ABOUT ME

Sylvia Koczerzuk is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (IAABC), a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, Fear Free Certified Professional and a member of CAPDT helping guardians since 1989.
Author of the book Resource Guarding in Dogs - Understanding with Compassion available on Amazon 

Sylvia is a Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT 2000- 2025) and Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant 2004 (IAABC), a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer and Predation Substitute Training - Certified Instructor, who helps dogs and their guardians create calmer, more connected lives with ethical and humane, science-based training. I support methods that help build skills, create positions associations that supports your dogs confidence, emotional well being so they are cognitively able learn life skills.
I use methods that provide positive feedback and support dogs in making great choices. We help you teach your dog in a calm and positive setting and situations. I want you to build and grow your relationship, create clarity and communicate with your dog. I support you and your dog during your journey of behaviour change. As your professional I am committed to continuing education.

Long before there were as many formal schools, certificates, and degree pathways available in dog behaviour, Sylvia was already committed to learning. Her education comes from veterinary behaviourists, applied animal behaviourists, behavourists, and other respected professionals whose work helped shape her understanding of dogs, behaviour, and humane training.

She attended the prestigious SF SPCA Dog Training Academy 2000 ( now knowns the Dog Training Academy) ,  studied at Behaviour Works with Dr. Susan Friedman in Living and Learning with Animals. Sylvia is also a Fear Free Certified Professional and has completed further education in advanced behaviour symposiums , hands on workshops (multi species)  and certifications in scent work, enrichment, canine reactivity, separation anxiety, Dynamic Dog (gait and posture assessment), canine arthritis, and pain-informed learning. Most recently, she is completing her clinical canine behaviour degree (an internationally OFQUAL-qualified CBC).
 
Sylvia has been helping animals and their guardians since 1989 where started in veterinary clinic and started learning through U of Guelph (behaviour department) . Over the years, she has worked in veterinary hospitals, shelters, rescues, a farm sanctuary, and private practice. Her work has included dog walking, grooming, group classes, private training, virtual coaching, and behaviour consulting. She also travelled south to assist Hurricane Katrina animal survivors.  

What Sylvia loves most is helping people better understand their dogs and showing them how small, thoughtful changes can lead to meaningful progress. She knows that behaviour is not just about training. It is shaped by health, environment, learning history, emotions, and the unique dog in front of you.  That is why Sylvia takes a whole-dog, whole-picture approach. She combines assessment, understanding dog emotions, behaviour knowledge, and practical coaching to help guardians move forward in a way that feels clear, positive, and achievable.  If you are ready to better understand your dog, build confidence together, and create real-life results, Sylvia would love to help.  
Visit the blog to learn more about Sylvia and the difference between a Dog Trainer and a Behaviour Consultant.