Nurturing Mutual Respect Based on Trust Since 1992
Ready to build the best possible relationship with your dog?
Serving Kitchener-Waterloo since 1992, Puppy Power has gone beyond basic obedience training to help people fully understand their dogs and build a trusting relationship with them. This is always done using scientifically-proven positive reinforcement-based methods without ever resorting to intimidation or force. By maintaining consistent rules, and keeping things predictable for the dog, we can get reliable, desired behaviours. In 2021, we began incorporating more of Leslie McDevitt’s Control Unleashed Program into all of our services to help dog owners learn how to take their relationship with their dogs to the next level. We do this by giving our learners more agency with conversational training. We value and encourage feedback from the dog at each step of the training rather than just relying on traditional cue & response training. The result? A dog who is more confident and eager to work with their handler; and a handler who feels more comfortable knowing what to do in any given situation in order to not only get the most out of their dog but also to do what’s best for their dog.
A quick overview of what we offer:
Puppy Imprinting
For the busy pup-parent-to-be seeking a dog trainer to take care of those critical first few months of socialization & training for them with 4, 8 or 12 weeks of board & train
1:2:1 Coaching
For those having difficulty with specific behavioural problems and seeking some one-on-one training
Virtual or in-person (May-Oct)
Puppy Classes
For the pup-parent looking to start their new puppy off on the right foot with all the basics
Virtual or in-person options (May-Oct)
Socialization Opportunities for dogs who have done any our programs (May-Oct)
Timid/Small dog class for new puppies, small & timid dogs
Confident dog classes for older pups who just want to keep up on their social skills with appropriately matched fur-riends
Fear & Reactivity
If your dog is barking and/or lunging at people or other dogs on walks, and you fear that your dog wouldn’t do well in a “class” setting, this class is for you.
Virtual with the option to add on in-person (May-Oct)
Specialty Classes
Tricks, Fitness, and Sport foundations for the pup parent who wants to do more than just basics and really have fun with their dog
Special focus classes like leashwork or recall for those who have done basics but want more in-depth help with specific skills
Puppy Power Perks
Clients who work with us get access to extras, like our VIP Boarding/daycare program & offleash trail rental
Coming 2025: Frisbee field & Agility field rental (pending weather conditions for completion)
As of September 1st, 2015, Puppy Power is under new ownership. Having taught over 400 professional dog trainers in nine countries, Samantha DeJong, B.Sc, CTB.ccs, IPDTA-CDT is one of the best.
In order to run a quality dog training facility, among other skills one must have a great rapport with both dogs and their guardians, be a good dog trainer and teacher. They must be knowledgeable and experienced, flexible and creative. Samantha has all of these qualities and more.
Samantha loves dogs and cares about people. She’s smart, talented and compassionate and is loved by all the dogs and their guardians as well as her peers. She’s qualified and experienced in basic, intermediate and advanced training, behaviour and aggression therapy, socialization and reactive dog classes. She will continue to use proven – positive reinforcement methods to protect your dog’s emotional well-being and temperament.
I’ve spent the past 23 years earning your trust and it’s important to me that you and your dogs are left in capable and compassionate hands after I leave. I am proud to pass Puppy Power into Samantha’s care and know without a doubt that she will continue to run a quality business that focuses on making the world a better place for dogs and those who love them.
Norma Jeanne Laurette
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Here’s what our clients have to say:
Even now with bamboo at home, Sam still happily helps troubleshoot little issues/questions here and there with Bamboo whenever we email her. Literally everyone tells us how well behaved he is, and we have to say that his time at Puppy Power set the foundation for that!
For any first-time dog owners, or people that would have difficulty tending to a young pup at home (like us), we would highly recommend Puppy Power. Despite it being a 1.5+ hour drive from Toronto/Markham, we would definitely do it all over again. We know bamboo can’t wait to be boarded there in the future while we’re away!
Thank you Sam and Puppy Power!.
