Nancy
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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!
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
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
