Welcome to the Thinking Canine

Think, Play, Grow.

At The Thinking Canine, we believe in positive, effective training methods that build strong, lasting relationships between you and your dog. Whether you are welcoming a new puppy into your home, building a bond with your new adult companion or looking to build on your dog’s skills, our expert trainers are here to help!

Positive Reinforcement Only

At The Thinking Canine, we use only positive reinforcement techniques that strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Our methods are gentle, humane, and proven to create lasting behavioral change.

Tailored Training Plans

Every dog is unique! We create customised training plans that suit your dog’s specific needs, taking into account their breed, personality, and learning pace to ensure they succeed.

Experienced Trainer

With years of experience raising, training, and fostering dogs, our head trainer, Jess, brings unparalleled expertise to every session. She’s been training dogs since she was 18 and is passionate about helping dogs thrive.

Behavioral Problem Solutions

Tackling leash pulling, separation anxiety, or reactivity? We specialise in addressing common behavioral challenges with proven, compassionate techniques that set your dog up for success.

'Think, Play, Grow' Philosophy

Our training philosophy is simple: Think, Play, Grow. We believe in thoughtful training, playful engagement, and continuous growth for both dogs and their owners.

Community and Support

Joining The Thinking Canine means becoming part of a supportive community. We offer ongoing advice and socialisation events, ensuring you and your dog always have the support you need.

Why Choose Us

The Thinking Canine is led by me, Jess, an experienced dog trainer who has been working with dogs for years. I have raised and bottle-fed puppies, trained search and rescue dogs, and helped countless dogs and their owners improve their bond through fun and effective training techniques. I have a passion for animals and use modern, positive reinforcement methods that help dogs learn in a supportive environment.

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Experienced and compassionate trainer.

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Modern, positive reinforcement techniques for effective results.

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Fun, safe, and engaging environment for learning.

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Build strong basic and advanced cues.

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Strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

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10% OFF Training!

Frequently Asked Question

We know you have questions, and we’re here to help! Below are some of the most common queries we receive about our training programs and services. If you don’t see your question answered here, feel free to reach out – we’re always happy to assist.

We use positive reinforcement techniques that are based on science and proven to be effective. This means we reward good behavior and focus on creating a fun, stress-free environment for your dog to learn.

We recommend starting training as early as possible! Puppy training can begin as soon as your dog is 8 weeks old. However, it's never too late to train your dog – we offer classes for all ages.

Every dog is different, but you’ll often see noticeable improvements after just a few sessions. Our trainers work at your dog’s pace to ensure lasting results.

We offer private training sessions for dogs with more complex behavioral problems like aggression or anxiety. These sessions are tailored specifically to your dog's needs.

Meet the Trainer

At The Thinking Canine, we believe that great training starts with great trainers. Our head trainer, Jess, is not only passionate about dogs but also deeply committed to understanding their unique behaviors, needs, and personalities.

Jessica Cleenverck

Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Skills

With years of experience and a background in dog training, Jess has successfully trained dozens of dogs, from playful puppies to seasoned adults. She specializes in positive reinforcement methods, ensuring that your dog learns in a safe, supportive, and effective environment. As a certified dog behaviorist, Jess brings both skill and compassion to every training session, helping you and your dog build a stronger bond.

Certified Expertise

Jess brings professional qualifications and years of experience to every training session.

Personalized Approach

Understanding that each dog has unique needs, Jess tailors training plans that work best for both you and your dog.

Passionate and Patient

Training takes time and dedication, and Jess is known for her patience, ensuring every dog receives the attention and care they need to succeed.

Results You Can Trust

From basic commands to behavior modification, Jess has a proven track record of helping dogs achieve lasting results, no matter their background or challenges.

What Our Clients Say

At The Thinking Canine, we let our results do the talking – and so do our happy clients! From turning stubborn pups into well-behaved companions to helping owners build stronger bonds with their dogs, we’re proud of the transformations we see every day.

"Jess is a great teacher.. as a first time dad she was understanding and always willing to give advise."

Prashant Narotam Proud Dog Mom

"Very patient and caring! Jess really cares about the doggos! Appropriate teaching methods & individual attention paid to all."

Daniel Botha Proud Dog Dad

We absolutely love training with Jess! Every lesson is so much fun, and you can really see how much she cares about the pups and their progress. Our puppy has learned so much already, and we always leave the sessions feeling more confident and connected. Highly recommend Jess to anyone looking for a positive and enjoyable training experience!

Nancy Ambrose Proud Dog Mom

Pet Essentials

Get 10% OFF when you ORDER WITH US.

We know that proper training starts with the right tools, and a happy dog is a healthy dog. That’s why we’ve curated a selection of top-quality accessories and premium dog food to support your dog’s well-being and training journey. From durable leashes and collars to nutritious food, we’ve got everything your furry friend needs to thrive!

4.8/5
ACANA™
Classics Prairie Poultry

High quality animal proteins like fresh or raw* poultry, meats, wild-caught fish. 

4.8/5
ACANA™
Puppy Recipe

Your growing puppy needs protein and fat from animal ingredients, to support their rapid development. 

4.8/5
ACANA™
Light & Fit Recipe

A diet rich in protein promotes lean muscle mass and a healthy body weight, while keeping your dog satisfied and happy. 

4.8/5
ACANA™
Senior Recipe

Your senior dog needs a diet rich in animal protein, to support the development of lean muscle and to promote a healthy body weight. 

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