Local dog training company, Project K9 has received AnimalKind accreditation from the BC SPCA for its commitment to high standards of animal welfare.
The company is the first in the Elk Valley to receive the accreditation, which according to the BC SPCA is meant to provide peace of mind to dog guardians when choosing a dog trainer.
Owner and trainer at K9, Katie Guille said that her journey to starting the business was one of experience.
“I started down the road of positive reinforcement training after having a difficult journey with my dog’s reactivity,” she said.
“We had the unfortunate experience of having to rebuild our relationship and trust with our dog after working with an aversive style trainer. It wasn’t until I saw the behavioural fallout first hand that I really did my research.
“Like so many people out there, I was heartbroken about what I was experiencing with my dog but had limited resources in my small community and didn’t know where to start,” she said, explaining that it motivated her to open Project K9.
According to Nicole Fenwick of the BC SPCA, the accreditation awarded to Project K9 means that they have a stamp of approval for humane and effective training methods.
“Trainers go through an auditing process to make sure they have the credentials and provide high animal welfare training services,” she said. 0
“When a dog training company is granted AnimalKind accreditation, dogs and their guardians win. We are very happy to welcome Project K9 to the AnimalKind community of humane dog trainers helping dogs across B.C.”
You can find out more about the AnimalKind accreditation at animalkind.ca.
Guille said the program was needed for dog guardians in their search for the right trainer especially in B.C., where dog training is not formally regulated.
“The AnimalKind program is a great resource for dog guardians to ensure they start out on the right foot with their dogs.”
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