Sophie Buck
KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, CTDI
I love dogs, but I also love teaching people how to better understand their dogs. All of your training comes along so much more easily when you start with a solid relationship.
Bio
I have always loved dogs, but I started my career with them when I was nineteen, working in animal care at the Ontario SPCA. I became more and more interested in why dogs did certain things and what could be done to improve their quality of life. That sparked something in me, so I reached out to local trainers to ask if I could shadow them to learn more. From there, I started assisting with puppy classes and eventually decided to pursue this path seriously.
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Staying up-to-date on the information I use to train is important. In addition to my certifications listed below, I take online courses, observe webinars, and attend workshops as often as I can. There is always more to learn.
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Certifications
Certified Trick Dog Instructor
2022
Do More With Your Dog! is the organization that oversees trick titles and also certifies instructors.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed
2021
The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers assesses the knowledge of dog training professionals through examination. In order to maintain this credential, CEUs or re-taking the exam are required to ensure that everyone who holds this credential stays up to date on the latest training methods.
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training
Partner (Graduated with Distinction)
2018
The Dog Trainer Professional course through the Karen Pryor Academy is a six month program with a combination of online and in person learning. At the end of the six months, you are assessed on knowledge as well as practical skills.
Areas of Interest
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Puppy Socialization
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Confidence Building
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Scent Detection
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Trick Training
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Rally Obedience
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Basic Manners
Meet My Training Partners
Troy
Troy is an 8 year old Bull Terrier who was adopted from the SPCA at four months old. He now joins his mom to help teach group classes regularly as well as participating in rally obedience and some trick training. In his free time, he likes to sleep a lot.
Spice
Spice is a 7 year old Mini Australian Shepherd / Terrier mix who joined our family when she was just under two years old. She arrived with some baggage, but her confidence has grown in spades. She loves trick training and scent detection.
Zero
Zero is a 4 year old Rat Terrier. He does a little bit of scent detection, trick training, and rally obedience. Zero takes his toys very seriously, especially his stuffed squirrels. If you can't find him, he is probably keeping warm under a blanket.
Mortimer
Mortimer is the feline representative of the household. He loves playing, snuggling, and trick training. He has titled through Do More With Your Dog! and is always included in the rotation for training exercises since he loves to learn.
Pepper
Pepper is my youngest dog, but she has already started titling in tricks and has begun training to participate in scent detection. Pepper is always happy to make new friends, and she loves to hike and play with dogs, humans, and cats.
Lalo
Lalo is the newest addition to the household. He is a 3 year old rescue who has come with some behaviour issues we are working on. He has made great strides in his training. He loves being taught new things and playing with Pepper.