create a lasting bond with your best friend.

Got a puppy? Barking problem? Pulling on leash? Separation anxiety? Our positive reinforcement, no-force, science-based training method can help you with these issues while you develop a strong relationship with your pooch.

our group classes (FOR FRIENDLY DOGS )

puppy manners

Learn basic cues, recall and strategies and tools for raising young puppies. We use fun training games to help them choose desirable behaviours.
teen manners

Using leash manners, recall skills and impulse control exercises, you learn how to communicate with your dog without ordering him what to do.
advanced manners

Learn how to trust each other off leash and increase your dog’s recall level and impulse control in challenging environments.
agility basic course

Come join our super fun class which helps you and your dog to learn more about body language and improve communication with each other!
recall excellence

Discover why and how your dog thinks and responds to your recall cues using recall games and tools.
puppy social club (on hold)

On hold until further notice. Half an hour of fun and safe puppy socialization in a clean and safe indoor facility.

Find the right class for your pup

Yoko Sakai in private training session with golden retriever puppy

PRivate sessions

Experience the advantage of one-on-one instruction in the privacy of your home, at a time that is convenient to you.

Tackle the core of your issues, whether it be crate training, barking, separation anxiety, potty training or other behaviour problems.

We provide private training sessions in West Vancouver and North Vancouver.

More about private sessions

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Over 450 5-star google reviews

“We absolutely LOVE learning with Yoko! Her classes are fun, energetic, engaging, and above all else, effective! Everything we have so far learned with Yoko has been brilliant for us as first time dog owners, and our pup Phoebe. It works if you work it! Looking forward to our next round of puppy manners classes later in the spring. “
-Georgina C
“We can't say enough about Yoko and her puppy training methods, we LOVE working with her. We worked with Yoko at Bow Wow since we got our two little babies and continue working with her today. Not only is she an absolute joy, she empowers you to train with positivity; never once making you feel guilty for not understanding or for behaviour that needs correcting. I would recommend anyone looking for dog training to contact Bow Wow Academy and book with Yoko immediately. She's the best!”
-Elizabeth W
Could not recommend enough - we looked so forward to attending class every week and both us and our dog had so much fun every time! Yoko is fantastic - her instruction makes training feel very enriching, and most importantly, she reminds us all that having a dog is supposed to be FUN! She gave us structure and helped training feel a lot less daunting. For sure will be recommending to anyone who needs some help with their little friends!
-Emma
‘Yoko is a fantastic trainer! My dog adores her and for a good reason: she’s calm but assertive, friendly and very knowledgeable. We learned so much in only a couple of sessions with her. Yoko also made it easy for us to continue practicing at home. I highly recommend her.’
-Borjana S
“Yoko is a great trainer. She is clearly passionate about dog training and it really shines through in her classes. We found the class very valuable and had a great time attending and meeting Yoko and the other doggos.”
-Shachar BZ
“I enrolled my puppy, Bella, into the puppy manners course as I noticed the reputation of this school was high. Yoko did not disappoint. She taught us (as the owners) more than she taught our puppies, We are looking forward to the next course, which we have already enrolled Bella in. Thank you so much for all of your help and wisdom Yoko! You truly are a dog whisperer!”
-Natasha P
We have a 7 month old Australian Shepherd. We thought we were doing a good job training our dog. We were having some difficulties with jumping up, not coming when called etc. Yoko was with us for one lesson and changed his behaviour immediately. We are on our 4th class now and our dog is so happy and excited to learn. He loves Yoko and listens to us so well. If you are looking for a trainer that is kind, intelligent, informative and professional you need Yoko! Not only is my puppy a better dog but we are also better and more patient humans thanks to Yoko!🐶❤️
-Kathryn G
Yoko has been wonderful for us and Gus as first-time dog-owners! Her classes were a blast and full of super informational stuff. All R+ methods which is what we were looking for. We also did a private consult with Yoko and she was kind, reassuring, and knowledgeable. We look forward to her being a part of Gus's training and enrichment moving forward.
-Freya D
Yoko is an absolutely amazing person and trainer! I was having lots of issues with my dog who is reactive/fearful towards people and other dogs. I was feeling very helpless and defeated. I signed my dog up for private lessons with her and she completely changed our lives. My dog can now calmly go for walks without reacting to the majority of triggers we encounter, it’s incredible! I am so grateful for Yoko and everything she has done for us.
-Beverley H
Yoko literally helped change my life as a dog owner! I came to Yoko after adopting a rescue dog. She was a 1.5 year old puppy. She was the sweetest at home, and we were incredibly patient, but just couldn’t manage her pulling and lunging behavior, despite reading, and other trainers. Then we decided to try out Yoko - she knew exactly the right method for my dog’s personality (complex, shy, timid, yet playful) and in a matter of weeks, walking our dog became much more enjoyable. We only wish we met her sooner. Thank you Yoko!!!
-Tina
Clear positive reinforcement training, Yoko provides very helpful hands on exercises and guidance, the classes were organized and followed up with concise emails of key details and points to remember and practice. Essential basics for educating and understanding your pets needs and behavioural modification opportunities.
-Brent H
We absolutely loved Yoko and her team! We brought our puppy to puppy manners class and will be back for teen manners. We have had other trainers for previous dogs and still learned so much from coming to Bow Wow academy. The hour long classes went by quickly but they were structured well and built off the previous ones. We appreciated the post-class summaries we received so we didn’t forget anything. We also thought the program was affordable and worth the price. Highly recommend to anyone with a dog!
-Zoey N
Our experience with the Teen Manners class at Bow Wow Academy was nothing short of amazing. Our pup has developed all sorts of new skills, & my husband has much more confidence working with her. Their connection has really deepened with the support of these knowledgeable trainers. We highly recommend this class and these wonderful trainers!
-Zara B
Highly recommend Yoko from Bow Wow Academy. My high-energy retriever mix started developing over-excitability around age two, barking while playing and getting too excited around other dogs. I was drawn to Yoko’s positive reinforcement and dog psychology approach, and I’m so glad I chose her. She was incredibly uplifting and encouraging with both me and my dog. Her simple, fun activities made walks and training enjoyable again. Within two weeks of following her advice, the barking stopped, and now I get compliments on how well-behaved my dog is. Yoko helped me understand my dog on a deeper level and taught me gentle, effective ways to support her confidence and regulation. Thank you, Yoko, for promoting positive reinforcement and being so positive and supportive.
- Michelle C