Dog Training Built on Science & Compassion
One Leg Up Canine Company was founded on a simple truth:
Dogs and their people thrive when they understand each other.
For years, we’ve helped Guelph families build practical life skills, work through complex behaviour challenges, and deepen their bond through fun, modern training.
We’re serious about effective, evidence-based education—without the intimidation.
Science-backed. Force-free. Relationship-focused.
Our training is grounded in modern behaviour science and positive reinforcement.
We don't believe dogs need fear, pain or intimidation to learn.
Instead, we look at behaviour as communication and learning as a process. We consider the dog's emotional state, environment, motivation and individual history, then build training plans that make sense for that particular dog and family.
We want you to understand what you're doing and why you're doing it.
Because the goal isn't simply a dog who performs well in class.
The goal is a dog and human team who can communicate more effectively in real life.
A school, not just a service.
One Leg Up has grown into a community of dog people.
Some clients arrive with a brand-new puppy. Some arrive after months of struggling with behaviour that has made daily life exhausting. Others come because they want to learn something completely new with a dog they've already built a wonderful relationship with.
Whatever brings you through our doors, we want you to feel welcome here.
There is always more to learn, and there is always another way to grow your relationship with your dog.
Meet Marilyn Aston
Owner, Specialty Program Trainer & Behaviour Specialist
Marilyn's journey into dog training began in 2006 with education through Sheridan College's Animal Care program.
Her education included animal learning science and hands-on experience with a broad range of species. She graduated with honorary recognition and received the Dr. G.R. Cormack Award for academic achievement.
Marilyn is an active member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI).
She continues to develop her knowledge through canine behaviour seminars, professional education and continuing learning.
Most importantly, Marilyn believes good training should help people understand their dogs—not simply tell them what to do.
Meet the One Leg Up team
Dedicated professionals holding advanced degrees and respected industry certifications.
Stephanie Kaye, BA, MSc, CPDT-KA
Private Program & Life Skills Trainer
Stephanie earned an MSc in Animal Behaviour from the University of Guelph in 2019 and brings education in companion animal psychology and welfare together with veterinary technician experience.
She obtained her CPDT-KA certification in 2023 and continues to develop her skills through professional education, courses and conferences.
Jessica Kohek, IAABC-ADT
Private Program & Life Skills Trainer
Jess holds a degree in psychology from Western University and previously worked in behaviour modification.
She now applies her background in behaviour science to ethical, humane dog training. Jess is an IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer and is also certified through Julie Naismith's Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer Program.
Katrina Merkies, PhD
Canine Freestyle Instructor
Katrina brings extensive experience in competitive dog sports, having trained and competed in flyball, obedience, rally-o, rally free, and dock diving. Alongside her professional background in the equine world, she excels at transferring mechanics, timing, and behavioural principles between horses and dogs—offering owners an insightful, highly effective approach to communication.
A space designed for learning
Our Guelph school includes dedicated indoor training space and an outdoor play yard, giving dogs and their people room to learn, move, explore and practice.
The environment is part of the training.
We use it to help dogs develop practical skills, confidence, body awareness, social skills and the ability to settle.
Your dog can keep learning for years.
We love seeing a puppy grow into an adult dog and then watching that same dog discover an entirely new skill.
That's why One Leg Up offers more than foundational training. From Beyond the Basics to Circus School, Rally, Freestyle and Scent Detection, there are plenty of ways to keep challenging your dog's brain, building teamwork and having fun together.