’s doing great!!! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Fantastic experience... positive science based training. I’ve had multiple dogs go through all levels of training and are now participating in advanced courses in scent detection, trick work and agility classes!

Reviewed on Google Maps

Best dog training school with the most knowledgable instructors!

Reviewed on Google Maps

Amazing staff. Positive training methods and knowledgeable staff. Diane and her team are the best

Reviewed on Google Maps

The people at Scholars In Collars are very passionate and really do care about you and your dog succeeding to have the best partnership possible. They are so full of knowledge and different approaches to help your dog learn and in turn enjoy themselves in doing so. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Have been a happy client for years and still am. Recommend unreservedly.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Scholars in Collars is the best dog training organization in the Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton and Mississauga area.Diane and her staff are very professional and extremely helpful. Scholars taught us how to train our 3 dogs. The dogs always loved going to "doggie school".Though we no long live close to Burlington, I still recommend Scholars in Collars the those I meet who are looking for the best training for their dogs. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Best Place EVER!! They helped me with Molly after another dog training facility dropped the ball with us. They spent with us and were always available to answers questions and give advice. There's no choke collars, no jerking your dog off its feet, etc... Scholars is all positive training. They teach the RIGHT way!!!! Thank you Diane and your group for being there for us. Would highly recommend Scholars in Collars!!! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps