About Focus K9 | Teach . Tailor . Train
Trained by Understanding,
Not by Formula.
Our mission is to help as many dog owners as possible build a positive, lasting relationship with their dog — including the ones with reactive, fearful or aggressive dogs that other trainers turn away.
Our Mission
We create accessible training options for all kinds of owners, including dogs with reactive, fearful and aggressive behaviour. Every plan is built around your dog's needs and your lifestyle — not a one-size-fits-all curriculum.
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By collaborating with local rescue organizations, professionals and communities, our goal is to contribute to the wellbeing of the pet community — ensuring owners get quality care for their pets regardless of the challenges their dog's unique needs present. We're proud to support West Coast Paws Dog Rescue, who share our mission, with free consultations for their new rescue homes.
Training Philosophy
We firmly believe the owner/pet relationship should be one of mutual understanding and respect, based on scientifically proven methods using all four quadrants of operant conditioning. Owning a dog is a rewarding experience — but a responsibility, not a luxury. Training your pet properly builds a stronger relationship and more freedom with your canine.
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Our methods adhere to the industry's LIMA approach — Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive — taking a versatile, realistic approach that taps into each dog's natural instincts and communication style, while considering your lifestyle and goals.
"Beneath every behaviour is a feeling, and beneath each feeling is a need — when we meet that need rather than focus on the behaviour, we begin to deal with the cause, not the symptom."
Ashleigh Warner
What Makes Us Different
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Tailored to You
Every dog is as unique as their owner. We don't insist on a one-size-fits-all method — whether your dog thrives with positive reinforcement, games, or another approach, we find what actually works for them.
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Something for Everyone
A complete experience from start to finish. We take the time to know you and your dog, crafting a personalized plan with hands-on guidance at every step — including full support for reactive and aggressive dogs in group settings.
03
No Embarrassment, Ever
It can feel overwhelming to ask for help with a "wild child" of a dog. While some companies shy away from certain breeds or reactive, fearful dogs, we embrace them wholeheartedly. Every dog and owner deserves the chance to learn and grow.
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Community Collaboration
We partner with municipal districts and fellow professionals to deliver a level of care that stands apart — connecting you with reputable groomers or sitters, coordinating training initiatives, and consulting with veterinary experts on behaviour modification.
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Continuing Education
Our team maintains ongoing education in canine behaviour and training, offering insight others can't match — so you gain a deeper understanding of your dog's behaviour and motivations.
Our Team
Sydney Lemiski
CEO / Head Trainer
After relocating from Alberta to British Columbia to work with various dog-related companies, including operating a large daycare facility, Sydney obtained her certification in canine training and behaviour. Her driving passion is to offer owners a reliable source of honest, practical advice in a media landscape that leaves most pet owners frustrated and confused.
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With more than 7 years of extensive education and hands-on experience, Sydney has worked with some of the most challenging breeds and temperaments — developing tailored plans that fit real, demanding schedules, at a range of price points so quality training stays accessible.
Keri D
Canine Caregiver / Assistant
Keri supports Focus K9's in-home pet care and dog walking services, bringing a calm, knowledgeable, welfare-focused approach to every home she enters. She's certified in animal care with prior experience at the SPCA, where she built strong foundations in canine behaviour, handling and compassionate care across a wide range of temperaments.
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Keri works under Sydney's mentorship, following the same standards and protocols Focus K9 is known for — giving clients reliable, high-quality in-home care with continuity and trust.
Lauren K
Administrative Assistant
Often the first person you'll connect with at Focus K9, Lauren welcomes new clients and guides you through onboarding, making sure you have the information and support you need to get started with confidence.
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Behind the scenes, she manages client mailings, invoicing and administrative communication — keeping everything organized, timely and seamless from your first interaction through your time with us.
Education & Continuing Development
Professional dog training requires more than a single certification. Our education is ongoing, through formal certification programs, specialized academies, seminars, conferences, workshops, and mentorship with experienced professionals across the canine industry.
Professional Education & Certifications
Animal Behaviour College · 2019–2020
Dog Training Certification Program
Pet First Aid & CPR · Pet Nutrition & Diet · Doggie Daycare Management · Training Shelter Dogs
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Fenzi Dog Sports Academy · 2020–2022
The Lemonade Conference · Relationship Building Through Play · Precision Heeling · Building Blocks of Nose Work · Translating the Effects of Human Actions on Dog Behaviour · Heeling Games · Behaviour Intervention Techniques · Resource Guarding · Puppy Development · The Genetics of Personality
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Leerburg / Michael Ellis · 2022–2024
Michael Ellis 3-Day Workshop · Relationship Games, Parts 1 & 2 · Leash Reactivity
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Consider the Dog · 2024-2026
Online University Members Club
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Canine University · 2022–2023
Online University Members Club
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Upstate Canine Academy · 2021–2023
Online University Members Club
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Training Without Conflict · 2023
Possession Games
Seminars & Conferences
Tom Davis · 2024
Seattle Seminar - 3 Day Seminar
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Loose Leash Academy · 2021
Aggression in Dogs Conference - 3-Day Seminar
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Avidog · 2019
Conditioning for the Canine Athlete — 3-Day Seminar
Fit For Life Puppy Program​​​
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."