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!
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
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


