The Loose Leash dog walking and training
Six dogs sitting together beside a creek on a summer pack walk

Pickering, Ontario · Since 2006

Professional Dog Walking. Personal Care.

Dog walking services provided by a professional dog trainer.

20+ Years

Dog walking experience

Since 2006

Serving local families

Professional

Dog obedience training

Personal

One-on-one care

Suzy Bernatchez, owner of The Loose Leash

A lifelong love of animals

Four decades of care

Meet the person behind the leash

Meet Suzy

Dogs have been a big part of Suzy Bernatchez’s life for more than four decades — and her passion for understanding them has only grown.

Working as a dog walker since 2006, Suzy is trained and certified in Dog Obedience and continues to advance her skills with Master Dog Trainer Dennis Brunton. Her experience includes the Toronto Humane Society, rescuing abused dogs, and working alongside veterinarians. She was also a member of the York Region Schutzhund Club for 8 years.

Mother of three boys
Dog owner & animal lover
Professional dog walking
Ongoing training & education
“Her desire in life is to help pet owners and their canine companions enjoy the best possible relationship.”
ChildhoodAnimal careSince 2006Today
Nino, an eleven-year-old German Shepherd, sitting in the shade of a wooded trail

Eleven years, one dog

Meet Nino

Nino is a German Shepherd, and he is eleven years old. Suzy has walked him every week of his life.

From a wobbly puppy to the steady, grey-muzzled gentleman he is today, Nino has had the same person at the other end of the leash. Eleven years of routine, trust and familiar trails — the kind of relationship that only happens when a dog walker is part of the family.

“Doesn’t matter if it’s rain, shine or snow storm, Suzy is always there for Nino. She’s so much more than just a walker — she’s a qualified trainer and really knows her pack.”
— Laurence Mark, Nino’s owner · Google review

11

years together

1

dog walker

Every week

since puppyhood

Experienced, individual care

What We Do

Thoughtful support shaped around your pet, their personality, and your family.

Dog Walking

Reliable, caring dog walking from someone who understands canine behaviour and individual personalities.

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Dog Training & Obedience

Suzy’s background in dog obedience gives her a deeper understanding of canine behaviour, communication and training.

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Cat & Small Animal Visits

We offer a high standard of service for the feline king or queen ruler of your home.

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Boarding

When you’re away, your dog stays in Suzy’s home — not a facility. Same routine, same walks, same familiar face.

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A pack of dogs waiting together by a log on a spring walk

Dog walking · Pickering

More Than a Walk

Reliable, caring dog walking from someone who understands canine behaviour and individual personalities.

Genuine love for animals
Experienced care
Individual attention
Professional dog knowledge

Private walk (30 min) $20 · Pack walk (1 hour) $22

Ask About Dog Walking
A pack of dogs gathered together on a winter walk in the snow
The pack walks in every season.

Dog training & obedience · Suzy travels to you

Understanding Dogs Changes Everything

Suzy’s background in dog obedience gives her a deeper understanding of canine behaviour, communication and training.

Her professional development continues through training with Master Dog Trainer Dennis Brunton of Brunton Canine Training Services. Sessions run 1 to 1.5 hours — $60 for the first session including assessment, $50 thereafter.

Ask About Training
Two leashed dogs, a golden Labrador and a tan mixed breed, sitting together in autumn leaves
Two small dogs running together through tall green grass

Boarding

A Home, Not a Kennel

When you’re away, your dog stays in Suzy’s home with her own dogs — sofas, routine, company and a daily walk included.

No runs, no concrete, no strangers. Just the same familiar care your dog already knows, for as long as you need it.

$40per day, walk included · $20 per day for an additional dog
Ask About Boarding
A tabby cat sitting calmly beside potted flowers indoors
A tabby cat rolling on a rug playing with a wand toy

Cat & small animal visits · Pickering and Ajax

Because Cats Matter Too.

A high standard of care for the feline king or queen ruler of your home.

$20per visit · no additional charge for multiple cats in the same home

Fresh water, feeding as instructed, litter box cleaned. Complimentary brushing if your feline is in agreement. An update is left after completion.

“Cats can work out mathematically the exact place to sit that will cause most inconvenience.” — Pam B

Simple, honest pricing

Rates

Training sessions run 1 to 1.5 hours. Additional pets from the same home are welcome at the rate below. Multiple cats in the same home are never an extra charge.

ServiceRateAdditional pet, same home
Private dog walk (30 minutes)$20+$5
Pack walk (1 hour)$22$12
Cat or small animal visit$20No extra charge
Boarding (per day, includes walk)$40$20 per day
Dog training — first session, includes assessment$60
Dog training — sessions thereafter$50
Book a Service

Life on the loose leash

Happy Dogs. Happy Families.

Every dog deserves care, attention and a walk they can look forward to.

A border collie and Samoyed among purple wildflowers
Two doodles beside a river in late snow
Two Great Danes and a small terrier walking together on a neighbourhood sidewalk
A black dog with a white chest standing in an open winter field
Two small dogs running side by side through tall summer grass
Three dogs exploring the water's edge in winter
Five small dogs sitting in a row along a fallen log in the woods
A black and tan dog running out of a shallow creek
A small cream dog coming up a woodland trail
Two French bulldogs sitting side by side in the grass
A black and tan dog relaxing in tall green grass
Two dogs greeting each other in the grass

Real recommendations

Loved by Local Families

A golden retriever standing in a misty field

Twenty years in Pickering

Hundreds of walks, one familiar face at the other end of the leash.

Suzy has been our dog walker and dog boarder for a number of years. On the first day she took the time to show us how to walk our dogs, and the difference was like night and day. No matter the weather, she shows up.

Alexandra

Suzy has been great with our dogs. When she came to the door, instead of barking they would have the look of love. She always takes great care of them.

James Rice

We have been using her services for 10 years now and have always had amazing experiences. She is extremely caring and knowledgeable about dogs, and it’s obvious she loves what she does.

Katerina Rice

The owner is like family. She loves every dog she walks and takes great care of them. She will leave you a note about every walk and send pics.

Debbie Richardson

Timber just adores Suzy. She takes such good care of him and takes amazing photos. Trust her immensely — couldn’t get anyone better.

Timber Maclam

I would highly recommend The Loose Leash. Suzy was always caring, loving and responsible with Calvin, and he adored her.

Cara Woodhouse

Suzy is reliable, knowledgeable and genuinely cares for all her clients: dog and human. My dog loves Suzy so much and always comes home from her walks happy and tired out.

Meg Godden

She is the only person I have trusted with my cats when we’re away. She loves them like her own, and I would recommend her without reservation.

Isabelle Raue

Where we work

Service Areas by Service

Based in Pickering. Coverage differs depending on what you need — get in touch if you’re not sure whether you’re covered.

Pickering, Ontario

Dog walking

Pickering only

Cat & small animal visits

Pickering and Ajax

Dog training

No area restriction — Suzy travels to you

A simple first step

Let’s Talk About Your Dog

Have a question about dog walking, training, or pet visits? Get in touch with Suzy and let’s see how The Loose Leash can help.

+1 905-550-4071

suzy@thelooseleash.ca

Pickering, Ontario

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