ABOUT ME

 Hello,
 
I’m Sylvia, owner and founder of Walkabout Canine Consulting.  

With over 30 years of experience in the pet care industry, I have dedicated my career to providing training and behaviour solutions to dog owners.

I hold several certifications, including:  
Fear Free Certified Professional
Certified Pet Dog Trainer
Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant
Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer
Dynamic Dog Practitioner (specializing in gait and posture analysis to assist you and your veterinarian)

In addition to my training practice, I’m proud to serve as a Faculty Advisor at the Victoria Stilwell Dog Training Academy, where I have the privilege of mentoring new trainers.  

Education and Experience 
I’ve studied at Behaviour Works, Athabasca University (psychology), and the renowned Dog Training Academy at the San Francisco SPCA—once regarded as the “Harvard” of dog training.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to learn from many excellent teachers, including Veterinary Behaviourists, Applied Behaviour Analysts, and Certified Applied Animal Behaviourists. Each of these mentors has contributed to my ongoing education and deepened my understanding of canine behaviour.  
I am also passionate about the connection between physical health and behaviour, which is why I’m currently expanding my knowledge in nutrition and its impact on behaviour. My learning never stops because I am constantly driven by curiosity and my desire to help you and your dog succeed.  

My Mission 
My passion has always been to share simple, effective methods with dog guardians. I aim to help you reach real-life goals with your dog, whether you’re starting fresh or facing specific challenges. Together, we can create a successful and enriching relationship between you and your dog, setting you both up for long-term success.  

My Training Philosophy 
My training methods are rooted in force-free practices, guided by science, empathy, and a focus on animal welfare. As a positive reinforcement trainer, I emphasize humane techniques that help your dog thrive in a safe, positive environment.  How I Train  I specialize in breaking down the complexities of canine behaviour into manageable steps. Using applied behaviour analysis and positive reinforcement, I adjust training to suit your dog's needs. If a dog struggles with a task, I modify the criteria to make success more achievable, ensuring your dog builds confidence through positive experiences.  
My training avoids the use of aversive tools such as shock, prong, or choke collars, which studies have shown can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression. As Dr. Karen Overall, a leading veterinary behaviourist, and Jean Donaldson, author of The Culture Clash, have highlighted, these tools are unnecessary for changing behaviour and can have harmful consequences.  

Why Force-Free Training? 
Harsh methods often lead to aggressive or anxious behaviour in dogs, and fear, once ingrained, can be incredibly difficult to reverse. My approach ensures your dog learns in a low-stress, supportive environment, enabling them to thrive both behaviourally and emotionally.  
If you're ready to begin or need help finding solutions, I’d be happy to work with you to create a plan for success.  You can schedule a Zoom Discovery CallCLICK HERE TO BOOK


 Best and Positively,  Sylvia