Dog Trainer, Woodstock Ontario

About the Trainer

If you’re frustrated with your dog, whether it’s pulling, reacting, or not listening, you’re not alone.Most owners I work with feel overwhelmed, embarrassed, or stuck with their dogs behavior, same as I was.
At some point, they start thinking their dog is stubborn.
They’re not.

I’m Kelsey, a dog trainer based in Woodstock.I’ve worked in trades for most of my adult life, and while I became a skilled welder, it was never something I felt connected to. Dogs were always what I was drawn to.What changed everything was working through real challenges with my own dogs. I went from constant frustration with taking my dog for a walk. To put it lightly, she acted as if we were at war with my neighborhood and it got so bad I'd come home crying. Eventually, I dedicated time to change my approach, and to everyone's surprise, she became a dog I could actually enjoy spending time with, even off leash on hikes.Once I stopped guessing and started following a clear system, everything clicked.

So now I help owners build a system that fits their lifestyle.Not just obedience, but a dog that can actually handle real life.Most of the time, the issue isn’t a bad dog, it usually comes down to a lack of clarity, consistency, and follow-through.I help you communicate clearly with your dog, make sure they have the right outlets for their energy, and we build structure that carries into your day-to-day life.Because training isn’t something you turn on and off.It’s happening all the time, whether you realize it or not.And the end of the day, the goal isn’t just obedience, it’s all about having a dog you can actually live with, and enjoy.

Ollie

"Kelsey is an amazing dog trainer. We sought out help with our possessive Cane Corso. He was a very large dog, approx 170lbs. We were turned away by a few other trainers that refused to work with us because of his behaviour. We had brought a new puppy into our family and although things started out great they took a turn for the worse and our Corso became very aggressive. Kelsey came into our home a few nights a week to start and within a few months our dogs were walking beside each other. We took small baby steps of “reintroducing” the dogs. Part of the training was teaching the Corso that the puppy was not a threat to him, us or his possessions. Kelsey is beyond knowledgeable with training. We absolutely love her and would highly highly recommend (and we have already) to others."
- Maggie

Leroy

"Upon meeting, Kelsey seemed to know exactly what to do to calm BOTH of us. Before we even met, she said that aggression is a behavior, not a personality. She spent time not only working with him, but also with me and my fears. Building my confidence, and teaching me skills to handle situations which made him less anxious/fearful. She took us to different locations and worked through many scenarios at a pace that was comfortable to both Leroy and myself. She gave me the knowledge, and us the tools we needed to be successful. Everything we worked on was at our pace and always building up to the end results. We would practice in a non-threatening environment and work up to a real case scenario. Always with her at my side coaching us.I found Kelsey to be very knowledgeable and professional while also getting to know us both and making it personal. She kept in touch even after our training was complete and was more than happy to answer any questions at any time. Kelsey took the monster that I was creating through my own anxiety as well as his, and gave me back my sweet, slobbery, kissable baby boy. Yes, he gets kisses from the staff at the animal clinic now. Right on his nose lol!"
- Rose Ann

Training Approach

My Training ApproachAt Crafting Canines, I focus on teaching you how to become an effective handler, someone your dog can clearly understand and trust. Training isn’t just about commands; it’s about communication.Step 1: Building Relationship Through PlayBefore we ever focus on obedience, we focus on engagement. Play creates trust, motivation, and a genuine working relationship. This is where your dog learns that you’re the most valuable part of their world, and we use play to introduce training concepts.Step 2: Teaching Leash PressureLeash pressure is a language. Your dog learns how to respond to gentle guidance on the leash instead of resisting it. This creates calm, confident movement and sets the foundation for all future obedience, on or off leash.Step 3: Introducing Marker WordsClear communication comes from consistent feedback. I teach you how to use marker words to communicate with your dog.These give your dog a clear understanding of what’s right, what needs adjustment, and when they’ve earned reward or freedom.Step 4: Layering ObedienceOnce your dog understands the language, we begin applying it in obedience. Depending on your goals, we introduce practical cues that fit your lifestyle with your dog.What I want you to know:If you feel resentful towards your dog, they are just as frustrated as you are.
Your dog isn't dumb. They just don't understand yet.

Book a Consultation

I use consultations to understand your dog and your situation at home base, then we discuss how to move forward.Send me an email with the following:>Your name
>Contact information
>Your dog’s name, breed, and age and a brief outline of your main concerns
(ex: reactivity, pulling, recall, behaviour in the home, etc.)You don’t need to write a novel, just enough for me to understand what you’re dealing with.What Happens Next?Once I receive your email we’ll schedule your consultation.