About me

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Meet the trainer

Emma Cilliers B.Ed CBCC-KA

Hi there! My name is Emma and my goal as a dog trainer is to help you learn how to communicate positively and effectively with your dog. I have been a dog trainer for the past 6 years and recently, have become a Certified Behavior Consultant through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). I have worked with hundreds of dogs of all breeds and ages and have experience working with basic and advanced obedience, reactivity, and anxiety, and I hope I can help you find a clear path to enjoying life with your dog! I have worked in the pet industry for 10+ years, as a dog daycare attendant and as a veterinary technician. I graduated from the International Academy of Canine Trainers in 2018, a training school registered with the BC Ministry of Advanced Education. The curriculum is based on requirements outlined by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (http://APDT.com). I am also a certified teacher with the BC Ministry of education and have my Bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria. I have always been fascinated by learning theory for both humans and animals and find that patience, positivity, and clarity when dealing with students, human or canine, is crucial.

My Philosophy

I believe in scientific learning theory and positive reinforcement rewards based training. I work to support the well-being of both dogs and their human companions, as well as their integration within the community. It's important to me that our training sessions not only address immediate goals but also foster long-term relationships built on trust and understanding. I aim to make training clear, concise, and meaningful, ensuring that every session is effective and rewarding for both you and your dog. By always considering the intent behind behaviors, I help identify and address underlying motivations, promoting deeper comprehension and lasting behaviour change.

Certifications

Certified Canine Behaviour Consultant through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPTD) – CBCC-KA

Bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria. Worked as a classroom teacher for 5 years in Vancouver and Victoria.

Graduate from the International Academy of Canine Trainers, a training school registered with the BC Ministry of Advanced Education. The curriculum is based on requirements outlined by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (http://APDT.com)