McCann Professional Dog Trainers

09/01/2026

Good leadership in dog training starts with clear communication.

Your dog is always learning from you, which is why the way you give cues, follow through, reward good choices, and stay consistent really matters. When your expectations are clear and predictable, your dog doesn’t have to guess what you want because you’re setting them up to succeed.

Which BAD leadership habit do you see most often? Let us know in the comments below.

08/28/2026

Does your puppy back away, get mouthy, or try to dodge you when you reach for their collar?

The Collar Hold game is a simple puppy training exercise that teaches your puppy that having their collar reached for and held is something positive. Practising this skill now can make everyday handling easier and help prepare your puppy for those moments when you need to calmly take hold of their collar.

A few positive repetitions can build confidence with handling and teach your puppy that reaching for their collar is nothing to worry about.

08/27/2026

A Gentle Leader is a gentle yet powerful walking tool, but the fit matters!

When fitted properly, your dog should be comfortable wearing it and you’ll get the control the Gentle Leader is designed to provide. The right fit is what allows the tool to work as intended while keeping yoru dog comfortable.

Watch as Instructor Kayl shows you how to properly fit a Gentle Leader on Maggie (Mags), plus a simple trick for getting your dog’s snout through the nose loop if they tend to dodge it.

Save this one for your next fitting! 🐾

08/25/2026

Tomorrow (Wednesday 26th) is International Dog Day and we will be supporting the SPCA at the Grand Opening of the new Runner's Den location at 466 Brant St in Burlington. Come out to run/ walk/ jog with your dog (a dog is not required to participate), bring a donation, and visit our tent booth. Start time is 6pm

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

One of the most overlooked parts of puppy training happens before you even start training your puppy.

Make sure everyone in your household agrees on the cues you’ll use, what those cues mean, and what you expect your puppy to do. If one person expects a response the first time while someone else repeats your puppy’s name 10 times, you’re teaching two very different rules.

Consistent dog training isn’t just about what you do. When everyone who interacts with your puppy follows the same game plan, your expectations become clearer, and it’s much easier for your puppy to learn what you want.

08/24/2026

Thinking about puppy training classes? Here’s why in-person training can make such a difference.

With real-time coaching, controlled distractions, and opportunities for proper puppy socialization, you get immediate feedback to help you build skills faster and avoid common mistakes before they become habits.

Our Puppy Essentials program gives both you and your puppy the confidence, structure, and foundation you need to succeed at home and in the real world. 🌎💙

Learn more at the link in bio. 🔗 Ready to enroll or have questions about any of our programs? Reach out to one of our super friendly, knowledgeable and supportive staff at 1-905-659-1888 😊

08/21/2026

With our Social Media Manager on vacation, we had to get a little creative for our Back To School Post. We promise our dog training is significantly better than our iPad drawing skills! 😂

"Back to school" means getting back into good habits. If you've been waiting for the right time to work on those manners, this is it! Let's make this the season your dog finally becomes the well-behaved dog you've always wanted.

Ready to get started? Call us at (905) 659-1888 or apply online at www.mccanndogs.com to enroll today!

08/17/2026

2 SPECIALTY WORKSHOPS AT THE McCANN DOGS POOL!!!!

Monday August 24

Spend a summer evening at the pool trying something new with your dog! Join us for some fun, introductory workshops designed for dogs who are already comfortable in the water and ready to build their skills.

🏄🏻‍♀️6:00 PM — Intro to Stand-Up Paddleboarding with your dog!

Take your adventures beyond the pool!
Learn the foundations for safely enjoying a stand-up paddleboard with your dog. We’ll introduce dogs to the board and work on the skills they’ll need to confidently ride along with you.

➡️ Prerequisite: Dogs should be comfortable swimming off the ramp in a pool with handler or instructor assistance.

Time: 6:00–7:00 PM
Spaces: Limited to 4 students
Cost: $75 + HST

🌊 🤿 7:15 PM — Intro to Dock Diving

Ready to take the leap?
Introduce your dog to the basics of dock diving while building confidence, enthusiasm and a strong drive to jump from the dock.

Prerequisite: Dogs should already be comfortable jumping off the pool ramp.

Time: 7:15–8:15 PM
Spaces: Limited to 4 students
Cost: $75 + HST

Interested, but can’t make the evening session?
Join our daytime interest list! If there is enough interest, additional daytime workshops may be added."

To Register:
📞 905-659-1888
✉️ [email protected]

McCann Professional Dog Trainers
929 Brock Rd, Hamilton, ON

08/13/2026

Loose leash walking doesn’t mean your dog needs to be in a perfect heel and stare up at you for the entire walk.

Good choices earn more freedom. When your dog is walking nicely, you can give them more room to relax, sniff, and enjoy being a dog. But more freedom never means permission to pull.

For a dog that’s still learning leash respect, be consistent with your expectations. As they make better choices, you can loosen the reins while keeping one rule clear: tight is never right.

Want to build better leash skills with your dog? Loose leash walking is just one of the essential skills we cover in our Life Skills program. Visit the link in our bio or call us at 905-659-1888 to learn more.