WHAT TRAINING METHOD DO YOU USE?

I use reward based (positive reinforcement -see definition below) to work with all dogs and service excellence when working with owners. I am a “FEAR FREE” certified and CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER - KNOWLEDGE ASSESSED (CPDT-KA).

I have endless patience for working with dogs. I watch what dogs are telling us, I make a plan of how to work with your dog. Then I share the plan, methods and resources with dog owners. This achieves an informed owner, a confident and relaxed dog, and stronger bond between owner and dog. I adhere to the Canine Professional Dog Trainer Certification (CPDT-KA) Code of Ethics, which can be read here.

WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING?

I am also certified in Pet First Aid and am an Instructor of Walks n’ Wags Pet First Aid. Certificates presented at first meet and greet with you, the dog owners. I provide you with canine behaviour science (current evidence-based information) to assist you to make safe and informed decisions about the training and behaviour management of your canine.

I completed the Canine Behaviour, Handling Skills, and Instructor Certification through the Cochrane and Area Humane Society’s Positive Approach Canine Education (PACE) program. This was a two year educational program working directly with dogs under the care of the CAHS weekly and assisting in public classes.

WHAT ASSOCIATIONS DO YOU BELONG TO?

I am a member in good standing of the Alberta Force Free Alliance, Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers and the International Canine Behaviour Consultants. Through these memberships, and attending canine science-based workshops and seminars, I consistently update my canine skills and education. Course Certificates are presented at the first meet and greet.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I have a clean RCMP Criminal Record Check for working with vulnerable populations. Record presented at first meet and greet with you, the dog owners.

I am fully vaccinated and my COVID vaccination record can be presented at first meet and greet. I am happy to wear a mask for all training sessions.

All aspects of my business are fully insured by INTACT and proof of insurance coverage is presented at first meet and greet.

I am a life-long learner. Dog behaviour science is relatively new area of canine veterinary research. I subscribe to two veterinary behaviour journals and diligently read new research papers on topics such as effects of stress hormones in dogs, assessing behaviours of dogs, efficacy of canine training methods and working with shelter dogs who have been recently adopted.

What is POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING?

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING is a method of marking and rewarding the desired behaviours and actions offered by our dog to encourage our dog to repeat the behaviour. Positive reinforcement (reward-based) training is humane, and highly effective without negative side effects. It is founded on well established principles of canine behavior science. We know that this type of training is valid and reliable because it works on virtually any animal (and people too!) and the same consistent results can be replicated time and time again.

Training that rewards and builds on what a dog does right rather than punishing what he does wrong is not only a training philosophy, it is a respectful way to live with an animal.

Past & Current Professional Development

Currently – Dogma Certified Behaviour Consultant with Megan Stanley, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, FFCP, expected completion Fall 2024.

2023 - “Aggression in Dogs” seminar presented by Michael Shikashio, CDBC.

2022 – “Positive Solutions for Canine Aggression” seminar presented by Pat Miller, CBCC-KA and CPDT-KA.

2022 – “How Animals Learn” online course presented by Dr. Susan Friedman, The Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

2021 – “Canine Reactivity” Seminar presented by Tracy Keith, CBCC-KA and CPDT-KSA, Cochrane and Area Humane Society.

2021 - successfully completed all requirements of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and was certified and recognized as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed

2019 – Immersion Weekend in “Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine” presented by Dr. Karen Overall, MA, VMD, PHD, DACVB, at the Cochrane and Area Humane Society.

2017 – 18 Positive Approach Canine Education course, Cochrane and Area Humane Society.