Heart-Centered Family Dog Trainers
At The Dogz Lodge, training is a team effort built on compassion, clarity, and connection. We, Paul and Paula, work together to offer gentle method dog training, family-focused dog training, and dog training one-to-one in your family home across Simcoe County.
Our approach blends gentle method dog training, positive reinforcement, and emotional awareness to help families learn together in calm, supportive ways. By combining structure with nervous-system support, they guide lasting change rooted in trust rather than fear.
Meet the team
Paul Pillisch - Lead Trainer
Paul is the primary trainer at The Dogz Lodge, known for his calm presence, clear communication, and intuitive understanding of dog behaviour. With over 1,200 hours of hands-on training experience working one-to-one in family homes, he specializes in gentle, positive reinforcement methods that support real-world learning.
Mentored by experienced trainers with decades in the field, Paul helps families build reliable skills, understand their dog’s behaviour, and create consistency that leads to long-term change rooted in trust rather than fear.
Paula Crane Family Coach & Nervous System Support
Paula supports the emotional and nervous-system side of training, helping families stay calm, confident, and grounded throughout the learning process. With years of experience in mind-body awareness and emotional regulation, she brings a steady presence that supports both dogs and the humans guiding them.
While Paul teaches the practical skills, Paula helps families recognize emotional patterns, manage stress, and stay connected during training. Her role ensures the environment supports learning, allowing families to use the tools they’re taught with confidence and clarity.
Our Philosophy
At The Dogz Lodge, we believe that meaningful behaviour change starts with understanding, not control. Training is built on trust, consistency, and clear communication, helping dogs feel safe enough to learn and families feel confident enough to lead.
Our philosophy prioritizes ethical, gentle methods that support both the dog and the humans involved. By focusing on relationship over obedience and education over correction, families gain the tools and clarity needed to create lasting change in everyday life.
Our Core Principles Include:
- Ethical, gentle training methods
- Relationship over compliance
- Family-wide consistency
- Clear, calm communication
- Supporting emotional regulation for better learning
- Building confidence without fear