“of all the sights I love in this world—and there are plenty—very near the top of the list is this one: dogs without leashes”
Mary Oliver
Welcome
Hi I’m Janna, owner and trainer of Strathcona Dogs. I work with dogs and their people to bring harmony, fun and understanding to their relationships. I use modern dog training techniques, thoughtful client coaching and responsible off-leash exercise. My goal is to give your dog the skills to be your happy, confident and well behaved companion at home, on the trails and in life.
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A biologist by training, I spent many years working internationally in conservation before deciding to make Canada my home. An interest in volunteer search and rescue exposed me to the world of working dogs and I have spent the last five years immersed in the industry; learning from the best and building my knowledge, skills and community. What started out as a hobby has turned into a new passion and this business: Strathcona Dogs.
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I am a senior in the Academy for Dog Trainers; an extensive two-year program of aversives-free pet dog training and behaviour modification. I regularly attend seminars by top sport trainers and am a member of a number of dog sport clubs. I am lucky to have mentors in the working dog communities of Police, SAR, conservation and hunting. I am proud to work and compete with both of my own dogs. Rudy, a field bred Labrador Retriever, is a member of Comox Valley Search and Rescue. We are one of very few K9 teams in the province validated in both search and tracking profiles. He also trains in CKC tracking and obedience. Otso is a 'Teckel', a working line Standard Wire-Haired Dachshund who is UBT certified in the tracking and ethical recovery of wounded large game animals.
“Dogs should be allowed as much liberty as they can responsibly handle. The greatest gift of training is that it increases the dog’s ability to handle liberty".
– Chad Mackin
My Philosophy
At Strathcona Dogs we are straight talking. We believe in being honest and being real.
We do not offer quick fixes, follow fads or use fluff phrases. Nor do we prescribe to specific tools, ideologies or gurus. We use clear and plain language to explain why your dog does what they do, and how we can modify consequences in order to motivate them to do a behaviour that is more desirable to you.
We live in a world of convienence and quick fixes; and while simple changes can sometimes reap big improvements; reliable, effective and lasting solutions typically take time, effort, patience and consistency.
I love my dogs dearly but I respect their nature as dogs; as our closest link to nature and as our working partners for thousands of years. Today our dogs live more as our companions, but those drives, instincts and needs are still present and should be honoured. I try to bring this philosophy into my training whenever possible.
Strathcona Dogs will help you achieve your goals while honouring your dog, whether it be peace in the house, politeness on leash or reliability off leash and outdoors.
FAQs
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Please book a Hiking Club Intake to get things started. These are typically available once per month. This gives your dog the opportunity to get to know me, my truck and the routine of things without the excitement of all the other dogs. We will practice loading and unloading and some recalls while out on a walk. I may bring them a friend or two to meet. All being well you can then start booking them in on a regular basis
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At this time we service Cumberland, Royston and South West Courtenay for Adventure Hikes. For dogs in Comox and East Courtney we can arrange a meeting location for pick up and drop off. For Private Training we service the entire of the Comox Valley.
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A reliable recall, sociable with new people and dogs, to not chase wildlife and be willing to travel in a vehicle. A long line and/or muzzle can be used for a trial period. For dogs working on these skills they will be leashed in areas where we may meet other people and at times of the year when wildlife is particularly active. Plus a current license and ID tags attached to a properly fitted collar or front clip harness.
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Great question! Dog walking and training is an unregulated industry. However, I believe in being properly qualified and experienced for this important role.
I am a senior in The Academy for Dog Trainers, the leading aversives-free pet dog training school. I have worked in large doggy daycares and boarding kennels. I have been walking dogs professionally for 5 years.
I work and compete with my own dogs in a variety of roles and sports. They are also my companions and skilled at travelling, camping, hiking and city trips.
I spend all my time in nature and am a qualified paramedic and volunteer SAR member which gives me the ideal skillset for keeping your pets safe outdoors.
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No. You can sign up for as many or as few appointments as you need. You can also reschedule up to 24 hours prior, if your needs change for any reason
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We carry a cell phone, first aid kit, Fido Pro, and extra leashes plus bear spray and bells. During hunting season we wear some blaze orange. As a former Paramedic and current SAR volunteer my first aid skills are good and regularly maintained. Dogs are leashed until safely away from roads and trail heads, around other trail users, livestock or wildlife. We carry emergency contact and vet information with us. Dogs are crated or tethered during travel and my vehicle has a thermometer to ensure that the temperature is safe and comfortable no matter the season. Dogs are vetted for social compatibility and required to be current on routine vaccines, tick and flea prevention.
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For a new puppy your home, yard and local neighbourhood will work well. For later stages of working on recall we might pick a trail network or other busy location to work with distractions. We will agree on a suitable location together, before your private lesson.
