Be Well Dog Behaviour & Training was founded in August 2022 by Veterinarian and Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Dr. Christina Lucas. It is our mission to provide evidence-based, individualized, and accessible training, behaviour, and pet care services that prioritize the safety and wellbeing of pets and their people. We help people and dogs struggling with anything from basic training and puppy problems to reactivity, aggression (towards people, dogs, and other animals), fear, and anxiety. We implement reward-based methods for training and behaviour modification in combination with a learner-centred approach, and we act primarily as coaches for the “human end of the leash”. We aim to give dog guardians the knowledge and skills they need to understand, manage, and alter the behaviours they and their dog are struggling with. We help dogs & their humans thrive together and increase overall wellness, from puppies to seniors, and basic training support to aggression cases.
E-mail contact.bewelldogs@gmail.com with your questions or select a service below to get started!
Brief Consultation Options - Including FREE Advice Before Your Dog Comes Home!(3)
Just have a few questions? Not sure if you want or need to book training or behaviour support? Meet by video call or phone call with Dr. Christina to chat and ask questions about anything Training, Behaviour, or Health & Wellness related.
Receive FREE support and guidance from a professional dog trainer as you prepare to select or welcome home your new addition! If you haven't chosen a dog yet this could mean help finding a responsible source to purchase or adopt a dog from, understanding breed characteristics, and discussing what type of dog might be a good fit for your family. If you've already chosen a dog this means addressing any questions or concerns you have and how to help your new addition as they transition into your household. **Meeting will take place virtually via Google Meet**
Receive FREE support and guidance from a professional dog trainer as you prepare to select or welcome home your new addition! If you haven't chosen a puppy yet this could mean help finding a responsible source to purchase or adopt a puppy from, understanding breed characteristics, and discussing what type of dog might be a good fit for your family. If you've already chosen a puppy this means addressing any questions or concerns you have, discussing environmental management, routines & sleep, crate/confinement training, and understanding how to start systematically socializing your puppy to the world from Day 1! **Meeting will take place virtually via Google Meet**
Stand alone, no commitment class/structured and managed social opportunity for puppies 8 weeks to ~6 months of age. First come, first serve opportunity to receive coaching, ask questions, & create positive experiences for your puppy in a classroom environment with humans, other puppies, and helper dogs. Choose from any of the following topics or tell us what you'd like to learn! How to Socialize Your Puppy Successfully | Body Language | Marker Training (Response to Name, Sit, Down, Go to Mat) | Handling/Grooming/Vet Visits | Puppy Biting | Sleep Training/Routine | Crate/Confinement Training | Jumping Up | Structured Greetings of Dogs & People | Recall | Loose Leash Walking | Managing Play....Off leash interactions and play if size and temperaments of the puppies are a match. Let your puppy interact with other puppies in a well-managed environment where they will gain confidence, practice sharing, learn dog social cues & when to take breaks, and more! **If you are looking to create a positive experience for your puppy being dropped off or alone, you can ask to drop your puppy off with the instructor for the class (only one puppy per class can be dropped off - make sure to confirm before you plan for this).** Note: If only one puppy is registered for a drop in, we will notify you, and the class will be held as a 45 minute one on one. Fake dogs or our helper dogs can be included as relevant.
Stand alone, no commitment small (up to 4 dogs) group classes for dogs of any age over 6 months and any breed. First come first serve opportunity to receive coaching & practice related to one of the below topics. Build your dog's ability to stay relaxed in the presence of new people and other dogs, increase your shy dog's confidence with new environments.
Topics: Leash Handling (Including Long Lines) | Body Language | Loose Leash Walking | Marker Training | Managing Play | 4 on the Floor/Jumping Up | Greeting People & Dogs | Grooming/Vet Visits | Recall
Note: If only one dog is registered for a drop in, we will notify you, and the class will be held as a 45 minute one on one. Fake dogs or our helper dogs can be included as relevant.
Fit & Free Daytime Adventures - Woodstock & Kitchener $60.00
We pick up and drop your puppy or mature dog off after a 2 hour outing for exercise, play, social learning, and training tailored to your individual dog's needs | Perfect for dogs who need more than just a walk around the block, and we are confident managing dogs of all shapes, sizes, and energy levels | As a team who specializes in training & behaviour support, we are able to accommodate your dog's quirks or special needs | Let us meet your dog's needs and send them home tired, while avoiding overstimulation, exhaustion, and social conflicts that often occur in group daycare settings | The adventure can be solo or we can bring a well matched friend for your dog | Every adventure includes learning, and possible training areas include loose leash walking, jumping up, social play, confidence building, focus around distractions, recall, settle in public, heeling, down stay, and more)
*For existing client dogs only*
For puppies, adolescents, and mature dogs. One of our professional trainers will come to your home to work with your dog while you are busy and/or absent. Training efforts will target whatever areas you select (leash walking, jumping up, door manners, confidence building, recall, heeling, and more). A report card is provided after each training session with tips for transferring skills.
Weekday Walks/Let Outs/Pet Check Ins - Woodstock & Surrounding $20.00
See individual services for pricing, and book this service to schedule your pet's occasional or recurring weekday let outs/walks/check-ins. After booking you will receive a form to fill out regarding the specifics of the services & your pet and can dictate a time window for the service.
*Note: 9:30am-3pm is not the duration of the service for your individual pet, but the total time window in which all scheduled services for the day will be arranged.
Examples of Behaviour Struggles We Can Support You With:
Stress, fear, or aggression during veterinary visits and grooming;
Trouble with grooming/handling/equipment (agitation, avoidance, aggression);
Extreme fear & shut-down dogs;
Dogs & kids (prepping for baby, managing dogs & kids, bite prevention);
Aggression towards other dogs;
Aggression between pets in a household;
Aggression towards strangers;
Aggression towards members of the household;
Resource guarding;
Non-medical housesoiling in mature dogs including marking;
Separation anxiety (will perform initial assessment);
Reactivity and excessive barking (on leash, in the vehicle, in the home/yard, TV etc);
Fence Fighting/Barrier Aggression;
Car/Travel Anxiety;
Fear, Phobias, and Generalized Anxiety;
Pica/Consumption of Inedible Objects;
Destructive Behaviours and Excessive Chewing;
Compulsive Behaviours (cobbing, blanket-sucking, over-grooming, self-mutilation, fly-biting) and Stereotypic Behaviours (pacing, circling, etc.).........
What to Expect: We give dog guardians the knowledge and tools they need to understand, manage, and alter the behaviours they and their dog are struggling with. Please understand that changing a dog's behaviour takes time and effort. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of guardians and their dogs (physical and mental) throughout the training process. We do not guarantee results, but have every confidence in the evidence and reward based methods we utilize.
The goal of the initial behaviour consultation will be to:
1) Establish a thorough history and knowledge of your case, goals, and priorities
2) Discuss relevant behaviour and training principles and identify any barriers to meeting goals
3) Receive initial recommendations with clear action items. Further resources & instructions may be sent by e-mail, and it is recommended to take your own notes......
The appointment will be 1.5-2 hours in length and it is likely that at least the first 60 minutes of the appointment will be spent in conversation without directly involving your dog(s). Getting answers to the right questions, exploring underlying causes for behaviour, and providing tailored advice is an important part of the process. As time allows, hands on demonstrations and skills practice may be part of the initial consultation as well.
Additional follow up will need to be scheduled based on your goals and mutual availability. Homework will need to be completed between follow up appointments to achieve progress with training and behaviour change. Text and e-mail support is provided to active clients at no additional charge. Our helper dogs may be included in follow up appointments as part of further assessment or behaviour modification plans (as relevant).
**In-Home Service Areas Include Oxford County, Tavistock, New Hamburg, Norwich, Tillsonburg, Princeton, Drumbo, Ayr, Paris, Cambridge, Kitchener, Locations >30km from Woodstock, ON may not be serviceable. Travel Fee of ~$1/km each way will be added to base rate**
Examples of Behaviour Struggles We Can Support You With:
Stress, fear, or aggression during veterinary visits and grooming;
Trouble with grooming/handling/equipment (agitation, avoidance, aggression);
Extreme fear & shut-down dogs;
Dogs & kids (prepping for baby, managing dogs & kids, bite prevention);
Aggression towards other dogs;
Aggression between pets in a household;
Aggression towards strangers;
Aggression towards members of the household;
Resource guarding;
Non-medical housesoiling in mature dogs including marking;
Separation anxiety (will perform initial assessment);
Reactivity and excessive barking (on leash, in the vehicle, in the home/yard, TV etc);
Fence Fighting/Barrier Aggression;
Car/Travel Anxiety;
Fear, Phobias, and Generalized Anxiety;
Pica/Consumption of Inedible Objects;
Destructive Behaviours and Excessive Chewing;
Compulsive Behaviours (cobbing, blanket-sucking, over-grooming, self-mutilation, fly-biting) and Stereotypic Behaviours (pacing, circling, etc.).........
What to Expect: We give dog guardians the knowledge and tools they need to understand, manage, and alter the behaviours they and their dog are struggling with. Please understand that changing a dog's behaviour takes time and effort. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of guardians and their dogs (physical and mental) throughout the training process. We do not guarantee results, but have every confidence in the evidence and reward based methods we utilize.
The goal of the initial behaviour consultation will be to:
1) Establish a thorough history and knowledge of your case, goals, and priorities
2) Discuss relevant behaviour and training principles and identify any barriers to meeting goals
3) Receive initial recommendations with clear action items. Further resources & instructions may be sent by e-mail, and it is recommended to take your own notes......
The appointment will be 1.5-2 hours in length and it is likely that at least the first 60 minutes of the appointment will be spent in conversation without directly involving your dog(s). Getting answers to the right questions, exploring underlying causes for behaviour, and providing tailored advice is an important part of the process. As time allows, hands on demonstrations and skills practice may be part of the initial consultation as well.
Additional follow up will need to be scheduled based on your goals and mutual availability. Homework will need to be completed between follow up appointments to achieve progress with training and behaviour change. Text and e-mail support is provided to active clients at no additional charge. Our helper dogs may be included in follow up appointments as part of further assessment or behaviour modification plans (as relevant).
**Virtual Meeting Via Google Meet**
Examples of Behaviour Struggles We Can Support You With:
Stress, fear, or aggression during veterinary visits and grooming;
Trouble with grooming/handling/equipment (agitation, avoidance, aggression);
Extreme fear & shut-down dogs;
Dogs & kids (prepping for baby, managing dogs & kids, bite prevention);
Aggression towards other dogs;
Aggression between pets in a household;
Aggression towards strangers;
Aggression towards members of the household;
Resource guarding;
Non-medical housesoiling in mature dogs including marking;
Separation anxiety (will perform initial assessment);
Reactivity and excessive barking (on leash, in the vehicle, in the home/yard, TV etc);
Fence Fighting/Barrier Aggression;
Car/Travel Anxiety;
Fear, Phobias, and Generalized Anxiety;
Pica/Consumption of Inedible Objects;
Destructive Behaviours and Excessive Chewing;
Compulsive Behaviours (cobbing, blanket-sucking, over-grooming, self-mutilation, fly-biting) and Stereotypic Behaviours (pacing, circling, etc.).........
What to Expect: We give dog guardians the knowledge and tools they need to understand, manage, and alter the behaviours they and their dog are struggling with. Please understand that changing a dog's behaviour takes time and effort. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of guardians and their dogs (physical and mental) throughout the training process. We do not guarantee results, but have every confidence in the evidence and reward based methods we utilize.
The goal of the initial behaviour consultation will be to:
1) Establish a thorough history and knowledge of your case, goals, and priorities
2) Discuss relevant behaviour and training principles and identify any barriers to meeting goals
3) Receive initial recommendations with clear action items. Further resources & instructions may be sent by e-mail, and it is recommended to take your own notes......
The appointment will be 1.5-2 hours in length and it is likely that at least the first 60 minutes of the appointment will be spent in conversation without directly involving your dog(s). Getting answers to the right questions, exploring underlying causes for behaviour, and providing tailored advice is an important part of the process. As time allows, hands on demonstrations and skills practice may be part of the initial consultation as well.
Additional follow up will need to be scheduled based on your goals and mutual availability. Homework will need to be completed between follow up appointments to achieve progress with training and behaviour change. Text and e-mail support is provided to active clients at no additional charge. Our helper dogs may be included in follow up appointments as part of further assessment or behaviour modification plans (as relevant).
Give your puppy or adult dog a chance to explore, exercise, and learn while spending time in nature. Enjoy a private long leash or off leash (as appropriate) walk with or without one of our helper dogs. 60 minute walks also available. If you’re looking to expand your dog’s social circle, ask about a semi-private trail walk!
Give your puppy or adult dog a chance to explore, exercise, and learn while spending time in nature. Enjoy a private long leash or off leash (as appropriate) walk with or without one of our helper dogs. 30 minute appointments also available. If you’re looking to expand your dog’s social circle, ask about a semi-private trail walk!
For Puppies: Socialization guidance (Systematic Environmental Exposure to the world and everything in it in a neutral to positive way), House Training, Puppy Biting, Sleep Training, Confinement/Crate Training, Absence Training, Introducing Equipment, Handling & Grooming Training, Introducing Following & Recall, Introducing Marker Training & How to Teach Your Puppy Behaviours On Cue, Down on Cue, Trades, Greeting People & Other Dogs, Confidence Building.........
Adolescents & Adult Dogs: Marker Training & How To Teach Your Dog Behaviours On Cue (sit, down, mat, etc.), Trades & Leave It, Loose Leash Walking, Recall, Long Line & Off Leash Walking, Down Stay/Place, Building Focus & Engagement Around Distractions, Confinement/Crate Training, Absence Training, Greeting People & Other Dogs, Door Safety, Confidence Building, How to Meet Your Dog's Needs, Relaxation & Settling
Managing & Addressing: Jumping Up, Leash Pulling, High Energy, Destructive Chewing, Digging, Counter Surfing, Overly Enthusiastic Greetings, "Stealing" Objects, Reluctance to Come When Called, Charging Through Doors, Mouthing, Leash Biting, Difficulty Settling.......
We give dog guardians the knowledge and tools they need to understand, manage, and alter the behaviours they and their dog are struggling with. Please understand that changing a dog's behaviour takes time and effort. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of guardians and their dogs (physical and mental) throughout the training process. We do not guarantee results, but have every confidence in the evidence and reward based methods we utilize......
The goal of the initial training consultation will be to:
1) Establish a thorough history and knowledge of your case, goals, and priorities
2) Discuss relevant behaviour and training principles and identify any barriers to meeting goals
3) Receive initial recommendations with clear action items (will likely include live demonstrations and practice with your dog, further resources & instructions may be sent by e-mail)
The appointment will be 1.5 hours in length and the first 30-60 minutes will normally be spent in conversation without directly involving your dog(s). Getting answers to the right questions, exploring underlying causes for behaviour, and providing tailored advice is an important part of the process. Hands-on demonstrations and practice based on initial recommendations will conclude the appointment. Additional follow up will need to be scheduled based on your goals and mutual availability. Homework will need to be completed between follow up appointments to achieve progress with training and behaviour change. Text and e-mail support is provided to active clients at no additional charge. Our helper dogs may be included in follow up appointments as part of further assessment or training plans (as relevant).
**In-Home Service Areas Include Oxford County, Tavistock, New Hamburg, Norwich, Tillsonburg, Princeton, Drumbo, Ayr, Paris, Cambridge, Kitchener, Locations >30km from Woodstock, ON may not be serviceable. Travel Fee of ~$1/km each way will be added to base rate**
For Puppies: Socialization guidance (Systematic Environmental Exposure to the world and everything in it in a neutral to positive way), House Training, Puppy Biting, Sleep Training, Confinement/Crate Training, Absence Training, Introducing Equipment, Handling & Grooming Training, Introducing Following & Recall, Introducing Marker Training & How to Teach Your Puppy Behaviours On Cue, Down on Cue, Trades, Greeting People & Other Dogs, Confidence Building.........
Adolescents & Adult Dogs: Marker Training & How To Teach Your Dog Behaviours On Cue (sit, down, mat, etc.), Trades & Leave It, Loose Leash Walking, Recall, Long Line & Off Leash Walking, Down Stay/Place, Building Focus & Engagement Around Distractions, Confinement/Crate Training, Absence Training, Greeting People & Other Dogs, Door Safety, Confidence Building, How to Meet Your Dog's Needs, Relaxation & Settling
Managing & Addressing: Jumping Up, Leash Pulling, High Energy, Destructive Chewing, Digging, Counter Surfing, Overly Enthusiastic Greetings, "Stealing" Objects, Reluctance to Come When Called, Charging Through Doors, Mouthing, Leash Biting, Difficulty Settling.......
We give dog guardians the knowledge and tools they need to understand, manage, and alter the behaviours they and their dog are struggling with. Please understand that changing a dog's behaviour takes time and effort. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of guardians and their dogs (physical and mental) throughout the training process. We do not guarantee results, but have every confidence in the evidence and reward based methods we utilize......
The goal of the initial training consultation will be to:
1) Establish a thorough history and knowledge of your case, goals, and priorities
2) Discuss relevant behaviour and training principles and identify any barriers to meeting goals
3) Receive initial recommendations with clear action items (will likely include live demonstrations and practice with your dog, further resources & instructions may be sent by e-mail)
The appointment will be 1.5 hours in length and the first 30-60 minutes will normally be spent in conversation without directly involving your dog(s). Getting answers to the right questions, exploring underlying causes for behaviour, and providing tailored advice is an important part of the process. Hands-on demonstrations and practice based on initial recommendations will conclude the appointment. Additional follow up will need to be scheduled based on your goals and mutual availability. Homework will need to be completed between follow up appointments to achieve progress with training and behaviour change. Text and e-mail support is provided to active clients at no additional charge. Our helper dogs may be included in follow up appointments as part of further assessment or training plans (as relevant).
**Virtual Meeting Via Google Meet**
For Puppies: Socialization guidance (Systematic Environmental Exposure to the world and everything in it in a neutral to positive way), House Training, Puppy Biting, Sleep Training, Confinement/Crate Training, Absence Training, Introducing Equipment, Handling & Grooming Training, Introducing Following & Recall, Introducing Marker Training & How to Teach Your Puppy Behaviours On Cue, Down on Cue, Trades, Greeting People & Other Dogs, Confidence Building.........
Adolescents & Adult Dogs: Marker Training & How To Teach Your Dog Behaviours On Cue (sit, down, mat, etc.), Trades & Leave It, Loose Leash Walking, Recall, Long Line & Off Leash Walking, Down Stay/Place, Building Focus & Engagement Around Distractions, Confinement/Crate Training, Absence Training, Greeting People & Other Dogs, Door Safety, Confidence Building, How to Meet Your Dog's Needs, Relaxation & Settling
Managing & Addressing: Jumping Up, Leash Pulling, High Energy, Destructive Chewing, Digging, Counter Surfing, Overly Enthusiastic Greetings, "Stealing" Objects, Reluctance to Come When Called, Charging Through Doors, Mouthing, Leash Biting, Difficulty Settling.......
We give dog guardians the knowledge and tools they need to understand, manage, and alter the behaviours they and their dog are struggling with. Please understand that changing a dog's behaviour takes time and effort. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of guardians and their dogs (physical and mental) throughout the training process. We do not guarantee results, but have every confidence in the evidence and reward based methods we utilize......
The goal of the initial training consultation will be to:
1) Establish a thorough history and knowledge of your case, goals, and priorities
2) Discuss relevant behaviour and training principles and identify any barriers to meeting goals
3) Receive initial recommendations with clear action items (will likely include live demonstrations and practice with your dog, further resources & instructions may be sent by e-mail)
The appointment will be 1.5 hours in length and the first 30-60 minutes will normally be spent in conversation without directly involving your dog(s). Getting answers to the right questions, exploring underlying causes for behaviour, and providing tailored advice is an important part of the process. Hands-on demonstrations and practice based on initial recommendations will conclude the appointment. Additional follow up will need to be scheduled based on your goals and mutual availability. Homework will need to be completed between follow up appointments to achieve progress with training and behaviour change. Text and e-mail support is provided to active clients at no additional charge. Our helper dogs may be included in follow up appointments as part of further assessment or training plans (as relevant).
Behaviour Support: Follow Up (In-Home/Public Place) $60.00
Appointment takes place at your home or a mutually agreed upon public location such as a park or trail. Receive one on one coaching, review progress, troubleshoot behaviour modification plan, receive additional recommendations, structured set ups for completing behaviour training
Behaviour Support: Follow Up (Virtual) - 60 Min $60.00
Phone call, Facetime, or Google Meet available. Receive one on one coaching, review progress, troubleshoot behaviour modification plan, receive additional recommendations, structured set ups for completing behaviour training
Receive one on one coaching, practice skills, review progress, troubleshoot overcoming barriers to training efforts, receive additional recommendations & homework, structured training set ups for appropriate level of difficulty.
Training Support: Follow Up (In-Home/Public Place) $50.00
Appointment takes place at your home or a mutually agreed upon public location such as a park or trail. Receive one on one coaching, practice skills, review progress, troubleshoot overcoming barriers to training efforts, receive additional recommendations & homework, structured training set ups for appropriate level of difficulty.
**Virtual Meeting Via Google Meet** Receive one on one coaching, practice skills, review progress, troubleshoot overcoming barriers to training efforts, receive additional recommendations & homework, structured training set ups for appropriate level of difficulty.