Your dog deserves the best –
a certified trainer on every walk.

Expert dog walking and training in Gastown — built on 15 years of professional animal experience, over 1,000 dogs trained, and a genuine love for this neighbourhood.

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Certified Dog Trainer Since 2008 Canine First Aid Certified 1,000+ Dogs Trained 300+ Species Handled
About Sharmeen

15 years of animal expertise, distilled into every walk.

Most dog trainers can tell you about operant conditioning. I can tell you about managing a pack of 63 sled dogs through a Canadian winter, hand-socialising 300+ species for mobile petting zoos, and reading the body language of a 600-pound sea lion.

My career started in hands-on animal care — the kind of work that teaches you to earn trust quickly, read subtle signals, and stay calm when things go sideways. I advanced through the marine life department at West Edmonton Mall, trained horses, worked as a certified marine naturalist on whale watching vessels along the BC coast, and coordinated live animal expos across the country.

I became an accredited dog trainer in 2008. Since then, I've worked with over 1,000 dogs across group classes, private sessions, daycare settings, and large-scale pack management. Today, that career has a home: Brick & Bark, based in Gastown.

Downtown Vancouver is not an easy environment for dogs. Traffic, construction noise, off-leash encounters, scooters, street food debris — it takes a skilled handler who knows how to anticipate, manage, and build genuine confidence. I am canine first aid certified, and I bring the full weight of my background to every walk and session.

"Today, my focus is simple — helping you and your dog build a better relationship, starting with safer, calmer walks in our neighbourhood."

— Sharmeen, Founder & Certified Dog Trainer
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Sharmeen managing a pack of eight dogs of various breeds in a daycare facility, demonstrating calm pack leadership
Sharmeen with a large shepherd dog, demonstrating confidence and trust with powerful breeds
Sharmeen gently handling cats from a pet carrier — one example of the 300+ species she has worked with
Sharmeen being kissed by a sea lion during her marine life career — part of her experience working with over 300 species

From sled dogs to cats, horses, and marine life — the breadth behind every session.

What I Offer

Training built into everything I do.

Every interaction with your dog is purposeful — whether it's a structured walk or a private coaching session.

A Yorkshire Terrier and a large husky lying calmly together on a park bench, showcasing successful socialisation between different breeds and sizes
Signature Service

Training Walks

"This is not just a walk. It is a training session that happens to be outside."

Structured walks with behavioural support built in from start to finish. Customised to your dog's specific goals — so every 30 minutes is progress, not just exercise.

  • Loose leash walking and engagement work
  • Reactivity management and impulse control
  • Dog-to-dog and dog-to-human socialisation
  • Confidence building in urban environments
30-min individual session $50
10-pack bundle $475
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A calm black lab on the brick streets of Gastown

Standard Dog Walks

Calm, purposeful, consistent.

For well-mannered dogs who need exercise, enrichment, and routine. Basic reinforcement of good manners included. Available in 30 and 45-minute sessions.

30-min walk $30 · 10-pack $250
45-min walk $40 · 10-pack $375
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Sharmeen with a large shepherd dog, demonstrating confidence and trust with powerful breeds

Private Training Sessions

"I coach you and your dog."

One-on-one coaching for real-world results. Leash manners, reactivity, boundary setting, and confidence — so progress continues after the session ends.

1-hour private session $120
4-session weekly package $430
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Sharmeen working with four dogs in an open field — demonstrating pack management and multi-dog handling
Limited Availability

Board & Train

For established clients.

Structured boarding with integrated behavioural reinforcement. Available selectively for clients I know. Daily exercise, training support, socialisation, and photo updates.

Pricing Customised after assessment
Inquire for Availability

Walk and training pricing is listed above. For Board & Train, and any special circumstances, pricing is personalised after your free assessment — every dog and situation is different.

Why Brick & Bark

Not just a dog walker. A certified trainer on every walk.

Most walkers walk. I train. Every session is guided by 15+ years of professional animal experience and a deep understanding of urban dog behaviour.

Urban Safety Expertise

Canine first aid certified. Trained to anticipate and manage Gastown's hazards — traffic, cyclists, off-leash encounters, and street debris — before they become problems.

Certified Trainer on Every Walk

Most walkers walk. I train. Every walk builds toward your dog's specific goals — loose leash, reactivity, confidence, or whatever matters most to you.

Positive Reinforcement

Clear communication, calmer walks, stronger bonds, happier homes. My approach is built on trust and consistency — not correction and intimidation.

Experience That Runs Deep

From training 63 sled dogs to socialising 300+ species for mobile petting zoos — your dog is in experienced hands. No other walker in Vancouver brings this background.

Getting Started

Three steps to a calmer walk.

Book Your Free Assessment

A no-pressure meet-and-greet. I meet you and your dog, observe their behaviour, and listen to your goals and concerns.

We Build a Plan

Tailored to your dog's behaviour, your lifestyle, and what matters most to you. No one-size-fits-all packages.

Start Walking

Structured, safe, and purposeful — from the very first session. You'll notice a difference quickly.

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What Clients Say

Real dogs. Real results.

We adopted a rescue dog that needed a lot of help and we were very green dog owners. Sharmeen was a godsend. She could get him to do anything from the first moment she met him and we were stunned. Her patience — with us — and her firm but kind leadership made our life with him blissful. We are forever grateful.

Keli
Rescue Dog · Training

Teal — adorable but a strong puller and jumper — was in the middle of her nightly attempt to dislocate my shoulder when Sharmeen stepped up and said, "You know, you don't have to go through this struggle of wills." Sharmeen has worked with Teal for several months, training me to think and speak "dog." I can honestly say our daily walks have improved tremendously. A very satisfactory result from a chance encounter on Water Street.

Teal's owner
Training Walks · Water Street, Gastown
FAQ

Common questions.

Still have one? Send me a note.

The assessment is a relaxed, no-pressure meet-and-greet — usually 30 to 45 minutes. I meet you and your dog, observe how they move, react, and behave, and listen to your goals and any concerns. From there I'll recommend a service path that makes sense for your dog's specific situation. There is no charge and no obligation.
I serve Gastown, Coal Harbour, Yaletown, Chinatown, and surrounding downtown Vancouver neighbourhoods. If you're just outside these areas, reach out anyway — I may be able to accommodate depending on scheduling.
A standard walk provides exercise and routine for well-mannered dogs. A training walk is an active training session conducted outdoors — every moment is used to build specific skills like loose leash walking, reactivity management, impulse control, or socialisation. Training walks are particularly well suited to dogs with behavioural challenges or owners who want continued skill development between private sessions.
Sharmeen is an accredited dog trainer since 2008 and is canine first aid certified. She holds a certification as a marine life naturalist through BC Coastal and Ecological Research (University of Victoria). Beyond formal certifications, she brings 15+ years of hands-on professional animal experience across dozens of species — including a supervisory role in the marine life department at West Edmonton Mall and on-site management of a 63-dog sled pack.
Yes — this is a particular area of focus. Reactive dogs require calm, experienced handling and a structured approach, especially in a dense urban environment like downtown Vancouver. I use positive reinforcement techniques and work at your dog's pace. The free assessment allows me to understand what's driving the reactivity before recommending a plan.
I ask for at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. This respects the time I've blocked off for your dog and allows me to accommodate other clients. I'm understanding of genuine emergencies — just reach out as soon as you know.
Yes, but selectively. Board & Train is available for established clients I know and have worked with. It includes structured boarding with integrated training and daily updates. Availability is limited by design — I keep numbers small to maintain quality. Pricing is customised after your assessment. Reach out to inquire.
Get in Touch

Let's talk about your dog.

Every dog is different. The free assessment is where we figure out what's right for yours — no pressure, no obligation.

Service area: Gastown, Coal Harbour, Yaletown, Chinatown, and surrounding downtown Vancouver neighbourhoods.