Meet Sylvia Koczerzuk

Sylvia is a Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT 2000- 2025)  and Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (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.

Long before there were as many formal schools, certificates, and degree pathways available in dog behaviour, Sylvia was already committed to learning. Her early education came from following and learning from veterinary behaviourists, applied animal behaviourists, 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 ( 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 and certifications in scentwork 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 people since 1989. 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.