OUR STORY
From that time on, I’ve always admired a well-trained dog. In my opinion, a well-trained dog is a thing of beauty. Whether I’m watching a dog execute perfect obedience, an agility dog flying through the course with unbridled excitement , or a working dog completely focused on its job . . . nothing is more pleasing or thrilling to watch.
Over the years, I’ve owned and trained a variety of dogs in many levels of obedience and agility. As I’ve gained knowledge, experience and an understanding of working with and training dogs over the past 30 (something!) years, each dog I’ve had the privilege of owning has made me a better handler for the next.
Over the years, I’ve owned and trained a variety of dogs in many levels of obedience and agility. As I’ve gained knowledge, experience and an understanding of working with and training dogs over the past 30 (something!) years, each dog I’ve had the privilege of owning has made me a better handler for the next.
As a little girl growing up in Edmonton, I had the good fortune to have wonderful next door neighbours who were like second parents to me. I’d spend every moment I could in their company. When they bought a St. Bernard puppy, it was love at first sight, and I had no reservations about claiming him for myself. When it came time for Auggie to take obedience lessons, I went along too. Before long I took it upon myself to give Auggie his daily walks. I got a kick out of the looks of shock and surprise on people’s faces when they would see this very small girl walking this very large dog and having him under complete control.
It was during my SAR years that I had come to know the Belgian Malinois and their amazing versality. However, it was not until my friend and teammate - Maggie of Capable Canines - imported a Malinois to replace her retiring search dog, that I fell in love with the breed.
In May of 2000 I imported my first Malinois, and the rest, as we say . . . is history.
In May of 2000 I imported my first Malinois, and the rest, as we say . . . is history.
In the late 80’s I was breeding and raising Standard Poodles. In the early 90’s I became involved in Search and Rescue. In 1994, I earned the distinction of having bred, trained and certified the very first Standard Poodle in North America for Search and Rescue. He was RCMP Certified in Wilderness, Water, and Cadaver profiles for six years running. We attended countless searches together throughout the province of Alberta and the N.W.T.
In 2000, I began working as a 911 operator for the Edmonton Police Service and also started teaching obedience and agility classes in the evenings for the general public. Because of this broad range of experience and exposure to all breeds, I began assisting an animal behaviourist with consultations – reading body language, energy, temperaments and working with their human counterparts to help them better understand and co-exist with the family pet.
In 2000, I began working as a 911 operator for the Edmonton Police Service and also started teaching obedience and agility classes in the evenings for the general public. Because of this broad range of experience and exposure to all breeds, I began assisting an animal behaviourist with consultations – reading body language, energy, temperaments and working with their human counterparts to help them better understand and co-exist with the family pet.