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"Cathie and her team are professional, knowledgeable, super friendly.

They will love your dog as if their own." Anderson Kang with Peanut

Meet our Team!

Collectively, our Certified & Professional Dog Trainers bring you decades hands on experience, and education in the Scientific Principals of Dog Training.

We are committed to humane & fear free dog training, and setting both you and your dog up for success!

Cathie Tims, (she/her) CPDT-KA, FFCP, CSAP-BC

Certified Fear Free Professional Dog Trainer &
Certified Separation Anxiety Behaviour Consultant

CCC Founder, and Head Trainer of Cathie's Canine Connection & Co. Inc.

Hi, I'd like to personally welcome you to Cathie's Canine Connection & Co. Inc.

In my over 20 years as a dog trainer I have achieved Multiple Professional Accreditations. A Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed, Fear Free Certified Professional, Certified Separation Anxiety Consultant, Canine First Aid Certified, a Raising Resilient Dog Coach.

I provide Behaviour Consulting & Support, as well as one on one private training. I run our very popular Puppy Play & Learn Group Socialization Program & our Reactive & Fearful to Relaxed Human Skill Group class.

CCC regularly participates in community events, as well as fund raisers for a variety of non-profit rescues. To date CCC has helped to raise well over $5000 for New West Animal Services and $2500.00 Wild West Animal League. All puppies under 20 weeks, in foster care, get unlimited Puppy Play & Learn group socialization for free

Holly Saitz, (she / her) KPA-DTP

Karen Pryor Academy - Dog Training Professional

Holly & Friends Dog Training

Holly has been working with dogs professionally for over 10 years. She has successfully completed the Dog Trainer Foundations and the Puppy Start Right Preschool for Instructors courses through the world renowned Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behaviour.

Holly prides herself in having the knowledge of the latest science-based, and ethical techniques, when working with all dogs.

Holly provides Behaviour Consulting & Support, Private Training, and teaches our Puppy Pre-school, Teen Manners, & more.

Tracey Harrison (she / her )

Professional Dog Trainer

Tracey is a devoted Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer with over two decades of hands-on experience. Tracey's journey with dogs began early, evolving into a dedicated mission to aid pet owners in fostering strong, positive bonds with their canine family members.

Her diverse background in Geriatric Nursing complements her work with dogs, providing a unique perspective on care and training.

Throughout her career, Tracey had the privilege to collaborate with hundreds of dogs, expert trainers within the canine industry, and even a Marine Mammal Training Industry trainer. These enriching experiences and mentors have equipped her with the skills to significantly and positively impact the lives of dogs and their families.

Tracey shares her life with Delta Rose, a pitbull terrier mix, who has been an invaluable teacher and loyal companion. Through her, she has gained profound insights into the nature of fear in dogs, and she remains her steadfast sidekick.

Tracey provides Behaviour Consulting & support, Private Training and teaches our Puppy Pre-school and Teen Manners Group Classes and more.

Julia Schwark (she / her) CTDI, CPDT-KA

Certified Professional Dog Trainer & Dog Trick Instructor

Run As One Dog Training Inc.

With a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, specializing in learning theory, Julia discovered her love of teaching dogs and worked hard to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Certified Trick Dog Trainer, evening earning the All Star Trainer of the Year for Trick instruction!

When not teaching, Julia is in the arena judging, or competing and training alongside her beloved furry teammates—Rikki, Flint, and SHAZAM! Together, they've clinched an impressive array of accolades, from Champion titles in Tricks, Agility, K9 Nosework, , Disc, Rally-Obedience, to captivating audiences on sets for commercials and television!

In Julia's vast experience, she has witnessed the value in teaching dogs to be more aware of their bodies, not only providing great foundation skills, but also helping to strengthen the bond between guardians and their dogs through having fun together!

Julia teaches any one or more of our Tricks, Rally O, and Body & Brain Games classes.

Melissa Hygard (she / her)

Puppy Play & Learn / Admin Volunteer

Melissa Hygaard's lifelong dedication to animal care, rooted in her formative years on a hobby farm, is evident in her pursuit of a career dedicated to their well-being.

Her recent adoption of Kya, a spirited adolescent Australian Shepherd Husky cross, further solidified her commitment to responsible pet ownership and highlighted the crucial role of socialization and positive classical conditioning in animal training.

Driven by her passion, Melissa is actively pursuing a career as a veterinary assistant and exploring additional opportunities to contribute to the betterment of pets. Melissa is WALKS 'N' WAGS Pet First Aid certified

Chelsea Muill (she / her)

Puppy Play & Learn Volunteer

Chelsea first joined Cathie’s Canine Connection as a client in the Reactive to Relaxed - Human Skills group class with her 5-year-old Australian Shepherd, Nova.

Through the program, she saw firsthand the impact of positive training methods and loved the progress Nova made.

With a lifelong love for dogs and a growing interest in training, when the opportunity to volunteer in their

Puppy Play & Learn Group Socialization Program, (PPL)

Chelsea jumped at the opportunity.

Chelsea really enjoys being part of a supportive community that helps dogs and their owners build confidence and a strong foundation for success.

When she’s not at PPL, Chelsea can be found exploring the trails, paddle boarding, or adventuring in the mountains with Nova. She loves finding new ways to keep Nova active and engaged.