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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.

 

 

 

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What Clients Are Saying:

Both Carmella and I had a great time in the Puppy Start Right program and we are amazed every day at how much difference both the program and its philosophy have made for our pup. Thanks again to you and Laurie!!!

Laurel Fossett
Duncan

We just wanted you let you know that we bought 2 of the tractive GPS trackers for our Siberian Huskies as they are a breed known to not come back if let off a leash. We purchased the premium plan and we are truly amazed at what this can do. We have tested it even driving in our vehicle. It was very easy to set up on an app on our phones and each tracker has the capability of having a photo of your dog and shows the picture while tracking. We have a perimeter alarm set on it that texts us as soon as either dog breaches it and no matter where we are in the world we can switch to live tracking and track exactly where they’ve run off to. We are very pleased with how simple everything was and how sturdy the trackers are themselves. We would recommend this to anyone. January 20, 2018

Dee & Terry Durant
Duncan, BC

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