Helping Dogs and Their People Succeed

Both! North York Obedience Club is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit dog training club that has been helping dogs and their people learn together since 1961.

Like a training school, we offer professionally organized, reward-based classes taught by experienced volunteer instructors. Unlike a commercial training business, our goal is to build a community of dog lovers who enjoy learning together. Members can continue their training through classes, fun matches, trials, social events, and volunteer opportunities. Members also get priority access at registration time, ensuring a spot  in popular classes.

Whether you simply want a well-mannered family companion or hope to compete in Obedience or Rally, you'll find a welcoming place to learn, grow, and have fun with your dog at NYOC.

Yes. Current veterinary advice recommends early, controlled socialization rather than waiting until puppies have completed all of their vaccinations.

Puppies have a critical socialization period during the first few months of life. During this time they learn how to interact confidently with people, other dogs, and the world around them. Positive experiences during this window can help prevent fear, anxiety, and behaviour problems later in life.

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) states:

"The critical period for socialization of puppies occurs prior to three to four months of age... Therefore, veterinarians must encourage new puppy owners to socialize puppies with other healthy, vaccinated, non-aggressive dogs prior to finishing their initial vaccine series."

At NYOC, our Puppy Kindergarten provides a clean, controlled environment where puppies can safely learn, socialize, and build confidence while beginning their vaccination series.

Not at all! While puppy classes are a wonderful way to get started, dogs can learn at any age.

If your dog is over six months of age, our First Steps in Dog Training class is the perfect place to begin. You'll learn the foundations of good manners, build your dog's confidence, and develop practical skills that make everyday life together more enjoyable.

If you're not sure which class is the best fit for you and your dog, please contact our Training Secretary. We'd be happy to help you choose the right starting point.

Our classes are held at St. Matthew's Church, conveniently located near Fairview Mall (Don Mills and Sheppard Avenues) at:

St. Matthew the Apostle - Oriole Anglican Church
80 George Henry Bld
Toronto, ON M2J 1E7

Parking is available in the church parking lot off George Henry Boulevard.

We're easy to reach from the Don Valley Parkway, Highway 401, and Highway 404, making us convenient for dog owners across Toronto and the GTA.

Please note that NYOC uses the facility only on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. We do not have access to the building at other times.

Accessibility: Our training area is located in the basement. If this may present an accessibility challenge, please contact our Training Secretary before registering. We will be happy to discuss whether alternative access arrangements can be made.

To provide the best learning experience, we keep our classes small and they're taught by our dedicated club members. Many of our classes are very popular, so opening registration during specific periods helps ensure everyone has a fair opportunity to register.

Our class sessions typically begin in September, November, January, and March, with registration opening approximately 2–4 weeks before each session starts.

If you'd like, we'll be happy to add you to our email list and let you know when the next registration period opens. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact our Training Secretary—we're always happy to help.

When registration is open, you'll find a Register button on our website that will take you to our online registration form. Simply choose the class you'd like to attend, complete the form, and submit your registration.

Because our classes are small and often fill quickly, we recommend registering as soon as registration opens.

If registration is currently closed, don't worry! We'd be happy to add you to our email list and let you know when the next registration period begins.

If you're unsure which class is right for you and your dog, or if you have any questions about the registration process, please contact our Training Secretary. We're always happy to help.