The Best Dog Trainer Toronto

Testimonials & Awards

Best Dog Trainer Toronto

Rated as one of Toronto's top 5 dog trainers on 6 different lists!

Best Dog Trainer Toronto

Kristina is one of the best dog trainers in Toronto. Winner of the best dog trainer in the Canadian Choice Awards for 2024 & 2025, and topping Toronto’s best dog trainers on 6 different lists, and over 150 five star reviews. Customers say Kristina has changed the lives of families and their dogs for the better. 

Best Dog Trainer Toronto

Here are just some of the things that customers have to say about Hairy Tales.

I enjoyed our training session with Kristina. Lots of information to take back and it was exactly what I was looking for.

MW F Avatar MW F

I had my first web session with Kristina yesterday, and I can assure you, she is worth the wait! We are working together on improving my relationship with my dog, which Kristina explained was the underlying reason why my dog seems like he has "a short fuse" around other dogs. Kristina is articulate, to the point yet also very kind and understanding. It felt like chatting with an old friend. There was zero judgement when I confessed all of my mistakes to her, for which I am very grateful! (lol). I feel confident that my dog and I are going to get to a much better place with her guidance.

Kali Holz Avatar Kali Holz

Astonishing sessions with Kristina for addressing the roots for the behavior of our two leash reactive /resource guarding dogs.

khale sooskeh Avatar khale sooskeh

Kristina has a magical rapport with dogs. From the moment our puppy Nico met Kristina, it was as though she was a beloved long lost friend – an overflow of joy! My husband and I had signed up for the five-session package for puppies. Was it expensive? Yes. Was it worth the price? For us, absolutely! This was our first pet as a family and we viewed the training as an investment in raising a loving, well-mannered dog as part of our family. Our first session at Hairy Tales was before Nico’s arrival at nine weeks. We learned useful skills on how to prepare for the first couple of weeks. A critical learning was how long to play with Nico before ensuring he was back in his crate for a long rest. Another important learning was what to do when Nico fussed after being left alone. We also found out what products to get before Nico came home; this saved us a lot of time trying to figure out what would work. We even got a listing of recommended vets. And thankfully, we got essential tips on how to potty train. This session truly set us up for success. Each of the remaining sessions was customized to the challenges we were facing and the goals we wanted to achieve. For example, at the third session, we asked for help with Nico’s fear of larger cars and trucks (he used to shake with fear and try to dash back home). Kristina didn’t simply tell us what to do, she took us all out on the street and showed us what to do. And now, when a large truck goes by, Nico may pause to look out of interest or will ignore it completely. By the fourth session, Nico was so confident that we actually needed to learn how to teach him boundaries (such as not jumping on people who would like to pet him). Another key example was training Nico to “leave it”. Nico, true to his Boston Terrier heritage, resisted but Kristina persisted; watching Kristina in action was like attending a Master Class. We couldn’t be happier with the results. Nico came to us from amazing breeders who gave him an excellent start (thank you, Donna and Jack at Dalhousie Kennels). Kristina shared her expertise and guidance with us to help Nico become the confident, joyful puppy he is today. Hairy Tales has truly been an invaluable part of Nico’s early life…and likely will be at various stages to come…teenage phase next – yikes!

Yasmin M Avatar Yasmin M

Kristina answered all my questions before I even had a chance to ask. She is thorough and approachable. Highly recommend!

Karen Benzakein Avatar Karen Benzakein

Kristina was fantastic to work with. She’s knowledgeable, patient, and really cares for the dogs and families she works with.

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Calum McCullough Avatar Calum McCullough

Kristina is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in training dogs with all kinds of issues. We have already made great headway with our rambunctious three month old golden retriever puppy, after only two classes. She follows up with notes and assignments in between sessions which is very helpful. She has also provided many helpful tips and invaluable advice. We highly recommend her.

Susan Ungar Avatar Susan Ungar

My husband and I, and our 15 month old Miniature Schnazuer Pyper are working with Kristina towards Pyper's certification (and us as owners!) as a visiting therapy dog. We could not be happier with Kristina's guidance and expertise as together we take this path and work towards this important goal.

Barbara Drake-Land Avatar Barbara Drake-Land

Kristina has been a huge help with both our dogs, including our rescue who has a lot of anxiety and trust issues. We’ve only had a few sessions with her and by implementing her advice have already seen some remarkable changes. She really understands the psychology of dogs. Always responsive and professional, as well. Can’t recommend her enough.

Francine Avatar Francine

Kristina is incredible insightful as well as so thorough when going through everything you want to accomplish/how we are going to get their with your dog's goals!

Zachary Rosen Avatar Zachary Rosen

We have a 1 year old rescue dog who was very reactive to people in our home and especially to other dogs on the street. After just two sessions with Kristina, and applying the strategies and tools that she has given us, we have already noticed significant improvements in our dog's behaviour. She is much less anxious, which of course has lessened our anxiety too. We still have much work ahead but Kristina has got us off to a great start and set us on a good pathway. She's an excellent trainer: professional, knowledgeable, compassionate and effective. She understands dogs and people.

Richard Turner Avatar Richard Turner

Kristina was amazing in helping us with our dogs' sudden fights for attention. Our lives are now back to normal and we can happily cuddle with both of our girls once again. Consistency is key. Thank you!!

Anel M. Avatar Anel M.

Kristina has been an amazing partner in my dog’s training. She’s provided realistic and manageable guidance and tools to help my dog get along with another dog. She’s also helped correct other frustrating behaviours along the way, both my dog and I are happier.

Lauren Giroux Avatar Lauren Giroux

We loved our first session with Kristina! Calm, extremely knowledgable and practical - we are looking forward to working with her to resolve our dogs nervous reactivity!

Mel Schembri Avatar Mel Schembri

I had a wonderful first session with Kristina. She understands a dog's body language and helped me with some tools I could start using immediately. Highly recommend her.

Kim Avatar Kim