the calm, happy, well-mannered dog you actually enjoy living with
Play-based training rooted in building a strong relationship, supporting your dog’s emotional health, and building reliable obedience.
REAL DOGS, REAL RESULTS
READY TO GET STARTED?
Book your free 30-minute Better Manners Consult and let’s create a plan tailored to your dog and lifestyle.
During this call we’ll:- Discuss your biggest challenges
- Assess what your dog needs
- Map out the best path forwardLet’s Get Your Dog on the Right Path
HOW WE WORK TOGETHER
I don’t sell cookie-cutter programs. We look at your dog, your lifestyle, your goals, and what’s actually getting in the way. Then we pick the approach that fits.Private lessons
One-on-one, at your house, in the neighbourhood, or on the trails. Real situations. You’re in it with the dog. Best when you want to learn the work yourself and keep it going between visits.Day school
Your dog comes to me for training built on repetition and play - this is a program, not a one-off lesson. Private lesson come in along the way so you learn how to apply what your dog has learned into your daily life. Best when the dog needs consistent reps and you still want to be involved in the process.Board and Train
Your dog stays with me for intensive training over a 4 to 6+ weeks. One dog at a time, not a kennel, not a pack. Best for addressing serious issues or when you'd rather hand the whole process over, and get it back with the lessons to keep it going.
ABOUT ME
I’m Marek Wojtaszek, a Salt Spring Island dog trainer helping families create joyful, reliable relationships with their dogs using play-based methods.I use play because a game only works if you both cooperate. There are rules, rewards, and consequences. That is how you get clear communication and a dog who wants to work with you. It helps create a relationship that holds up on the trail, at the door, and on the ferry, and not just when you’re holding a treat.Living in Vancouver and now on Salt Spring has given me a clear picture of city life, ferries, trails, wildlife, and island living. When I’m not training, I’m out on those same trails with my own dog.
Exclusive Weekend Adventure + Training Retreats
Experience a truly one-of-a-kind private adventure retreat on the stunning trails, beaches, and forests of Salt Spring Island, custom-designed exclusively for your dog.Every retreat is fully bespoke and built around your dog’s unique personality, age, energy level, training goals, and preferences.Whether your dog thrives on adventurous forest hikes, loves chasing waves on the beach, enjoys calm scent work in the woods, or just wants relaxed one-on-one time in nature, we tailor every activity to what they love most.What makes it truly effortless and personalized:Door-to-door service — I pick up and drop off your dog directly from your home in Greater Vancouver or on the islands.
Fully custom experience — Share your dog’s favorite toys, treats, routines, dietary needs, or any special requests, and I’ll incorporate them seamlessly.
One dog only — Limited to a single dog per retreat for my complete, undivided attention and the calmest, most stress-free environment possible.This isn’t a standard boarding or group program — it’s a private, tailored adventure that combines play-based training progress with the kind of island experience most dogs only dream about.Limited spots available. Give your dog the ultimate personalized island getaway before spots fill up.
