Owner/ Head Trainer: Karen McNichol

CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CCFC, member of IAABC & CKC and am also an Absolute Dogs Pro Dog Trainer and affiliate!

I have been involved in Dog Training for more than12 years now. All of this began with my first problem dog Winnifred. Winnifred (Fred) was a highly reactive, high-energy, sweet & loving girl. It was my pursuit of help for her that led me to my fascination with dog behaviour. Thankfully after meeting with several trainers, I found a trainer who used scientifically proven humane behaviour modification and Fred became so much better. I too learned so much about how we can help these dogs. It was all very mind blowing and amazing. I trained in agility, disc and dock with Fred and my Golden Retriever Chelsea.

My first Aussie Trinity and I trained with many high-level agility trainers and became very competitive. I loved playing with my girl. We have competed in rally, obedience, musical freestyle, fitness, tricks, disc and agility. She has been the best partner anyone could ask for!

Throughout this time I participated in many seminars and courses and was also lucky enough to apprentice under the original trainer that helped me with Winnifred! I have spent many years assisting with and substitute teaching reactive dog classes. My love of learning how to help dogs and humans resolve troubling behaviour has never diminished.

In 2009 I began taking on fosters with problem behaviours and since then I have taken in, trained & re-homed more than 23 dogs. It is one of the things that I do that has been the most rewarding. I have also taken cases that needed extensive rehab from physical injury. One of these fosters Passion has stayed with me and we have again learned so much about canine rehabilitation and fitness together.

I am currently a Certified Professional Dog Trainer at the Red Barn Event Centre in Barrie and am also a Certified Behaviour Consultant. Recently I have also become a Certified Canine Fitness Coach and I have apprenticed (volunteered hundreds of hours) and participated in many Master classes, Seminars and Trainer Conferences learning about Canine Fitness, Scent detection, Trick training and Behaviour.

I have also had the incredible opportunity to complete and assist in teaching Chicken Camps. If you do not know what they are… google it!

Canine Behaviour is my passion and I look forward to continue training dogs, teaching humans and all of us growing together

Courses:

Master Course in Dog Aggression

Sexier than a Squirrel Challenge - Absolute Dogs'

Pro Dog Trainer - Absolute Dogs

Canine Biology and Anatomy

Canine Health Development and Life stages

Bobby Lyons Senior Dog Fitness

Fenzi Courses misc

and more ……