“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.

  • 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 six years immersed in the industry.

    I have two of my own: Rudy a Field-bred Labrador Retriever has a SAR career, trick and tracking titles and is training for Competitive Obedience.

    Otso, a Teckel or Standard Wire-haired Dachshund works in wounded game recovery, has his CGN and is starting his Competitive Obedience training.

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

    • B.Sc. Biology

    • Ph.D. Conservation Biology

    • Search Dog Handler, Comox Valley Search & Rescue

    • Blood Tracking Dog Handler

    • Shadow Program Monique Anstee, The Naughty Dogge

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

    • Senior, Academy for Dog Trainers

    • Fenzi Dog Sports Academy

    • CGN evaluator, CKC

“If we have the opportunity to change how the dog feels, we can change his choices."

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 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.

FAQs

  • 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 at their own pace. All being well you can then start booking them in on a regular basis

  • We service Cumberland, Royston and South West Courtenay for Adventure Hikes. For dogs in Comox, East Courtney and from out of town we use meet in Cumberland for pick up and drop off. For Private Training and Group Classes we service the entire of the Comox Valley.

    • Reliable recall from common distractions

    • Able to walk on a leash

    • Social or neutral with unknown people and dogs

    • Does not chase wildlife, runners or bikes

    • Travels willing in a vehicle

    • Properly fitted flat or martingale collar with ID

  • 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

  • We carry a cell phone, Zoleo, first aid kit, Fido Pro, and extra leashes plus bear spray and bells. During hunting season we wear some blaze orange. My first aid skills are 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. Dogs are vetted for social compatibility and required to be current on routine vaccines, tick and flea prevention.

  • At our dedicated training space in Cumberland. By special arrangement we can also meet at your home, a local trail network or other suitable location. Return mileage may be charged.

  • All of my group classes are 3 teams (dog + person). This gives me the ability to personalize things to you and to make sure that everyone gets enough attention.