Reviews of Wise Canine Training (Driving School)

Andrea “asfgrooves” Simpson-Fowler

Michelle is very kind, very organized and awesome with her communications. She has been super helpful with community connections and backs up her training methodologies by citing excellent research. She clearly loves animals and wants the very best for her clients- if puppies and dogs are the instrument of measure for her goodness you can tell by their wagging tails that she is a 10/10 or 5 stars all the way. Strongly recommend!!!

Kelly Pollard

I have taken my dog to Michelle for training in obedience and nose work and I can’t believe what a difference it’s made in my dog’s performance. I really value Michelle’s belief in training through positive reinforcement. I will continue to train my dog with Wise Canine for years to come.

Jennifer Collon

My small breed puppy was so timid and afraid before this class. Now she has way more confidence. Given her size accommodations were also made to set her up for success which I really appreciated. Highly reccomend!

Jenn Murray

I have taken numerous private lessons and group classes with Michelle. She is very knowledgeable about dogs, their behaviour and body language and uses evidence based and modern training. Classes are fun and confidence building even when dealing with difficult behaviours. Her approach is highly individualized and her small class sizes allow for lots of attention for each dog.

Emily Wheeler

Hands down the best dog trainer i have ever been to! Michelle and her crew are extremely knowledgeable and have absolute compassion for each and every animal that comes through their facility. My big girl Juniper was a crazy handful of love and unending energy that i had no idea how to handle, trying multiple different trainers and methods before finding Michelle... such a difference! Juniper has impulse control, knows how to be polite, refine her energy into the proper ways, etc. She's a dream now, and it's because of the positive influence and advice i received from this training facility! Mia is the exact opposite, and is shy, nervous and quiet, nose work was recommended so i signed her up and shes developing more and more confidence, her little hound nose LOVES it! Along with my own 2 dogs, Michelle has always been able to help the dogs i have fostered bringing a variety of behavioral issues to the table, each and everyone has received help and rehabilitation methods giving each of those foster dogs a new lease on life and new home which wouldn't have been possible without the knowledge and training help! If you are looking for a dog trainer in the Yukon, Book an appointment and get into classes through Wise Canine. You won't be disappointed.

Joline Williams

Michelle is an amazing, passionate professional Instructor. I trust and feel good implementing taught positive reinforcement, force-free training methods. Her calm, flexible and engaged attitude makes training fun, adaptable and very applicable. We've had several 1:1 private lessons in our home and attended small group instructions, both out in the community outside and indoors and in her training space in the industrial area of Whitehorse. She always takes extra care to make sure the training spaces are set up for reducing dog stress and setting everyone up for successful sessions. We have a 2 yr old big Bully breed dog Peppa who is strong, confident and super goofy. I am so grateful her and I had Michelle's guidance and expertise. I'd be lost without you! Can't wait to schedule more sessions in spring to keep learning and developing with Peppa.

Amy McClintock

We have taken Basic Manners, Level 2 Manners, and Intro to Nosework classes with Wise Canine. Our dog Sophie is a 2 year old rescue who had no obedience training and was reactive in some new situations. Since attending Michelle’s classes, Sophie is generally calmer and more confident. Most importantly, Michelle has taught us how to use positive reinforcement to teach our dog the behaviour we want to see. Her reactivity started while walking her on leash, but we learned how to use positive reinforcement in other situations, too. Lastly, all classes were so fun for us all. I looked forward to weekly training classes and Sophie was always excited when we arrived at the training space. Michelle is organized, attentive to each dog’s needs, and fun! A class didn’t go by where we didn’t laugh. We love Michelle and her evidence-based training methods. We only wish there was a Level 3 Manners!

Arthur MacMaster

We have trained several dogs with Michelle and her patience and perseverance with dogs and their companions always brings out their best. We would recommend her classes to anyone!

Kelly Coventry

It is always nice to work with Michelle. She is a great trainer with a soft and gentle hand. Coal had a lot of success in her class and he missed 2 out of 5. Michelle's class was interesting, fun and challenged both me and Coal.

Sue Richards

London loves nose work, he has been doing it for a few years. Though great progressive classes with wise Canine London and I have become a stronger team.

Lucile Fressigne

Michelle is a great dog trainer. She offers a lot of advices and listens well to people when they talk about their experiences. She is good at bringing specific and personal training for special needs. I enjoyed working with her. Thank you for all the tools/advices.

Tasha McCormack

Incredibly helpful and knowledgeable! The classes are perfectly paced, have homework for you and your dog to continue learning and provides on going support after the classes!!

Tina Gerstenecker

Passionate instructor, cares so much for animals. Highly recommend to all.

Tracy Erman

Michelle's positive, force-free methods made training with Charlie a joy. I enjoyed the environment of the classroom (four dogs max = chaos-free!), and love her attitude as well. We are going back or more!!

Isabelle Bouffard

Love the positive-reinforcement approach Michelle puts forward in each of her lessons. Classes were fun for us and our puppy!

D Hubbert

My dog and I loved taking lessons with Michelle! She was very patient and positive which made me (and my dog) feel a lot more at ease. I learned so much about how to work with my dog in a way that encourages her to trust me.

Davida Wood

Michelle, with Wise Canine Training was excellent!! We first accessed her services when we were thinking of bringing a new puppy into our home, with a bit of a reactive older dog already a part of our family. Michele was so kind and helpful, informative and available to assist as we prepared and was ready to assist as we went through the introduction process. Her support and encouragement really helped in making a smooth transition. We have since followed up with two dog classes with her and the new pup (a Great Dane), puppy socialization and basic manners. Both have been EXCELLENT experiences, we have witnessed our pup flourish and get so excited every night he realized was a training night. His success was great, and with Michelle’s work and caring instruction style I witnessed our, and all the other dogs truly succeed. To see a 120lb 8month old pup be able to successfully engage with a 4-5 lb 8 month old pup with no mishaps is so exciting as just one small example!! Thanks Michelle and Wise Canine Training! We will be back!!

Charm H

Michelle is lovely to work with, and she is dedicated to helping people and dogs thrive in the best way that they can. She is a positive energy and has great ideas and methods to help you and your pup reach your goals.

Lindsay Hollywood

I’ve been taking my large breed dog to Wise Canine since I got him and I’m so happy I did! We started in Puppy Preschool, moved onto Kindergarten class and now we are doing advanced elementary. My pup is learning skills I would’ve never thought of trying to teach him, and I’m so happy with how he’s been progressing. These classes have not only helped my pup but more importantly helped to discipline me as his pack leader. Being in smaller sized classes has helped to ensure all dogs get the attention they need from Michelle so positive reinforcement adjustments can be made when necessary. Also, my pups favourite time is the playtime at the end of class where he gets to hang out and play with all his friends (bonus socialization!) Can’t recommend Wise Canine enough - my dog will continue to advance through these classes. I cannot wait to see how he continues to grow and advance!

Janice Brodie

Excellent instructor. Very patient with owners as well as their dogs. Love her training philosophy. I highly recomend her

Jocelyn Laveck

My collie Kelsey has some "fear" issues with respect to doorways and floors in particular. Michelle has helped me deal with his issues in a patient and understanding way and Kelsey has responded very well. He is becoming a more confident dog in different locations. Aside from private lessons with Kelsey I've had success at Michelle's regular obedience and scent classes as well. She is very good at analyzing a dog's behaviour and finding solutions to problems in a positive way that leaves both the dog and owner feeling good about their achievements! Having been to many dog trainers over the years I would highly recommend Michelle to anyone whose dog has behavioural issues. I also like the fact that Michelle is a fully certified dog trainer and maintains her credentials on an annual basis.

Shari Heal

Ketza and I just completed Level 2 Nosework. This is the second course I have taken with Wise Canine Dog Training. I was really happy with both courses, and have signed up to take the next two courses with Michelle. Michelle is very calm, positive, and friendly. Prior to the course, she sends a detailed questionnaire about your training experience and about your dog. She uses this information to set up an environment where each dog will have the greatest chance of success. She is welcoming and understanding of reactive dogs and provides environments where the dogs (and owners!) can feel safe and relaxed. The two nosework courses I have taken have been limited to 4 dogs per class, which provides lots of opportunity for each dog to practice. Her training is very clear, organized and well-planned. She increases the complexity/challenge gradually so that the dogs are always meeting with success. Michelle sends out email reminders a day or two before each class, and she sends out "homework" emails with a review of that class' lesson and activities to reinforce the new skills at home. She often includes video links. Ketza has learned very quickly. He and I both really look forward to class each week!

Heather Sweeney

My dog loves training with Michelle! He's a high energy and excitable pup, and too much force would be very stressful for him. Michelle's approach of calm and positive reinforcement lets him know what behaviour is expected and how to act in situations with other dogs. He responds very well to training with Michelle in both a classroom and a 1-on-1 settings. I highly recommend this service.