 Rooted in empathy. Backed by experience. Our Day Train and Play program is created for dogs and the people who care for them.
When I created our Day Train and Play program, I didn’t just want a place where dogs could be supervised while their owners were away and give them a space to burn off energy. I wanted to build something better. A structured, thoughtful environment where dogs could learn, grow, and feel safe. A place where clients could take a breath, knowing their dog wasn’t just being “watched,” but was being understood. This program was designed from the ground up with purpose. I’ve seen what happens in settings where structure is lacking—and I knew there had to be another way. That’s why every piece of our program has a reason behind it. A Pack with Purpose We keep our attendance numbers low: a maximum of 15 dogs, with a 5:1 dog-to-trainer ratio—the best ratio in the area. Why 15? Because that’s the natural size of a wolf pack. In the wild, packs tend to range from 5 to 20 animals**, and 15 is a comfortable middle ground that supports stability, predictability, and social order. Most of our clients book their dog in on the same day each week. That means the pack is consistent. Dogs learn who their friends are. They walk in the door and recognize the energy in the room. There’s no daily game of “who’s here today?”—just the comfort of routine. That consistency builds confidence, especially for more sensitive or anxious dogs. We’ve watched shy puppies grow into socially savvy adults simply because they had the chance to feel safe in a predictable group. This is also where our smaller group size makes a difference. In many daycare settings, you’ll find 30–40 dogs in one room. I’ve seen the toll that environment can take: dogs cowering in corners, overstimulated and unsure how to cope. That level of stress can quickly boil over into scuffles or fights. When I see that many dogs packed into a space, I have to wonder--is it really about the dogs, or is it just about numbers? Personally, I don’t believe 30 or 40 dogs should ever be put in a room together. It’s just too much—for them, and for the trainers trying to manage it. When I presented my approach to Steven Lindsay—renowned canine behaviour expert and author of the Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training—during a seminar in Missouri, he praised the structure and purpose behind the program. His words stuck with me: “This is a smart setup.” That validation meant a lot—and reaffirmed that our work is grounded in both heart and science. Training, Rest, and the Power of Balance Our days are structured with purpose:
The Importance of Rest in Daycare Settings Yes, rest is part of training. Without downtime, dogs get overstimulated and lose the ability to make good choices. Think of it like an overtired toddler—fun for no one. A balanced day of mental stimulation, movement, and rest is what helps dogs come home feeling calm and fulfilled. Built for Young Minds—But Not Just PuppiesThis program is especially beneficial for puppies and young dogs, typically up to around three years of age. It helps teach social skills, builds impulse control, and channels energy into learning. It also gives you a break—because let’s be honest, raising a puppy can be exhausting. While most adult dogs naturally begin to “age out” of needing this level of stimulation, not all do. My own dog Mia is 9 years old and still struts into the centre like she owns the place. She plays, she socializes, she thrives. We honour each dog as an individual—there’s no one-size-fits-all here. Not Every Dog Is the Right Fit (And That’s Okay)My focus has always been on the dog’s success—and part of that means recognizing when a group setting isn’t in their best interest. Some dogs struggle in a pack environment due to ongoing anxiety, lack of social skills, or being consistent instigators. If a dog is overwhelmed or creating stress for others, we’ll have a conversation with their owners. We don’t use harsh labels, and we don’t “kick dogs out.” We simply advocate for what’s best for them—and sometimes that means stepping back from this kind of environment. The goal is never to force a dog into fitting. It’s to honour who they are and what they need. And I will always be honest with you about that. That’s a promise. If I feel your dog isn’t thriving, I’ll let you know—because that kind of transparency is what you and your dog deserves. I’m here to help dogs succeed, not just fill a spot. Most of the dogs who thrive here are in their developmental prime—puppies through about three years of age. That’s when they’re soaking up social skills, learning boundaries, and building confidence. Over time, many dogs naturally outgrow the need for this kind of play-based structure. That doesn’t mean they stop learning—it just means they’ve matured. That said, some dogs never outgrow the joy of a good romp. Mia is proof of that. A Lifeline for Dog Owners This program isn’t just for the dogs—it’s for you, too. We’ve had clients tell us that Day Train and Play saved their sanity. Between work, kids, and trying to make dinner, having a dog who comes home content and settled makes all the difference. You don’t have to be “on” all day. You don’t have to feel guilty that your dog hasn’t been walked or mentally stimulated while you’re trying to manage familial responsibilities and an endless to-do list. We’re here to lighten the load and help you meet your goals—whether that’s building better leash manners, improving your dog’s ability to settle, or practicing impulse control. The training we do during the day reflects what you want help with at home. You’re not starting from scratch every night—we’ve already laid the groundwork. You get to come home to a fulfilled dog—and actually enjoy your time together. Pack Members Only. Because Connection—and Collaboration—Matters. This program is available exclusively to ICT Pack Members - aka our clients. That’s not about being exclusive—it’s about being intentional. We’ve built this around trust, consistency, and open communication. Knowing the dogs (and their people) allows us to tailor what we do to each individual—both canine and human. That means we’re not just focused on the dog’s behaviour. We’re listening to your goals, too. Every lesson, every rest break, every walk—these are chances to reinforce the kind of behaviour you want to see at home. When clients and trainers work together, dogs thrive. When your dog walks in our door, they’re not just another name on a clipboard. They’re part of our pack—and so are you. Ready to Experience the Instinct Canine Training Difference? Reach out to start your training journey and join the Day Train and Play pack! New members always receive 50%off their first Day Train and Play session. ** Sources:
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Meet the authorAnna Marie Stewart, DTTA-CPDT, is the owner and founder of Instinct Canine Training in Burlington, Ontario. Her passion and love of dogs is evident to anyone who works with her, and is an experienced trainer who works with a variety of clients to achieve a well-mannered dog. Categories
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