Early on...

I was born and raised in a small town, west of Montreal. Animals and dogs were always a part of our family life. My father and I would set out to help animals in need, we would bring home injured wildlife and strays, which drove my mom crazy! But she was always a good sport about it.

Some of the breeds that graced our home included Poodles, Airdale Terriers and Lhasa Apsos. I still remember getting in trouble for teaching my Airdale how to jump the fence... boy was mom unhappy about that one!! I think I was about 10 years old when I did that, I have learned alot since then and now use my gift for good instead of mischief :-)

Now in Mississauga...

10 Years ago, we adopted a dog from the Mississauga Humane society named Cooper. I didn't realize that Cooper would change our lives forever. Cooper was a large German Shepherd mix, with severe dog aggression. But he loved people and loved us unconditionally! We were determined to help Cooper, and teach him that other dogs weren't so bad, so I got to work. I signed on with an aggression specialist, learning everything I could to handle aggressive dogs. Working with Cooper everyday, after 1 year he was a different dog, and I found my passion. Helping dogs to become productive members of society and helping families understand their dogs. I then signed on to learn how to handle aggressive dogs with a trainer that had been rehabilitating aggressive dogs for over 30 years. I soon realized that every dog was unique, and learning 1 technique was not enough to help them all. So in the early part of the new millennium, I signed up with Canine Communication studies in Kitchener, to learn the theory and ethology of dog behavior as well as positive treat based training.

Gunner joins our world...

In the first part of 2003, our first Shiloh joined the family. This big goofy puppy named Gunner. Gunner was 23 pounds at 8 weeks, a big puppy!! We got to work right away. Socializing him and getting him ready for his intended job, rehabilitating aggressive dogs. Gunner proved to be a smart opponent, and taught me how to be a better trainer. I had to figure out so many different ways to do things with him as he was smarter than me! So I had to think like a dog, and outsmart him. Today, at 5 1/2 years of age, Gunner is an amazing dog. He travels with me often to help dogs with aggression problems. He does not react if a dog barks at him or lunges and is truly a great assistant.

Our dream town, Erin...

In the spring of 2004, we relocated to the beautiful town of Erin and our pack was now 3 shilohs. In november of 2005, after working as a trainer part time for so long, I resigned from Old mother Hubbard, where I was a sales rep for their Wellness pet food division, and started Bold Canine. It was a dream come true for me. With my dream finally a reality, I added pet sitting and dog walking to my services. These services proved to be a great addition to the business, as there was a need in the area for an alternative to kenneling and helped owners who traveled out of town for work every day.

Learning, learning and more learning...

But I wasn't done yet! Attending as many seminars on dog behavior as I could, learning from renown behaviorists such as Dr Ian Dunbar, Jean Donaldson, Stanley Coren, Pam Reid etc... I quickly realized that dog training was a constant changing world, and continuous learning and education was an essential part of it. Future seminars I am planning to attend is Pavski in October 08, and the IACP (International association of canine professionals) conference in Hutto Texas next June 2008.

In 2007, i was asked to become a mentor trainer for Animal Behavior College, and now help future trainers learn how to work and teach dogs and their owners.

Upper Credit Humane Society...

In 2005, I joined the Upper Credit Humane society, as a volunteer trainer, and have been working with them ever since. I am always available to them when they need an evaluation done on a dog with a "special personality" and give recommendations for suitable homes for the dogs. I also have rehabilitated some canines that were impossible to adopt, who now have loving homes. I have served as an expert witness in court, and assisted with the animal control division, when they have an aggressive dog to take in.

Every dog I work with always teaches me something new.

Accepted in the IACP...

In July 2007, I was accepted to become a professional member of International Association of Canine Professionals. To become a member of this organization, you must be referred by other professionals and have an excellent reputation in the canine world. It is truly an honor to be a member. Famous trainers that are a part of this organization include Cesar Milan, The Monks of New Skeet & Dr Ian Dunbar.

"The IACP is an organization established to maintain the highest standards of  professional and business practices within the canine industry"(From the IACP website)

Where are we now...

Today, Bold Canine walks over 70 dogs a week, trains/rehabilitates over 125 dogs per month and has quickly become a household name in the Erin Community. We are referred by several vets, pet stores and groomers in the area, as well as a proud partner of the Upper Credit Humane society. Other rescue groups from around Toronto have heard of our great successes with the dogs, and are now referring rescues to us. We have trained dogs from all over the GTA, Kitchener, Ajax, Wasaga beach, Barrie, even Kincardine! These dog owners are willing drive to Erin to work with Bold Canine.

Our Culture...

I believe that every dog is unique, and we need to adapt our training and techniques to suit each family and dog. You cannot use the same training technique for an aggressive dog, as you would use for a sensitive fearful dog. It doesn't make any sense.

If we try something and it doesn't work, we try something else. I have never given up on a dog, and will be there to help you always. Many of our customers have worked with other trainers, but their dog is still not rehabilitated. By using the technique that is appropriate for that individual dog, we get results and happy owners!!

We offer a free evaluation to discuss different training options to all of our potential customers.

At Bold Canine, we have a passion for dogs. It's as simple as that.

I've come a long way from my Airdale jumping days, and loving every minute of it.

Caroline