Dog training in Greater Toronto & York Region
Work directly with Balanced Paw founder Hope Verra.
- Richmond Hill
- Thornhill
- Vaughan
- Markham
- Aurora
- King City
- Newmarket
- Stouffville
- Toronto
Hope Verra, based in Richmond Hill
In the GTA you train with Hope Verra, the founder and head trainer of Balanced Paw. Hope is based in Richmond Hill and works with dogs and families across York Region and into Toronto: Thornhill, Vaughan, Markham, Aurora, Newmarket, King City and Stouffville.
Hope's path ran through rescues, kennels and behavioural facilities before she built her own approach: balanced, honest and rooted in how dogs actually communicate. She takes on everything from first-time puppy owners to dogs with a bite history.
“Every dog is telling you something. I just learned how to listen.”
What we offer here
Same programs and prices in both regions. Every one starts with a consultation so we can meet your dog and recommend the right fit honestly.
Board & Train
From $1,800Your dog lives and learns with us full-time. The fastest path to real, lasting change.
Pickup and drop-off available across Greater Toronto. Single training days are $450.
Details and pricing →Private Sessions
$150 / hourOne hour, one-on-one, at our location or your home. You learn alongside your dog.
On-site sessions take place at our Richmond Hill training location. At-home sessions are $200 / hour.
Details and pricing →Group Sessions
$60 / dogPractice real-world skills around other dogs in a structured, controlled class.
For dogs who have done at least one private session with us.
Details and pricing →Virtual Sessions
$100 / hourReal-time coaching over video for owners outside our service area.
Over video, from anywhere. Useful between in-person sessions.
Details and pricing →Service Dog Certification
From $7,000Accredited, task-specific training for working dogs. Requires an evaluation.
Starts with an evaluation to see if your dog suits service work.
Details and pricing →Training in Greater Toronto
Yes. Hope Verra, our founder and head trainer, is based in Richmond Hill and works with dogs across York Region and Toronto, including Thornhill, Vaughan, Markham, Aurora, Newmarket, King City and Stouffville. Private sessions can happen at our Richmond Hill training location or at your home.
Yes, for at-home sessions within about an hour of Richmond Hill, which covers most of Toronto. Board and train programs include pickup and drop-off, and virtual sessions work from anywhere.
Yes. Board and train is available to families across the GTA, with pickup and drop-off for all programs. Distance and availability restrictions apply, so we confirm the details at your consultation.
Yes. Reactivity, aggression, resource guarding, fear and separation anxiety are a core part of what we do. We start with a consultation so we can see your dog and recommend private sessions or a board and train program honestly.
Tell us about your dog
A short, no-pressure consultation with Hope is the first step for every program.