Welcome Dog Lovers

We are Vancouver Island’s
Premier Dog Trainer

CONNECTING DOGS AND PEOPLE

CommuniCanine offers fun, effective dog training classes and lessons for the Saanich Peninsula and Greater Victoria, BC area. Private lessons and group classes are led by Darcie Jennings, veteran dog trainer and behaviour expert, and her staff.

Not on Vancouver Island? No Problem.
We also offer a range of Online Classes.

Voted Best Dog Training Company in Greater Victoria in 2022 & 2023

Imagine…

…taking your dog out for a nice, relaxing walk and coming home feeling good about it.

…letting him off leash at the park and feeling confident that he will come back when you call him.

…knowing you can trust your dog to make good choices when he’s socializing with others.

Those aren’t just dreams.

That’s what good training can do for you.

If you’re struggling to find balance in your relationship with your dog, solutions to problems bigger than you know how to handle on your own or just an inviting place to learn how to teach them the fundamentals of sit, down, come and stay, then we invite you to explore our website and let us help make those dreams your reality.

Imagine…

…taking your dog out for a nice, relaxing walk and coming home feeling good about it.

…letting him off leash at the park and feeling confident that he will come back when you call him.

…knowing you can trust your dog to make good choices when he’s socializing with others.

Those aren’t just dreams.

That’s what good training can do for you.

If you’re struggling to find balance in your relationship with your dog, solutions to problems bigger than you know how to handle on your own or just an inviting place to learn how to teach them the fundamentals of sit, down, come and stay, then we invite you to explore our website and let us help make those dreams your reality.

What Our Students Say

I really enjoyed the Total Recall training with CommuniCanine. I learned a lot, not just about recall training but also about some of my puppy’s preferences and more effective ways to work with him.
The training built each week, starting out with simple drills and increasing the distraction/difficulty as we progressed. It was effective and I would 100% recommend this course to others.

Caity Nicole, 7 month old Cockapoo

When you find someone who is really talented in a profession that seriously enhances your own life it’s wonderful. As you know, I love my Sable and being able to communicate and work with her, and see her joy in it, is a daily pleasure. Look forward to our next training session, Darcie.

Carol & Sable, 2 year old American Cocker Spaniel

I can’t speak highly enough about the 1:1 training that my 8-month chocolate Lab and I had with Darcie – professional, knowledgeable, manageable and best of all, fun for both human and dog! I’ve had several dogs over the years but every time I get a new dog, I have more training to refresh my knowledge, learn new tricks and give my dog some time with a real expert! Thanks Darcie – an absolute pleasure! See you for Total Recall when classes resume.

Claire & Molly, 8 month old Chocolate Labrador

Absolutely loved the Total Recall Class! It was wonderful to see how Darcie’s training techniques worked so successfully with all of the dogs, regardless of their breed, temperament, etc. So gratifying to have my dog come to me with such enthusiasm regardless of what was going on around her!

Maureen Garrity, 5 month old Sheltie

My pup was fearful of people/strangers and my vet recommended Darcie for training. From the very first training session, Darcie was able to analyze the behaviour challenges I was having with my pup, and gave me tips that I could use to help my dog feel safe.

Marla & Jessie, 3 month old Cockapoo

Darcie: thank you and Sarah for an excellent Total Recall program. Despite the weather … the content, sequencing of the fundamental steps and the pace of learning during each class were skillfully and thoughtfully taught. It was amazing to watch the dogs in the class progress from minimal or no recall to responding to their owners when called through some challenging barriers – especially in the last class.

Really appreciated Sarah’s presence and assistance in the classes and the comprehensive follow-up notes from each class. Bella and I are sorry that our sessions with you are over.

We’ve enjoyed all three classes (Manners, Tricks 1 and Total Recall) that we’ve taken with you in the past few months. They have certainly enhanced Bella’s transition from Mexico into her new home.

Maureen & Bella, 4 year old Mexican Mix
Darcie is a gift to our dog and our family. We are so grateful for the training she provided; we learned more from five one on one sessions than we did from months of book reading, video watching, and advice from friends.
Linda & James Franco, 1 1/2 year old Old English Bulldog

I have taken most of CommuniCanine’s classes over the last 10 years, with both Darcie (head trainer) and April. My dogs and I have learnt everything from manners, to training on trails, to coming when called, to fun with tricks, too! Darcie and April have an obvious love for dogs, are kind, have a terrific sense of humour, are patient and extremely knowledgable. Both the one-on-one and group classes have been invaluable, and they always feel like a safe and inclusive space! Thank you Darcie and April.

Heather, Craig and Laika & Amma, German Shepherd X (now passed on) and 1 year old Ridgeback X

We are taking puppy classes and have had a one on one consultation with Darcie. Darcie has helped us understand the reasons for our puppy’s problematic behaviours, and given us tools to correct him. We are happy to report that after only a few days of implementation we are seeing improvements. He is barking less at strangers, visitors, and we were able to keep him calm through fireworks. Highly recommend Darcie for her knowledge, skills and compassion.

Elise, Greg, Kate & Charlie Brown, 4 month old Australian Shepherd
Thank YOU, Darcie! I don’t know how you do it, but as I’ve said before, the only way that I can explain you to people is that you must have been a dog in a previous life. You just GET and KNOW dogs! Thank you for everything that you do. We hope to be taking more classes with you soon.
Brenna and Zara & Bella, 4 1/2 month and 11 1/2 year old Golden Retrievers

In the world of dog behaviourists, Darcie is a stand out. She got to the heart of a challenging behaviour quickly and unerringly, and continued to hone her analysis and understanding of my dog in ways that helped enormously. Darcie’s rare combination of knowledge, experience, and calm kindness meant I was motivated, supported and understood. And my dog loved her. Our sessions were fun, informative, and made a difference to us both. Darcie, you have my gratitude forever.

Susan & Florrie, 1 year old Labradoodle
Darcie, your training and advice has been life changing for us. All of us are so thankful we met you! Seeing the changes in Bailey is amazing, she is so much more confident and happy. Thank you so much for helping us understand her. ❤
Carleigh, Kyle and Bailey, 5 year old Coonhound X

Thank you for all the wonderful training and insight you offered when I was learning how to communicate with Goose. I was out walking him the other day and thought of how far we’ve come, and I largely believe your lessons helped in getting us here. He’s been great, just over 6 now and extremely well behaved in nearly all situations – I often leave him with new people (front desk staff, dog sitters, vets) and always come back to a mountain of compliments. Thanks for all you do!

Alex & Goose, 3 year old Jindo cross

Darcie is so knowledgeable and my dog Otis absolutely loved her. Three years ago we put him in puppy school with Darcie. Now we decided to get a few private lessons. My husband and I are finally getting trained…lol Otis is a lot better behaved now that we know what we are doing. I would recommend CommuniCanine as your first choice if you are looking for classes or private lessons for your dog.

Wendy & Otis, 3 year old Leonberger

So grateful for Darcie and the CommuniCanine Team for all their services and training and wisdom provided to set my dog and I up for a great future together during his first year! I’ve done the puppy class, Mind Your Manners and Total Recall, which all provide a great foundation for the rest of my dogs life and so many tips. I have a crazy 90 pound Retriever, and I’m so glad that I did them all, and highly recommend!

Randy Kennett, 1 year old Golden Retriever

What we offer:

Group Classes

In-person group obedience and specialty classes for any skill level.

Details

Behavioural Counselling

Discover areas of improvement with specialized training.

Details

Private Classes

Specialized canine tutoring just for your and your pup.

Details

Board and Train

Send them to us and let us do all the work for you!

Details

Online Programs

Our signature dog training but in the comfort of your own home.

Details

Free Resources to Explore

CommuniCanine wants to give you all the tools you need to have a healthy and happy relationship with your dog.

Our Dog Blog is filled with great advice, tips & tricks, yummy dog recipes, product reviews and more!

Three Easy Ways to Make Training Fun Have you ever noticed that when you're having fun learning something, not only do you learn it faster, but you can't wait to do it again? Dog training is exactly the same - if either you or your dog are... (continued) Continue Reading My Top 6 Must Read Dog Books As winter approaches, there's no better time then the present to curl up on your couch with a warm blanket, hot cup of tea and a great book to learn more about the dogs you love and share your life... (continued) Continue Reading Six Holiday Safety Tips Since many of my friends, clients and relatives already have their Christmas decorations up, I wanted to share some simple safety tips for the holiday season to help keep your dogs safe, healthy and out of the emergency vet this... (continued) Continue Reading Bark Box Halloween Fun If you haven't heard of Bark Box, it's a monthly subscription of dog products that are sent directly to your door. Each box is full of toys and treats customised to your dogs size and each month offers a unique... (continued) Continue Reading Walking Made Easy: Teaching Your Dog To Wear A Head Halter If you have a hard time walking your dog on a leash due to mobility issues or you have a dog that is far too powerful to be walked on a leash with a collar or harness, this video is... (continued) Continue Reading Five Tips for Sending Your Dog to the Sitter Most of us leave our dog sitters with a pretty comprehensive list of our dogs care instructions. In addition to that, here are 5 simple things you can do to minimize everyone's stress while you are away, especially in the... (continued) Continue Reading Dogs and Calculus When we raise our children from babies, it is understood and expected that they won’t understand our language or know our rules. We know that it will be our job to teach them, step by step, and then to remind... (continued) Continue Reading When Is Rehoming Your Dog The Best Option? Rehoming a dog is a very taboo subject. After all, dogs are for life, no? For me that’s a definite yes……but…..sometimes circumstances dictate that rehoming is actually in the best interest of everyone involved, especially the dog, and we’d be... (continued) Continue Reading Is Your Dog A Strong Puller? Try This Head halters can be a really useful tool, especially if you have a powerful puller or a dog that is reactive when out on walks, as they give you way more control. The downside is very few dogs take to... (continued) Continue Reading How to Safely Introduce Two Dogs On Leash The way dogs meet and greet each other when they are on leash can make or break their relationship and how much they like each other from the start. In this video, I share a really simple exercise to safely... (continued) Continue Reading From Alpha to Understanding: A Dog Trainer's Journey I used to be one of those trainers who taught using dominance as my base for all behaviour. Even after I transitioned into positive training, when a dog would act up I would still use that as my behavioural model,... (continued) Continue Reading Who's the Boss? No, I’m not talking about the 80’s TV show. I’m talking about the question I regularly get asked by my clients about my dogs’ relationships to one another. My answer? All of them are. Contrary to what some dog trainers might have... (continued) Continue Reading Week Three: Discouraging Jumping & Moving to More Distracting Environments In week three of our training series with reporter Maggie of A-channel’s Breakfast Television and her 7 month old Labradoodle, Lucy, we talk about how to discourage your dog from jumping up on you. We also discuss why it's important... (continued) Continue Reading Bringing Home a Rescue Dog Adopting a rescue dog can be incredibly rewarding, but many people don't realize that many dogs don't come "move in ready." Here I share three important things to know about your new rescue, a common mistake I see people make... (continued) Continue Reading {{title}} {{content:words:40}}... (continued) Continue Reading Choosing a Great Breeder Once you decide on the right breed of dog for you and your family, choosing a great breeder to get your puppy from is the next most important step. Here I share a few benefits to purchasing from a reputable... (continued) Continue Reading Socialization Myths: Part 1 There are so many myths about socializing dogs, that it inspired me to create a 3 part video series to bust some of the most common ones I hear. Tune in for Part 2 this week! Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRYxouBpEFc In this... (continued) Continue Reading The Journey Is the Destination I was talking to a client after class the other night about some of the challenges he’d been having with his young pup, the biggest of which being that she wouldn’t come when he called her. He mentioned that he’d... (continued) Continue Reading Week Five: Teaching a Dog Not to Jump Up In week five of our training series with reporter Maggie of A-channel’s Breakfast Television and her 7 month old Labradoodle, Lucy, we not only talk about how to discourage your dog from jumping up on you when you come home... (continued) Continue Reading Four Simple Ways to Stuff a Kong I am ALL about problem behaviour prevention. After all, it's usually easier to prevent them than to fix them. Giving your dog something productive to focus on, like chewing on a well stuffed Kong, is one way to keep them... (continued) Continue Reading Getting Your Dog Comfortable Being Brushed For some dogs, regular brushing is a must, but often avoided because the dog is un-cooperative. Regular brushing not only helps to get rid of dead hair and skin cells, it keeps your house cleaner and also makes your groomers... (continued) Continue Reading How to Get the Perfect Dog (As posted in Monday Magazine February 2014) Imagine taking your dog to the park or on a hike, letting him off leash and trusting him to come back when you call him? Or bringing him on your next family trip with... (continued) Continue Reading Teaching Your Dog To Love Being Caught If you have a dog who refuses to be caught when he is off leash, always running away every time you reach for him, this video is for you. For some dogs, playing the Gotcha Game alone has completely curbed... (continued) Continue Reading Teaching a Release Cue As important as it is to teach your dog what sit and down mean, it's equally as important to teach them a release cue so that they know when those tasks are complete. Otherwise, how would they know when they... (continued) Continue Reading Dog Park Etiquette: Are We Having Fun Yet? Understanding Body Language in Play Let’s talk about play. What’s normal and what’s not? What’s okay and what’s pushing the limit of appropriate? How do I know if my dog is being too aggressive or if he is feeling uncomfortable? Everyone you ask will have a... (continued) Continue Reading You Have To Listen To Be Heard Continuing from last weeks video, here is another simple but powerful exercise that will impact your relationship with your dog (and everyone else) in a positive way without having to do any training with your dog. It all starts with... (continued) Continue Reading Three Steps to Living With a Problem Free Dog We all want live with a dog that has no issues. While there's no such thing as the perfect dog, there are 3 simple things you can do to ensure that your puppy or adult dog develops into one you... (continued) Continue Reading Pulling on Leash One of the biggest complaints I get from owners is that their dogs pull on leash. Here I explain why your dog still pulls despite any training you may have done and a simple exercise to start teaching your dog... (continued) Continue Reading Dogs Still Need to Be Dogs
I recently worked with the sweetest,... (continued) Continue Reading Get Your Socks On!! This post is a little different than my others because it's a giveaway! Ever wanted to put your dog on a pair of socks? Now's your chance, but only if you act quickly! The first 10 people to follow the steps below... (continued) Continue Reading Positive change to positive training Thanks for all your help with Charli and being so patient with us (mostly me!) as we transition to this new style of training. I found your advice really helpful, and we both saw the wisdom in it. We're both... (continued) Continue Reading Housetraining 101 While there are no shortcuts to housetraining a dog or puppy, there are plenty of things you need to do to ensure the process doesn't take an unnecessarily long amount of time. Whether it's a puppy I am raising or... (continued) Continue Reading Halloween Safety Tips ????Happy Halloween!!???? Although tonight is going to be a fun night for most of the kiddos, for many dogs it’s going to involve a lot more stress. People moving around in strange looking costumes, non-stop strangers at the door and, the... (continued) Continue Reading Five Tips to Stop Your Puppy From Biting We all know that puppies have sharp teeth, but how do we teach them to be more gentle with them?? Here are 5 strategies to help you get through that nasty puppy mouthing stage without turning yourself into a human... (continued) Continue Reading Overcoming Fear of Noises A few years back I got a toaster. When I first brought it out of the box, it had to be run three times in a row to get rid of any chemical residue left over from the factory. I... (continued) Continue Reading Getting the right focus As I have a high drive dog, I have had many challenges curbing her energy and focusing her on a goal that is mine, not hers. Darcie is right on top of Sam's every move, never missing a prick of... (continued) Continue Reading Teach Your Dog To 'Get Dressed' Does your dog play keep away when you want to put his collar, harness or head halter on? Here’s a simple hack: teach them how to co-operatively suit up to make heading out the door a hundred times easier.Please note:... (continued) Continue Reading What's Your Dog's "Type"? A friend messaged me the other day saying he noticed that one of his dogs seemed to have a preference for playing with little white fluffy dogs, both male and female, and he wondered if this was normal? Dogs, like... (continued) Continue Reading Proper Dog Etiquette Is it appropriate to let your dog greet and play with every dog they meet on the street? Since dogs are social creatures, do they need to make new friends every day? What do you do if you're walking your... (continued) Continue Reading Building Comfort Around Your Dogs Food Bowl True or False: You need to take your dogs food away from him while he's eating to teach him that you're allowed to do that. This video answers that and gives you a two-part exercise on how to a) teach a... (continued) Continue Reading How To Stop A Dog Attack Have you ever been charged at by an aggressive dog? If it ever happened to you, would you know what to do? Yesterday, my own dog was attacked. Well, almost attacked. But only because I knew how to stop it from... (continued) Continue Reading How to Fade the Food Lure Having a dog that "only works for food" or "only listens if he knows I have a cookie" is one of the most common complaints I hear. So today I want to teach you how to eliminate the food lure... (continued) Continue Reading Lessons From a Dog Trainer: How I Got in My Own Way Some days when I am out with my dog, Cricket, I act like anything BUT a dog trainer. I repeat commands, I get angry and irritated and I lose all sense and reason.There have even been days when I've felt... (continued) Continue Reading Quality Canadian Dog Collars and Tags If you're anything like me, you want sustainable products for your dog that you know will do the job, last a long time and make a positive impact. As a dog trainer for well over two decades, I have run... (continued) Continue Reading Why Visiting The Vet May Solve Your Dogs Problem Behaviour Behaviour problems can have many root causes. Many years ago when I worked as a veterinary technician, a client brought in a new dog who hadn't been to a vet in many years. She was 7 years old, growled at... (continued) Continue Reading "Why?" And Other Questions To Ask When Training Your Dog As a society, we are usually taught to follow what others tell us. Following the rules as they are laid out is favoured to critical thinking. When we're told that drinking two cups of milk every day is necessary for... (continued) Continue Reading Tuna Fudge Training Treats These are healthy, easy to make training treats that appeal to even the fussiest of palates and can cater to dogs with food allergies. They also taste good enough that if you get hungry while you’re training, you can snack... (continued) Continue Reading Dog-to-Dog Introductions: The Fearful Dog When you have a fearful dog, introducing it to other dogs isn't as simple as it is for an outgoing dog. Here I teach you a really simple approach to help give your dog exposure to other dogs without stressing... (continued) Continue Reading How Taking Advice From Other Dog Owners Can Harm Your Dog It doesn’t matter who you talk to, nearly every dog owner you meet is happy to give you training and behaviour advice about your dogs, even if you didn’t ask for it. While everyone is well intentioned in doing so, the... (continued) Continue Reading Week Two: Learning the Come Command In week two of our training series with reporter Maggie and 7 month old, Lucy, of A-channel's Breakfast Television, we reviewed last weeks loose leash walking lesson with and introduced the come command. Plus, we talked about the importance of... (continued) Continue Reading

Join our Online Community

Stay up-to-date on all things canine & be a part of our welcoming dog-loving community!

Our Youtube Channel is all about expertise and advice surrounding common canine issues and behavioral training.

Join our Facebook page and stay up to date on all the latest canine news, including new program dates and specials.

Our Youtube Channel is all about expertise and advice surrounding common canine issues and behavioral training.

Join our Facebook page and stay up to date on all the latest canine news, including new program dates and specials.