We believe that training is something to do with your dog, not to your dog! 

The entire team of Dog Partners trains using positive reinforcement and force-free training methods.  We are all professionally certified and accredited trainers and fully comply with the codes of conduct of the professional organizations of which we are members.

Valerie Barry, KPA-CTP, FDM
Professional Trainer, Owner
[email protected]
604-868-5145

@northvandogtrainer @ferniedogtrainer

Certifications:

  • KPA-CTP, Karen Pryor Certified Training Partner
  • Fear Free Certified Professional, Elite
  • BC SPCA Accredited AnimalKind Trainer
  • Family Dog Mediator, LEGS Applied Ethology

Memberships:

  • Professional Member, Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
  • Professional Member, Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
  • Professional Member, Karen Pryor Clicker Training
  • Supporting Member, International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC)
  • Vice President (and past Secretary) and Professional Member of the Professional Animal Care and Training Association of BC (PACTA BC).  

Valerie's complete education details.

Valerie is a certified professional dog trainer and behaviour consultant, who has been working with people and their dogs for over 20 years. She is committed to helping her clients find behaviour solutions that work, using modern, science-based and force-free training methods that are safe, effective and fun. She specializes in puppies and adolescent dogs, as well as all levels of behaviour modification including mild to severe aggression, reactivity, resource guarding and fear-based behaviour. 

Valerie is passionate about learning and is continually finding new opportunities for furthering her education and knowledge. She attends many workshops and seminars; and participates in courses and webinars yearly to ensure her education remains current, effective and well-rounded. There is always more to learn, and knowledge should be ever evolving!

Valerie is the Dog Training contributor for Pet Connection Magazine and has been writing articles for the magazine since 2010. Check out the Blog page for past articles. She is regularly consulted with and referred to by the media, industry professionals, veterinarians and a broad network of clients.

 

Rebecca Harsell, PCT-A
Professional Trainer
[email protected]

@rebeccatrainsdogs

Certification:

  • PCT, Certified Professional Canine Trainer, Pet Professionals Accreditation Board

Memberships:

  • Professional Member, Pet Professional Guild
  • Member, PACTA BC, Professional Animal Care and Training Association

Rebecca is a certified professional dog trainer and behaviour consultant and has worked in the pet care industry for over a decade. She was first introduced to force-free, positive reinforcement training in 2011, while working at a specialized dog daycare and training centre. She later went on to start her own private pet care company, providing tailored walks and pet sitting for young, fearful, reactive or aggressive dogs.

Rebecca is also a student in the Canine Behaviour Diploma program with the International School of Canine Psychology.

Along with her experience working with client’s dogs she has also helped her own dog, a 7 year-old Rottweiler named Malcolm, overcome fear and reactivity. Rebecca has a keen interest in behaviour modification, as well as trick training. Her dog Malcolm has received his Novice, Intermediate and Advanced Trick Titles. Rebecca has been assisting Valerie and Dog Partners with group classes and private training clients since 2015. 

 

Stacy Wilson, CPDT-KA
Professional Trainer
[email protected]

@stacytrainsdogs

Certification:

  • CPDT-KA, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers)
  • Fear Free Certified Professional

Memberships:

  • Professional Member, Pet Professional Guild
  • Professional Member, PACTA BC, Professional Animal Care and Training Association

Stacy is a certified professional dog trainer and behaviour consultant. 

She first worked with Dog Partners as a client in 2014 after adopting her rescue dog, Molly. It was quickly apparent that Molly suffered from severe separation distress and reactivity towards dogs and people. She began learning as much as she could to help Molly with her issues and became fascinated with the science behind modern, positive dog training. In 2019, she began mentoring with Dog Partners and assisting with group classes and private training clients. 

Stacy is continually building her education and knowledge through various conferences, courses and webinars. She has a strong interest in behaviour modification and helping dogs overcome fear, reactivity and anxiety. She also enjoys teaching a variety of group classes and working with puppies and adolescent dogs.