Stef
Stef Human, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, has always been passionate about animals and their welfare. As a child, she would bring home any stray animal she found, only to have her exasperated mother insist she take them to the local SPCA.
Today Stef helps give puppies and young dogs the best possible start in life at Cowichan Canine, thereby reducing the number of dogs at risk of being surrendered by their owners because of behavioural problems.
Stef has long been active in animal rescue and welfare, and has worked in veterinary hospitals and with racehorses; volunteered as a horse handler for therapeutic riding organizations, and worked with rescue organizations and shelters in various countries. She started a much-needed SPCA on a small Caribbean island, organized spay & neuter clinics, and did welfare education for youth at schools and clubs.
Her own challenges as the owner of a rescue dog led Stef to Cowichan Canine and a new career as instructor. A graduate of the Dog Trainer Professional Program of the Karen Pryor Academy and the Puppy Start Right for Instructors, Stef continues her education with Clicker Expo conferences and other education courses. “There is just so much to learn,” she says.
Thanks to all Cowichan Canine staff annually fulfilling the necessary requirements, Cowichan Canine maintains its accreditation under the BC SPCA's AnimalKind accreditation programme.
Stef currently offers Puppy Start Right classes, where puppies are exposed to positive socialisation opportunities, which can help to “inoculate” them against future behavioural issues. She also offers Foundation classes and private lessons for puppy owners.
Stef believes in positive reinforcement methods because they strengthen the bond between dog and handler. “These methods work because they reward the animal for behaviour that we would prefer to see, rather than punish them for unwanted behaviour,” she says.
Stef feels strongly about owners practicing with their dogs and is known for always having tips or solutions for owners to try. She has even been known to help a client make curtains to shield their dog from barking triggers through the window.
Stef shares her home with husband Deon and three rescue dogs – Bindi, Daisy and Tulip - and is a keen gardener and outdoor enthusiast. Stef regularly indulges her colleagues at Cowichan Canine with her exquisite baking.
I sincerely want to thank all the trainers who worked with us on
training our newest member of the family, Mila. Actually it was
training us but we won't admit to that!! We had the privilege of
working with Karen, Jody, Glenda, Bev and Lisbeth in our Foundation
Classes. Every trainer took an active role in helping us achieve
success. We felt that they were as excited with our small steps
towards success as we were! The training program was so well laid out
with the book, clickers, backpack and superb teachers that it made it
easy to be successful if you were willing to put in the time. It also
made it fun! There is a saying "it takes a village or community to
raise a child". We think the saying could say "it takes Cowichan
Canine to help raise a dog". We are now hoping to continue with
agility classes and maybe even try the scent class.
Thank you again
Mila, Marg, Andre, Sarah & Curtis
Cowichan Valley
Hello Cowichan Canine Team! My Kooikerhondje, Buddy, and I have just completed the beginner Foundation training course. The whole process has been fantastic.
Buddy is a very smart (of course) and overenthusiastic pup. My goal with him was to nip problems in the bud (pardon the pun:) to start on a path to a positive and calm relationship.
We had the privilege of learning under Jody, Karen and Lisbeth in Prep school. All had different styles but their methods were consistent, positive, sound and they work! Buddy and I then moved on to Beginner Foundation under Stephanie's tutelage. Her guidance was patient, kind and empathetic. I was the slower learner, but Stephanie showed me what Buddy was capable of and gave me the knowledge,tools and insight to meet my goals.
The facility is top-class, well-equipped, spotless and safe.
Learning at Cowichan Canine was the most enriching investment I could have made and I hope to continue in various activities in the future. Thank you all!
Gill Johansen & Buddy
Duncan, BC
