Nancy
![]() |
Nancy has a long and distinguished career in animal training since 1973. She has worked for the City of Vancouver as manager of Animal Control as well as a trainer, she has been Provincial Evaluator, Provincial Director, and then advisor to the National Professional Advisory Board for the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. For her contribution to the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program, Nancy was nominated and inducted into the Order of St. John. Nancy has competed with her own dogs in conformation, obedience, tracking, retriever trials and Schutzhund, and has also been active in agility and stock-dog training. She is currently training her own dogs in human remains detection. |
Nancy worked as a trainer and behaviour consultant for Cowichan Canine between 2016 and 2022, and was then recruited by BC & Alberta Guide Dogs as Puppy Training Supervisor for Vancouver Island.
After retiring from that job in 2024, Nancy is now back with Cowichan Canine, and we couldn’t be happier!
Just want to thank you Lisbeth and also Bev and Karen for the excellent training that Lily and I have enjoyed so much. I know Lily has enough for a pass now but we really are aiming for distinction. We are working hard at home as well to see if we can get this. Lily is so improved now. My husband says that in the mornings when he is playing ball off leash with her that she no longer runs at other dogs, she just ignores them now. I noticed when I took her to another trainer in the summer she was always panting and anxious. At Cowichan Canine she is just so happy and cannot wait to get in the door. It is her favourite place so obviously what you are doing is right and the place has great vibes for dogs. She has not reacted to the dogs in the classes either but is always wagging her tail. I am very grateful for this. We will be back in December and want to go onto greater things in advanced and we are both looking forward to it. Going to bring my other dog Cole as well.
Susan
Maple Bay, BC
Louie and I just completed the Puppy Start Right program with Stef at Cowichan Canine, and what a fabulous experience. PSR covers all the basics, with carefully curated play sessions, exposure to various sounds and things from our human world, training tips, and lots of practical advice. Stef is kind and very experienced and has helped me to remember that these crazy first months of puppyhood - with the constant vigilance, all the peeing and biting, and the early wakeup calls - will pass, and is just part of the journey to a well-trained socialized dog. I will always remember how Louie passed out in the car on the way home from class: happy, tired and snoring ever so slightly. Thanks Stef, I cannot imagine doing this without Cowichan Canine.
Theresa and Louie
Duncan


