Trainers & Behaviourists

Description: TGD Behaviour & Training (formerly The Gibsons Dogrunner) specializes in science-based, non-aversive, reward-based dog training and behaviour consultations.

Services include puppy and adolescent training, recall, life skills, and complex behaviour cases uch as separation anxiety, fear, reactivity, resource guarding, predation-related behaviours, and dog-to-dog or dog-to-human aggression including bite cases.

Private one-on-one sessions provide individualized support and practical training plans for each dog and family.

TGD Behaviour & Training is currently the only IAABC Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (CDBC) on the Sunshine Coast.

Training Type: Dog Trainer & Behaviour Consultations

Training Methods: Science-Based/ Non-Aversive / Reward-Based / Positive Reinforcement

Certifications:

• CDBC-IAABC Board Certified Dog Behavior Consultant

• ADT-IAABC-IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer

• CSAP-BC - Certified Professional Separation Anxiety Behaviour Consultant

• Dog Obedience Training and Canine Behavior Consultation Diploma

• AnimalKind Accredited by BCSPCA

• CFFP Fear-Free Certified - Cooperative Care

• CBATI-KA Certified Reactivity Training Instructor

• PST-CI Certified Chasing and Predation Training Instructor 

Location: School Road, Gibsons

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday - Flexible (Please Contact)

Phone: +1-604-993-0990

Email: hakristi@gmail.com

Website: www.tgdbehaviour.ca

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tgdbehaviour

Instagram: @tgdbehaviour

Registered Business: Yes

Insured: Yes

Description: Rachel is a biomechanics nerd who is fascinated with the interplay of movement and wellness for our dogs. Using a science-based, evidence-driven, relationship-centred approach in all areas, her focus is on enhancing your dog's wellness both physically and mentally, whether they are competitive sporting and active dogs, young puppies, beloved family pets, or wise senior companions. 

An active competitor in multiple dog sports (including being nationally-ranked in Rally Obedience with both of her dogs), Rachel uses a games and choice-based learning approach and loves sharing her joy for training with other dog teams. 

Canine Conditioning and Fitness, Bodywork, Massage, Red Light Therapy, Sports and Life Training, Competitive Rally Obedience Training, Trick Training, Enrichment, and more.

Training Type: Private & Group 

Training Methods: R+/P-; Relationship-centred, games-based learning, and clicker training

Years of Experience: 8+

Service Areas: Canine Conditioning and Fitness, Bodywork, Massage, Red Light Therapy, Sports and Life Training, Competitive Rally Obedience Training, Trick Training, Enrichment, and more. 

Setup: Indoors and Outdoors, and at client’s request

Certifications: 

• CSCC - Canine Strength & Conditioning Coach (North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine) 

• CCBW - Certified Canine Body Worker (Canadian Institute for Equine & Canine Body Work) 

• CTDI - Certified Trick Dog Instructor 

• Diploma of Animal Osteopathy - current student (LCAO)

• Biomechanics & Gait Analysis Certification (CIECBW) 

• Canine Trigger Point Massage Certification (CIECBW) 

• RPT - Registered Professional Trainer 

• Grad Dip HRM (Learning & Development) 

• Canine First Aid 

• Intermediate First Aid Attendant 

• Ongoing CPD

Email: betterinmotionk9@gmail.com

Website:  www.betterinmotionk9.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterinmotionk9/?hl=en

Location: Powell River, Courtenay/Comox - select days, Lower Sunshine Coast - by request at this time

Hours: Weekdays, Weekends, Evenings

Registered Business: Yes

Insured: Yes

Description: Marina’s training philosophy is that she always tries to help clients develop a partnership with their dogs. Based on trust and respect!

Training Type:  Private (arranged based on availability) & Group (3-6 dogs) 

Class Types:

• Puppy Classes - 12 weeks and older. Learn loose leash walking, “leave it”, come when called, settle in place, crate training support, release word and more!

•  Life Skills Classes - Puppy skills progress with distance, duration and distractions

• Scent Work - Following SDDA guidelines. Dogs learn to search for essential oils.

• Therapy Dog Training - We offer therapy dog training classes for those wishing to certify with their dogs as a therapy Dog team. Teams visit a variety of locations in our community to help brighten peoples day!

Training Methods: R+

Setup: Indoors and Outdoors  

Certifications: CCPDT-KA

Location: Gibsons (Port Mellon to Roberts Creek) & Sechelt (Davis Bay to Halfmoon Bay) 

Hours: Weekdays, Weekends 

Email: marina@muddypawsdogadventures.com OR marinawatson07@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muddypawsdogadventures/

Registered Business: Yes

Insured: Yes

Description: We offer creative, effective dog training designed for real-life results; and our positive training methods mean you can feel good about getting them! Your dog, your situation, and your goals are unique to you and your lifestyle. So are our solutions. Options to suit your schedule and your lifestyle. Join our community ACE - Adventure Canine Everything! 

Training Type: Consultations & 1:1 lessons for any topics dog owners would like to address

Training Methods: Force Free / R+ / R- / Clicker Training

Class Setup: At the clients request and based on their needs (indoors or outdoors; training specific)

Experience: 25+ years

Certifications: 

• BCSPCA AnimalKind

• CPDT-KA

• CDBC-KA

• Family Dog Mediator

• Fear Free Certified

Location: Powell River (Lund to Saltery Bay)

Hours: Weekdays including evenings; excludes weekends

Email: info@pawinhand.com

Phone: 1-604-892-4278

Website: www.pawinhand.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/pawinhanddogtraining

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pawinhanddogtraining

Registered Business: Yes

Insured: Yes

Note: Saira is new to the coast and currently in the process of getting her business set up! She is currently offering her services at a discount during this time. Saira plans on expanding her services as she settles into the community. She’s excited to start meeting dog parents on the coast!

Description: Saira’s training philosophy is grounded in science, informed by experience, and guided by mindfulness. She focuses on understanding both the dog and their person, using clear communication and patience to build lasting trust and confidence between them.

Training Type: Private 

Right now, Saria’s offering Walk & Train sessions for dogs on the Sunshine Coast who need extra support on walks. She works with reactive, anxious, or over-excited dogs, as well as those who simply need help learning to stay calm and focused in real-world environments. Her sessions focus on building confidence, improving leash skills, and helping dogs and their owners enjoy stress-free, connected walks together. 

Training Methods: Force Free/ R+ and Clicker Training

Class Setup: Outdoors primarily, indoors if training specific requirements

Experience: 3 years

Certifications: 

• KPA-CTP

• Fear Free certified

Location: All Lower Sunshine Coast (Gibsons to Egmont)

Hours: Weekday Evenings (after 3:30 pm) and some weekdays (contact for availability)

Email: saira.antonia@gmail.com

Website: Under Construction

Registered Business: Not Currently - In Progress

Insured: Not Currently - In Progress