Sophie Buck, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, CTDI

With over ten years in the pet industry, Sophie feels incredibly lucky that she has been able to build a career based on something she feels so passionate about. In addition to dog training, she has experience working in a shelter, pet sitting, providing dog daycare and boarding, and dog walking, which means that she has had the opportunity to get to know dogs with different backgrounds, of all ages, and of many breeds.

After spending some time as an apprentice instructor in group puppy classes, Sophie went on to attend the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional program and graduated with distinction. She completed the program with her dog, Troy, who has been a long-time faithful sidekick and has since become one of the first Bull Terriers to title with the SDDA, Do More With Your Dog!, and CARO.

Continuing education is important to Sophie, and she has attended many classes, workshops, and seminars from organizations like Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, Grisha Stewart Academy, the Scandinavian Working Dog Institute, and more. Since becoming a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, she has gone on to achieve more credentials: Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed and Certified Trick Dog Instructor.

When Sophie is not working with clients’ dogs, she is spending time with her own. In addition to activities like hiking, her dogs participate in dog sports, having achieved titles in tricks, scent detection, and rally obedience. Because Sophie can’t get enough of training, she also teaches her cats to perform tricks, having titled two through Do More With Your Dog!

Nicole Tryon

Nicole Tryon is a passionate animal advocate and recent graduate of the Canine Foundations Training Academy at Georgian College. She is the founder of Hank’s Haven Rescue Foundation, a registered Canadian charity dedicated to saving and rehabilitating animals. Over the past six years, Nicole has collaborated with various shelters and rescues across Canada, the United States, and internationally, focusing on difficult behavior cases and saving dogs slated for euthanasia.

Nicole’s extensive experience with death row dogs has cultivated a special interest in reactivity and behaviour. She is passionate about understanding how dogs communicate and teaching both dogs and their handlers to communicate effectively with each other. Witnessing the transformation of dogs who almost missed their chance at a better life inspired Nicole to return to college and earn her certificate to ensure she was providing the most humane and ethical training experience she could. She plans to continue her education, focusing on dog behaviour and teaching owners and handlers how to achieve a calmer and more balanced dog while fostering the human-animal bond.

For the past three years, Nicole has been working with Dr. Uvi, who has been instrumental in saving and improving the lives of rescue animals, allowing them to beat the odds. Working at The Dog Training Studio allows Nicole to continue her work with a trusted and compassionate team of animal lovers and advocates, for which she is truly grateful.

Nicole’s heart especially belongs to bully breeds. She rescues and rehabilitates these misunderstood dogs, aiming to show society their true, loving nature and end the stigma surrounding them. Transitioning from a career as a Developmental Services Worker (DSW), Nicole brings her compassion and advocacy into her new role as a professional dog trainer. Her unique blend of skills and experience ensures she provides exceptional care and training to every dog she works with.

Nicole’s current animal crew is a testament to her dedication and love for animals:

• Fiona: An 8-year-old American Bulldog who, despite her grumpy demeanor, holds a special place in Nicole’s heart.
• Tully: A 1-year-old Frenchie/Mini Schnauzer mix with a unique charm all her own.
• Zoey: A 3-year-old Frenchie born with a cleft palate, degenerative disc disease, and scoliosis. Zoey, the rescue mascot, is always by Nicole’s side.
• Alfie: A 3-year-old Frenchie with hydrocephalus, who is blind and has dwarfism. He may be a little smelly, but he is a true miracle.
• Marshall: A 10-year-old Dachshund who is blind and deaf. Born this way, Marshall doesn’t know he’s different. He loves being a foster brother to all the puppies that come through the rescue and has taught Nicole to get creative with training!
• Lola: A 2-year-old Bengal cat with one wonky leg. Despite her crazy antics, she fits right in with the family and brings a sense of normalcy. Lola is a rescue, and Nicole is teaching her to walk on a leash and perform basic obedience.