Everything your dog does is an attempt to communicate.
-Vanessa Robert


The Canine Way uses RBBM (Relationship Base Behaviour Modification).
We prioritize the dog's perspective and share that with the humans they love.
Dogs are excellent communicators and those who are open to learning their language reap the benefits of a deeper relationship with more cooperation and connection.

Obedience is the dog's ability to perform skills and tasks when asked.
Behaviour is how the dog chooses to behave when at liberty.

All behaviour is an attempt to communicate.
Escalated and unwanted behaviour is a sign they aren't being heard.
Whether your dog is naughty or nice, all dogs deserve to be heard.

We begin all of our training with The Canine Way Foundation Course instead of with obedience.
Obedience is the dog learning to listen to people. We believe in first teaching the people to listen to the dog.
When both parties feel heard, dogs blossom and relationships grow.


Note that signing up for this school will add you to our Users list, but you will still need to enroll in specific courses to access content.







We got a border collie heeler for our first dog and despite our research, we were in way over our heads with leash reactivity and other unfavourable behaviours.
Since working with The Canine Way and learning the foundations of relationship work with our dog, we have experienced a night and day difference. The Foundation Course is honestly a life saver and I would 100% recommend it to anyone! I wish we knew of it when we first got our dog but are so happy to have found this!

-S & A

Hi, I’m Vanessa


I've been a professional dog trainer for over a decade and I have specialized in Relationship Based Behaviour Modification (RBBM), socialization and aggression rehabilitation since 2017

Helping dogs and their humans is my passion