MODERN, DOG-FRIENDLY METHODS
For more than two decades I have been committed to using force free, science-based training methods to reinforce manners, life skills and desirable behaviour in dogs. I help the human end of the leash learn how to be a better partner too.
You and Your Dog Deserve the Best!
Qualifications, Experience, Education, Ethics and Certification matter.
Effective training techniques to your specific situation
My toolbox of training techniques and understanding of canine behaviour is extensive. Each situation with each dog and client is different and requires an individual approach for best results. I apply the most effective training techniques to your specific situation.
Our promise
Our promise to you and your dog is to always use humane, ethical training methods and never use shock, pain, fear, physical force, or compulsion based methods and to begin behavior change programs with the least invasive and least aversive training protocols.
We have travelled far on our journey … and can help you and your dog on a successful journey together!
Ten Questions to Ask Your Dog Training Professional – Before You Hire Them!
Icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com is licensed by CC3.0BY
A bit more about Maren
I often hear murmurs of people referring to me as a dog whisperer, but I prefer the term dog listener!
Ever since I was a child I was always surrounded by dogs and could be found training our family boxer and the neighbours’ dogs too!
Squamish has been my home since 1982. I’ve always loved the outdoor lifestyle. In the company of at least one of my dogs, I can be found hiking, biking, paddling and exploring beautiful Sea to Sky Country. On occasion I’ve been seen participating in African Drumming, dancing and hanging out in my glorious forest garden.
For 30 years, I’ve trained and competed in various activities with my dogs, including agility, obedience, Rally-O, flyball and I was a team member of SuperDogs at the PNE. In 1989 I formed the Sea to Sky Canine Sports Club, led agility classes and demonstrated in community events.
Employment as an Animal Control Assistant, a grooming assistant and a practical nurse, round out my official experience.
My current family includes Ivy (Border Collie/Terrier mix), Opal (Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla), Trixie (Mini-me Mix), Cameron (Feline) and Buttercup (feathered). A very understanding husband also lives underfoot as well as two grown daughters that come and go.
Having raised my own family with pets, I fully understand and appreciate the challenges faced by busy families. Overcoming problems with my own dogs has reinforced the belief that positive training really does work.
“A good working relationship with any animal is like a wonderful dance – smooth, joyful and the result of two partners who clearly understand each other.”
“If you talk with the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears, one destroys.”
“Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.”
“Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.”
“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.”
“Seek first to understand; then to be understood.”
“We have to be, if we claim to be our dog’s best friends, the kind of friend we would like for ourselves.”
“Violence begins where knowledge ends.”
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.”
“Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent than the one derived from fear of punishment.”
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it’s animals are treated.”
“I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.”
“The DOG does not need to be lowered in rank so much as the PEOPLE need to act like people worth listening to.”
“Happiness is a warm puppy.”