Testimonials 
After completing a puppy obedience class with another trainer we were not satisfied with our results and were recommended to Danielle by the staff at Bones Barks and Baths. We are so thankful that they recommended us to Western Canadian Canine Academy. We have completed the beginner and intermediate classes with Danielle and are thrilled with the results. Danielle is an extremely knowledgeable trainer that provides you with the tools necessary to effectively communicate and control your dog. I am very impressed with how well Danielle is able to read the personalities of each of the dogs in her class and cater their training to their individual personality. I am a first time dog owner she was very patient with answering all of my questions. She encouraged us to call her when we were having trouble with homework and provided us with clear suggestions and techniques to achieve the results we wanted with our dog. Since starting the classes the way that we communicate with our dog as changed for the better. He clearly understands what we are asking of him and we are not frustrated with his behaviour like we were before. Danielle is extremely patient, enthusiastic and committed to the success of each dog in her class.
Thanks again Danielle!
Katie Heidt
My German Shepherd Dog, Sophie, and I first met Danielle when Sophie was a headstrong, boisterous, impetuous 6-month old puppy. I quickly realised that Danielle was, luckily, just the trainer required for a difficult dog's first obedience class. I was immediately impressed with the quiet dignity and restraint demonstrated by her own German Shepherds, both on- and off-leash. Observing her success with her own dogs lent me an idea of the efficacy of Danielle's training methods. Respect was to be earned with corrections and rewards, in the absence of treats. Treat-training seems to be a point of contention amongst trainers, but to see dogs happily respond to the owner's cries of enthusiasm and pats alone, after a job done well, convinces me that treats are an unnecessary prop. Danielle was very patient with her clients, human and canine, and always responded to my phone calls and questions. She maintained a positive approach with well-defined exercises, each lesson building on the previous one. The need for consistency, firmness, and practice were emphasised. Danielle's notes were extremely helpful to practice with between sessions, and gradually Sophie and I reached the point where I could go on a pleasant country walk with her at heel, no more pulling and straining. This is a dog that requires a firm hand, which I have tried to apply, and yet is the happiest creature. She has never once growled at a human or another dog, and has never objected to or been intimidated by the lessons which I have learned from Danielle. we are going back for the next level of training. I am sure we shall make more progress, and I would heartily recommend Danielle to anyone who values a good relationship with their dog.
Sincerely,
Linda Williams
Dear Danielle,
I just wanted to thank you for helping us with Brutis, our 3-year-old Shepherd/Rotti cross.
When we moved into the city and he (being a farm dog) had never been on a leash or had any other training. Brutis was terrified of every sound and quick movement absolutely zero confidence. Walking him was very unpleasant being pulled every which way and not sure how to handle meeting another dog I made very wide detours to avoid contact. I wasn’t sure what to do, until a mutual friend thankfully, suggested taking classes through Western Canadian Canine Academy. We were both very nervous our first class, when you explained your methods of training I still wasn’t sure it would work for an older dog. Much to my surprise we started doing the exercises and he relaxed and so did I. In the very first class I was able to see dramatic improvement he learned to sit and stay and was quit happy to be there. I am so pleased with the results, and so proud of Brutis. He listens extremely well and works from hand signals only just like you said he would. I can take him anywhere and He is often complemented on his tremendous manners.
Brutis and I thank you for you knowledge and passion for teaching and training both handlers and dogs. You can be assured, I will recommend your training classes to anyone who has a dog good or bad for they can all benefit.
Thank you,
Gerry Cruickshank
Thank you Danielle, for the very enjoyable classes that we always looked forward to!
Monica and Jerry
Hi Danielle, I just wanted to say "Thank You"! Thank you for many reasons. I was not sure what would be on the other side of the door when we walked into our first class. Here I am a new "puppy mom" and going to a class with some lady I found on the internet. From the first moment we met (o.k. I am not trying to write a love story by any means), there was something about you that put me at ease. For the first time in weeks I felt comfortable with my decision to go with Western Canine Academy.
Let me tell you I think all three of us were nervous walking through that door on the first night. And there you were you welcomed both myself, my twelve year old daughter and our puppy like we had known you for years.
Your instructions were incredibly clear, your homework was simple and to the point, you are very patient, but yet take the "Bull by the Horn" or should I say the "Dog By the Leash" and accomplish what you set out to do. I also felt very good leaving your classes knowing that you had instilled in all of us that you were only a phone call away if we needed help (at no extra charge, I might add).
It was also very nice how you had Amanda assisting you with this class. I don't think that any of us parents were ever left to train by ourselves. We always had an "instructor" with us. The both of you even managed to catch our dogs doing things that they were not supposed to be doing.
In seven short weeks my daughter, puppy and myself left your class sad because we were going to miss everyone and their dogs, but at the same time our faces had smiles and our heads were held high and we were full of confidence. Thank you for that.
We also loved your graduating ceremony. We will probably re-register just for your cookies..... Just kidding, you will probably see us in the fall for the next level of training.
Lisa
Hi Danielle!
I had to send you an email to say thank you. I quite honestly had advice turning me away from attending a Puppy Class with Keiran with warnings of possibly exposing him to unwanted aggressive puppies, etc...this person couldn't have been more wrong and I am so thankful that I went with my gut and that we attended the classes!
To date it's one of the best things I've done with Keiran.
I'm really looking forward to our basic obedience classes and whatever comes beyond that for us! I thank you again for sharing your knowledge and love for our puppies
See you next month!
Pat
