Meet your Trainer

Matthew is a certified, qualified, professional trainer, who founded Pet to Pal dog training in 2016. 

Growing up, Matthew has always had a passion for animals. At the age of 15, he worked for the summer to save up for his first dog (behind his parents back), a Labrador Retriever named Titan. Within the first few months with Titan, he discovered his passion for training. Staying outside, past midnight, and multiple times of week, working with Titan to perfect their relationship. After high school, Matthew started working jobs in the animal industry, including walking the local dogs, Pet Valu, doggy daycares, and volunteering at animal shelters, and walking the local dogs. 

Professional Certification

Matthew attended courses at George Brown College and Olympus K9, and received a certification in K9 Handling & Law Enforcement.  This knowledge is paramount in understanding our dog’s innate drive, motivators, and how to use different tools in our favours. However, during the process he realized he didn’t want to enforce the law, he wanted to strictly work with dogs.  This is when he started studying through Animal Behaviour College. This is an intensive online program over the span of 9 months learning about body language, clicker training, positive reinforcement, etc.  One aspect of  the ABC course was an internship learning from another trainer. Matthew packed his car with necessities, buckled Titan in and drove 5 days straight to San Diego, California, where for 3 months he worked under Sarrah Surritt with Get Pawsitive training. After coming back to Toronto and completing final exams, he was now an ABCDT Certified trainer.   

Pet to Pal Dog Training (est. 2016)

Flash forward to 2016, Pet To Pal Dog Training was founded. As of 2022, Matthew has worked with about 1500 dogs with all different types of issues.  Matthew implements a balanced training approach with the emphasis on adjusting to each individual situation and dog accordingly.