Shelley Smith is a Certified Master Dog Trainer, with an educational background in Psychology. She has been training dogs and their owners for over 12 years. She is a published writer on dog behavior and training and writes a monthly dog training column in The Richmond News called "Barking Back".

Shelley keeps current in the dog world by attending seminars and workshops on dog training and behavior and by competing in obedience and dog sports with her own dogs. She currently lives with 3 dogs: two German Shepherds ( one a rescue) and a mutt with weight issues

Shelley's training combines counter conditioning (replacing unwanted behavior with more appropriate behavior) and positive reinforcements rather than just the old method of reprimanding for bad behavior.

"Gone are the days of gaining a leadership role through fear and forceĦħ, Shelley believes. "We've come a long way in understanding how dogs think and how they respond and the old methods of choke and jerk are just that : the old methods" Shelley's goal as a trainer is to teach owners how to have a better relationship with their dog with positive reinforcements and how to communicate with their dog effectively to obtain a great relationship. Shelley believes that dogs should enhance our lives, not complicate them. "If a problem exists, it is simply due to miscommunication between what the owner wants and what the dog THINKS the owner wants, through bad timing in issuing commands or in the absence of leadership and guidance in the first place". "All dogs have the potential of being great dogs, it is just a matter of showing the dog what it is that is wanted in a way the dog understands".

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Dr.Ben Greenberg at the Dear Animal Hospital:

"Shelley is by far the best dog trainerI have ever met, she is knowledgable, patient and has a great rapport with dogs and clients alike. . I trust Shelley's abilities so muchthat I now include her services in our vet clinic's puppy packages that we offer to puppy owners. Shelleyhas helped numerous clients to achieve a better relationship with their adult dogs as well as puppy owners, regadless of the problems they are experiencing."

Terra Nova Village Vet, Vet Hospital in Richmond, BC

From a Client: "Shelley's extensive knowledge, experience and love of dogs have been invaluable to me in the care of my adopted Husky/Shepherd X. The training tips are terrific, and I truly appreciate Shelley's availability - and sense of humour - throughout this canine journey. Thank you, Shelley, for being such a valued part of Josh's team of professionals."

Sue Oberhoffner of Richmond, BC

From another Client: "Shelley Smith came highly recommended by other dog owners in my area. She occasionally offers small classes for dogs of all ages, sizes and temperaments, which I attended with my dog. Each dog in the class was given individual attention. I am truly amazed how she handles each dog - the dog seems to know what she wants him/her to do. Her presentations are positive and entertaining. At the end of each class, Shelley was always ready to answer questions on an individual basis and was also willing to offer further consultation by phone or e-mail. A typewritten summary of each class with extra hints to help with training on a specific area was distributed after each class which I found super helpful." I would highly recommend Shelley to any and all dog owners.

Margaret of Richmond, BC