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
Today I was paid the ultimate compliment by Lisbeth Plant, owner of Cowichan Canine. She said I had helped my puppy Daphne (now 6 months old) develop into a really nice young dog. I agree! But of course I could not have done it without the wonderful folks at Cowichan Canine: professional, caring, knowledgeable and a bonus - all with a great sense of humour! Lisbeth, Stephanie, Andrea, Glenda and Steph all continue to help me guide Daphne and I am so grateful for their help, knowledge and kindness and for occasionally talking me down from a proverbial cliff! How lucky we are here in the Cowichan valley to have access to a full spectrum of resources to help guide and develop our dogs into the best they can be! Let the learning (and fun) continue!
Theresa Coles
Duncan


