About i-Dog School

Modern dog training in Zürich focused on calmness, communication and real-life skills.

At i-Dog School, we believe dog training should go beyond obedience exercises and create real understanding between dogs and their humans.

Our approach combines practical urban training, behavioural understanding and positive reinforcement methods to help dogs build confidence, emotional balance and reliable everyday skills.

We focus on creating calm, capable dogs that can successfully navigate modern life — both at home and in the real world.

Our Training Philosophy

Calmness is a skill that can be taught.

At i-Dog School, we believe that successful training comes from patience, clarity and cooperation. Our goal is to support both dogs and their humans with professional guidance that leads to confidence, understanding and lasting partnership.

Training is not only about teaching behaviours — it is about building communication, emotional regulation and trust.

Our goal is to help dogs become:

  • calm around distractions,
  • confident in urban environments,
  • socially appropriate,
  • and able to make good decisions in everyday life.

This creates not only better behaviour, but a stronger and more enjoyable relationship between dogs and their humans.

Meet the Team

Chief Dog Trainer

Mariya
  • Certified dog trainer in Switzerland specialising in modern, reward-based methods
  • Over 5 years of experience in dog training and canine welfare
  • Focus on clear communication, structured learning and practical real-life skills
  • Holistic approach considering behaviour, wellbeing, lifestyle and individual needs
  • Passionate about creating a calm, supportive and violence-free learning environment

Chief Executive Officer

Arya
  • German Shepherd training partner with a special role at i-Dog School
  • Experience in therapy dog work, agility, obedience and structured social activities
  • Supports training sessions by modelling calm behaviour and clear communication
  • Brings structure, motivation and enthusiasm to every class

Chief Happiness officer

Mellow
  • Golden Retriever currently employed as a therapy dog at MITTIM Physiotherapy
  • Helps create positive interactions and emotional stability during sessions
  • Bringing warmth, connection and a welcoming atmosphere to i-Dog Schoo

Where we train

Our group classes take place in Zürich at SKG Sektion Zürich (8046 Zürich) in structured small-group settings designed for focused learning and calm social interaction.

Private training and home visits are available across Zürich, Lenzburg and surrounding areas.

All courses are available in English and designed especially for modern dog owners looking for practical, reward-based training with real-life application.

Why I Became a Dog Trainer

My connection with dogs began long before i-Dog School existed. Growing up in Russia, where street dogs are a natural part of daily life, I developed a deep empathy for animals at a young age. I was the child who would bring stray dogs home, quietly trying to care for them and sharing whatever food I had — sometimes attempting to hide them from my parents just to give them a safe place for a moment.

As I grew older, this instinctive connection evolved into active involvement with animal welfare and volunteering with stray dogs. These experiences sparked a deeper curiosity about behaviour, communication and the relationship between dogs and humans — and how understanding can replace force.

Recently, I rediscovered a school essay from my first year in primary school. When asked what I wanted to become when I grew up, I had written: “a dog trainer.” Looking back, it feels less like a childhood dream and more like the beginning of a path that was already forming.

Today, my work reflects this lifelong journey — combining compassion with structured, modern training methods to help dogs and their humans build clarity, confidence and lasting partnership.