Basic Paws Training
Six Weeks. Two Partners. One Meaningful Journey.
Basic Paws Training is a six-week, instructor-guided experience designed to strengthen the connection between you and your dog.
Through positive, practical activities, participants learn communication skills, develop trust, and discover ways to build confidence together.
Just as importantly, each session creates opportunities to meet others, share experiences, and become part of a welcoming community.
What you can expect:
Positive, supportive canine learning activities
Practical skills for everyday life
Opportunities to build confidence as a team
Camaraderie with fellow participants
A welcoming, judgment-free environment
An invitation to join the ongoing P4V Pack after graduation
Participation is at no cost to eligible participants.
Upcoming Basic Paws Training Sessions
A new chapter is waiting for you and your canine companion.
Our Basic Paws sessions bring together small groups of participants and their dogs for six weeks of learning, connection, and shared experiences.
Next planned session:
CFB Shilo — February 2 to March 9, 2027
Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30 PM
Session details and availability are subject to confirmation.
Interested in participating? Reach out to learn more about registration, suitability, and upcoming opportunities.
Upcoming Basic Paws Training Sessions
Spring 2027: 2 February - 9 March 2027 at CFB Shilo Building L25 Every Tuesday 18:30-20:00hrs.
Fall 2027: Dates to be announced.
Class sizes are limited to provide a comfortable experience and individual guidance.
Interested participants are encouraged to register their interest for upcoming sessions.
Graduation Is Just the Beginning
Welcome to the P4V Pack!
Completing Basic Paws Training is something to celebrate, but it isn't the end of your journey with Paws 4 Valour.
Graduates are invited to remain connected through the P4V Pack, with opportunities to enjoy group walks, canine activities, educational sessions, and community outings.
It's about keeping the friendships alive, strengthening the bond with your dog, and having something positive to look forward to.
Once a member of the Pack, always a member of the Pack.
Our Graduation Packs
Celebrating Every Step Forward.
Every Paws 4 Valour graduation represents more than completing six weeks of activities.
It celebrates new friendships, stronger dog-handler partnerships, growing confidence, and the courage to try something new.
Our graduates become part of an ongoing community that continues to support connection, companionship, and shared experiences.
Explore our graduating teams, celebrate their achievements, and meet the people and dogs who make P4V special.
Their Basic Paws journey may be complete, but their Pack story is just beginning.Graduation Is Just the Beginning
Welcome to the P4V Pack!
Completing Basic Paws Training is something to celebrate, but it isn't the end of your journey with Paws 4 Valour.
Graduates are invited to remain connected through the P4V Pack, with opportunities to enjoy group walks, canine activities, educational sessions, and community outings.
It's about keeping the friendships alive, strengthening the bond with your dog, and having something positive to look forward to.
Once a member of the Pack, always a member of the Pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Paws 4 Valour?
Paws 4 Valour is a Veteran-led, community-based canine-assisted peer support program that brings together Veterans, Serving Canadian Armed Forces Members, RCMP, and First Responders through shared activities with their own dogs.
Our focus is on strengthening canine companionship, building confidence, encouraging social interaction, and creating lasting connections within a supportive community.
2. Is Paws 4 Valour a dog obedience school?
No. While our professional trainers guide participants through practical canine skills, our primary purpose is not traditional obedience training.
We use purposeful canine activities to strengthen trust, communication, confidence, and companionship while providing opportunities for peer support and meaningful social connections.
3. How long is Basic Paws Training?
Our Basic Paws Training program runs for six weeks.
The first three weeks focus on developing practical canine skills and strengthening the relationship between participants and their dogs.
The final three weeks introduce a more social environment, allowing participants to continue practising skills while building friendships and camaraderie.
4. Who can participate?
Our program welcomes Veterans, Serving Canadian Armed Forces Members, RCMP, and First Responders.
Participants attend with their own dogs. Spouses and partners are encouraged to be involved, recognizing the important role family support can play in personal well-being.
5. Is there a cost to participate?
No. Paws 4 Valour provides its program at no cost to eligible participants, thanks to the generosity of our professional trainers, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
6. Do I need previous dog training experience?
No previous experience is required.
Our trainers guide participants through activities appropriate to their dogs' abilities, with an emphasis on positive experiences, confidence, and developing a stronger partnership.
7. Can any dog participate?
We welcome inquiries from participants with dogs of different breeds, sizes, and experience levels.
To ensure a safe and positive environment for everyone, our professional trainers assess each dog before participation.
Suitability is determined with consideration for the dog's behaviour, comfort, and ability to participate safely in a group setting.
8. What if my dog has behavioural challenges?
We recognize that every dog is different and that some may need additional guidance.
Our trainers will discuss any concerns and assess whether our group activities are appropriate for your dog.
Paws 4 Valour is not a specialized behavioural rehabilitation program, and some dogs may require individual support before joining group sessions.
9. Is this a service dog or clinical therapy program?
No. Paws 4 Valour does not train or certify service dogs, nor do we provide clinical mental health treatment.
Our canine-assisted peer support program is designed to encourage companionship, confidence, social connection, and personal well-being.
The program can complement professional mental health care but is not intended to replace it.
10. What happens after I complete Basic Paws Training?
You become part of the Paws 4 Valour Pack!
Graduation is not the end of your connection with our community.
Throughout the year, Pack members will have opportunities to reconnect through organized walks, canine enrichment activities, informal gatherings, and community outings.
Our goal is to help the friendships, companionship, and confidence developed during training continue to grow.
11. Do I have to attend every Pack activity?
Not at all.
Our Pack activities are designed to be welcoming and flexible. We understand that everyone has different commitments, comfort levels, and personal circumstances.
Whether you attend regularly or occasionally, you'll always have a place in our community.
12. What should I bring to Basic Paws Training?
Bring your dog, a secure leash, water, a small mat, and suitable treats for positive reinforcement activities.
Comfortable clothing and a willingness to learn and connect are encouraged.
Any additional requirements will be communicated before your first session.
13. How do I register?
Visit our Sign Up page to express your interest in an upcoming Basic Paws Training session.
Because our groups are kept small, spaces are limited.
Our team will contact prospective participants with information about upcoming sessions and the next steps.
One Dog. One Connection. One Step Forward.
At Paws 4 Valour, we understand that everyone's journey is different.
Some people join to strengthen their relationship with their dogs. Others are looking for companionship, confidence, a renewed sense of camaraderie, or simply an opportunity to reconnect with others.
Whatever brings you here, our goal is to provide a welcoming community where you and your canine companion can learn, grow, and belong.
Basic Paws Training is where your journey begins. The P4V Pack is where the friendships and connections continue.
Bring your dog. Discover new friendships. Find your Pack.
Together, we're strengthening bonds, building connections, and moving forward — one paw at a time.
For more information, contact us at info@paws4valour.com.
BANDIT’S WISDOM LESSONS
Below will be the full Bandit’s Wisdom educational series. Each lesson highlights a simple way dogs can support mental wellness
Check back weekly for the next lesson!
Dogs do not replace professional care, but they can be an important part of support and healing.
