At age six, Barb began training and participating in obedience classes with her family’s German Shepherd Dog (GSD), Andy. As a young adult she competed in Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) trials and completed Companion Dog (CD) titles with her two GSD’s.

 She graduated from the British Columbia accredited "Academy of Dog Training" in 1992, becoming a Certified Dog Trainer for basic and advanced training including: 

• On/off leash obedience training
• Perimeter training
• Personal protection
• Tracking/scent discrimination
• Obedience class instruction

During her studies and subsequent employment at the British Columbia accredited Academy of Dog Training (ADT), Barb worked with hundreds of clients and their dogs. This included daily in-kennel one on one, teaching weekly obedience classes at Fraser Valley College (Chilliwack, B.C.), and in-home consultations. She later worked with hunting dogs, employed by a professional kennel that specialized in preparing client’s dogs for fieldwork and competition trials.

In 2007, Barb began fostering dogs with the Alternative Humane Society (AHS) and became very successful rehabilitating and finding permanent homes for dogs with problem behaviors. Following frequent referrals that helped others with challenging cases, she opened Whatcom Dog Rehabilitation.

Current volunteer roles and responsibilities with AHS include the following:

• Foster, rehabilitate and re-home dogs with problem behaviors
• Canine behavior education/services for volunteers and foster dogs
• Foster Home Coordinator
• Active Board Member

Barb’s education, extensive experience and common sense approach allow her to offer practical canine behavior solutions that work. She stays current by continually growing and learning from others, especially from the dogs themselves. Her passion is sharing that information; to empower individuals, transform dogs, helping them stay in loving homes.