My story begins with the typical "I want to be a veterinarian" as a young child. I was always drawn to dogs and bugged my parents endlessly about getting me my very own dog. When I was young, I used to pretend to be a dog (for HOURS) and my parents ended up getting me a dog bed, collar, and bowls, everything except the dog.
Finally my parents agreed that it was time for us to get our first family dog, I was 7 years old. We went to meet a dog that was hoping to be rehomed, she was a 7 year old Husky mix and her name was Syra. She was blind! I instantly fell in love, so we took her home. She lived a few good years with us, she was an amazing first dog and eventually cancer took her life.
Fast forward to 19 years old, I started watching a TV show called Pitbulls and Parolees. Tia Torres is an absolute legend in the pitbull rescue world and she inspired me so much (she uses force free training in her rescue - that makes her even more cool)! I finally decided to bring home my first pitbull-type dog. His name was Palmer and he was the absolute light of my life. Over time he began to display reactivity to dogs and I tried to mediate it on my own using Cesar Milan inspired DIY dog training (terrible idea by the way, please seek help from a qualified pro).
While I managed to suppress a lot of his behaviour, I grew tired of these training techniques and had a thirst for change. Enter, my mother. She told me about this company, DogBiz, where I had a consultation to figure out the best path to a career as a dog trainer. At the time I was working at a veterinary clinic and I started my first dog training course. Once I was in, I was hooked! I knew veterinary medicine was no longer the path I wanted to take.
After starting my course I started getting hands on by assisting classes for an inspiring colleague of mine, Renee at Bravo Dog Training. She taught me loads of things and I had so much fun learning from her. These classes were what solidified this path for me.
After having a daughter and moving to Squamish I knew deep in my heart that I wanted to start up my own dog walking company. It would differ from others out there because I wanted to help the challenging dogs and the dogs with behaviour issues, the ones that don't get the opportunity to go out on group hikes. I wanted the reactive dogs to have exciting walking experiences that add value to their lives. Thus Two Blue Tails was born.
Since opening in 2019, I've not only achieved my original vision but Two Blue tails has evolved. I now get to solely focus on my passion of full time dog training while other team members have taken over group hikes.
2023 has been one of the most memorable years for Two Blue Tails, I’ve worked with so many amazing clients and their dogs, helping them live more fulfilling and enriched lives. I can’t wait to continue this work into the new year!
Bring it ON 2024, let's go!
19 year old me would be absolutely thrilled to see what I’ve achieved! Every single day I feel extremely grateful to do what I do, and to provide dog training help in the beautiful town of Squamish. Somebody pinch me!
If you see me around town, definitely say hello. I am terrible with faces but if you have a dog, chances are I'll never forget them!