Whatta Pup!
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 12 pm - 9 pm
Sat 12 pm - 6 pm
3 reviews for Whatta Pup!
3 reviews in English
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Review from Shannon G.
Toronto, ON
9/18/2011
Thank you Caryn for sharing a part of your vast knowledge in your Professional Dog Walker course. You seem to have an endless supply of passion and knowledge for all things dog and I would recommend you to anyone with ANY questions about dogs or anyone looking for a trainer.
Thanks again,
Shannon
A Walk in the Park
Dog Walking and Pet Sitting -
Review from Ren Z.
Toronto, ON
7/20/2011
I want to start my testimonial with a quick story.
I have one distinct memory of training our family dog when I was growing up. I was watching a group class. My mother was handling our young Bichon, and was asking her to lie down. This is something we had previously taught the dog, but she wasn't doing it. Instead she was sitting and staring at my mom, apparently not hearing her at all. When my mom looked to the trainer for guidance, the trainer marched over and yanked on our dog's leash (and choke collar) until her front feet were off the ground -- all the time our dog crying in discomfort. I don't remember whether she "obeyed" or not because my eyes had welled up with tears, and I thought "There has to be a better way than this".
Fortunately, there is, and Whatta Pup! is the answer.
I found Whatta Pup! through Toronto Pet Daily when I found that they'd been voted Best Trainer by the readers. My puppy, Cody, and I had already been through two classes for some basic cues and socialization. He was nearly seven months old, and I'll admit I was at my wit's end. We were living with seven people, and I was experiencing puppyhood -- which is hell on its own! -- with all of them holding grudges towards me over his accidents in the house, things he'd chewed on, and his barking.
I knew I wanted to see a trainer who used positive training, and Whatta Pup! fit that bill, so off we went. After the six weeks of our first group class (Basic) ended, we were hooked. Cody and I are both nervous around new people, but Caryn is as great with people as she is with dogs. In the first couple of weeks, I mentioned that Cody was not yet housebroken and she offered a phone consult to talk about it. It also helped that she constantly reinforced *me* by gushing about how smart Cody is. And *I* knew that, but it was so very refreshing to hear when back at home it was being suggested to me that Cody was, in fact, stupid.
Our classes with Caryn were so much fun, that I had no reserves about attending another class. We did Agility 101 next. Under Caryn's direction, we saw an entire class of excitable dogs go from just learning the equipment to being able to perform off-leash (and recover from distraction!). I think that's an amazing feat for once a week for just under two months.
Some time passed, and we did the Intermediate class as well. Again, the changes in the participating dogs' behaviours by the last class were extraordinary. Cody's loose-leash walking improved so much that I really do enjoy taking him for walks now!
I understand now why Whatta Pup! was voted Best Trainer. Caryn bonds strongly with both her dog clients and their owners, which is certainly why she has received so many glowing reviews from the people she has worked with. I believe that having a trainer whom you can trust always has the best intentions for your dog is an invaluable asset. She is constantly upgrading her knowledge to bring more to the table. And, of course, promoting positive dog teaching methods over archaic dominance-based training means that hopefully one day our future generations won't have to see a dog strung up by their leash ever again.
My dog is far from perfect, but I am confident that I'm equipped with the tools to get him to that level. Caryn definitely made the puppyhood stage more bearable for me by leaps and bounds. I talk about what I learned in class all of the time. I know I drive people crazy with "my trainer said..."
It is customary to tip people when they provide us with a service, and I think this only scratches the surface of the "thank you" I owe for everything I've been taught. Instead, I have a tip for you: if you have or are planning to get a dog, you need Whatta Pup! You won't be disappointed. My only regret is that we didn't find her sooner! -
Review from Rosie S.
7/13/2009 1 photo
THE MOST AMAZING DOG PERSON IN TORONTO!
Caryn is the most passionate dog lover and dog expert you will meet.
Her involvement in our dog's life began before we even adopted! She gave us advice and support through the adoption application process, was one of our references, and even accompanied me on the trip to meet and decide on our Malik. She's always there for advice, and she is amazingly well-read and educated on the subject of dogs.
Her own dog, Parker, lost a leg in an accident before being rescued and adopted by Caryn. You can tell as soon as you meet Parker that he has the most wonderful life a dog could have. He, like Cesar Millan's Daddy, has a magical effect on other dogs and often accompanies Caryn's clients on walks.
Whatta Pup! is the business born out of a tireless dedication to and deep passion for dogs. You can't go wrong if you're working in a field you adore! Caryn offers walking, let-out and visiting services, obedience training, behavioural consultations, selected grooming, and special programs such as dog-safety for children. She's also a great resource to speak with about therapy. And... don't tell anyone I told you, but word on the street is that she's going to start offering canine massage therapy sometime in the future... shhhhh!
She will guide you to the best of the best in the doggie universe - "phodography" (pet photography), Martingale collars, wicked cool Whatta Pup! merchandise, as well as her own all-natural, homemade shampoos and treats!
Visit the Whatta Pup! website to see all the wonderful ways you can involve her in your doggie's life!
Specialties
We offer Private in-home lessons, Group Classes, Puppy Socialization Classes, Behaviour Modification, Workshops/Seminars, Consulting Services, and Phone Consultations.
Caryn Charlie Liles is the Regional Director for the IPDTA (International Positive Dog Training Association), therefore only positive techniques are used with training people and their dogs.
We do not believe in the "dominance theory"; we will never Alpha Roll your dog, nor will we even *use* the word "Alpha"! We believe that the key to a "good dog" is a balanced relationship based on trust and communication.
Special-needs dogs (hearing/sight impaired, amputees, etc...)
Behavioural Assessments & Modification including:
- Separation anxiety;
- Socialization
- Fears & phobias;
- Rescues from abused homes;
- Destruction;
- Dominant or submissive behaviours;
- Second pet integration
At this time we are not handling aggressive cases, but please call us for a referral - we know the best of the best and want to help you.
History
Established in 2008
Whatta Pup! was born in 2008 after much time spent studying Animal Behaviour with various trainers in Ontario.
In 2004, "Parker", a 3-year old, three-legged German Shepherd / Husky mix who had been badly neglected and abused, came into Caryn's life. Within the first few weeks, she realized that he had quite a lot to learn, but she was unsure where to start. She hired a trainer and within 6 weeks, she had a completely different dog. She enjoyed the weekly sessions so much, that she pursued an apprenticeship with that trainer.
Within a couple of months, the business had grown rapidly from a Dog Walking service, to a full-blown Training and Behaviour Modification service, then in early 2009 It became a true full-time job.
There is no better job in the world than what we do. Who wouldn't want to change the lives of the people and dogs in our communities? Who wouldn't want to spend their day with the most loving, forgiving and unconditional species in existence?
Meet the Business Owner: Caryn Charlie L.
Caryn Charlie Liles is a dog-lover at heart. Growing up with dogs her whole life, she is a natural when it comes to training dogs.
Referred to as Whatta Pup!'s "Professional People Trainer", she works alongside her clients to help them learn to communicate better with their dogs, thus creating a balanced, trusting, and positive relationship.
She is the Regional Director for the IPDTA (International Positive Dog Training Association), therefore only uses positive methods when training people and dogs.
While she is a sucker for German Shepherds and all strong breeds, she has been a pup-parent to various breeds throughout her life and loves all dogs, big and small.
