Donna Hill's
Service Dog Training Institute
in Nanaimo

In-person and Web-cam Coaching

"I can see the dogs are making tremendous progress and us humans too. 

Thanks Donna. It is so exciting to see how far the dogs are coming. (The dogs successfully approached and calmly interacted with a male stranger.)
Wow that is so wonderful. YOU ARE AN AMAZING trainer!!!!"
 

Teresa Everett

Life Coach
Nanaimo

"I started working with Donna shortly after I rescued my Blue Tick coon hound cross several years ago. The lessons we learned from her then went a long way towards creating a calmer, more obedient dog who was a pleasure to live with instead of a constant frustration. Now that my dog is eight and we are in a new living situation, I contacted Donna again as I wanted further Jenny’s training and work on her reactivity around other dogs especially. 

The difference I see in my dog’s behaviour in the short time we’ve been working together has been very rewarding, and extremely encouraging. Donna’s positive training methods and deep understanding of dog behaviour quickly resulted in many small successes which have led to big changes in my dog’s performance and temperament in stressful situations. 

Jenny quickly caught on to the games Donna uses as lessons, and is always eager to learn more ways to earn treats. I haven’t been offered any treats yet, but I’m sure Donna is using her positive training skills on me as well, as I know that I am a better owner and trainer myself after working with her. Her easy-going style and humour certainly make each lesson a pleasure instead of a chore for both owners and dogs. 

I would not hesitate to recommend Donna Hill to others who want expert guidance and simple, step-by-step ways of overcoming what seem like unbreakable bad habits or behaviours in their dogs."
Sue Culver
Nanaimo

"Before moving to Vancouver Island, I was a volunteer of 27 years at my local shelter. I learned a lot about dogs and their behavior during that time, well so I thought.

I currently have 4 dogs and have done the “usual” training with them. Basic obedience classes with many different companies and trainers throughout the years. While it was a necessity for my dogs to learn the basic commands, they had some behavioral issues which needed to be addressed. Good mental health is essential to their longevity so it was important to me to find a trainer who could assist. I found Donna Hill.

We worked together to address each dog’s needs and in the first week alone I saw a huge improvement in their behaviour. Each week’s tasks Donna gave me as homework was part of a bigger picture in understanding how dogs think. She showed me how to move them through particular tasks to accomplish the wanted behavior.

For each step Donna explained how and why were were doing it in terms I understood, as well as how the dog’s mind works. We are now at week 6 and I feel extremely confident I have the knowledge needed to help them, and any other dogs I encounter, have a stress free, trusting and comfortable life.

Thanks Donna, you made a world of difference in their lives – and mine! I would highly recommend Donna to anyone who is as dedicated as I am to enriching the lives of their dogs."

Sharon Ram Ditta 
Vancouver SPCA Volunteer

Nanaimo

Donna really took the time to understand the goals I have with my dog, the nature of his breed (viszla), his work and really took the time to clearly outline what I needed to do to accomplish the short term goals I had in mind. She connected on a personal level both with myself and my dog and the training clicked almost instantly. She provided me with a detailed write-up listing homework and the steps I needed to take. Within 3 weeks there were noticeable changes, and there was no looking back! Donna rocks! I wholeheartedly recommend her especially with working breed dogs who may be a little too much "dog" for the average trainer. Thanks Donna.
Eric Addleman 
Langdale, BC

"Our dog had never been properly socialized. I needed help in training her due my having health issues. The beginning of my journey of truly learning about dogs and their behavior began when Donna suggested the training could be done on Skype. I was a bit skeptical about training this way but Donna was so confident we could do it and she made me feel so comfortable that I decided to go ahead.
After my first lesson I found it really did work, all because of Donna. I had the benefit of valuable information and dog behavior. She was very patient with me and my dog. Because of her, I soon became totally engaged with the approach and saw stunning results!
I heartily recommend Donna to any senior and to any person needing help with dog training."
Margo Morel

Nanaimo

"Hi Donna,
I'm really looking forward to my next online classes with you.  I am thrilled with the online lessons you give. My 3 girls have come on wonderfully well in the last few weeks thanks to your help. Your one to one online lessons have been so so good for me as I'm am newish to clicker training but not to dogs as a whole. As I cannot get to any classes in my local area online classes are really wonderful for me. Your a great tutor and deal my questions so clearly you explain well.
Thank you for your help with my 3 girls."
Ann Stevens  Pip, Missy & Gem 

UK

"I really enjoyed the Rally O "class".  It was great to be able to work in my own den with no outside distractions of other dogs and handlers.  The one-on-one training was very beneficial and I was surprised at how well using a webcam worked.  I was able to see your demonstrations almost as if I were right there in the room with you.  I loved the fact that there was no pressure to get through an exercise and we could work at our own pace.   I'm sure we will be signing up for another course in the future.  Thanks for all of your help!!"   
Joan and Ranger
South Carolina, USA

 "Donna is very knowledgeable and skillful about clicker training with dogs and treibball. Her teaching skills are excellent and breaks the teaching into small manageable steps. She has special tricks and techniques that help your dog progress quickly. Donna works at a pace that suits you and your dog and teaches you to have patience. Her teaching skills are shared with you as you learn to train your dog. Her well-trained dogs are used as demonstrations how you need to present to your dog.

Using Skype is a great way to learn Treibball. You are in the comfort of your own home,  no distractions of other animals, taught one on one, instant feedback, demonstrations of how to and very reasonably priced work. I would highly recommend her as a teacher, very experienced clicker trainer and treibball expert."
Cheryl Hampson
Saskatoon, Sask. 

"Donna is an excellent trainer that knows how to teach her clients and their dogs to be successful.  She knows how to put together all the skills necessary to achieve a complex, chained behavior so that it seems easy.  I highly recommend her webcam training for everyone . . . beginners through advanced.  

I took the Treiball Course with my one-year old Standard Poodle, Cindy Lou, because I wanted to do something new and fun.   Donna taught us several simple skills that built on each other so that when we put it all together we were successful.   And, best of all, I found it totally motivating and fun . . . and so did Cindy Lou!

I loved having Donna observe Cindy Lou and me train together by webcam in my home.  She was able to make suggestions and give me quick and easy tips that got immediate results.   It was perfect for Cindy Lou because she had no distractions during our sessions.  The process if very effective and efficient.

As a professional trainer, I especially find it extremely helpful to have a trainer with Donna’s ability.  I feel very fortunate to have found her and I’m looking forward to our next group of lessons together!"

Tara McLaughlin, CPDT-KA, CDBC

GoodDog! Training
http://www.gooddog-training.com/ 
Charlottesville, Virginia, USA