My Story
Sandy Middleton (she/her)

After a wonderful career as an instructor at Capilano University on the Lower Sunshine Coast, I retired in 2018 and moved to Powell River to pursue a second career as a dog trainer. I am inspired by the ancient poet Rumi, who said: " Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray."  

I am multi-credentialed and especially proud to be accredited by the BC SPCA AnimalKind program. I continue to invest in my education to expand my skills and knowledge.

I live north of town at the edge of the forest with my dogs and best friends, Remi, Bug and Willow.  
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With my dog TT (2009 - 2022)
Forever in my heart
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Becky Wayte photo

I acknowledge with gratitude and respect that I live and work in the Treaty and traditional territories of the Tla'amin Nation. 

My Team of Helpers

Each of my dogs helps me in some way with my work, whether as a scent work partner, a helper dog for behaviour work, or teaching me more about dogs and how to help them thrive in our human world. 

Bug

Willow 

Lux

Remi

In 2019, Remi walked into my life and my heart, needing a new home. She died in 2024 at the age of 12. During those five years she helped me enormously.

Remi was my first scent work partner and we learned the sport together. She was a spectacular nosework dog with a fantastic indication!  She loved nosework and truly excelled at it. 

Remi was also my helper when working with other dogs who were nervous, scared, shy, reactive, anxious, and over aroused in the presence of other dogs. Her calm, quiet presence helped other dogs feel comfortable. 

Such a special girl!  Miss you Rem. 
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