About Me

I have always loved being with and training animals. I started out competing with my own dog in competitive obedience and teaching others how to teach their dogs to in 1999. I went on to teach puppy and beginner manners classes for the New Hamburg Veterinary Clinic while working there as an RVT. Returning to Muskoka in 2010, I started teaching the Rally Obedience Classes at Muskoka District Kennel Club as well as manners classes through Muskoka Animal Hospital before opening Positively Obedient Canines in 2013. I find it very rewarding to see people learn to teach their dogs behaviours that will allow the dogs to live as treasured family members and accompany their people more places.
I continued my dog training education, passing the exam to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer in 2014 and maintaining that certification through continuing education ever since. I'm also a Canine Good Neighbour Evaluator for the Canadian Kennel club, Certified Trick Dog Instructor through Do More With Your Dog and recently completed and passed the Pro Dog Trainer course through Absolute Dogs. I'm always looking to improve my dog training and people teaching skills!
I currently offer group classes and private lessons in both manners and dog sports through Positively Obedient Canines. Group classes are currently held in Huntsville, while private lessons are usually held at clients homes in Huntsville and surrounding areas. I've had clients in Port Carling, Rosseau, Powassan, Algonquin Park and a variety of places in between.
In my free time I have continued to pursue a variety of dog sports with my dogs. I enjoy the challenges of trying to teach the behaviours required and spending time with the wonderful friends I have made in the world of dog sports. I have put titles on my dogs in Obedience, Rally Obedience, Agility, Tracking, Trick Training and Scent Detection.
I continued my dog training education, passing the exam to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer in 2014 and maintaining that certification through continuing education ever since. I'm also a Canine Good Neighbour Evaluator for the Canadian Kennel club, Certified Trick Dog Instructor through Do More With Your Dog and recently completed and passed the Pro Dog Trainer course through Absolute Dogs. I'm always looking to improve my dog training and people teaching skills!
I currently offer group classes and private lessons in both manners and dog sports through Positively Obedient Canines. Group classes are currently held in Huntsville, while private lessons are usually held at clients homes in Huntsville and surrounding areas. I've had clients in Port Carling, Rosseau, Powassan, Algonquin Park and a variety of places in between.
In my free time I have continued to pursue a variety of dog sports with my dogs. I enjoy the challenges of trying to teach the behaviours required and spending time with the wonderful friends I have made in the world of dog sports. I have put titles on my dogs in Obedience, Rally Obedience, Agility, Tracking, Trick Training and Scent Detection.
What about certification?
Visitors to my site have been asking if I am certified. I think this is great, as a registered veterinary technician I believe that holding people accountable to a certain independent standard is important. I am please to announce that I have passed the examination offered by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and am now a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed. This test is independent and not affiliated with any particular school. It tests a candidates understanding of learning theory, ethology, instructing, animal husbandry and equipment. In order to maintain my certification I will need to submit proof of obtaining continuing education from recognized sources.
Other Certifications Offered include:
The Animal Behavior Society provides certification for applied animal behaviorists with Masters or PhD degrees in a related field. The International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants has certification requirements including a minimum number of hours working with behavioural issues, testing, letters of reference and case studies. Veterinary Behaviourists earn diplomat status through the American College of Veterinary Behaviourists.
Please, continue to ask about certification for dog trainers and behaviourists. Ask trainers through whom they were certified, but also ask them about their experience, training methods and continuing education as well. If you have any further questions, or if you would like to arrange with me to come and observe how I teach, please contact me.
Other Certifications Offered include:
The Animal Behavior Society provides certification for applied animal behaviorists with Masters or PhD degrees in a related field. The International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants has certification requirements including a minimum number of hours working with behavioural issues, testing, letters of reference and case studies. Veterinary Behaviourists earn diplomat status through the American College of Veterinary Behaviourists.
Please, continue to ask about certification for dog trainers and behaviourists. Ask trainers through whom they were certified, but also ask them about their experience, training methods and continuing education as well. If you have any further questions, or if you would like to arrange with me to come and observe how I teach, please contact me.