Where We Never Stop Learning

With over 20 years of experience, Gillridge216 is a professional canine training facility specializing in structured programs that build reliable dogs and confident handlers.

Four German Shepherds sitting in a row
Person playing tug-of-war with a dog at sunset on a rocky surface.

Building clear communication and lasting partnerships between dogs and their owners.

Training a dog is about more than commands. It is about building trust, consistency, and understanding between dog and owner.

At Gillridge216, dogs are guided through structured learning stages that support their development from puppyhood through adulthood. Each class focuses on confidence, clear communication, and practical obedience skills that work in everyday life.

Training Programs

Dogs learn best through structured progress. Gillridge216 offers programs that match your dog’s stage of development.

Person training a small bulldog puppy indoors.

Pre-School

Early puppy training focused on socialization, basic cues, and building confidence.

Small dog inside a blue play tunnel with a person nearby.

Junior Kindergarten (JK)

Strengthens early obedience while introducing focus and impulse control.

A woman with gray hair plays with a black dog indoors.

Senior Kindergarten (SK)

Builds reliability and prepares dogs for more advanced obedience work.

Woman training a golden retriever indoors, another person with a dog in the background.

Grades 1-6

Progressive obedience training that strengthens behaviour in real-world environments.

A dog standing close to a person's legs indoors.

Grades 7-12 Obedience

Advanced training that reinforces strong focus, consistency, and control.

A small poodle with a pink bow sitting attentively.

Continuing Education

Ongoing training to keep skills sharp and reinforce positive habits.

A dog barking aggressively with its mouth wide open in the snow.

Private Behavioral Consultations

For dogs struggling with specific behavioral challenges, we offer private consultations tailored to the individual dog and handler. These sessions focus on clarity, structure, and practical implementation strategies.

A German Shepherd with her litter of puppies in a wagon.

Our Breeding Dogs

Carefully selected for temperament, health, and conformation to ensure the highest quality lineage.

We Shape Better Behaviour

Our training helps your dog build confidence and calm manners through clear, positive coaching. Choose the class fit and get started with us today.

Three German Shepherd dogs sitting on and around a wooden picnic table in a forest.
Dog food bowl with raw ingredients and supplement bottle on table.

Nutrition Supports Performance

Diet affects energy, focus, and overall health. Raw feeding can support strong physical condition and improved vitality for many dogs.

Guidance is available for owners considering a raw diet.
Topics include:

  • Balanced feeding structure

  • Portion guidance

  • Transition support

  • Maintaining proper nutrition

Get in Touch

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What People Are Saying About Gillridge216

Two dogs posing together, one with its mouth open.

Rain Cooper

Ability Dogs Canada

Emilie Parson

I’ve taken 2 classes so far at Gillridge with my dog Flo. Cathy and Kevin are so knowledgeable and insightful, it’s made such a huge difference. Biggest wins for us are walking on leash, heeling, and effective socialization - getting Flo to be indifferent to other dogs & focused on me has been really helpful. These classes helped me learn how to speak her language and now I’m more confident with her ongoing training. I also really appreciate how attentive they are, they addressed any additional questions, provided advice outside of class curriculum/specific to Flo as well (separation anxiety, crate training), and they make classes fun! Flo is always excited to go to class (and get extra pets from Cathy and Kevin) and she loves the mental workout. Can’t recommend enough, wish I came sooner!
 

Linda Rose

 
Gillridge is the BEST! Small classes, great instruction, and videos of your dog working on the exercises in class. I have attended many classes over the years and Gillridge is streets ahead of them all.

Julie McCarthy

 
Gillridge training is awesome. We love their classes and we have so much fun learning together.

Its Me

 
Helped our boys so much. Enjoy working with them
 

Rev. Catherine Oxenford-Grant

Fabulous training of both dog and owner!!! Recommend without reservation.

Tammy Richards

Cathy and Kevin are very knowledgeable when it comes to dog training. Our GSD has shown us many times that she might not have had the best 4 months of life before we adopted her. Cathy pegged Harley as fearful from the first moment she saw her. They have helped us become better handlers and are helping us help Harley become a more balanced dog. This is not an overnight process!! This has and will take time.
Their knowledge of food and supplements has been key as well. I love their approach to training....it joins so well with my horse knowledge and training. Cathy has found a collar called the Canny Collar, that helps with control during walks. It is all nylon, no chains or pinchers. That I love!!
We are now working on confidence with Harley which is where our next step takes us to agility! So much fun!!
We cannot thank Cathy and Kevin enough for being there for us and our girl!!

Tammy Tedford

I love love this place! They teach with No force,fear, or intimidation. Cathy and Kevin are knowledgeable, patient and innovative. They have a very keen sense on dog personalities. And they have a vast array of classes with specific training techniques. Vegas ( my 2 year old Bernese) and I have had 4 classes in obedience, three classes in Scent Detection, and are currently enrolled in Rally Obedience. Great people with amazing teaching abilities.

Eddy Lloyd

Gillridge216 helped us train our last German Shepherd dog who made our family enjoy him so much more over the years. We look forward to taking obedience classes with our next puppy very soon.

Sheryl Vanderscheer

We had our German Shorthaired Pointer in the junior kindergarten class. She was afraid of other dogs And we wanted her to be more socialized and learn some basics for training. This facility was fantastic for training (her and us!). It was actually a lot of fun for all! Great outdoor and indoor spaces too! We will be back in February for continuing education for sure!
 
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