ALLSTARS K9 TRAINING is made up of 2 Certified Professional Dog Trainers, 3 crazy canines and 1 'trainer in training'!
Find out more about us below...

I've always had a strong love and interest in not only dogs, but all animals. From a young age I was reading every dog care and training book I could get my hands on, and doing my best to 'make friends' with every dog I came across... I was fortunate enough to grow up with 2 amazing Labrador Retirevers and 1 very spunky Jack Russel terrier.

About a year after making a rather irresponsible decision (one I will never regret, however!) to adopt an 8 week old puppy, I found myself in over my head... It wasn't exactly the best timing for a puppy.. After a long and drawn out family crisis, I lost my grandfather and mother, and at 19 years old me and my dog were living alone - I had no time for anything but work to support us. Within about 9 months my dog was pretty out of control. I think we must have gone through almost every behavior problem I can think of. Neither of us knew what obedience meant. He was so full of energy, I needed more help than books or a tv show could ever give me. Sadly, my dog had missed out on crucial early socialization and training.

I wanted to do better for my dog, and began taking time off in an attempt to better meet his needs. That's when I really started working with him, studying training and behavior books, and talking more with other dog owners and a few local trainers. It wasn't long before I heard about Ben Kersens Professional Dog Trainers program, in Victoria BC. I took a couple months to think it over, but the choice seemed so obvious. I had always wanted to work with dogs. Soon I was packing my bags and moving to Victoria, with my crazy dog who I thought might possibly not be trainable.

Throughout this intensive 3 month program, I was able to gain hands on experience with many different ages and breeds of dogs. It wasn't long before my own dog, Duke, through the power of consistency and a newly developed link of communication between us, had made an incredible change. This amazing program gave me the skills and knowledge to be able to go out and help other people and their dogs. I am driven to do everything I can to help people and their dogs build a solid form of communication and rediscover the bond. Training should be fun, a game with rules that the dog can enjoy learning. The biggest compliment I can receive is the wag of a happy dogs tail, and the smile of their proud owner as they arrive ready for training, ready to have a blast!

I want to help you discover what motviates your dog, and understand what specific needs of the dog have to be met in order for you to reach your training goals. Problem behaviors are much easier to solve if you understand to some level why your dog does what he does, or how he 'works'. This is where obedience training  and other training games can make a huge difference in the relationship. There are some great training activities that you can practice almost anywhere that will help you learn so much more about your dog, while at the same time help your dog build trust, impulse control, focus, and respect for his new leader. (You!)

After both myself and Duke graduated from the Wonderdogs Dog Trainers Program in 2009, we returned to the mainland where I could immediately begin working with dogs again. It wasn't long before I decided to take my DOGSAFE Canine First Aid part 1 and part 2 courses in Vancouver. This is an excellent course available to dog professionals and dog owners alike, that not only covers first aid, but how dogs react when in pain or frightened, and the small cues they give with their body language to communicate their discomfort. In February 2010 I finally decided on a business name and became a registered/insured business - and thus Allstars K9 Training was born!

I am dedicated to continued education in the field and will attend any seminars or courses available to broaden my knowledge. I don't believe there is ever a good time to stop learning, especially when working with animals. When it comes to dogs, there is always something new to learn!

Duke is a four year old Rottweiler / German Shepherd cross whos strong personality and high energy level took me down the path to becoming a trainer. He likes to present new challanges for me to conquer wherever possible. His intense drive for life and everything in it makes him a great partner and eager student when it comes to obedience, tricks, flyball, agility, and hopefully soon Rally-O!
During our course in Victoria, Duke seemed to be a bit of a trouble maker at first. He was the class clown, always causing a scene and making things interesting. He taught me a lot, and my past experience with him gives me a sort of insight on how some 'bad-boy' dog owners must feel... But with a little time and consistency, a lot of patience, and proper guidance - That naughty dog can be an Allstar, and you really can be his best friend!

In Galen's words:
Having spent my entire life around animals, I developed a great love and respect for them at a young age. My journey into the world of professional dog training began a little under two years ago when I found myself volunteering almost full-time for the Four Paws For Vets program in Fair Oaks, Cailfornia. During my time there I learned about what it takes to train a service dog, what it takes to work a dog through a situation about which he is unsure or frightened, and most importantly I learned of my great passion for helping dogs and their people to communicate effectively.

I also had the added benefit of being mentored by some of the best dog trainers I have ever met. They taught me the value of patience, timing, and attention to detail when working with the many different personalities and temperaments I would encounter.

After making a fairly radical decision about what I wanted to do with my life, I applied for and was accepted to Ben Kersen's Professional Trainer's Program in Victoria, BC where my dog Emmy and I both graduated with flying colours. Since graduating, I have moved here to the Mission area to open up shop!

My personal goal is to help you learn your dog's language and for you to develop a deeper, more meaningful relationship with your pet than you may have thought possible. I bring several years of teaching experience to the table as well as a focus on bringing the whole pack into balance so that everyone can relax, have fun, and enjoy their time with one another! My long term goal is to open up a facility where mistreated and abandoned dogs can be rescued, trained, rehabilitated and placed with loving homes. It is my hope in doing this that I can begin to repay all of my teachers, both human and canine, for the kindness and patience they have shown me.

Emmy is a cheeky 2 year old Bluetick Coonhound. She was rescued by a friend of mine from her previous owner, who was in the process of opening his gate to "just let her go" at about 8 weeks of age.

Her passions include food, bugling like the hound she is, good food, following tracks with her nose to the ground, extra food, running with both dogs and humans, and chasing after her favorite toy. Her favorite spot to nap is in the company of any available sunbeam. I fear that one day she will eat me out of house and home.

Leela is a spunky 5 or 6 year old Husky x Golden Retreiever mix. She came to live with us and became a part of the pack in September 2010. With her high energy and intense drive for any toy in existence, she is eager to learn, please, and work! Leela has just started to accompany us to private obedience sessions as a 'dog distraction'. She has also just recently started learning the game of flyball, and will hopefully start agility as well someday soon! You're doing great, Leela!

Leela's favorite toys = Frisbees and tennis balls