Oakville’s premier positive reinforcement dog training academy
Better dogs for better days.
When dogs understand their world, life together finally feels simple.
About Us
Hi, my name is Megan! I'm a certified professional dog trainer, accredited by the Karen Pryor Academy, and the founder of Head Over Paws, a positive reinforcement dog training and hiking company based in Oakville and the surrounding areas.
I've loved animals for as long as I can remember. Growing up alongside retrievers is where my connection with dogs began, and today, that connection lives on through my golden retriever, Frank. She's my companion, my training partner, and a big part of what has shaped my work.
My passion for dog training really took root when I worked at my local animal shelter. There, I saw the same heartbreaking story play out: dogs being surrendered because their families didn't know how to navigate life with them. Or a dog that pulled too hard on walks, jumped on guests, or barked at every person passing the window. These behaviours weren't character flaws. They were communication breakdowns, and without the right support, they could lead to surrendered dogs and heartbroken families.
Those experiences stayed with me and shaped the kind of trainer I wanted to become. I went on to earn my professional certification through the Karen Pryor Academy, specializing in animal behaviour through positive reinforcement and science-based methods. I graduated alongside Frank, who has been by my side throughout the journey.
That's why I do what I do, and I'm so excited you're here.
I can't wait to share my passion for dogs, training, and helping families with you!
With gratitude,
Megan Head, KPA-CPT
Founder, Head Over Paws
Our Approach
Every training journey begins with a thorough assessment of your dog’s behavior, environment, history, and daily routine. This allows us to identify underlying needs, motivations, stressors, and to ensure that training is both effective and appropriate for your dog as an individual.
Step 1 - understand your dog
Training is delivered using positive reinforcement methods grounded in learning theory and behavioural science. Through clear communication, structured practice, and thoughtful reinforcement, we teach skills that help dogs navigate the human world with confidence, reliability, and emotional stability.
Step 2 - teach with clarity
Step 3 - support the family
Lasting change happens when the whole family is supported. We focus on owner education, practical application, and real world implementation so that training seamlessly integrates into daily life, creating sustainable results and a strong human dog bond.
Our Services
A 2 hour onboarding and behavioural consultation session.
Mandatory for all new clients.
This session goes far beyond basic obedience. We take a deep dive into your dog’s behaviour history, daily routines, environment, and emotional needs to identify the root causes of challenges - Not just the symptoms.
The outcome is a personalized training program designed for your dog and their environment.
HST Extra
Onboarding & Behavioural Session
Private 1:1 Training
Our most popular service, 1-hour sessions
These sessions are fully customized and focus on both ends of the leash - understanding your dogs behaviour, communication, and building practical, real-world skills.
Training happens in your dog’s real environment, where behaviour actually shows up, so progress is meaningful and sustainable
Behaviour consultation necessary for this service and a minimum of 3 sessions is mandatory.
HST Extra
1-1.5 hour hikes
Fun enrichment meets real-world training - off leash.
Structured off-leash group walks that turn the outdoors into a classroom. Part enrichment, part training — your dog gets to be a dog while reinforcing everything we've worked on.
Rotating locations: lakeside trails, off-leash trails, escarpment hikes
Prerequisite: Assesment and Train & Transfer sessions required , so recall is reliable and every dog on the trail is safe
Adventure Hikes
1 hour sessions (amount of sessions set during behavioural consult).
Also known as Walk & Train. Built for busy professionals or families
During these sessions, your dog is trained directly in real-life environments - parks, in neighbourhoods, and around every day distractions.
This allows skills to be built through consistency and repetition, while still ensuring those skills are transferred back to you so they last long-term.
Behavioural consultation necessary for this service.
HST Extra
Train & Transfer
What Our Customers Are Saying
“Cloud was a rescue with anxiety and aggression issues. Megan did a wonderful job connecting with Cloud, training our family, and Cloud is a much happier member of our family. We were so impressed with Megan’s approach. She’s a natural! “
— Former Customer
Megan was fantastic with her approach, and tips to help keep our dog engaged and mentally stimulated. It was amazing to see how much they improved!
— Former Customer
If you're interested in working with me, have a question or just want to say hi, please complete the form and we will get back to you within 48 hours.
info@headoverpaws.ca
(289)936-2620
Get in Touch