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 enjoyed working with Bev and Laurie. The small classes and individual attention really make a big difference. There were a couple of moments in Foundations when you said "Click!" (and I did - yeah me...) at precisely the right moment for me to 'get it'. As a result, we went from Vita pulling like a fiend to polite walking in literally 2 classes. And getting the mechanics of Leave It/Take It down on my part (thank you again), helped me sort that one out in 3 or 4 sessions at home. We have, as you know, moved on to agility; Vita is having fun and is getting more confident and spirited with each class.
Colleen Hawkey
Ladysmith
Hero has been making lots and lots of progress. His only setbacks have been when I have pushed him too far. I am on summer break from teaching and have been dedicated hours each day to his training. Too many great stories to share, but I do have to share this one, for me it was his "graduation." Ever since our sessions with you at the house, I have been working with Hero on an "away" command, where he keeps away from being right in front of doors. For the last months, I drop treats on the floor at the end of the hallway by my living room as I go in and out the front door. I do it 100% of the time. A few weeks ago, high winds blew open the front door at 7:30 a.m. while I was sleeping. I heard Hero pacing in the living room and then whining. I got up to investigate and found Hero waiting patiently in his "away" location, waiting for his treat, rather than go out the un-supervised wide open front door and into mischief. It was worth every treat I had spent!!!!!
Becky & Hero
Duncan
