Dog Boarding and Behavioural Training in Ottawa, Kemptville, and Brockville 

Puppy Training

Start your puppy off on the right paw!

The first few months of a dog’s life are full of learning and discovery — and what they experience now shapes who they become later. Our one-on-one puppy sessions focus on building strong obedience foundations, introducing positive socialization, and helping your pup gain confidence through enrichment and play.

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We’ll work on:

• Name recognition, sit, down, and recall

• Crate training and potty routines

• Calm handling for grooming and vet visits

• Bite inhibition and polite manners

• Exposure to new sights, sounds, and environments​

We believe that training should be fun, force-free, and relationship-based. These sessions help you and your puppy learn together so you can enjoy a lifetime of clear communication and trust.

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Adolescence Training

Your dog is no different. You vowed from the minute you brought them home that you’d do everything in your power to set them up for success. But sometimes life gets in the way, and you find yourself lacking the skills, patience, or time to help them reach their full potential.

​​That’s where force-free behavioural training comes in.

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Our adolescent program focuses on channelling your dog’s energy, teaching them focus around distractions, and building impulse control through games and positive reinforcement. We’ll help you navigate this challenging stage by reinforcing good habits and preventing unwanted behaviours before they stick.

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You’ll walk away with practical tools, better communication, and a dog that’s both happy and responsive — even during their “teenage” phase.

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Adult Dog Training

It’s never too late to learn!
Whether you’ve recently adopted a dog or want to refine your long-time companion’s manners, our adult training sessions are customized to fit your goals and your dog’s learning style.

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We’ll help with:

• Loose leash walking

• Reliable recall

• Calm greetings and impulse control

• Manners at doors, during meals, and around guests

• Focus and relaxation in stimulating environments

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These one-on-one sessions give you and your dog the focused support needed to build confidence, structure, and harmony in your daily life together.

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Intermediate & Proofing

Once your dog knows the basics, it’s time to put those skills to the test!
This next level of training focuses on proofing obedience — teaching your dog to listen and perform reliably even with distractions like people, dogs, noises, or movement around them.

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We’ll introduce:

• Real-world distractions and outdoor training environments

• Distance work and duration challenges

• Off-leash focus and recall reliability

• Arousal regulation and calmness during excitement

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These sessions are perfect for owners who want a dog that’s reliable not just at home, but anywhere — whether you’re walking through town, visiting friends, or enjoying the trails at River Run.

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​Handling & Cooperative Care

From nail trims to vet visits, handling can be stressful for many dogs — but it doesn’t have to be.
Our cooperative care training focuses on helping dogs feel safe, comfortable, and confident when being touched, groomed, or examined.

​Using gentle, reward-based techniques, we teach your dog to participate willingly in care routines. Over time, your dog learns that handling equals trust and positivity — not fear or restraint.

This training makes life easier for both of you, turning stressful tasks into calm, cooperative experiences.

 

Day Training

A full day of learning, play, and progress.
Our Day Training Program is the perfect blend of structure and fun. Drop your dog off in the morning, and we’ll spend the day working on targeted training goals while they also enjoy enrichment, rest, and social playtime (when appropriate).

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Each dog gets individualized training sessions throughout the day, focusing on the skills that matter most to your household — like:

• Loose leash walking and recall

• Door manners and polite greetings

• Confidence building and impulse control

• Exposure to new sights, sounds, and experiences

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At pickup, we’ll review your dog’s progress and share practical steps you can continue at home. It’s a convenient way to help your dog learn while you’re at work — and come home to a happy, mentally fulfilled companion.

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Board & Train

The ultimate immersive training experience.
Our Board & Train Program offers your dog a chance to live, learn, and grow in a structured, positive environment at River Run Kennels. With daily hands-on training, social play, and enrichment, your dog receives consistent guidance that builds lasting habits and confidence.

This program is perfect for busy owners who want to see significant progress on foundational or advanced skills.

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During their stay (minimum 4 weeks), we’ll focus on:

• Reliable obedience commands (sit, down, stay, recall, heel)

• Calm behaviour around other dogs and people

• Manners during meals, walks, and play

• Confidence and emotional balance through enrichment and structure

• Safe and positive social playgroups

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We provide regular progress updates, and at the end of the program, you’ll receive a personalized go-home session to ensure you can maintain your dog’s success long-term.

​Our goal is simple: to help your dog return home happier, more confident, and ready to shine — and to help you build on that success with the tools and knowledge we provide.​