Hey, I’m Tanisha—founder of Canadian K9 Dog Training, based in beautiful Smithers, BC. 

My journey with dogs began in 2014, but it was in 2018 that I officially opened my doors to help others as I’d always wished to be helped: with compassion, dedication, and a deep understanding of canine behavior. I specialize in tackling aggressive and complex behavior cases. I am fully insured & also certified in both K9 First Aid and Advanced Emergency K9 First Aid—because safety and care go paw-in-paw.

In the North, I noticed a significant gap—there were few trainers willing to take on the tough cases, especially with aggressive or reactive dogs. This realization hit close to home when I adopted Bella, my Rottweiler (you’ll recognize her in our logo!). When Bella came into my life in 2016, she was anything but your typical friendly companion.She wasn’t just wary of other dogs—she had little tolerance for people or even cats! After a few unsuccessful attempts with trainers and vets, I found myself at a crossroads, feeling helpless. So instead of resigning myself to the frustration and isolation, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I dove deep into research, took courses, watched countless videos, and read every book I could find. Slowly but surely, I started to build a better life for Bella—and for myself. My mission became clear: not only did I want to make Bella’s life more peaceful and enjoyable, but I also wanted to become her best advocate and forge an unbreakable bond with her, showing her she can trust and rely on me to look out for her.

Before I knew it Bella and I had formed a bond that surpassed even my wildest dreams. Bella’s transformation was nothing short of incredible, and now, she has lived with 8 different dogs, 2 cats, and even enjoys chilling with our chickens. Oh, and she’s got her Level 3 Therapy Dog Certification under her collar, too!

This journey with Bella inspired me to open Canadian K9, where I’m proud to help others who are feeling hopeless, just like I once did. Whether it’s aggression, reactivity, or behavioral struggles, I’m here to support you with tailored training plans that bring real-life results. As a proud Balanced trainer, I train using positive reinforcement above all else. I focus on building trust and clear communication to make lasting changes in your dog’s behavior. While also harbouring countless hours of proper training and skills to use the sometimes necessary tools to tackle the toughest challenges.

Whether you’re dealing with a dog that’s hard to handle or you just want a deeper connection with your furry friend, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Bella and I are living proof that with patience, persistence, and the right support, you can overcome any obstacle and create the life you’ve always dreamed of with your dog. I work with everything from basic obedience to bite-risk assessments and dog sports, so no matter what you’re facing, I’ve got you covered. Every dog deserves a chance to thrive, and I’m here to make that happen!

When I’m not busy helping dogs, I’m wrangling my three amazing little girls or tapping into my background as a Certified Early Childhood Educator. If I ever manage to steal a moment for myself, you’ll probably find me out on my paddleboard soaking in the beauty of the outdoors, or curled up with a good book (yes, still learning!).

At Canadian K9, it’s all about connecting with your dog in a way that feels good for both of you. I’m here to make sure your dog not only gets the training they need but also the understanding and care they deserve. 

Not every dog learns the same, I am here to train for your life; Training For Real Life.