"A dog is not
'almost human',
and I know of no
greater insult to the
canine race than to
describe it as such."
-John Holmes
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Megan Armstrong,
CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA Owner/Operator |
Megan Armstrong became one of Calgary’s only Certified Pet Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) in 2005. The CPDT designation means her programs are based on humane training practices and the latest scientific knowledge about dog training. In other words, Megan’s dog training expertise is grounded in a thorough, extensive education and examination process. Interestingly enough, despite the growing number of dog training services in the city, there are just over 20 CPDT-KAs in Calgary, and approximately 120 across Canada. Megan also obtained her CBCC-KA (Certified Behavior Consultant Canine, Knowledge Assessed) in June 2011. This makes her one of only four in Canada and 29 worldwide.
Megan has over seven years experience teaching group classes and private training at various locations around Calgary and the surrounding area. Before dogma training & pet services inc., she worked in the pet supply industry and at the Calgary Humane Society, where she honed her skill for understanding a dog’s cues by performing behavioural assessments and maintaining the animal stress reduction programs. Her passion for animals, desire to understand how a dog communicates with us, and adoration for her own two lively canines drive Megan to continue to stay on top of the latest trends in her field. Most recently, she attended a dog academy by Dr. Ian Dunbar in Chicago, and regularly attends the APDT conference held annually to learn more about the positive approach to training a dog.
On top of her CPDT-KA and CBCC-Ka, Megan holds her Pet First Aid Certificate and is a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainer,Association of Pet Dog Trainers and The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is the designated trainer for the Alberta Rescue Foundation (ARF), a consultant for Cochrane Humane Society and a certified mentor trainer for Animal Behaviour College.
Wags for Megan! |
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Drae Fitchett,
CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, DBCBE,
Head Trainer |
As
a part of her Animal Behavior College program,
Drae began apprenticing with dogma in October
of 2007. At this time, she was also a volunteer and Foster Parent
for the Cochrane and Area Humane Society.
Drae
grew up in rural Alberta where she was always
surrounded by animals. She was the girl who would
bring home all sorts of creatures, certain to
save their lives. Nowadays, Drae shares her life
with two Shepherd X's that certainly keep her
on her toes. "They teach me something everyday,"
she'll say with a smile.
Drae
strives to ensure a fun, relaxed and friendly
classroom experience. She truly feels that people
- and dogs - learn best when they are having fun.
Her focus is to help her students create a deep
and positive bond with their canine companions,
one that is sure to be the foundation of a long
and happy life together.
Within just over three years with dogma, Drae has obtained her DCBCE (dogma certified behaviour consultant & educator) and obtained her CPDT-KA certification. Along with Megan, Drae obtained her CBCC-KA in June, making her one of only four in Canada and 29 worldwide! Drae is a member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers as well as The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
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Hailee Dix,
DCBCE,
Daycare Supervisor, Trainer |
Hailee is an avid animal lover who has had a passion for working with dogs all her life. She has been working with dogma for over two years now and has thoroughly enjoyed advancing her career in the dog world.
She was part of the first group of students to graduate from the dogma Apprenticeship Program and was later invited to join the training team here at dogma. Teaching classes is such a joy for her that it is difficult to put it into words. Her passion for dog training developed because she was volunteering at the shelter and was troubled by how many young healthy dogs were being surrendered due to lack of socialization and obedience skills causing their owners to get so frustrated that they gave up on them. Hailee’s goal as a classroom instructor is to help all her students gain the foundation needed to have a long and happy life with their pets.
Hailee is currently working towards becoming a CPDT-KA but her passion for dogs does not end there. Her goal is to become a CPDT-KA and also to get her certification in Canine Reiki. Hailee shares her home with her two dogs, Turbo and Mr. Weasley, and her cat, Hefner.
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Kim Anderson,
DCBCE,
Trainer |
Kim always admired animals from afar during her childhood but it was in 2007, when she finally adopted her own first pet, that she realized her love and passion for animals went much deeper. Better late than never!
Kim currently has two rescue dogs, Reese and Rigley, who she always happily refers to as her biggest challenges, rewards and learning tools in her life. It is the experiences, both good and difficult, with her own "furkids" that led to her enrollment in the first session of the Dogma Training Apprenticeship program to better understand dog behavior and learn about the world of dog training. After the program ended, she never left!
Kim's volunteer and fostering experiences have emphasized the importance of positive dog training and the creation of a strong human canine relationship based on mutual respect. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to work at Dogma and strives to have a fun, informative, relaxed classroom environment that enables a special bond between pet and owner to be established and nourished. Nothing makes her more excited than to see her students and their four legged friends having success and fun together!
Kim is currently working toward achieving her CPDT-KA certification and is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).
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Sarah Walters,
DCBCE, AHT,
Trainer |
Animals have always been Sarah’s passion. She became a Registered Animal Health Technologist in 1985 and spent most of her career working with shelter animals.
An interest in behaviour led Sarah to take the dogma Apprenticeship Program in 2009.
Sarah has competed with her own dogs in various dog sports such as obedience, conformation, agility and rally. She was even featured on the Top Dog show doing rally with her Belgian Shepherd Kiki.
One of the things Sarah is proud of is her foster work for the Humane Society. Together with her husband, they have raised over 15 litters of puppies! With Sarah’s Veterinary Technologist background and behaviour knowledge it’s a lucky mama dog that ends up at Sarah’s house to have her puppies!
As well as dogs, Sarah has horses and cats.
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Tiffany Couture,
DCBCE,
Trainer |
Tiffany has always had a passion for animals ever since she was a little girl, and is thrilled to be able to turn her passion into a career. She grew up with a crazy Border Collie and now has a huge soft sport for the Herding Breeds. Tiffany has 3 dogs of her own, a Husky/Border Collie Cross, a Heeler/Sheppard cross and her newest addition (foster failure) a Sheppard/Collie Cross and they are always offering her new challenges to overcome!
Tiffany is also very involved in rescue and is constantly fostering all different types of dogs which really helps build on her training skills. "I really believe in having fun with your dogs, that's why most people get a dog is so they can have a great companion to hang out with, play and snuggle! That's what I really love about dogma, they are very focused on building a strong relationship with your dog while having a great time! I am thrilled to be part of this team!"
Tiffany just currently obtained her DCBCE (dogma certified behavior consultant & educator) and is also a member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).
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Megan Vold,
Daycare Attendant |
Megan has grown up with dogs her whole life. She has had a love for dogs since before she could remember. Growing up she dog sat for several family friends and neighbours.
She has worked in the dog daycare world for six years and still continues to love her work with the dogs. Her one main passion in life is helping and being around dogs. She wants to become a dog trainer and continue her education about dogs and their behaviours.
Megan has to beautiful dogs; Jethro her Great Dane/Lab/Husky who is six years old and her Black Lab, Seth, who is five years old. Both of her dogs are rescues. Dogs will always be in Megan's heart and she is proud to be a member of the dogma team.
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Kristina Ince,
Daycare Attendant |
Kristina grew up on a farm and spent her days playing with a variety of pets, farm animals and various rescued wildlife. She always had the patience needed to work with shy or fearful animals which helped to care for the scared or injured animals they took care of.
Kristina could not have been more thrilled last year when her boyfriend agreed to get a puppy. She rescued a lab/shepherd cross and named her little bundle of joy Chica, which means girl in Spanish.
Kristina first came to dogma for puppy playtime to socialize Chica and get her signed up for a training class. She soon found her passion in dog training. She was intrigued by the way dogs communicate and how complex their social interactions can be. Kristina decided it was time for a career change and so she began working in the daycare and enrolled in the dogma Apprenticeship Program. Kristina shares her home with her dog Chica, two cats Mico and Lynx and her bunny Grampa Hoppy.
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Lilia Carone,
Daycare Attendant |
Lilia moved from Italy to Canada in 2008, for a life change.
She has been a dog lover all her life and always had pets in her home growing up. Lilia has a very calm demeanor which allows her to work well with shy and nervous dogs. She is very happy to be able to use the skills she learned during her long career as a teacher with working with dogs.
Lilia recently enrolled in the dogma Apprenticeship Program to fulfill her dream of becoming a professional dog trainer. She shares her home with her dog Camilla who she rescued as a puppy and brought with her to Canada.
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Kristen Moore,
Daycare Attendant |
Kristen has always had a love for animals, and her family has always had a house full of dogs. She moved to Calgary 3 years ago, and got her first puppy, a border collie named Onyx.
After working with Onyx, she discovered she had a love for training and really wanted to become a dog trainer to help people and their dogs as well as volunteer with some local rescues.
She found the apprenticeship program at dogma, and started in 2010, she loved it so much, she decided not to leave, and started working in the daycare. She is excited to finish her dog training apprenticeship and continue working with the great bunch of dogs and owners at dogma! |
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Deanna Reitzel,
Daycare Attendant |
Deanna has always been fascinated by animals, and couldn’t wait to get her first hamster when she was six years old. Shortly after when she was eight, the family got a dog Tucker a Bichon shitzu cross. He was such a happy go-lucky dog. At this time, she realized she had this unique understanding and connection to dogs.
When she graduated high school, she took some animal health courses, gained a lot of knowledge, but figured out the surgery aspect was not for her. Deanna still wanted to have a career with dogs, which brought her to discover dogma’s training program and dog daycare position. She couldn’t resist the opportunity, and has enjoyed every moment.
Soon after she wanted a dog of her own. She saw Quinn, an Australian Cattle Dog Cross at the pound. He had this goofy energetic personality, and she fell in love with him and had to bring him home.
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