At the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA), every dog that comes through our doors has a unique story—and sometimes, they need a little extra help turning the page toward a brighter chapter. For Indy, a high-energy and affectionate herding breed mix, that next chapter came with the support of a dedicated staff member, a trusted community partner, and a whole lot of heart.
When Indy first arrived at the HBSPCA, it was clear she was full of love. She was friendly, playful, and eager for attention. But as her time in care progressed—especially while in a foster home—some challenging behaviours began to surface. Indy showed signs of anxiety, overstimulation, and herding tendencies such as mouthing and barking. These behaviours, while common in certain breeds, made it difficult for Indy to find a forever home right away.
That’s when the HBSPCA team knew she needed more than just affection and comfort—she needed a plan.
A Partnership That Changes Lives
The HBSPCA has been fortunate enough to have a longstanding and invaluable partnership with K9 Principles, a professional dog training business that offers group obedience classes right on-site at the shelter. Not only do they provide training to the public, but they also collaborate directly with our team to support shelter dogs like Indy who need a little extra guidance when needed.
Together, HBSPCA staff and K9 Principles trainers created a custom plan for Indy. She would begin group training classes to work on confidence, emotional regulation, and obedience skills—and one of our own Animal Care Attendants, Sarah, would be by her side every step of the way.
Behind the Scenes: Sarah & Indy
“I was the lucky one who got to take Indy to her classes,” says Sarah. “She was such a sweet girl, but she struggled with anxiety, especially around other dogs. It made it hard for her to settle in or feel calm.”
Indy’s tailored program wasn’t just about one hour a week in obedience class. In addition to those evening group sessions, Sarah dedicated extra time each day to work one-on-one with Indy, reinforcing what she learned in class through short, structured sessions.
“That daily attention made a big difference,” says Sarah. “She got more time out of the kennel, more focus, and more chances to build her confidence.”
The transformation didn’t happen overnight. At first, Indy had trouble focusing in a room with eight other dogs, often barking or becoming overwhelmed. But week by week, Sarah and the K9 Principles team saw her begin to shift.
“She learned she was safe. That she didn’t have to worry about the other dogs. And she started to trust the process,” Sarah explains.
Through the program, Indy mastered basic commands like sit, lay down, and through this, how to stay calm and emotionally regulate herself in stimulating environments.
“She really responded to the structure,” Sarah says. “And I was so proud of her. From the first class—where she was so anxious—to the final graduation day, the transformation was just incredible. She was focused, confident, and ready.”
Why Training Matters
Indy’s story is a testament to how essential dog training is—especially for medium and large breeds that may display complex behaviours due to stress, anxiety, or past experiences.
“Dogs like Indy are often the ones who stay in care at the shelter the longest,” explains Sarah. “But with training, we can help them become more adoptable and, more importantly, set them up for success in the home. When we invest in training, we’re investing in their future.”
At the HBSPCA, we believe that mental health is just as important as physical health when it comes to caring for animals. Our enrichment programs, daily routines, and partnerships with organizations like K9 Principles ensure that every dog—no matter how long they stay with us—has the opportunity to grow, learn, and find the family they deserve.
The Role of K9 Principles
K9 Principles was more than just a training provider—they were a critical part of Indy’s support system and adoption story. Before joining the program, Indy received a private behavioural assessment with Kelly, the head trainer at K9 Principles, who designed a tailored plan to help Indy specifically with her emotional reactivity toward other dogs.
In fact, the partnership ensures that when dogs like Indy graduate from the program and go on to be adopted, their new families aren’t left on their own. Indy’s adoption package included a private session with K9 Principles and the option for her adopters to re-enroll in classes so they could continue the journey together.
A Happy Ending
And yes—there is a happy ending.
Indy has officially been adopted into a loving home, where she’s continuing her training and getting the structure, exercise, and enrichment she clearly thrives on. Her new family attended a class with Sarah before adoption and were excited to continue her progress in Level 2 training.
“They were the perfect match,” Sarah says with a smile. “As emotional as it was for me to say goodbye, I knew she was going exactly where she was meant to be.”
Dog Training—Available to You
The same high-quality training that helped Indy is available to the public through the HBSPCA Dog Training Program, powered by K9 Principles.
Held on-site at the HBSPCA, these training programs offer expert instruction in a supportive, positive-reinforcement environment. Whether your dog is a rambunctious puppy or an older dog needing to brush up on manners, classes are available for every stage:
Level 1: Foundations for Puppies and Dogs
We'll start by learning the basics including Sit, Stay and much more!
Level 2: Intermediate Obedience
We'll level up in this series with methods of control, including off-leash callback!
Workshops
A single-session group class, focusing on a specific behaviour or development stage.
To learn more or register for upcoming classes, visit: hbspca.com/community-programs/dog-training
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