About Me

I am a full-time teacher with many other passions, dogs being one of them. I first started learning about dog behaviour, obedience, competition sports and behaviour modification in my early teen years.

I grew up in a community and mindset of dog ownership that often made dogs seem like a nuisance and they were often out of control and reactive. Most of the dogs I grew up around were wild northern rescues and since we lived in a wildlife corridor, dogs weren't allowed off-leash unless it was at one of the three local dog parks. I came to believe that this was what dog ownership looked like. Dogs pulled their owners all over the place on the way to the dog park, where they would run off and get the majority of their fulfillment from other dogs. There was often a lack of structure and as a result the dogs were quite anxious and chaotic. 

 

As I got older, I met some phenomenal dogs and handlers which inspired me to dive deeper into the world of behaviour, obedience and sport. This inspired me to raise my own dogs very intentionally so that they can be well behaved and confident in all situations life throws at them. I wanted my dogs to be able to enjoy the freedom of a full life and join me on outdoor adventures. 

Throughout my university career, I learnt from other experienced handlers, trainers and mentors and gained experience through working with different dogs of varying sizes, breeds and quirks. I helped owners work through and troubleshoot issues like reactivity, aggression, fearfulness and lack of motivation or handler focus. Once I moved back to the rockies, I started offering one on one sessions as well as walk and trains.

In the summer of 2025, I started Kootenay Life Dog Training in hopes to build a community of responsible and empowered owners who could offer the best life possible for their dogs <3 

 

My Philosophy and Approach

I've always found it so beautiful to watch dogs and their owners interact when they have clearly built a great relationship together.

I have come to value the importance of having a dog that can be a part of my everyday life, whether it's biking, hiking, drinks on the patio or walking on busy sidewalks. 

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I believe in a relationship-based, balanced approach. This means that I look at the whole dog and the whole picture; their breed and genetics, your relationship, the skills they have or need, motivation and drive as well as their health. 

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I focus on the dog's emotions and want to understand the underlying causes of behaviour. More often than not, there are many pieces to the puzzle that need attention from all angles. Simply teaching your dog a solid down or recall cue won't solve your reactivity. I want to first build safety and trust. I want to create and build relationship through positive reinforcement like play, food and praise, teach skills like settling, neutrality and looking at the handler for direction. 

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I believe in educating and empowering owners on the proper use of tools like leashes, collars, food and play. I primarily use positive reinforcement with toys, food and praise. In my training I also believe in creating a fair and clear system of communication through marker words and various forms of pressure like spacial, leash or e-collar input so there is no confusion.

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With me, training can look like: 

1- Working on motivation through play and food games. 

2- building a clear communication system with your dog.

3- Whiteboard lessons followed by practical sessions.

4- Always and explanation of the "why" behind what we're doing.

5- Setting up fun and practical scenarios. 

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Seminars, courses, workshops and continuing education: 

Fenzi Dog Sports Academy - relationship building through play 

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Fenzi Dog Sports Academy - Complete Pet Professionals Program

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The Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers

- 5 day online E-collar course

- Dealing With Reactivity 

- Behaviour Modification With a Focus on Learning Theory 

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Raven K9 - community, virtual workshops and zooms

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Pack Life LA - membership page and group zooms

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