West Coast Canine

We are dedicated to educating and mentoring pet owners so they can establish a healthy and happy relationship with their pet!

About West Coast Canine

At West Coast Canine we specialise in balanced dog training to help your dog live a happy, healthy and enriched life.

Our services include personalised training sessions, in-home consultations, behaviour modification, puppy development, tracking and trailing, scent work, sport dog foundations and obedience training.

By educating pet owners, we empower you to create a strong bond with your dog, ensuring their genetic needs and natural instincts are fulfilled.

Whether you're looking to improve behaviour or build new skills, West Coast Canine is here to support you and your dog every step of the way!

Meet the Team

Head Trainer

Alicia Evans

I am a full-time dog trainer specialising in dog development, with extensive experience working with high drive and aggressive breeds that require strict obedience in highly complex and stressful environments.

I also work with other breeds that need high levels of discipline and obedience in scent work.

My passion for training and continuous learning drives me to share my expertise, helping both dogs and their owners overcome challenges and build a strong foundation for a fulfilling life together.

NePoPo® Silver Certification

Senior Trainer

Tom Habbits

Since 2009, I have been actively engaged in canine training, with a particular focus on puppy development.

I am dedicated to creating enjoyable training sessions for both dogs and their handlers.

My experience encompasses puppy development, problem-solving, addressing behavioural issues, and detection work.

I take great pride in guiding owners toward achieving their training objectives and fostering successful outcomes and relationships.

NePoPo® Silver Certification

Services

Initial Consultation

Our initial consultation is the first step toward effective training. In this session we will take the time to learn all about you and your dog, discussing any issues or concerns as well as your goals for the training. We will observe how you and your dog interact in the home environment (as well as outside) to better understand both your dogs behaviour and your own. By the end of the consultation you will receive hands on demonstrations and personalised homework to start addressing the challenges and working toward a better behaved and happier dog!

1 on 1 Training

Our 1 on 1 training sessions provide personalised in home consultations tailored to your dogs specific needs. Whether you are working on basic commands, like "sit" or addressing more complex behavioural issues, we focus on problem solving and ensuring your dogs genetic fulfillment is met. These sessions are designed to create a balanced, well behaved dog while strengthening your bond and enhancing their overall wellbeing.

Behaviour Modification

We help dogs overcome unwanted behaviours through structured training plans. Every program is personalised to your dog’s needs, ensuring lasting results and a happier, more confident companion. Whether it’s reactivity, anxiety, excessive barking, leash pulling, or other challenges, our approach focuses on understanding the cause, building trust, and guiding your dog toward better choices.

Tracking & Trailing

Teach your dog to follow scent trails with precision. We cover lead handling, reading your dog’s cues, and building reliability over short and long distances. Ideal for sport, search work, or keeping your dog mentally sharp. Our structured approach builds focus, teamwork, and real-world tracking ability.

Scent Work

Our scent work training teaches dogs to locate specific scents with accuracy, improving focus, problem-solving, and confidence. We cover target odour recognition, search patterns, and clear handler communication, suitable for beginners through to advanced teams. Whether you’re interested in dog nosework sport, enrichment, or preparing for detection-style work, our classes provide practical skills without overcomplicating the process — just proven methods tailored to you and your dog.

Sport Dog Foundations

Our sport dog foundations training focuses on engagement, drive building, impulse control, and clear handler communication. We introduce structured obedience, marker training, and confidence-building exercises to prepare dogs for activities like scent work, tracking, agility, protection sports, and more. Whether your goal is competition or simply a well-rounded, high-energy companion, our program lays the groundwork for reliable performance in any environment.

Puppy Development

Have you got a new puppy and feel a bit overwhelmed or aren't sure where to start? Our puppy development sessions help you cover all the essentials — from socialisation and basic manners to confidence-building and problem prevention. We focus on creating a well-adjusted, resilient dog who’s ready to take on the world. With guidance tailored to your puppy’s age, breed, and personality, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to raise a happy, confident companion.

Our Clients Say

"We can’t recommend Alicia and West Coast Canine highly enough! Our dog is 5 years old and was extremely receptive to Alicia’s methods. From day one, she made the training process clear and approachable, and we saw positive improvements very quickly."

Bree & Indy