Kaiya and Diggy at Clairville Conservation Area

It is rumored that in the land of dogs you don't get the dog you want, you get the dog you deserve. After graduating from a correction-style dog training program in 2003, Julie got a new puppy - a Pug Beagle X (Puggle) named Tyson. At 8 months Tyson started barking and lunging at people, at 10 months he became leash reactive towards dogs, by 1 year he had full out aggression towards puppies. When Julie realized that she had not learned proper techniques to deal with aggression - punishing Tyson for his behaviour made him lash out with greater intensity, she started looking for new ways to help her dog. Clicker training brought a new light to Tyson's aggression and gave Julie a skill-set to manage his behaviour. This inspired Julie to learn about positive reinforcement training and set her on the path to becoming a professional positive reinforcement dog trainer.

Julie is one of a select group of trainers in Ontario to have earned the Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) designation through the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT). This designation helps people select a professional who has the knowledge and expertise to make your investment in dog training safe, effective, and enjoyable.

As a dog walker by day, Julie sharpens her training skills when she is out with the pack. She is passionate about canine learning and behaviour and committed to bringing out the best in every dog she works with.

Both her dogs have titles in Rally Obedience and Freestyle. She credits her training success to the puggle that stole her heart and taught her about training along the way.