Every step, every sit, every success—built on trust.

At Paws First Dog Training, we offer one-on-one support that blends certified expertise with a heart for real-life dogs and their people. Whether you're looking for structured walks, confidence-building, or just a little extra help navigating life with your pup—we're here to meet you where you're at. Always positive, always practical.

Our Services

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Our Services *

Private Walks

  • $60/hour + GST

    $55/hour + GST one walk per week

    $50/hour + GST 2+ walks per week

    +$5/additional dog for up to 3 dogs

    For dogs who need more than just a bathroom break — and deserve more than just a stroll. These one-on-one outings offer structure, enrichment, and consistency, all led by a certified professional with advanced knowledge of dog behavior, communication, and emotional well-being.

    Private walks are thoughtfully designed to support your dog’s natural instincts and individual needs. Whether they’re decompressing with a sniffari, practicing leash skills, burning off energy, or enjoying enrichment with a toy or mealtime activity, each walk is shaped with purpose and care.

    Unlike standard walks that follow the same routine for every dog, we adjust pace, structure, and focus based on your dog’s age, energy, training goals, and emotional state — all while reinforcing good habits and strengthening their confidence.

    Having a certified trainer as your walker means your dog is in capable, attentive hands. We read body language, recognize stress signals, and use real-time feedback to ensure your dog feels safe, seen, and supported every step of the way.

    These aren’t just walks — they’re personalized tailored outings built to help your dog thrive.

  • $45/30min + GST

    +$5/additional dog for up to 3 dogs

    A private walk designed for dogs who need more than just a bathroom break, but not a full outing. Perfect for puppies, seniors, or dogs who benefit from lower-duration outings that still offer mental stimulation and support.

    Each walk is adapted to your dog’s needs, with thoughtful pacing, gentle guidance, and enrichment built in where appropriate.

  • $40/1 hour 15 min + GST

    +$5/additional dog

    At Paws First, group walks are intentionally small, calm, and connection-focused — nothing like traditional pack walks. Each outing includes just 2–3 dogs who already live close to one another and have been carefully matched to ensure comfort, confidence, and compatibility. No chaotic sidewalks, no short leashes, and no rushed potty breaks — just relaxed, personalized time to move, sniff, and enjoy the day together.

    Group walks are 45 minutes long, with an additional 30 minutes built in for pickup and drop-off. All participating dogs must live within an 8-minute walk of each other (no car transport), and every pairing is introduced and evaluated in advance to ensure a good fit.

    If your dog has a best friend nearby, or if you and a neighbor both want quality walks for your pups, this is a perfect option. It’s a chance for dogs to socialize with familiar friends while still receiving focused, thoughtful care.

    These aren’t large, chaotic pack walks — they’re small-group adventures tailored to each dog’s needs, guided by a certified professional who prioritizes wellbeing and joy at every step.

Training Consultations

  • $100/hour + GST

    Before we dive in, we start with a conversation.

    Training consultations are required to ensure we’re a good match and that your dog’s needs align with the type of support I offer. This session gives us a chance to discuss your goals, get a clear picture of your dog’s behaviour, and outline what’s realistic based on your time, energy, and lifestyle.

    You’ll get professional insight and honest recommendations — whether that’s a customized training plan, a different service, or a referral if your case falls outside my scope. No pressure, no judgment — just a chance to map out the most helpful next step, together.

One on One Training

  • $85/hour + GST

    Private sessions tailored to you and your dog. Whether you're dealing with reactivity, insecurity, want to learn cool tricks, are struggling with next steps, stuck on bribery, or just want to build better communication, these sessions meet you where you're at—grounded in modern, science based, force-free methods that actually work. I come to your preferred location and teach you how to work with your dog.

    Minimum 5 sessions/1 per week. In each session I take your feedback and listen to your concerns, give you our next goal, show you how to accomplish that goal, give you homework that is sustainable and time efficient, and plan accordingly. Some dogs need more time to learn, some dogs need less, the goal is to work at the dogs pace with the owners needs in mind in order to set everyone up for success!

  • $100/hour + GST

    Perfect for those facing a specific issue that doesn’t require an ongoing plan, or who just want to ask a trainer some circumstance specific questions. Whether it’s troubleshooting a single challenge, refreshing past skills, or needing an expert eye on something new—this one-time session is all about clarity and support.

    You’ll get a full hour of individualized coaching at your preferred location, complete with real-time feedback, practical strategies, additional links and materials where applicable for extra help, and take-home notes that fit your lifestyle. No fluff, no judgment—just actionable support grounded in science-based, force-free methods.

Day Training

Save more, stress less.
Ask about multi-session bundles or custom packages—because great training takes time, and peace of mind is priceless.

Walk Consultations

  • $65/hour + GST

    Before we get started, let’s make sure it’s the right fit — for you, your dog, and me.
    Walking consultations are required for all new clients who want to sign up for private walks so I can meet your dog, understand your goals, and assess which services are the best match. Whether you're looking for casual walks, enrichment walks, structured training walks, or something in between, this session helps ensure your dog’s needs, behaviour, and gear align with the support you're looking for.

    Sometimes what a dog needs isn't what they were originally booked for — and that’s okay. I’ll walk you through your options and make honest, professional recommendations that put your dog’s well-being first.

Training Walks

  • $75/hour + GST

    A walk, but with goals. Perfect for puppies or dogs working on leash skills, confidence, or reactivity. These sessions combine structured walking with real-world training, led by a certified trainer who knows how to support progress step by step.

    You can rest easy knowing that your pup is working on their skills with a certified professional while you’re busy!

  • $95/hour + GST

    Let me do the reps for you! Day training means I work directly with your dog multiple times per week, building skills and progress efficiently — then I transfer that learning to you in easy, practical handover sessions. It’s ideal for busy owners, or for dogs who need more reps, structure, or support to build momentum and see real results.

    Minimum 3 sessions per week/ 4 weeks

About Me

Hi, I’m Lakynn Twichell—certified professional dog trainer, science-based behavior nerd, and the heart behind Paws First Dog Training.

I help people build real relationships with their dogs. That means no gimmicks, no quick fixes, and no pressure to be perfect—just support that meets you where you’re at. Whether your dog needs help with reactivity, confidence, leash manners, or you’re just hoping for calmer, happier days, I’m here to walk alongside you (sometimes literally).

I started in the dog world as a walker. At the time, I didn’t know much about training—but I found myself getting asked about it constantly. That curiosity turned into research, which turned into a deep love for behaviour, communication, and canine learning. Eventually, I went to school and earned my certification through the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Since then, I’ve had the blessing of working with many dogs across a wide range of needs—from quirky puppies to complex reactivity cases.

Not only have I worked with a variety of needs, but also a wide range of breeds—from Cane Corsos to German Shepherds to Frenchies, and everyone in between. Each dog has taught me something different, and that experience allows me to tailor support in a way that’s right for each one I meet.

My approach is rooted in modern, force-free methods backed by behavioural science and shaped by real-world experience. I'm also certified in pet first aid through Walks ‘N’ Wags and committed to ongoing education as this field continues to grow.

Before anything else, I believe in building trust. Dogs don’t just need training—they need someone who gets them. And so do their humans.

When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me walking through Calgary’s neighborhoods with a golden retriever by my side, doing puzzles, or testing out a new iced coffee recipe (for science, of course).

Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to meet you and your dog!

Your Neighbourhood, Our Schedule

  • Service Areas

    Based in Calgary, currently serving: Sunalta, Beltline, Mission, and surrounding inner-city neighborhoods.

  • Availability

    Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    Tuesday: Closed

    Wednesday: Closed

    Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Need Something Different?

    Need help outside these hours? Are you outside the listed service areas? Reach out! We’re happy to adjust where possible to meet pet parents where they’re at.

Ready to work with me?
Ask about current launch promotions or training packages! I also offer extended support options that aren’t listed on the website—let’s find what works best for you and your dog.