Dog Training
For current schedules, please click here.
http://wettstonedogtraining.as.me
My name is Daniela and I am a dog trainer who specialized in service dog training. I was lucky enough to grow up with dogs in our family. Currently we have 4 personal dogs. Rocco (2016) and Mia (2024) both Spinone Italiano, Macho (2011) a little mixed breed dog and Joker (2024) a Dutch Shepherd. I have successfully competed in Agility and do Nosework, Obedience, Tricks, Canicross/Sledding and I hunt with our dogs. They also help me socialize, evaluate and train dogs with fear, aggression or other behaviour issues. I have worked with many rescue dogs, providing evaluations and training to prepare them for their future forever homes. I studied dog training and service dog training for over 4 years and stay up to date with the newest research in the animal training world (more info below). I am happy to talk more about my training methods, how you can train your dog force free, creating trust, confidence and reliable obedience without having to use various training tools. No matter what size or breed your dog is, I am looking forward to meeting you and your companion!
"Dogs are, after all, man's best friend. The least we can do is try to understand them a little better."
Nicholas Dodman
My training methods
I believe that a big part of the training success is about the relationship between the handler and his dog and how well people can read canine body language. Learning how to read your dog and understanding what he is trying to say, will give you a lot of answers on his behaviour. My training methods are entirely pain and force free, meaning no shock collars, choke chains, prong collars or old school "alpha" theories. My training methods are based on positive reinforcement, the newest research results and my personal experience. I don't want robots on 4 legs. I aim for dogs that think, dogs that want to cooperate and make the right decision, dogs that are happy and form a reliable team with their owner. I use marker training to provide a clear and easy communication system between human and dog to ensure quick and positive training results.
IMPORTANT: I do not use shock collars, choke chains or prong collars and do not tolerate these in any of my training sessions. If you want to know how to train your dog successfully without these tools, let's meet and I will teach you!
Obedience
From an outsider's perspective, basic training can look either very simple or extremely difficult. Mastering basic obedience commands is an important part of being a responsible dog owner and I believe that any dog can learn at least the basic commands. With a little training the relationship between you and your dog will be so much better. Seeking assistance from a professional trainer benefits first-time owners and experienced individuals struggling with teaching commands or correcting problem behaviours. Don't hesitate to ask for help! The responsibility of owning a pet includes properly training and socializing your animal. Dog ownership and training should be fun! Don't be too serious about it. Keep training positive and make sure both you and your pet have a good time! I offer training sessions for dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes. Please check out the link at the top of this page to receive more information about scheduled courses.
Canine 1st Aid Courses
I am a certified Canine First Aid Intructor for Canine Health Canada. www.caninehealthcanada.com
I offer courses at the ranch multiple times a year, but you also have
the option to host a course in your neighbourhood.
Get in touch for more information!
Private lessons
Does your dog bark at strangers?
Are you a future or first-time dog owner?
Is your dog showing aggressive behaviour?
Is he/she scared of something?
Would you like to know more about marker training?
Or do you want to teach your dog to switch the light off at night?
Private lessons are a great option to work on specific behaviour issues and concentrate on individual training goals. We will take the time your dog needs, set realistic goals and create a training plan together. Please check out the link at the top of the page and we can discuss the best option for you and your dog(s).
Board & Train
Board & Train is the perfect option if you don't have the time, patience, willingness or knowledge to train your dog. Training plans are always set individually, which gives us almost endless options:
- socialization
- puppy training
- leash manners
- sit, down
- stay
- recall
- off-leash reliability
- fixing aggression issues
- task training
- and much more...
Board & Train options vary from 10 days to multiple months. During this period, your dog receives daily one on one training sessions, enjoys multiple group walks a day and spends his free time keeping us company and joining us in our daily business. You will get the necessary training instructions, regular updates and follow up lessons to ensure long term training success.
Board & Train spots are currently only available for Service Dog Teams and pre-approved training clients.
Service Dog Training
As a service dog trainer I offer assistance to private people and organizations. You can either have your dog trained to your needs by me or benefit from the many advantages of Assisted Owner Training. From finding the right breed and puppy until your certified service dog, helping with task training, public access and solving uprising problems we will set specific goals and provide you with the know-how you need to be a responsible and successful service dog handler. Please contact me for more information.
Boarding
Whether you are going on vacation or have a surgery scheduled or your dog can't stay home alone - your dog is always welcome to spend time at the Wettstone Guest Ranch! Your dogs join us in our daily activities and live with us on the ranch just as our personal dogs do. Does your dog need to catch up on some training? No problem, just let me know and I will work on it while your dog stays with us. To ensure that every dog gets enough attention and love, spaces for boarding are limited.
Special prices are available for long term stays, dogs from the same household and dogs that have completed training with me. Extra charges may apply for puppies, dogs with special needs or aggressive dogs.
My education
I'm continuously adding new skills and knowledge. Please ask anytime for an updated CV. (Last update February 2025)
Daniela Wettstein
SKILLS
Service Dog Training
Family Dog Training
Canine First Aid Instructor
Aptitude tests and evaluations
Search Dog Handler in Training
EXPERIENCE
Wettstone Dog Training
Bridge Lake, BC Canada
Owner / Dog Training & Boarding, Service Dog Trainer
August 2017 - today
Canine Health Canada
Canada
First Aid Instructor
April 2020 - today
Kynologischer Verein Rapperswil-Jona
Jona SG, Switzerland
Agility Trainer / Substitute Trainer for other classes
2015-2016
Wir Vermitteln
Rueti ZH, Switzerland
Volunteer / Trainer / Foster
2011 - 2016
…and training my personal dogs since 2008!
EDUCATION
Certified Dog Trainer & Service Dog Trainer
ATN Akademie für Tiernaturheilkunde, Switzerland / Germany
2014-2019
Certificate of competence (SKN), practical evaluation with “Tiny”
Hundeschule Gemeinsam Unterwegs (Christina Flubacher), Switzerland
2015 (2 months)
Certificate of competence (SKN), practical evaluation with “Macho”
Hundeschule Gemeinsam Unterwegs (Christina Flubacher), Switzerland
2012 (2 months)
Certificate of competence (SKN), theory
Hundeschule Gemeinsam Unterwegs (Christina Flubacher), Switzerland
2011
COURSES
Call Off The Chase - The PST Master Course / Predation Substitute Training
2025 (in progress)
Introduction to CARAT / Relationship Centered Training, Suzanne Clothier
2025
Updated Canine CPR Protocols / Canine Health Canada
2025
The Power of Pairing / Tony Gravley (online)
2024
Foundations in odor detection training / Lucia Lazarowski and Bart Rogers (online)
2023
Counseling Dog Clients / Jean Donaldson (online)
2023
Soundwork 105 - Advanced Hearing Dog Skills / Martha Hoffman (online)
2022
Learning the Ropes - all things leash handling / Michael Shikashio & Grisha Stewart (online)
2022
Video on demand - 100+ online lectures on various topics / Karen Pryor Academy
2020-2022
Clicker Expo / various teachers
Failing the Marshmallow Test - Rethinking How We Teach Impulse Control
Live Training Sessions deconstructed
Managing and Modifying Aggressive Behaviour
Muzzle Tov
2020
Soundwork 101 - Training dogs in basic sound alerting skills / Martha Hoffman (online)
2018
Service Dog Practical Training / Annabelle Steiger
2018
Service Dog Training I-VIII: Mobility Assistance, Guide & Hearing Dogs, Seizure Alert, Emotional Support Dogs / Anna-Sophie Mueller & Anke Goehrlinger
2016
Ontogeny I & II: Handling of Puppies, young dogs and bullies / Irène Julius
2016
Planning and structuring of training lessons and courses / Dorothee Schneider
2016
Behavioural training I-II: On the trail with your dog, Anti-hunting training / Heike Benzing
2016
Body language of dogs / Joachim Leidhold
2015
Learning and Education I-III: Exercises with the dog / Silvia Pfister
2015
Intensive Agility Seminar / Michi Brandstetter
2015
Target Searching / Ursi Rutz
2015
Living with wolves – a challenge & enrichment / Monty Sloan (lecture)
2015
Intensive Agility Seminar / Jenny Stephenson
2014
Dog Lunging / Wendy Fischer
2013
Intensive Agility Seminar / Sep Cadalbert
2013
Dog Massage / Nicole Thali
2013