Welcome!

Hi! I’m Janna, 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.

  • Growing up in the English countryside with a menagerie of animals, a career as a biologist was an obvious choice. I worked internationally in conservation before making Canada my home.

    Volunteer search and rescue exposed me to working dogs and I have spent the last seven years immersed in the dog training industry.

    I have two of my own: Rudy, a Labrador Retriever works for our local Search and Rescue team.

    Otso, a Teckel or Standard Wire-haired Dachshund works in wounded large game recovery.

    What started out as a hobby, has turned into a new passion and this business: Strathcona Dogs.

    • Ph.D. Conservation Biology

    • Search & Rescue Dog Handler

    • Conservation Dog Handler

    • Shadow Program, Monique Anstee

    • Kynology Symposium. Michael Ellis, Forrest Micke & Steward Hilliard

    • Senior, Academy for Dog Trainers

    • Fenzi Dog Sports Academy

    • CGN Evaluator for the CKC

    • Dog Safe Canine First Aid

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 methods, ideologies or gurus. We use clear and plain language to explain why your dog does what they do. Ultimately, we aim to change how your dog feels, because if we can change how the dog feels, we can change their choices and behaviour.

We treat each dog as an individual and tailor solutions to you as a team. We live in a world of convenience and quick fixes but effective and lasting solutions typically take time and consistency. For your dog to change, you also need to be open to changing.

I love my dogs 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 and instincts 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.