Holistic Dog Training
Vancouver and Online
1:1 Obedience-Free Holistic Dog Training Programs in Vancouver & Online
For conscious, loving dog parents ready to transform their dog’s Life – and their own.
If obedience feels wrong, it’s because it is. Real training builds your dog up. It transforms reactivity into confidence, and control into connection
Hi, I’m Doaa: A Holistic Dog Trainer
I’m a holistic dog trainer based in Vancouver, BC, and I’ve worked with dogs of all backgrounds, personalities, and behavioral challenges across different countries, environments, and cultures throughout my life.
It shocked me to see how quickly dogs are labeled, judged, and criticized here in Canada, because there is absolutely nothing wrong with your dog – or any dog, for that matter.
Dogs are emotional beings trying to communicate, cope, adapt, and feel safe in a world humans rarely slow down enough to understand.
If your dog is struggling, they have no choice but to communicate that struggle the only way they know how.
What mainstream training often labels as “behavior problems” are frequently signs of fear, anxiety, overwhelm, unmet needs, frustration, disconnection, or simply a dog struggling to navigate their environment.
I created these obedience-free holistic dog training programs to help dogs struggling with fear, anxiety, reactivity, aggression, and other behavioral challenges, while supporting dog parents through in-person training in Vancouver and online coaching across Canada.
The goal is not simply better behavior. The goal is a dog who feels safer, more confident, and more comfortable navigating the world, and a dog parent who feels capable of understanding, supporting, and advocating for them every step of the way.
Why you need confidence training – not obedience training?
Two sibling dogs grew up together, then went their separate ways into loving homes.
Years later, they reunited and faced a series of challenges side by side.
One dog stayed resilient – meeting challenges with ease and enjoying life as before.
The other grew deeply traumatized – fearful, reactive, and at times aggressive.
What made the difference between these two dogs?
It’s not about the challenge – it’s about your dog’s ability to handle it.
It’s heart-wrenching to watch your dog struggle, and feel powerless to help.
To make matters worse, our instinct is often to control or enforce obedience. But that only adds to their stress, making reactivity worse instead of better.
Raised voices, mixed signals, or asking them to “just stop” can confuse your poor dog, fuel their anxiety, and even intensify aggression.
The truth is, your dog is a sensitive soul who needs understanding, not correction.
They need a safe space to learn and grow, not judgment, punishment, or control.
If you love and respect your dog, and you want to help them face their fears and thrive, then let’s take this journey together.
The outcome?
– A calmer, happier, more confident dog.
– A more conscious, empowered you.
– A stronger bond, effortless communication, and a natural state of flow between you both.
It’s the ultimate win–win.
Dog Behaviors I Can Help You With
This is for dogs who are struggling with any behavior problem, and desperately need someone who will work with them, not against them.
And for loving dog parents who recognize that their dogs aren’t giving them a hard time, but are having a hard time navigating our overwhelming, chaotic modern world.
You’re in the right place if your dog…
has an exhausted nervous system and gets easily triggered
is struggling with reactivity, including leash reactivity due to fear, confusion, or unmet needs
is struggling with dog aggression, growling, biting, or snapping (overwhelmed dogs doing their best to survive)
is struggling with anxiety, separation anxiety, or anxious attachment
is struggling to cope with the sensory overload of busy streets, crowded parks, or loud noises
is struggling with boredom, or overstimulation (high energy, and frustrated dogs)
feels unseen, unheard, or misunderstood despite your best efforts
has been through past trauma, abandonment, or neglect that shifted how they see and experience the world
missed out on early socialization and is still learning what healthy, trusting relationships feel like
is a rescue dog or of any breed, because we go far beyond labels and breed stereotypes
recently moved to Canada and is still adjusting to a new life
is a puppy or teenager, the earlier we start, the better
is a senior dog, because emotional growth and transformation have no age limit.
is a special needs dog, and that requires tailored care and training
And if you, the dog parent,…
are anxious about how to safely and kindly handle your dog in triggering situations, and outside
are overwhelmed by conflicting dog training advice that just doesn’t feel right
are done with obedience, and tired of managing symptoms at the expense of your dog’s well-being.
are struggling to understand your dog, meet their needs, and solve their problems
can get emotionally triggered by your dog’s behavior and don’t know how to handle either of you in those moments.
are struggling to reconnect with your dog and rebuild trust after a tough period
are a first-time dog parent or puppy parent, and you want to start on the right foot
Why Holistic Dog Training Works
Dog behavior doesn’t happen in a vacuum
Every action your dog takes is shaped by their environment, daily life, and most of all, their relationship with you.
Traditional obedience training often focuses on control, commands, while dismissing your dog’s needs and struggles. But that only creates more stress, and a broken relationship.
Holistic training is different. We uncover the real “why” behind your dog’s behavior, meet their emotional and physical needs, and build confidence from the inside out. All while strengthening your bond, because lasting change only happens when you and your dog grow together.
And since you and your dog impact each other emotionally and energetically, we’ll also explore your own triggers, feelings, and mindset. Because a confident dog needs a confident, supportive parent behind them.
We will work with your dog, not against them.
Let that sink in: what your dog feels, wants, and says matters – A LOT
The result? Lasting change. A happier, more confident, fulfilled dog. A more conscious, empowered you. And a relationship built on trust, safety, and joy.
What Holistic Dog Training Includes
We will cover everything your dog needs to dissolve reactivity, build confidence, and enjoy life to the fullest:
Dissolving the root causes of behavior problems - not just managing symptoms
Nervous system regulation, so your dog can handle real-life stress
Building confidence to eliminate fear and reactivity
Meeting core needs and wants so your dog is fulfilled
Understanding your dog’s personality type on a deeper level, and how to work with it
Dog leash walk training, and how to make every walk a fulfilling experience
Dissolving stress and past emotional wounds that keep your dog stuck.
Dog Desensitization Training to negative triggers, so they see them differently
Dog Socialization Training with other people & dogs, and building positive relationships
Learning Canine communication - and how to read and respond to your dog’s cues
Learning practical strategies to manage your emotions constructively while supporting your dog.
Strengthening your bond so trust and connection come naturally
Creating effective daily routines to meet your dog's needs and wants, and work with your schedule.
Transforming separation anxiety by addressing the root causes and teaching your dog how to self-entertain.
Dog car rides training for pups who get anxious & reactive in cars
Holistic puppy training (potty training, leash walking, socialization, etc)
Using healthy nutrition to support emotional balance, stabilize mood, and help your dog feel better from the inside out.
Are We A Good Fit?
✅ We’re a Good Fit If:
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You’re done with control, obedience, and cookie-cutter quick fixes, and you’re looking for meaningful solutions and lasting results.
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You want to truly understand your dog and connect with them on a deeper level, not just manage or suppress behavior.
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You believe behavior always makes sense and want to understand and address the root cause.
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You’re willing to provide fulfilling outdoor experiences, and a lifestyle that meets your dog’s emotional and physical needs.
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You’re open-minded, curious, and willing to do things differently than traditional training methods.
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You take action and follow through, knowing that implementation is what creates real change.
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You’re comfortable staying in touch, sharing updates, and giving/receiving honest feedback.
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You’re willing to trust the process, trust your dog, and allow progress to unfold over time.
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You are ready to commit to a 3–7 month journey of transformation.
- You live in Vancouver, and you are looking for in-person 1:1 coaching in real life situations.
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🚫 We’re Not a Good Fit If:
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- You’re looking for obedience training, commands, or gimmicky tips and tricks.
- You’re not ready to let go of control or outdated training methods.
- You want shortcuts or quick fixes that solve only your problems while ignoring your dog’s needs.
- You’re looking for information without the intention to implement it.
- You want your dog to adapt while everything else stays the same.
- You’re not in a place to actively participate right now.
★★★★★
Doaa’s training is not like any other training I’ve tried – and that is a very good thing!I have a very sensitive rottie and he has trauma, both from a bad vet and from bad trainers in the past. Just because he’s a rottie these macho guys told me I have to play alpha with him…but I don’t want to have a relationship with my dog where he is always submitting the “the alpha” and never gets to express himself or have fun. He was soooo obedient, to a fault. It created anxiety for him. Ever since he was a little pup he’s been insecure, and those past training programs exacerbated his natural insecurities.Doaa’s training program is ALL about boosting his confidence and empowering him. Giving him freedom to express himself – safely – so that he doesn’t get all this pent up anxiety. I am blown away by the transformation I’ve seen in my dog. I was convinced (by these past trainers) that I needed to give my dog up to someone who could be a better leader for him. And now – 4 months into Doaa’s program – I’m in a position where I cannot actually believe I ever considered giving him up. He’s doing SO well. When you boost your dog’s confidence and encourage them to use and listen to their own intuition, the positive effects permeate ALL areas of their life and behaviour. My dog has gone from snapping at (or even biting on one occasion) people for trying to pet him, to actually seeking snuggles.I highly recommend Doaa, particularly if you think your dog is insecure or sensitive. Her program is just what they need. You need to have an open mind and forget everything you think you know about dog training. This is the 5th training program I’ve tried for my dog and it’s the only one that makes sense to me – a relationship based on trust and respect and safe amounts of autonomy for us both. We are both happier than we’ve ever been together.Thank you so much Doaa! I’m excited to continue learning more and see him grow more.
Holistic Dog Training Programs
1:1 Holistic Dog Training Programs
In-Person in Vancouver & Online Across Canada
What You’ll Get in All Training Program
Every program, Reset, Thrive, or Transform, gives you the same core experience. The only difference is how deep we go and how long we work together:
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✅ 1:1 Coaching Sessions (2 Hrs)
In-depth, practical, and personalized sessions where we tackle your dog’s challenges head-on – from walks and reactivity to home routines and socialization. Sessions include real-life practice and guided application, so you feel confident continuing the work between sessions.
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✅ Guided Implementation Support
We implement together, not in theory. As you apply the training in real life, I help you read your dog’s feedback, troubleshoot obstacles, and adjust based on what’s actually happening – so you’re never left guessing at any stage.
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✅ 1:1 WhatsApp Support
Your lifeline between sessions. Share videos, ask questions, and get timely feedback while you implement the work. This keeps momentum strong, prevents small mistakes from turning into setbacks, and ensures you’re always supported.
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✅ Personalized Email Recaps
After every session, you’ll receive a detailed email recap written specifically for you and your dog – including insights, progress, and clear next steps to implement right away.
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✅ Dog Personality & Behavior Root Cause Assessment
We uncover your dog’s true personality, needs, emotions, and hidden motivators – the why behind the behavior – so we can resolve issues at the root instead of numbing symptoms, or masking problems.
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✅ Dog Confidence Building
We rebuild your dog’s confidence step by step, so they can let go of past stress and show up fully in the present. The goal is a dog who feels empowered, secure, and capable in the real world.
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✅ Fulfilling Walks
Walks are the gateway to your dog’s outdoor life. Mediocre walks often lead to boredom, frustration, and reactivity. We redesign your dog’s walks so they meet their needs by default – building confidence, and fulfillment on autopilot.
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✅ Dog Lifestyle Upgrades
Your dog’s daily life can either regulate their nervous system or overwhelm it. We refine routines, walks, relationships, and enrichment so your dog feels safe, fulfilled, and balanced every single day.
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✅ Dog Nervous System Support
We integrate daily routines, walks, fulfilling activities, socialization, nutrition, and enrichment that support your dog’s nervous system and long-term emotional stability.
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✅ Mindset & Awareness Work for You (the Parent)
Your dog mirrors you more than you think. Together, we identify the energy, expectations, and communication patterns that may be blocking progress, so both of you can evolve, connect, and communicate with clarity and trust.
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✅ Results-Driven Partnership
This is a true partnership. I’m as invested in your dog’s transformation as you are.
The goal is a confident, happy, fulfilled dog, a conscious and empowered parent, and a deep connection between you two.
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✅ Real-Life Integration
Progress doesn’t happen in theory. You’ll learn how to handle real-life moments calmly, confidently, and clearly – in your dog’s actual world.
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✅ Emotional Wellness Support for You & Your Dog
You’ll learn how to regulate, connect, and communicate through calm presence instead of chaos – a skill that changes everything.
Why Start Now
🚫 The Cost of Alternatives:
Most obedience-based quick fixes suppress your dog’s emotions, ignore their needs, and create compliance through stress. It might look good on the surface, but it breaks trust – and makes things worse long-term.
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⚠️ The Cost of Waiting:
Doing nothing means living with constant stress, confusion, and a fragile relationship that keeps eroding over time. The longer you wait, the deeper the patterns become.
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❤️ The Truth:
Your dog deserves way better than obedience – they deserve understanding, fulfillment, and emotional freedom. And so do you.
Every dog’s story is different. What matters is choosing the right level of support for where you and your dog are right now – and where you want to be.
Below are the individual dog training programs to see which one fits you & your dog the most.
Reset Program
For One Dog
For new, mild, or less established behaviors.
A strong starting point to understand your dog and begin making real progress.
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3-Month Partnership Commitment
Ongoing Implementation Support
3 Coaching Sessions (2 hrs)
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Reset Program Best is For:
– New or early-stage behavior challenges.
– Puppies or young dogs needing guidance.
– Recently adopted dogs adjusting to a new life.
– Dogs who need structure, direction, and a strong foundation.
– First-time dog parents learning how to connect and communicate clearly.
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Online Reset: $1,250
In-Person Reset (Vancouver): $1,550
Thrive Program
For One Dog
For ongoing behaviors that are not improving.
We go deeper, build momentum, strengthen connection, and create lasting change.
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5-Month Partnership Commitment
Ongoing Implementation Support
5 Coaching Sessions (2 hrs)
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Thrive Program is Best For:
– Recurring or building behavior patterns.
– Moderate reactivity, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm.
– Dogs who get triggered by their environment or struggle to regulate.
– Situations where progress has been inconsistent or stalled.
– Dog parents who need support and structure to help their dogs live fully again.
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Online Thrive: $1,850
In-Person Thrive (Vancouver): $2,350
Transform Program
For One Dog
For behaviors that are deeply ingrained, complex, or emotionally intense
A full-spectrum journey to build trust and safety from the ground up.
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7-Month Partnership Commitment
Ongoing Implementation Support
7 Coaching Sessions (2 hrs)
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Transform Program is Best For:
– Long-standing or complex behavioral challenges.
– Fear-based behaviors, trauma, or deep emotional sensitivity.
– Dogs who struggle with reactivity and/or aggression.
– Dogs who need a slower, more intentional approach to feel safe again.
– Dog parents who feel stuck, out of options, and ready for deeper work.
– Deeply committed dog parents ready to go all-in for lasting change and harmony.
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Online Transform: $2,250
In-Person Transform (Vancouver): $2,850
★★★★★
Doaa is an amazing holistic dog trainer who has helped us with our 1 year old Aussiedoodle.
She gave us valuable insight and guidance on how to be compassionate and understanding dog owners.
Our dog has made tremendous progress interacting with humans and dogs.
★★★★★
Doaa spent three months helping Toby, our senior rescue chihuahua mix, with wonderful results for our family.
She has a true gift for understanding the needs of complex animals. And she came up with workable and creative solutions.
Toby was visibly happier. He barked much less frequently and a stress-related skin condition cleared up.
★★★★★
I’m so glad we happened to meet Doaa while she was walk-training another dog. She masterfully handled my dog and the one she was training, and so I asked, “Are you a dog trainer?”
Since then, she’s been working with our rescue pup and helping to unlock her full potential.
Doaa is a natural with animals, and is also great at listening to pup-parents needs. Definitely would recommend!
★★★★★
Doaa is very genuine and warm and seems like our puppy had a realllly good time with her.
She showered us with loads and loads of handy advices that worked great with our puppy.
Absolutely recommended. Thank you Doaa!
★★★★★
Doaa’s care, love, and responsibility for my 2 dogs far exceeded our expectations!
My dogs are not the easiest as the Chihuahua is tiny, age 14 with arthritis, and the bigger dog is a rescue with fear-based behavioural issues.
She is very positive, knowledgeable, and skilled with calming and training.
We highly recommend Doaa!
FAQ
Do you work with any & all dogs?
Yes. All dogs are welcome here.
Whether your dog is struggling fear, reactivity, or aggression. They all deserve a second chance and to get the help & support they need. It will be my honor to work with yours 
My dog is “aggressive”. Is it safe to do an in-person training?
There’s no such thing as “aggressive dogs” . This is just a profound lack of safety using the only tools they have.
Our training is built on Emotional Safety first. I work strictly within your dog’s comfort zone (threshold), while building a genuine relationship with them.
This is a judgment-free space. We are here to support your dog, not suppress them.
What if I need help with more than one dog?
We will use the same training programs above, but with more support, and probably longer sessions. Please request a quote in your booking request.
What if I need to take a break during the program?
Life happens – short breaks are totally okay. As long as we stay in touch and keep things moving, we can work around it.
What doesn’t work is long pauses or disappearing for months.
This process relies on consistency, and requires commitment to create lasting change.
What’s your Vancouver service area for in-person training programs?
I offer in-person dog training programs in Kitsilano, Downtown Vancouver, West End, Yaletown, Fairview, Mount Pleasant, and East Vancouver.
If you live in the lower mainland but outside my service area (North/West Van, burnaby, Richmond, etc), you can still bring your dog to Van to do in person practice sessions together.
Do you offer online holistic dog training programs throughout Canada?
Yes. These holistic dog training programs are also available online to dog parents across Canada.
Is there a difference between in-person & online sessions?
Absolutely not. You’re the one implementing the training in all cases. But I’ll be with you every step of the way, guiding, supporting, and adjusting as needed.
Do dog training programs include dog-to-cat or dog-to-dog introductions?
No – Dog training programs are focused on individual dog behavior issues. For multi-pet households needing introduction support, please check out my pet introduction programs in the main menu.
Will I be able to implement this training with my busy schedule?
Yes – absolutely.
My work is entirely personalized, results-driven, and designed to fit into your lifestyle.
Rather than asking you to set aside hours for repetitive, robotic training drills, we focus on creating meaningful shifts in communication, environment, walks, and daily routines.
I do my absolute best to create an implementation plan that is realistic, achievable, and easy to integrate into your everyday life.
What is WhatsApp support?
It means you don’t have to wait until the next session if something comes up. You’ll have a private WhatsApp chat with me where you can share quick updates, photos, or videos of your dog’s progress, ask questions, and get help with challenges in real time.
This keeps me in the loop, speeds up your progress, and gives you peace of mind knowing you’re never doing this alone.
What kind of results can I expect?
These holistic dog training programs are results-driven. My goal is to help your dog build confidence, feel safer, and enjoy life to the fullest.
Progress is directly tied to implementation, consistency, communication, and your willingness to see things from your dog’s perspective.
As long as you actively participate, implement the training plan, and stay consistent with the recommended practices, I will do my absolute best to support both you and your dog every step of the way.
My goal is not only to help your dog succeed, but also to help you feel confident and capable supporting them long after our work together is complete.
Most importantly, lasting success requires a genuine desire to understand, help, and advocate for your dog.
How is a holistic dog training different from traditional training methods?
What does “Obedience-Free” actually mean for my dog’s behavior?
Do you use positive reinforcement?
If by positive reinforcement you mean positive communication; praising, celebrating, encouraging, and helping dogs feel safe, valued and truly understood, then yes, absolutely.
However, I don’t use positive reinforcement transactionally to distract, suppress, override, or manipulate behaviors while ignoring your dog’s needs or struggles.
I’m not interested in bribing dogs into compliance. I’m interested in helping them feel safer, more confident and more fulfilled.
A well-behaved dog is a well-regulated one who feels free, capable, respected, and supported by a parent who always has their back.
How do I help my dog build confidence?
Building your dog’s confidence requires a mindset shift first.
It begins with recognizing that defensive behaviors are often expressions of fear, vulnerability, overwhelm, or unmet needs.
When you shift your perspective from “my dog is reactive or stubborn” to “my dog is struggling,” you can show up as a grounded, protective parent instead of a frustrated one.
During this program, we’ll map out what confidence building will look like for your dog based on their personality, current triggers, environment, unmet needs, and your relationship dynamic.
✅ Ready to Apply?
Please submit your application with all the details.
I’ll review it and follow up with a payment link if I believe we’re a great fit.
Can’t wait to work with you – and your exquisite pup.
See you on the other side. 🐾
My Super Happy Pup Clients
I’m that lucky 
You can make your dog happy and fulfilled, let them shine, and take over the world.
They are totally worth it
Not ready for a long-term program?
If you are not ready for a long-term dog training program yet, start with a 1:1 online dog behavior breakthrough session to identify the root causes of your dog’s behavior struggles, and get a foundational roadmap to turn things around quickly.
Living in Vancouver, Canada? If you live in Vancouver, BC or can bring your dog here, and you prefer an in-person experience, then check out Vancouver dog behavior breakthrough session.