Mission: to provide ethical and effective training and behaviour modification to help people and their dogs live together safely, comfortably, and happily.
credentials
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- Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (Certificate Number 1185355)
- Certified Training Partner (KPACTP), Karen Pryor Academy (Graduated with distinction, December 2014)
Professional Memberships
- Supporting member, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
- Professional member, Grisha Stewart's Animal Building Blocks Academy
Recent Continuing Education
This is a partial list of workshops, seminars, and courses I have participated in recently.
- Practical Puppy Training Instructor's Course with Chirag Patel, internationally renowned dog trainer. The Dog Training Barn, Banbury, England (7 day in person course, August 2019)
- How to Work Aggression Cases A - Z with Michael Shikasio, CDBC. Dog Trainers Connection (5 week online course, May - June 2019)
- Cutting Corners to Loose Leash Walking with Denise Fenzi. Fenzi Dog Sports Academy (webinar, February 2019)
- Control without Conflict: An Introduction to Impulse Control with Deb Jones, Ph.D. Fenzi Dog Sports Academy (webinar, February 2019)
- Tricks with a Purpose with Sara Brueske, KPACTP. Fenzi Dog Sports Academy (6 week online course, February - March 2019)
- Stanger Danger: Dog to Human Aggression with Michael Shikasio, CDBC. Fenzi Dog Sports Academy (2 webinars, January 2019)
- Training Real Life Recalls with Chrissi Schranz. Fenzi Dog Sports Academy (webinar, January 2019)
- Feelings Change: Desensitization and Counter-conditioning with Nancy Tucker, CDBC. Fenzi Dog Sports Academy (6 week online course, October - November 2018)
- BC SPCA Animal Behaviour Science Symposium (2 day workshop, Vancouver, BC, June 2018)
- Aggression in Dogs: Safety, Defensive Handling, and Training with Michael Shikasio, CDBC and Trish MacMillan Loehr, CPDT-KA, CDBC (two day workshop, Sequim, Washington, October 2017)
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WHAT PEOPLE HAVE SAID
I've seen tremendous improvement in our communication since we started working with Sandy. This has greatly helped us build a more understanding and peaceful relationship. My dog suffers from anxiety, as do I, and improving our communication has been essential. Sandy has taught me to respect my dog's communication and to work with it. Every single meeting with Sandy has brought new insights into how to better understand my dog and how better to set her up for success. R.S.
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Our dog was loving with people but wary and aggressive with other dogs. Sandy showed us proper leash skills and how to help her become more comfortable with other dogs. Right away we started to see a difference. I now feel more confident and less stressed walking our dog around other dogs. Sandy clearly loves dog but she's also wonderful with their owners! She was gentle, kind, informative, resourceful, patient, and encouraging with both of us. K.H.
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My dog barked at people, other dogs, and cars every time I took him for a walk. He got worse as he got older and I found myself only able to walk him later in the evening when no one else was out. Things had to change. Sandy taught me that he is trying to meet his needs for safety and distance by barking and reacting. I am learning to help him meet those needs in better, more acceptable ways. Sandy is a fantastic trainer and natural teacher - personable, positive, encouraging, and very knowledgeable. F.G.
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