Training is something to do with your dog, not to your dog!
We’re a dedicated team of professionally certified trainers. Each of us has many years of experience and a solid educational background.
Our force-free training is based on science, rooted in compassion, and grounded by a deep understanding of dog behaviour. We will set you and your dog up for success and help you achieve your training goals.
Professional Memberships
Professional Certifications
Our Team
Valerie Barry, KPA-CTP, CFDM, PST-CI
Professional Trainer, Owner
valerie@dogpartners.ca
604-868-5145
@dogpartnerstraining
@ferniedogtrainer
Valerie is a highly educated and multi-certified professional dog trainer and behaviour consultant, who has been working with families and their dogs for over 30 years. She is committed to helping her clients find behaviour solutions that work, using modern, science-based and force-free training methods that are safe, effective and fun.
Valerie specializes in puppies and adolescent dogs, as well as all levels of behaviour modification. This includes mild to severe aggression, issues related to reactivity, fear, prey drive and separation anxiety.
Valerie is passionate about continuing education. She is currently enrolled in the Behaviour Consulting Program recently released by the Karen Pryor Academy, and in the Certified Prey Drive Practitioner program designed by Tracey McLennan, MSc.
Valerie has been writing professional articles since 2010 for various magazines like the Fernie Fix, the Pet Connection Magazine, and Saddle Up Magazine. Valerie is regularly consulted with and referred to by the media, other industry professionals, veterinarians and a broad network of clients.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
CFDM, Certified Family Dog Mediator
PST-CI, Predation Substitute Training, Certified Instructor
FFCT, Fear Free Certified Trainer, Elite Status
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Professional Member, Karen Pryor Academy
Professional Member, CAPDT Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers
Professional Member, APDT American Association of Professional Dog Trainers
Associate Member, IIABC International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants
Rebecca Harsell, PCT-A
Professional Trainer
rebecca@dogpartners.ca
@rebeccatrainsdogs
Rebecca is a certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant with over 15 years of experience working with dogs. Her background includes dog walking, pet care, and professional daycare environments, where she developed a strong foundation in positive reinforcement–based training.
She later founded her own pet care company, offering dog walking and pet sitting services with a focus on anxious, reactive, and sensitive dogs. This experience led her to further her education, and in 2021 she earned her professional certification, transitioning into training and behaviour consulting full time.
Rebecca spent several years mentoring with Valerie Barry at Dog Partners and continues to advance her skills through ongoing education with respected professionals in the dog training community. She has extensive experience supporting dogs with anxiety and reactivity, with particular focus on resource guarding and cooperative care. She also enjoys teaching puppy and adolescent classes, helping guardians build strong foundations that support lifelong success. Her approach emphasizes low-stress training and the development of harmonious relationships built on clear communication, trust, and mutual understanding.
Alongside her professional work, Rebecca has fostered and lived with dogs requiring additional behavioural support, including her late Rottweiler, Malcolm. She currently shares her life with her four-year-old Rottweiler, Peter Parker. Outside of training, they enjoy hiking the North Shore mountains, discovering new swim spots, and traveling—experiences that continue to shape and inspire her work.
Professional Certifications
PCT, Certified Professional Canine Trainer, Pet Professionals Accreditation Board
Professional Memberships
Professional Member, Pet Professional Guild
Professional Member, CAPDT Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers
Stacy Wilson, CPDT-KA
Professional Trainer
stacy@dogpartners.ca
@stacytrainsdogs
Stacy is a certified professional dog trainer and behaviour consultant dedicated to helping dogs and their families thrive. Her work is grounded in modern, reward-based training methods and a strong understanding of canine learning and behaviour. She specializes in supporting dogs who struggle with fear, anxiety, and reactivity, and enjoys guiding families as they welcome newly adopted dogs or raise puppies through their critical early stages.
Stacy’s journey into dog training began in 2014 after adopting her rescue dog, Molly, who suffered from severe separation distress and reactivity. Determined to help Molly, she immersed herself in the science of positive, reward-based training.
She honed her skills through mentorship at Dog Partners under the guidance of Valerie Barry, gaining extensive hands-on experience with both group classes and private training clients. Since then, she has advanced her skills through professional certifications and ongoing education – regularly attending conferences, advanced courses, and webinars.
Stacy brings a calm presence, a compassionate teaching style, and a personalized, practical approach to every client. Whether helping a fearful dog gain confidence, supporting newly adopted companions, or setting puppies up for lifelong success, her goal is always to strengthen the bond between people and their dogs.
Professional Certifications
CPDT-KA, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers)
FFCT, Fear Free Certified Trainer
Professional Memberships
Professional Member, Pet Professional Guild
Professional Member, CAPDT Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers
Find your Training
Not sure where to start? No problem! Book yourself into our schedule for a free, 30-minute phone consult so we can help you determine the most suitable training path for the issues you are having. There is no obligation and we are happy to give you any tips and resources that we can during our chat!
