Are you ready to strengthen your relationship with your dog regardless of their age?
Have you ever wanted a trainer who does more than just basic obedience with your dog, and helps meet more of their needs?
Wanting to find a trainer who works with your dog instead of against them? Us too!
That is why we have created the “Ages & Stages Dog Training Model” - Because every age and stage of your dog’s life has different needs!
About Your Trainer!
My name is Samantha MacLean
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to make a difference in the lives of animals and help them feel safe, loved and understood. Naturally, I became a certified dog trainer!
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I have two Standard Breed Bernedoodles (Harlaigh and Westley) who are the light of my life and I am getting married to my fiancé in September, 2025! Westley, my younger dog, is the reason I became a dog trainer due to some severe behavioral concerns such as allergies, anxiety and dog centered resource guarding.
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My Certifications:
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I am a certified trainer through The Victoria Stilwell Academy For Dog Training And Behavior as well as a Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator that specializes in helping families navigate the ever changing dynamics of dog, baby and toddler relationships. Continuing education is always being done as well in order to ensure my practices and education are always up to date! I am in the process of obtaining my Fear Free Pets Dog Training Certification.
Memberships:
I am also a member of the Alberta Force Free Alliance, The Pet Professional Guild, The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and The Grisha Stewart Academy (GSA).
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Reactivity Training Packages
Reactivity can be described as any type of reaction in response to a trigger. Reactivity is not good or bad, it is just behavior! This behavior can be caused due to many different things (fear, arousal, excitement, uncertainty among other things) and can look very different depending on the dog! Understanding the why behind your dog's behaviour, meeting those needs and helping them change their association with certain triggers in a fear free way is at the heart of what we do. Due to the complexity of reactivity, we do packages with multiple sessions a week to help you achieve greatest success and the ability to practice in real time around your dog's triggers.
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Each package includes updates after each session, resources, and unlimited access to your trainer via e-mail or text throughout your package
1
Real Life Reactivity
4 Weeks
With Day Training
What is included?
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Initial consult and assessment
1 60 minute in person session per week (4 total)
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1 30 minute day train session per week - 1 on 1 with trainer (4 total)
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1 30 minute CAT/ BAT session per week (4 total)
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Access to our reactivity Facebook group
2
Real Life Reactivity
4 Weeks
Without Day Training
What is included?
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Initial consult and assessment
1 60 minute in person session per week (4 total)
1 30 minute CAT/ BAT session per week (4 total)
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Access to our reactivity Facebook group
3
Real Life Reactivity
6 Weeks
With Day Training
What is included?
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Initial consult and assessment
1 60 minute in person session per week (6 total)
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1 30 minute day train session per week - 1 on 1 with trainer (6 total)
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1 30 minute CAT/ BAT session per week (6 total)
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Access to our reactivity Facebook group
4
Real Life Reactivity
6 Weeks
Without Day Training
What is included?
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Initial consult and assessment
1 60 minute in person session per week (6 total)​
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1 30 minute CAT/ BAT session per week (6 total)
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Access to our reactivity Facebook group
5
Real Life Maintenance Sessions
After you complete your training package, sometimes you may need a little guidance or support along the way! Our post package Real Life Reactivity Support Sessions are discounted to provide you with the support you need when you need it!
Puppy Training Packages
Although basic obedience is incredibly important for the foundations of your dog’s life, Puppy training is SO much more than just that! Our 1 on 1 private puppy packages have all of your puppy’s needs in mind from proper socialization to loose leash walking and everything in between to set you both up for less stress and more success!
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Puppy Pre - School
Socialization is not just about having your dog play with other dogs and meet everyone, it is about helping expose your puppy to different sounds, smells, textures, places and create positive associations with those experiences. Through this program, you will have your puppy taken on socialization outings by your trainer to help them put their best paw forward in this big world! This service is done 1 on 1 with your pup and their trainer!
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Package Includes:
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5 socialization outings 1 on 1 with your trainer
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Puppy Specific Resources after each session delivered in a timely manner
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Photo and video updates after every session
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Pick up & Drop Off
2
Pawsome - Puppers
This program is the perfect mix of obedience, play, relationship building and fun! Skills learned will include: Sit, Stay, potty training, cooperative care and harness conditioning, loose leash walking, recall and much more! This service is done in your home 1 on 1 with you!
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​Package Includes:
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1 in person 1 on 1 in person training session per week
(5 weeks)
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Puppy Specific Resources after each session delivered in a timely manner
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Photo and video updates after every session
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3
Puppy Prance Walk & Train
Get your puppy on the right track with loose leash walking once they are fully vaccinated! This service is a great addition to your Pawsome Puppers Package!
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Package Includes:
5 - 45 minute walks done 1 on 1 with trainer and pup
Detailed notes provided in a timely manner after each session to help practice those skills you have been working so hard on!
Bundle & Save Puppy Packages!
Let us know if you're interested in all three of the above and we can make you up a custom package to meet your needs so you can save!
Dog, Baby & Toddler Packages
The relationship between your dog, baby and toddler is one that is ever changing! It can seem overwhelming at times especially when you are trying to balance the needs of both your dog and your kids! As a Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator, it is my job to help set you, your dog and the rest of your family up for success. By providing you with realistic training goals that meet you and your dog where you are currently at, we will work together to help you decrease stress and increase success in your home! Pregnant or adopting? Already have a toddler? We are here to help!
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Paw-sitive Beginnings Newborn Prep Package
This package is perfect if you are an expecting or adopting parent and want to prepare your dog for the arrival of your new baby!
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Package includes:
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4 in person 1 on 1 training sessions that you can use at any time throughout your journey into parenthood.
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The Dogs & Storks Webinar & Relevant handouts for your dog and baby's current needs
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Unlimited access to your trainer in between sessions
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2
Tots & Tails Package
This package is perfect if you are a family who has a baby who is starting to reach those milestones of crawling or walking! A change in mobility can often cause uncertainty for your dog and we are here to navigate those changes with you and help your dog through them safely and comfortably.
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Packages Include:
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4 in person 1 on 1 training sessions that you can use at any time throughout your journey into parenthood.
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The Dogs & Toddlers Webinar & Relevant handouts for your dog and toddler's current needs
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Unlimited access to your trainer in between sessions
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3
Ages & Stages Package
One of our famous sayings at Family Paws is: "Babies grow, dogs age, adjust at every stage"! We wanted to create a package that reflects that!
This program gives you the benefits of the Paw-sitive beginnings package as well as the Tails & Tots package PLUS ongoing support for the first year of your child's life.
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Package Includes:
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8 in person 1 on 1 training sessions you can use anytime in the first 2 years of your child's life
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The Dogs & Storks and Dogs & Toddlers Webinars & Relevant handouts for your dog and child's current needs
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2 training walks to help get your dog comfortable walking around your stroller
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Not So "Basic" Training Packages
Our basic obedience training packages are anything but basic! Your dog's needs are unique, which is why we do not have a set skill set that we teach in each package! Individualized packages and sessions are essential for success and allow for you to continue building a strong, positive relationship with your dog for years to come based on their exact needs. By using what your dog views as most reinforcing—such as praise, treats, access to people and other dogs or toys—you help guide your dog to more desirable behaviors. This approach not only strengthens the bond you share with your dog, but makes training fun for both of you!
1
4 Weeks
Initial consult and assessment
4 - 1 on 1 sessions with trainer
Notes and handouts timely delivered after each session
Unlimited text and e-mail support throughout your package
2
6 Week
Initial consult and assessment
6 - 1 on 1 sessions with trainer
Notes and handouts timely delivered after each session
Unlimited text and e-mail support throughout your package
3
8 Weeks
Initial consult and assessment
8 - 1 on 1 sessions with trainer
Notes and handouts timely delivered after each session
Unlimited text and e-mail support throughout your package
Add On Services
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Decompression Walks
A decompression walk for dogs is a calm and mindful outing that allows your dog to release built-up tension and stress away from things that usually might cause them to be triggered. Unlike traditional walks, which may focus on exercise or training, a decompression walk is about slowing down and giving your dog the freedom to explore at their own pace. These are beneficial for all dogs but especially dogs who struggle with reactivity.
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This option offers a 1h pick up & drop off service
2
BAT Sessions
A BAT (Behavior Adjustment Training) session is a focused and structured approach to helping dogs overcome reactivity in a controlled, positive environment. BAT is designed to address behaviors such as barking, lunging, or growling at triggers like other dogs, people, or unfamiliar objects. The goal of a BAT session is to help your dog learn to make better choices in the presence of triggers, by using distance and positive reinforcement. BAT was created by Grisha Stewart. These BAT sessions can be added on weekly to any training service
3
Day Training
Day training for dogs is a convenient and effective solution for busy pet owners who want to provide their dogs with professional training while they are away at work. During day training sessions, we work with your dog on essential skills, behavior modification, and obedience throughout the day to help you continue to make progress on your goals!
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These training sessions are 1h of 1 on 1 training in your home without you present. Updates will be provided after each session.