Our mission is to help educate as many dog owners as possible to foster positive relationships with their dog by having a versatile approach. We create accessible options for all owners including reactive, fearful and aggressive dogs.
Collaborating with local rescue organizations, professionals and communities, our overarching goal is to contribute to the well-being of as many pets as possible, ensuring they lead content lives in their homes with you.
Our Mission
Training Philosophy
We firmly believe in the owner/pet relationship being one of mutual understanding and respect; basing our approach on scientifically proven methods utilizing all four quadrants of operant conditioning. Focus K9 believes that owning a dog is an amazing & rewarding experience, but a responsibility, not a luxury. Training your pet properly will lead you to a stronger relationship and more freedom with your canine.
Focus K9's methods and techniques adhere to the industry’s LIMA approach of Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive training, taking a versatile, realistic approach that taps into each individual dogs natural instincts and communication style while also considering the owners lifestyle and goals.
Everything to do with your dogs behaviour and lifestyle works simultaneously together so we strive to teach owners fun, easy and effective ways to incorporate their dogs training seamlessly into the home.
Jordan & Sage
"Sage, our Irish Terrier, LOVES training with Sydney! We have learned so much about our pups behaviors & with Sydney's assistance our walks & training have improved tremendously & are more enjoyable for the both of us!"
Marie & Bruce
"Sydney taught me so much and built my confidence back up. I made more progress than I had expected, but I still love to go to her group walks because it's such a positive environment and a great place to keep learning about dog behaviour while having a nice walk in the park."
Lois & Beau
"Sydney worked out a program custom made for our specific needs and she patiently guided my husband and me on how to reinforce the training. She is very validating, positive and flexible in her approach to us and our beloved pet."
What Makes Us Unique
Tailored To You
At Focus K9 our philosophy revolves around understanding that each dog is as unique as their owner. Unlike other professionals who may insist on a one-size-fits-all approach, we recognize the importance of tailoring our methods to suit the individual needs and responses of our students. Whether your furry companion thrives with positive reinforcement, games, or another method altogether, we're dedicated to finding what works best for them.
Something for Everyone
Gone are the days of generic training programs. When you choose Focus K9, you can expect a bespoke experience from start to finish. Our team will take the time to get to know you and your dog, crafting a personalized experience & providing hands-on assistance every step of the way. Whether you're attending a group class or socialization session, the guidance you receive will be tailored to your dog's unique personality, learning style, and behavior goals all geared to include & support, over reactive or aggressive dogs.
Don't Feel Embarrassed
What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to inclusivity. We know it can be embarrassing or overwhelming to ask for help with your "wild child" of a dog. While some companies may shy away from working with over reactive or fearful dogs one on one or in group settings, we embrace them wholeheartedly. We believe that every dog deserves a chance to learn and grow, regardless of their behavioral challenges. Overly or underly friendly, our experienced trainers create a safe and supportive environment where all dogs can thrive, building confidence and developing new skills at their own pace.
Community Collaboration
Collaboration is a cornerstone of our approach to pet care. By partnering with municipal districts and fellow professionals in the field, we're able to deliver a level of care and customer service that sets us apart. Whether it's coordinating with local authorities on training initiatives or consulting with veterinary experts on behavior modification techniques, we're dedicated to providing comprehensive support to our clients and their four-legged companions. A portion or our proceeds from our group and socialization classes help support the West Coast Paws Dog Rescue, who mirrors our mission and training philosophy.
Continuing Our Education
When you choose Focus K9, you're not just becoming a part of a professional community—you're gaining access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Not only does our team have extensive hands-on experience and educational backgrounds, but we continue to maintain our education in canine behavior and training, allowing us to offer insights and solutions that others simply cannot match. With us, you'll gain a deeper understanding of your dog's behaviors and motivations, empowering you to build a stronger bond and foster positive change.
Creating a Positive Change
Our commitment to excellence doesn't end there, we're passionate about driving positive changes within the pet care industry. Not only do we help support local rescues and organizations, we are underway with a project to help particular areas in the pet industry where regulation is lacking. That's why we're actively involved in developing a non-profit project aimed at supporting owners of reactive or fearful dogs. Through this initiative, we hope to provide resources, education, and community support to those in need, ultimately improving the lives of dogs and their owners alike. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting endeavor, coming soon.
Sydney Lemiski
Owner / Head Trainer
Passionate, patient and personable, are just a few of the characteristics that describe Sydney. After relocating to British Columbia to work for various dog-related companies, including operating a large dog daycare facility, She obtained her certification in canine training and behavior. Her driving passion is to establish a company that caters to the needs of the pet dog community, offering owners a reliable source of honest and practical advice. In today's world, the overwhelming abundance of dog information in the media, it often leaves average pet owners feeling frustrated, confused, and even hopeless.
With more than five years of extensive education and hands-on experience, Sydney has worked with some of the most challenging dog breeds and temperaments. Her primary goal is to educate owners, enabling them to achieve their training objectives and create an supportive community for all dog owners. She prides herself in providing a range of solutions at different price points, ensuring that quality training is obtainable to all.
Recognizing the demanding schedules of everyday pet owners and the uniqueness of each training journey, Sydney develops tailored lesson plans and programs for all her clients. She possesses a passion for her work, displaying patient and a personable approach. Sydney instills confidence and knowledge in her clients when working with their dogs, drawing from both her practical experience and theoretical knowledge.
Having worked with animals ranging from horses and dogs to wildlife during her upbringing in Alberta, Sydney has evolved into one of the most dedicated dog professionals on the West Coast.
Cody Ford
Admin Assistant
Cody orchestrates seamless operations and extends a warm welcome to new inquiries at our company. He adeptly manages our calendar, inquiries, paperwork, and billing, often working behind the scenes. As a valuable team member, he contributes ideas for improvement and supports our colleagues. Cody's dedication is invaluable in ensuring efficiency and client satisfaction, making him essential to our success.
“Beneath every behaviour is a feeling, and beneath each feeling is a need, and when we meet that need rather than focus on the behaviour, we begin to deal with the cause not the symptom.”