“Happy dog, happy owner:
A bond that grows every day.”

who am i? 

Simone Öncel, born in Lugano on the 13th of June 1989 .
My life has always been deeply connected to animals, especially dogs 🐾. Since my childhood I have felt a special bond with these wonderful four-legged friends and this has led me to be committed to their welfare and understanding.

Education

In 2023, my great passion for dogs led me to obtain two important diplomas in the field of Dog Training:
– the Cantonal Diploma of Dog Instructor at the CPS in Locarno (page 2 of the Link below).
Ricerca istruttori – ATIC-Associazione Ticinese Istruttori Cinofili
– the Diploma of Hundeverhaltensberater ATN (which translates to behavioral consultant) at the Akademie für Angewandte Tierpsychologie und Tierverhaltenstraining (ATN).
During my studies I learned, not only the classical instructional techniques, but also how to “read,” interpret and respond to the emotional and behavioral needs of dogs (and their owners).
I am constantly conducting further education courses in the field of dog training, in this field you never stop learning 🙂 In addition, I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and work for a large bank 🏦 (in parallel with my work as a dog trainer).

Goal

My goal is for you and your dog to live together in harmony and enjoy a happy and fulfilling relationship.
I firmly believe that each dog is unique and deserves a personalized course that is structured and precise but above all based on understanding and empathy, character traits with which I identify.

The welfare of the dog always comes first during my classes, so behaviors or requests from owners that are not respectful of the dog’s well-being will not be pandered to.

Why to contact me

📌 I offer a personalized service, tailored specifically to you and your dog.
📌 I work one-on-one, adapting the path to your real needs, your pace, and your goals.
📌 I support you step by step, with consistency and availability even between sessions.
📌 Even after the journey is over, I’m still available for questions, updates, or simply to hear how things are going.

Reviews

services and rates

📋 Service Price List

Service Price
For new clients:
Initial assessment / First session (also available online) CHF 80 + travel expenses*
Advance payment required
Dog training & Behavioral problem management:
Single lesson CHF 70 + travel expenses*
5-lesson package CHF 280
Puppy package (2–5 months, 5 lessons) CHF 250
Pre-adoption consultation (also online) CHF 80
Bach Flower consultation Included in the training program

⚠️ Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will be charged at 100% of the lesson fee.

💳 For new clients, advance payment is required for the first session.


Travel costs 🚗

  • Up to 10 km from Melide: FREE

  • Over 10 km: Lugano / Mendrisio area: CHF 10

  • Other areas (e.g. Malcantone, Valleys, Sopraceneri, etc.): CHF 0.70 / km

I usually operate in the Lugano and Mendrisio areas, but exceptions are possible upon request and depending on my availability.

1. Meeting
mandatory

The goal of the first meeting is to get to know you in person, observe your dog and how you interact with them, and answer any questions you may have. This will allow me to gather all the necessary information to structure the first lesson in the best possible way.

The cost of this meeting is lower than that of a lesson, as both parties can freely decide whether or not to continue with the training process.

Dog training + Behavioural rehabilitation

Personalized approach to your dog’s education and training. Through in-depth, personalized analysis, I help you identify and work through behavioral issues such as aggression, fear, leash pulling, dog-owner relationship problems, etc.

My approach is more about education, about understanding your dog, but as an instructor I obviously also do the technical part of instruction (e.g. clicker training).
I do not have a dog camp, I conduct my classes in urban settings.

home Visits

Home visits are an essential service for addressing the specific needs of the dog and owner in the home environment.

I observe the dog’s behavior in various home settings, such as interactions with family members, reactions to visitors, responses to external stimuli, and give advice on how to improve cohabitation.

This service is especially good for those who have just adopted a puppy (peeing in the house, bite control, etc), those who want to teach their dog to stay home alone, problems between dogs, problems with family, etc.

Puppy Lessons Package

2-5 months

The lessons are designed to create a strong and positive bond between you and your four-legged friend. Through games and targeted activities, your puppy will learn the basics of training in a stimulating and fun environment. Don’t miss the opportunity to build a solid and lasting relationship from the very first months of life.

Pre-Adoption Consultation

Find out if adopting a dog is truly the right choice for you and how to select the perfect dog for you and your family. During this online consultation, I will guide you through the characteristics of different breeds, their specific needs, and typical behaviors. Together, we will explore your expectations, and I will provide practical advice to help you make a well-informed and happy decision. Don’t leave anything to chance; your new four-legged friend deserves the best from the very start. 

CaneFelice Gift Voucher

 

Finding a truly useful gift is becoming more and more difficult these days.
If you want to surprise someone with an original, practical, and heartfelt idea, the CaneFelice Gift Voucher is the perfect choice.

With this voucher, you’re giving more than just a lesson or a training plan — you’re offering an experience that strengthens the bond between a dog and their owner.

💡 You choose the amount or the type of service to gift
📩 Receive the voucher as a printable PDF or let me contact the recipient directly on your behalf
🐾 Valid for all CaneFelice services

Feel free to contact me for advice!

FAQ & Terms of Service

📅 Payment conditions
1. What happens if I can’t attend an appointment?
If the appointment is not cancelled at least 24 hours in advance, 100% of the fee will be charged via TWINT. Each session is organized specifically for you and your dog: from the choice of location to scheduling and travel arrangements.

2. Why is advance payment required for the first session?
The initial assessment/first session is often booked well in advance by new clients. Due to several last-minute cancellations, advance payment upon booking has been introduced. In case of cancellation, the amount is not lost but can be used to reschedule another appointment.

3. Lesson packages
Packages include a discount (e.g. the adult dog package offers one free lesson compared to paying single sessions and includes free travel within Lugano and Mendrisio). For this reason, they are normally paid in full and in advance. If I believe that 5 lessons are not necessary, I will be the first to advise against purchasing the package.

4. How can I pay?
Cash, TWINT, Revolut.


🩺 Are you a behaviorist?
No 🙂. I am a dog trainer and behavioral consultant. A “behaviorist” in the strict sense is a veterinary behaviorist. I focus on education, behavior, and the human–dog relationship.

💊 Can I ask you for health advice for my dog?
No. I do not provide health consultations (e.g. medical therapies, clinical diets, diagnoses). These matters fall exclusively within the veterinarian’s competence.

📍 Where do the lessons take place?
Mainly in the Lugano and Mendrisio areas.

  • The first assessment usually takes place at the client’s home (unless not possible).

  • Practical lessons are held in urban environments.

  • I do not have a training field.

  • Exceptions in other parts of Ticino are possible upon request.

👨‍👩‍👧 Who should take part in the lessons?

  • At the first meeting, the participation of the whole family is highly recommended.

  • During practical lessons, however, it’s best to work only with the handler (or max. 2 people), since the focus should be on the dog and on following my guidance without distractions.

🎓 How long does a lesson last?
On average, a lesson lasts 45–60 minutes.

  • The first assessment usually lasts a little over an hour, as does the pre-adoption consultation.

  • Puppy lessons last a maximum of 45 minutes.

📞 Can I contact you after the training program has ended?
Yes, of course! My clients know that I remain available for follow-up support in the weeks and months after the lessons.

CONTActs

Hours:

By appointment only
Mainly on friday afternoon and on Saturdays
Exceptions possible

Location:

Luganese and Mendrisiotto
Exceptions possible

Parlo italiano 

I speak english

Ich spreche deutsch

Je parle français