Laurie is a professional dog trainer and Tellington TTouch® practitioner working in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Dedicated to the wellbeing of dogs, she uses humane methods without the use of intimidation, force or fear. Laurie is an experienced small dog trainer and is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP), certified trick dog instructor (CTDI), scent games instructor (DN-FSG), Tellington TTouch® practitioner, Dogsafe Authorized instructor and co-owner of Dogs Dig It Training & Services Ltd.

Laurie grew up in Manitoba surrounded by animals and her love for them took her to raising and training horses with dogs always at her side; volunteering for the local 4-H club she taught the pee wee group (under age for 4H) how to be safe around horses, how to ride, groom and other things related to horses. Life then took her to Vancouver Island where her focus turned to dogs.

Laurie’s husband always wanted a Chihuahua so after a hound and spaniel they got their first Chihuahua, who stole her heart and created a passion for small dogs.

After they adopted their fourth Chihuahua, a calm household turned into chaos and the search for positive training methods began. The search led Laurie to clicker training (Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior) and Tellington TTouch®. She graduated with Distinction from the KPA Dog Trainer Professional program and went on to become a Tellington TTouch® practitioner.

She continues to expand her training knowledge by taking courses, attending seminars, workshops, and conferences regularly.

Laurie's other passion is for shelter dogs, teaching them boundaries, to have manners and confidence. Her goal for shelter dog training is to result in successful adoptions into permanent homes.

Laurie lives with her husband and seven adopted Chihuahua/crosses.