Joanne Kellogg

A professional dog trainer with 18 years experience, Joanne specializes in clicker training, a positive reinforcement approach to animal instruction. With expertise and a strong belief in non-abusive and humane motivational training, Joanne's approach results in not only a trained dog but a happy dog!

Growing up in northern Ontario, Joanne has spent her life surrounded by animals and at a young age developed a respect and love for our 4 legged friends. It is this respect and love for animals that makes Joanne a successful trainer in her profession.

Since 1999 Joanne has been the Lead Dog Trainer and Program Coordinator for the Youth & Animal Program (YAP). This unique agenda matches hard-to-adopt shelter dogs with youth in the justice system as part of a violence prevention and life skills learning program. She works closely with the youth on using positive, non-physical, non-intimidating methods to successfully train the at-risk dogs. Instrumental in the development of YAP, Joanne has been responsible for the successful training and adoption of over 130 dogs specific to this program.

Joanne has been involved in training and mentoring up-and-coming canine trainers. Recognizing her skills, she is often requested by students/volunteers to provide advice and hands-on-opportunities. Over the past years, Joanne has taught the different levels of obedience classes as well as fun tricks classes. She has also been active with her dogs in tracking and obedience trials. Additionally she received a Canine Good Citizen title with her special dog Ginni.

A member of the Agility Association of Canada, Joanne has competed for many years in agility trials across the province. She has also completed in CKC agility trials. She currently trains and competes with her two much-adored and talented Papillons, Rascal and Spirit.

Continually building on her skills and knowledge, Joanne regularly attends seminars and conferences held by leading North American animal behaviourists and canine experts such as Dr. Ian Dunbar, Jean Donaldson, Pam Reid, Sue Sternberg, Gary Wilkes, Roy Coppinger, Leslie Neilson, Catherine O'Driscall, Brenda Aloff, Gail Fisher, etc. Joanne is committed to remaining on top of recent research and development in the canine world.

A professional in SAFER testing for dogs, Joanne is frequently requested by animal shelters to help evaluate their dogs. She provides safety assessments for the shelter animals to evaluate accurately and efficiently the chances that an adopted dog will remain in their new home.

Joanne is passionate about creating a comfortable, learning environment where all attendees - both dogs and humans - can achieve their potential. Her excellent people skills, coupled with her understanding and respect of dog behaviour, allows for a great experience for dogs and their owners.

Join one of Superdog Central's agility classes lead by Joanne - you and your SuperDog will learn, bond and have fun!