Valerie (she/her/hers) is a certified professional dog trainer and behaviour consultant and owner of Dog Partners dog training in North Vancouver and Fernie, BC.  She has been working with people and their dogs for over 20 years. 

She is a graduate "With Distinction" of Karen Pryor’s Dog Training Professional Certification program; a graduate of the Family Dog Mediator Certification program; holds the Fear Free Professional Elite status with the Fear Free Pets Certification Program; and her company, Dog Partners, is Accredited by the BC SPCA as one of their AnimalKind Training Companies.

Valerie is committed to helping her clients find behaviour solutions that work, using modern, science-based and force-free training methods that are safe, effective and fun. She specializes in puppies and adolescent dogs, as well as all levels of behaviour modification including mild to severe aggression, reactivity, fear and separation anxiety. 

Valerie is passionate about learning and is continually finding new opportunities for furthering her education and knowledge. She attends many workshops and seminars; and participates in courses and webinars yearly to ensure her education remains current, effective and well-rounded. Valerie believes there is always more to learn, and knowledge should be ever evolving.

Valerie writes “Mountain Tails” training articles for the Fernie Fix magazine in Fernie, BC and was the Dog Training contributor for Pet Connection Magazine, writing articles for the magazine from 2010 to 2022. She is a Professional Member of the Pet Professional Guild, a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, a supporting Member of the IAABC and is Vice President (and past Secretary) of PACTA BC (Professional Animal Care and Training Association of BC).  

Valerie is regularly consulted and referred to by the media, industry professionals, veterinarians and a broad network of clients.